Permission To Be
Arrive as you are, together
Some things are easier to carry when a room has space for the whole person. Permission To Be is built around that simple but resonant idea: a retreat gathering where guests can arrive without needing to perform or have everything figured out. At its Creemore address, the emphasis is less on a prescribed spiritual identity than on making room for community and whatever participants bring with them. The centre has a yoga studio, a kitchen, air conditioning in rooms, Wi-Fi, towels and free parking. Meals can be vegetarian, Ayurvedic or include meat, giving groups options across different food preferences. It runs by donation, a flexible arrangement worth clarifying with the host before you travel. Country roads lead into Creemore from the Toronto area, making this a plausible escape for a retreat without a long journey north. Rather than arriving with a checklist of outcomes, come ready for shared time and a little breathing room.
Highlights
- A yoga studio for retreat gatherings
- Meal options spanning vegetarian, Ayurvedic and meat-inclusive menus
- A full kitchen, coffee and tea, and free parking
- An ethos built around arriving without pressure to perform
Good for
Setting
County Road 9 and the local country roads around Creemore give the centre a rural Ontario setting. Its stated ethos is warm and accepting, with an emphasis on community and room for guests to arrive as they are.
A typical day
Daily structure varies by retreat. Confirm the timing of sessions, meals and free time with the host before you go.
Accommodation
Room details and sleeping arrangements are not described. Ask the host what lodging is available for your retreat dates.
What to bring
Bring comfortable layers for sitting or gentle movement, plus a warmer layer for cooler days. The annual average temperature is 7.3°C, with colder winters and warmer June-to-August weather; a rain layer is useful, especially in wetter months such as May and December.
How to get there
From Toronto, take Highway 400 north, then Highway 9 west toward Alliston and follow local roads toward Creemore. Another option is Highway 10 north through Orangeville, followed by local roads west. The drive is about 90 minutes from Toronto.
Nearest airport: Barrie-Lake Simcoe Regional Airport (YLK) (47 km)
Barrie-Lake Simcoe Regional Airport (YLK), near Barrie, is approximately 47 km from the centre. Plan your onward ride and confirm any transfer options with the centre.
Nearest city: Barrie
Contact the centre directly to confirm retreat dates and reserve your place.
The centre runs by donation, with no fixed fee stated. Ask the host about the suggested contribution for your retreat.
Climate
Climate Zone: Temperate
Best Months: Jun, Jul, Aug
Avoid: Dec, May, Feb
Creemore has a cool annual average temperature of 7.3°C, with the warmest weather in June through August and the coldest in December through February. Summer is driest; May, December and February are among the wetter months, so pack for the season.
Location
Frequently asked questions
What does a typical day at Permission To Be look like?
The rhythm depends on the retreat. Ask the host about session times, meals and how much unscheduled time to expect.
Can I attend if I am new to retreats?
The centre’s ethos welcomes people as they are. Ask the host what a specific retreat involves and whether it suits your experience level.
What kinds of meals can be arranged?
Meal options include vegetarian, Ayurvedic and meat-inclusive food. Check with the host about arrangements for your retreat.
How do I book, and what are the sleeping arrangements?
Contact the centre directly to confirm dates, reserve a place and ask about lodging details.
Reviews
No reviews yet — be the first to share your experience!
More centers in Canada
View all →Deerhurst
Paid Woodside Farm Country Inn
A six-room farmhouse inn on historic farm grounds, with gardens and farmland for a restful, self-directed stay.
Paid Yukon Spa and Wellness Centre
A Dawson City wellness stay pairing spa comforts, plant-based gut-health meals, and a boutique hotel with Gold Rush-era character.
Donation Nature Space
A place for outdoor retreat days with a yoga yurt, walking labyrinth, saunas, cold plunges, lake access and handmade, locally sourced meals.