FAQ
General
- Comfortable clothes and sturdy footwear
- Rain/snow attire
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Binoculars
- Tea bags/coffee (for stays in retreat houses)
- Flashlight
Please do not bring candles.
Upon Arrival
Leaders, please check-in at the office located in the old schoolhouse (Maclean Hall, Lane 7098) to pick up your keys and information package. It is helpful if you advise other participants where to meet you when they arrive.
Check-in/Checkout Time **
Lodges & Retreat Houses
Standard check-in time is 4pm and check-out is 1pm. Should you require a change in the standard check-in or check-out time, please ask at the time of booking. While it may not always possible, we will do our best to accommodate your request. An extra $50 fee will apply.
Personal Retreat Suites (Pines, Hermitage, Prodigal, and Yeats)
Standard check-in time is 2pm and check-out is 11 am. Should you require a change in the standard check-in or check-out time, please ask at the time of booking. While it may not always possible, we will do our best to accommodate your request. An extra $50 fee will apply.
When Departing
Each building has a short list of how you can help us by tidying up after your visit. When you are on your way home, please hand your key and feedback form in at the office and settle your account if necessary. If the office is closed, simply hang your keys and survey on the hooks next to the office door.
We accept cash, cheque, debit, credit cards or e-transfer. Contactless methods are preferred.
For cancellations more than 14 days in advance, your deposit less a 20% administration fee is refundable. For cancellations less than 14 days before your arrival, the deposit is non-refundable and we suggest a donation equivalent to 50% of planned meals costs to offset food and labour expenses already incurred.
Wifi is available in most Crieff Hills buildings. Because this is a rural area, quality may be less than you are accustomed to.
Crieff Hills does not provide guest laundry facilities.
Please call or email at least seven days in advance or as soon as you are aware of any needed changes. We will do our best to accommodate you.
Certified service animals are always welcome at Crieff Hills at any time at not extra cost. All other dogs are welcome on the property but must be registered at the office upon arrival, leashed at all times and never left unattended. Owners are expected to clean up after their pet while on the property. Arrangements for overnight pet accommodation may be made in designated spaces when available for extra fee of $50 per night. Any damage caused by pets is the full responsibility of the owner.
Unfortunately, no. We do not have the necessary facilities available to make this possible.
Tobacco, ritual herbs, prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs including medical cannabis are permitted on site and may be consumed by guests in a safe and responsible manner. Smoking, incense or diffusers are permitted in the designated outdoor area(s) only. Smoking, incense or diffusers are never permitted inside any building on the property.
A First Aid Kit & Defibrillator are accessible 24 hours a day in the entrance foyer to the office at Maclean Hall. Your group is encouraged to bring a small first aid kit for your own use.
Screens are mounted in most buildings and there is a built in sound system in the upper conference hall. Other items may be rented. For a more detailed list and daily rental rates, please click here.
Crieff Hills is not responsible for lost or stolen property. However, if you accidentally leave something behind, please call or email our office. We do our best to store any found items at Maclean Hall for at least two weeks. If they are not claimed, we donate them to a local charity.
Meals
All guests who stay in the lodges (Matthew, Mark and Luke) are offered meals in Maclean Hall.
Day groups may book lunch in Maclean Hall, and may request coffee or refreshment breaks delivered to their meeting space as well.
Yes. Special diet requests are welcome at no additional cost but must be booked 7 days advance. Unfortunately, we are not a nut-free facility.
Crieff Hills honey is for sale in the office at Maclean Hall during regular business hours, and through on our online store. Also available are honey soap, lip balm, fresh eggs, gifts and more. See the store link for more details.
Alcohol is allowed on site and may be consumed by guests in a safe and responsible manner within each retreat building. Alcohol is not permitted elsewhere on the grounds without the explicit permission of the Director. For those hosting an event non-residential facilities, guests are responsible for obtaining and complying with the conditions of a LCBO Special Occasion Permit.
Local Attractions
If you are at Crieff Hills on a Sunday, you are very welcome at area churches:
Knox Presbyterian Church, Crieff: Services are held at 10am on Sunday mornings, and it is within walking distance to Crieff Hills
pccweb.ca/knox-crieff/
Mount Carmel-Zion United Church: Just up highway 6 in Morriston, they hold services at 10:30 am on Sunday mornings
www.morristonuc.com/
Ellis Chapel: this provincial historic site hosts services once a month during the summer
www.ellischapel.ca/
While you are at Crieff Hills you may want to head out and see the local countryside, and we have a few suggestions to offer. Please contact each location directly for information.
Valens Conservation Area: Go swimming, boating (rent a kayak, canoe or rowboat) or take a picnic.
Crawford Lake: Visit the Iroquoian and hike to the canyon lookout.
Aberfoyle Antique market: Shop at the largest outdoor antique market in Canada on Sundays
Donkey Sanctuary of Canada: Meet donkeys that have been rescued, attend a Donkey Talk or visit the Long Ears Gift Shop thedonkeysanctuary.ca
There are a few local options to choose from:
No Frills - 980 Franklin Blvd, Cambridge, Ontario (approx 15 minutes away to the west)
Longos - 24 Clair Rd W, Guelph, Ontario (approx 15 minutes away to the north)
Aberfoyle Farmer’s Market 23 Wellington 46, Puslinch, ON (approx 10 minutes to the north, every Saturday from the May long weekend until the end of October)
Ultramar 311 Brock Rd S, Guelph, ON (approx. 8 minutes away, open 24 hours)
Shell 315 Brock Rd S, Guelph, ON (approx 9 minutes away, open 24 hours)
Driving distances from Crieff Hills:
Guelph: 21 km
Cambridge: 18 km
Hamilton: 35 km
Toronto 90 km
If you have a question that we haven't covered, please feel free to contact us via email ([email protected])
or telephone (1-800-884-1525)