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What’s New at SCFF This Summer
Summer is beginning to unfold at Shibagau Creek Forest Farmstead, and we’re excited to share what’s happening this season! From reopening the farmhouse for guest stays to welcoming Ethan, our new Farmstead Caretaker & Hospitality Coordinator, there is plenty of new energy around the property. |
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We’re also looking forward to a growing lineup of events, workshops, and opportunities to gather, create, and connect with nature. Read on for the latest news from the farmstead and a glimpse of what’s ahead! |
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Since opening for the season, we have welcomed our community for a bird count, transformed our beloved caravan into a sunflower-covered work of art and continued making improvements throughout the farmhouse and property.
There is still plenty ahead. Our 2026 program includes hands-on bookmaking, a restorative women’s retreat, a photography master class and opportunities to stay, gather or host your own experience at SCFF.
We hope you will find a reason to join us this summer. |
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So much is growing at SCFF!
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There has been plenty happening at SCFF as we prepare the property for another season of guests, workshops and gatherings.
Inside the farmhouse, our biggest addition is a new staircase leading to the loft, making it easier and more comfortable to access.
We’ve also added a small but much-appreciated upgrade: a new light in the foyer with a switch!
Outside, several spaces have been refreshed and improved:
- A newly stained deck
- A new outdoor kitchen counter
- A freshly painted picnic table
- A new platform for the barbecue
- A colourful new flower bed
- An upgraded outdoor shower with better pressure and faster warming
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Welcome to the team, Ethan!
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This season, we welcomed Ethan as our Farmstead Caretaker and Hospitality Coordinator.
Ethan helps care for the trails and landscape, prepare the farmhouse for arriving guests, manage rental turnovers and share stories from the farmstead online.
His work brings together outdoor stewardship and hospitality, helping ensure that both the land and our visitors receive thoughtful care throughout the season. |
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Our Caravan has come to life!
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Friends and family gathered with brushes in hand to transform our cherished caravan, appropriately named Sunflower, into a bright and joyful sunflower landscape.
The day was filled with painting, laughter, fresh air and creativity. Artists of all experience levels worked side by side, each leaving their own mark on this special part of the farmstead.
Thank you to everyone who helped bring Victoria’s long-held vision to life. We cannot wait for guests to see Sunflower in person. |
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Nine of us gathered bright and early at Shibagau Creek Forest Farmstead for a morning of listening, watching, and counting birds across the property.
With binoculars in hand and ears tuned to the trees, we explored the forests, fields, and trails together. By the end of the morning, we had recorded an impressive 41 bird species!
It was a wonderful chance to slow down, learn from one another, and appreciate the remarkable birdlife that calls the farmstead home. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the morning such a success. |
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Bring your gathering to SCFF
The farmstead is available to those hosting their own workshops, retreats, or community gatherings — any program that fits a quiet, natural setting with indoor and outdoor space. If you’ve had an idea for a group event and need the right place to host it, we’d love to hear from you.
Get in touch: admin@scff.ca |
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Summer 2026 Bookbinding Workshops
Join Peter Sramek for two hands-on artist book workshops.
July 11–12: Album Explorations
Create handmade album structures for photographs, drawings, collage and collected materials.
August 14–16: Experimental Artist Books
Explore folded and sewn books, with possible projects in collage, boxmaking and sculptural forms.
Questions: workshops@scff.ca |
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A Restorative Experience For Women Ready to Unplug, Reconnect and Renew
August 21 - 23, 2026
A fully immersive, off-grid retreat in Ontario designed for women who give so much - and are ready to finally receive.
No Wifi. No Pressure. No Performance.
Just sacred rest, meaningful connection, and profound renewal.
Don't miss your opportunity. There is still time to sign up at:
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Thanksgiving Weekend Retreat
October 9 - 12, 2026
Stay tuned for an exciting new retreat for the Thanksgiving Weekend Oct 9-12th with Animal Communicator, Beata Szablowska. Details to be announced soon. |
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Photography Master Class
Join photographer and longtime OCAD University professor Peter Sramek for a creative weekend of photography at SCFF.
August 28–30, 2026
Explore landscape, portraiture, light and composition through field photography, group discussions and image feedback. Open to all experience levels, with optional cyanotype printing. |
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Book a stay at the farmstead
The farmhouse is available for individual and family Airbnb stays throughout the summer — weekends and weekdays, right through to early October.
If you’d like to combine an Airbnb stay with one of the workshops or forest bathing sessions above, reach out and we’ll coordinate the dates. |
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A note for those reading this far
If you’re a newsletter subscriber and you’ve been thinking about booking a stay this summer — reach out to Peter directly at peter@scff.ca before booking on Airbnb. We’re happy to offer a 20% discount on a weekend stay to those on our list.
Check availability on Airbnb first to confirm the dates work, then email Peter and we’ll sort out the rest. |
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