Our 2024 Season at Kirribilli EcoRetreat: Reflections and Plans

As cool northern winds sweep over the Northumberland Strait, it’s time to gather the beach chairs and wrap up another unforgettable season at Kirribilli EcoRetreat. Each year brings unique moments, memorable guests, and experiences we cherish. 2024 was no exception.

One of our most treasured memories this season was hosting a multi-generational family with deep roots on Pictou Island. Witnessing their love for the island and each other was a beautiful reminder of the connections that bind us across generations. This is what Kirribilli EcoRetreat is all about.

Our summer days were filled with sun-soaked beach visits and starlit nights. Guests enjoyed clear skies and natural wonders, from glimpses of northern lights to a spectacular solar eclipse. For those yet to experience our island’s dark skies, picture a night where every star glows vividly, the Milky Way stretches above like a shimmering river, and you feel a profound appreciation for the natural world. Under these skies, accompanied by the quiet sound of waves and the night call of a feathered friend, you feel genuinely grounded in the beauty of this tiny island we call home.

End-of-Season Preparations

As we close for the year, we’re busy securing the yurts, cleaning and storing canvas, and winterizing water systems. Winter here can be harsh, so we carefully prepare to keep our retreat safe through the colder months.

In exciting news, we’re opening bookings for 2025 soon! We’ll have exclusive offers for returning guests and new options to enhance your stay. For those interested, we offer complete retreat buyouts, providing private access to the entire property. It’s a unique, immersive way to experience the island’s peaceful beauty with family or friends - free from distractions.

A New Chapter with the Bridge

At the end of this season, we replaced the wooden bridge with a durable land bridge. While we loved the wooden structure’s charm, the toll of winter ice, increasing costs, and environmental considerations led us to make this transition. The new bridge improves access and safety, and we look forward to seeing native vegetation thrive along its edges next spring.

Looking Forward to 2025

We’re already excited for next season and to welcome guests back for a full 2025 season. Along with the new land bridge, freshly restored wooden poles, and new canvas yurt walls, we’ve been working hard since Hurricane Fiona to prepare for an unforgettable year ahead. Follow us on social media and sign up for email updates to stay informed about booking deadlines and special offers.

Island Happenings

Pictou Island has seen several wonderful developments this year. Thanks to a dedicated community effort, the historic island church now boasts a fresh exterior renovation. Additionally, the Heritage Society installed interpretive plaques at East Beach, West Beach, and the Wharf lighthouses, each accompanied by a bench for enjoying the view. Near the community centre, two mini-museums display artifacts, providing a fascinating local history experience all within walking distance of our retreat.

Exploring the island, you might encounter artists painting with the stunning scenery as their backdrop, beekeepers tending their hives, or fishers mending lobster pots. Heading back west, you’ll find an impressive grape plot for island winemaking, a blue heron rookery, and perhaps even stop in at the island store to pick up a book by a local author.

Our north property boasts another incredible shoreline beach and look-off bluff where you can view Prince Edward Island. Pack up your picnic lunch - hike, bike or arrange drop-off and pick-up. So much to explore and soak in.

Thank You

A heartfelt thank you to all our guests, friends, and families who shared this season with us. Island life means moments spent with visitors are cherished, free from the rush of the mainland. We’re grateful for every memory made and look forward to creating more with you.

Here’s to more sunsets, starlit nights, and serene island escapes in 2025.