retreats in the Gatineau hills
for creative types

the dream

The vision for the Crow’s Rest is to offer an inviting and nurturing space for personal renewal and creative expression away from this stress-filled world. Crows are mystical. Crows are fearless and audacious. Crows are fascinating creatures known for their intelligence, adaptability and social groupings.
Crow’s Rest is a retreat opportunity for small gatherings of people who wish to harness the creative potential within them. Whether this is furthering an existing talent or learning something completely new, Crow’s Rest offers the perfect setting for creativity and connection. Join an upcoming retreat or propose one of your own design. You will be provided with tasteful food and accommodation while you live out your dream. Contact the host to discuss your retreat options at the Crow’s Rest.

“it’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting”

-Paulo coelho, the alchemist

Your Host

Olga is a long-time participant in the arts and after retiring from a rewarding career in education, she has become a wood sculptor.
She is passionate about anything that brings creative inspiration.

The arts, she believes, enhance the spirit and soothe the soul.
Olga has had two successful businesses centered on sculpture and design. She is an experienced educator and group facilitator. She believes in harnessing creativity and enabling possibility.

Olga speaks English, Russian, passable French and tentative Italian. She is a life-long learner who thrives on new adventures. She plans to have many more before she leaves this planet.

Olga spends most of her time at the Crow’s Rest, near Wakefield, Quebec, where she welcomes guests to her retreat centre and newly built timber frame studio, the Rookery. She appreciates both the serenity of the Gatineau Hills and the artistry of its people. She looks forward to sharing her special place with you.

Visit “Personal Work” to see a selection of Olga’s own creations.

“a mess of beautiful contradictions make her whole; she wears fire for skin but a storm lives in her soul”

-nikita gill

The Setting

Gallery

Retreats

Special Events

“the world always seems brighter when you’ve just made something that wasn’t there before”

- neil gaiman

testimonials

“Crow’s Rest provides a welcoming respite from the world and encourages creativity. Olga makes you feel completely at home. It was the perfect environment to learn new watercolour techniques with instructor, Colleen Gray.”

- Siobhan A.

“Crow’s Rest was perfect for this painting retreat. The place is spotless and has a restful, peaceful energy that is healing. Thank you for the warm hospitality and delicious lunch!”

-Manuela P.

“I absolutely loved everything about this workshop! The setting couldn’t be any more inspiring for creative endeavours. The lunch was delicious! What a treat to have food and drinks included! You have shared something very special at the Crow’s Rest. Thank you.”

-Henrieke S.

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Thank you so much for an amazing day at your magical retreat. Clearly you had perfection in mind when you created your event, right down to the weather! Amanda Pierce is an amazing artist and teacher. I am thrilled with my newest piece of art. The mouth-watering lunch you prepared and served was outstanding! Crow’s Rest has not seen the last of me!

-Patti G.

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Absolutely loved the venue, the food was delicious, the space was dynamic and great to be immersed in nature. My favourite spot we’ve been so far!

-Hannah D.

“I enjoyed this workshop and teaching at the Crow’s Rest. Inspiring views, engaging company and spectacular food! Thank you! Chi miigwetch!”

-Colleen G.

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Thank you Alberto Carbo and the Crow’s Rest Retreat for hosting your workshop “Gifts From the Earth”. We enjoyed learning about herbalism and exploring many local plants and their uses. Making tinctures and elderberry syrup was a great new experience. Lunch was delicious and we loved the mocktail. Foraging for mushrooms and other plants was great. We appreciate your knowledge and facilitation of the workshop and look forward to a spring offering when different medicinal plants are offered.

-Ian and Melanie M.

“What a gift to spend a whole weekend with wonderful women, good food and just reflecting deeply on your life’s purpose.”

- Jane P.

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I cannot say enough about my recent visit to Crow’s rest Retreat and the wonderful workshop with Alberto Carbo ! It is a stunning location and Olga is the perfect hostess. I learned so much about plants and herbalism from Alberto. I will definitely be back. Outstanding!

-Dorothy B.

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I wanted to share how much I enjoyed the Discover Drawing Workshop with Josh. I was so impressed by the obvious time and preparation he put into offering this workshop. Josh was very encouraging and kind in his feedback and helpful in answering questions I had. It was a wonderful experience. I learned much and was truly inspired by Josh’s knowledge and passion for the art of drawing. Thank you for hosting such a great event. I look forward to more Crow’s Rest workshops !

-Alex H.