Write by the Sea:
A Writing Retreat on PEI

June 23-28, 2019

Victoria-by-the-Sea, PEI

Make space for your writing.

Welcome yourself into the first days of summer with this idyllic five-day writing retreat on PEI’s gorgeous South Shore. Designed for both new and experienced writers, Write by the Sea combines writing workshops, dedicated solo writing time, special events designed to showcase the Island’s spectacular arts and culinary scenes, and plenty of time to relax and unwind.

Join author Trevor Corkum and yoga teacher Joshua Lewis to make time for your writing and deepen your commitment to creativity. Each morning, we’ll gather for daily writing workshops in the gorgeously refurbished and fully accessible Victoria School House. After a light lunch, afternoons will allow for both solo writing time and optional cultural activities, such as kayaking, food tastings, and cycling—or let yourself take advantage of the week to explore the Island on your own. Evenings feature a combination of group dinners and free time for further writing or exploration. We’ll cap it off with a Thursday night cabaret and an optional chance to read your work to the group.

This intimate retreat is set in vibrant, eclectic Victoria-by-the-Sea, a small fishing village turned flourishing artist colony. Victoria’s sumptuous restaurants and pubs stand side by side with an array of artisan shops. Visit potters, sculptors, painters, glass makers, and candle makers. Tempt yourself with handcrafted Island chocolates. See a show or enjoy a concert at the renowned Victoria Playhouse. Or end the evening with a glass of wine overlooking the ocean. Victoria is a compact village nestled on the coast, with its own small beach and coastal walking trails. Our retreat hotel, The Orient, is a historic Victoria landmark, offering rustic charm and a cozy home base for travellers since 1900.

Writing practice will be guided by Trevor, an award-winning author and creative writing instructor. Whether you are curious about writing, love to journal, have been working on a secret memoir, or have a specific fiction, nonfiction, or other project in mind, this retreat will give you ample space to commit time, energy and focus to your practice. Guided activities will include responding to prompts, discussion on craft and technique, interactive storytelling activities, and the opportunity to complete a short piece during the week. No prior writing experience is necessary, and there will be no expectation that you share your work if you prefer to simply indulge in some quiet writing time.

Optional mindfulness activities and yoga workshops will be led by Joshua Lewis in his signature all-levels accessible and inclusive style. Long-time practitioners, as well as those with little or no experience, will find Joshua’s embodied and inspired teaching methodology to be approachable and profoundly impactful – calming and soothing for the body, mind and the heart.

An essential element supporting these personal adventures is the shared experience of connecting with your deepest creative self while in the community of others doing the same. Everything about the retreat experience is intentionally designed to drop you into a deep creative state, while also allowing maximum flexibility for you to explore and curate your Island experience as you wish.

The Victoria School House was completely refurbished in 2018 and is fully wheelchair accessible. Several of our accommodation options are also accessible, as noted on the accommodations page.