"Our group has been coming to the Sumac Centre since 2012.  Returning to the same place year after year is its own recommendation.  At the end of each retreat our group does an inventory of what we have enjoyed at Sumac.  In summary there are four reasons that come up every year:

1. The rooms are clean and comfortable.  Not just the bedrooms, but all the rooms: meeting rooms, study rooms, TV rooms and kitchen are up-to-date, accessible and well maintained.

2. The staff at Sumac are extremely helpful and accommodating.  Paul and Victor go above and beyond to make your stay enjoyable. 

3. The property is beautiful.  If you are a walker/hiker there are several trails to explore – each with its own character and scenery - lookouts, heavy woods, open meadows, creeks and a waterfall.

4.  The Food!”

“I have enjoyed every one of the five weekends that I have spent at the Sumac Centre. In all seasons it is wonderful to experience the feeling of being in a remote natural environment while staying in a comfortable lodge. Extensive trails take you even closer to nature. The food is always great and suitable for my restricted diet. I highly recommend the Sumac Centre for your next retreat.”

“Paul, Victor and everyone who makes this place tick, Thank you for sharing this magical place with us and our writers this weekend. We all filled our cups to the brim with silence and stars and food and nature and all the good things of life. We LOVE this land and this building, and deeply appreciate how much care and work went and go into every detail. ‘Til the fall!”

“Dear Paul, My time at Sumac Centre was so uplifting. I enjoyed our conversations and the peace that I felt being on the land. Again, your generosity was so much appreciated.”

"We had an amazing New Year's day thanks to Sumac Centre and Paul, the owner. The lodge is very spacious and well-kept, and the property overlooks a lake which provides a gorgeous vista. The lodge is nestled in a quiet, beautiful location, and there are several different trails from Sumac Centre to immerse yourself in nature. Paul also offers whisky tasting course which is a true delight! He has endless knowledge when it comes to whisky, so if you're a whisky expert then you will surely appreciate his selection, and if you're a novice like we were, then he would be the perfect guide to give you an introduction to the complexity of whisky. We will be returning back to the Sumac Centre thanks to the wonderful experience Paul and the property provided us."

"Wonderful site surrounded by the beauty of nature. The lake is just lovely and the hiking trails are so enjoyable. The owners are great people! The simple accommodations are good for large groups, the bedrooms having two single beds. The kitchen is spacious and stocked with all the tools you may need. Definitely recommended for a serene escape from modern chaos."

Our Family’s Journey with Sumac Centre

Our family’s journey with Sumac Centre began in January 2021 when, despite not being winter people, we decided to experience its peaceful trails. Theserenity of the property, the beauty of the snow-covered landscape, and the joy of snowshoeing the trails immediately hooked us. That winter, we met Paul, the owner, whose warmth and hospitality made us feel at home. Over the years, we’ve also come to know Victor and David, who, like Paul, embody the spirit of Sumac—welcoming, inclusive, and passionate about this incredible place.

Since then, we’ve returned at least seven or eight times, experiencing every season—and each visit has offered something new and unforgettable.

• In spring and summer, we brought our kids, who had an absolute blast fishing, swimming, canoeing, and paddle-boating. Of course, no trip would be complete without a campfire under the stars, sharing stories and laughter.

• In fall, the property transforms into a breathtaking mosaic of colour, and the crisp air makes hiking the trails even more special. The beauty of the changing leaves reflecting on the lake is something we look forward to every year.

• In winter, we’ve returned for snowshoeing, winter fires, hot chocolate, and family bonding, turning what used to be an unfamiliar season for us into a time ofreconnection and reflection.

Beyond the stunning landscape, what truly sets Sumac Centre apart is its inclusive and welcoming environment. We’ve met incredible people here, including at gatherings with other long-standing friends of Sumac. The community is diverse and accepting, and it’s clear that everyone is encouraged to come as they are. We love that Sumac embraces all people, no matter their background, identity, or walk of life.

This ethos perfectly reflects Sumac Centre’s mission—to foster dialogue, contemplation, action, and fun, all while respecting the natural world. Sumac is more than just a retreat—it’s a sanctuary, a place where people and nature exist in harmony.

We are deeply grateful for the experiences we’ve had here, the friendships we’ve made, and the memories we continue to build. For anyone looking for a place to disconnect from the busy world and reconnect with nature, family, and themselves, Sumac Centre is truly something special.