ARE YOU CRAVING MORE OF THIS?

✅ You dream of stepping away from the demands of everyday life and immersing yourself in an experience that feels meaningful, inspiring, and unforgettable.

✅ You crave the time and space to nurture your creativity, reconnect with yourself, and remember what brings you joy.

✅ You love making music but wish you had more opportunities to play, sing, and learn alongside supportive, like-minded people.

✅ You long for genuine connection—with nature, with community, and with others who understand the magic of making music together.

✅ You want to grow as a musician without pressure, competition, or perfectionism—just encouragement, curiosity, and fun.

✅ You feel called to adventure, exploration, and discovering new places while doing something you love.

✅ You miss having musical friends nearby and dream of spending a week surrounded by people who speak your language: songs, stories, laughter, and creativity.

✅ You believe the best experiences aren’t just vacations—they’re the ones that leave you feeling renewed, inspired, and more fully yourself.

If three or more of these resonate with you, you’re exactly who we created this retreat for.

Join us in the rolling hills and maple forests of Quebec for a week of music-making, meaningful connection, and creative renewal. Come as you are. Leave inspired.

L’automne.

Meaning: autumn. A season of transformation.

In Quebec, fall arrives in a spectacular display of color. The rolling hills burst into shades of gold, amber, and crimson while crisp mornings invite you to slow down, breathe deeply, and savor the beauty of the changing season.

At Manoir de la Forêt, nestled among 29 acres of maple forest near Gatineau Park, you’ll find a different rhythm – one guided by nature, creativity, and connection. Days unfold between music sessions, woodland walks, warm conversations, and moments of quiet reflection. The forest becomes both backdrop and teacher, reminding us that growth often happens when we pause long enough to listen.

This is a place where creativity has room to breathe. Where music is shared freely. Where friendships form naturally. Where the distractions of everyday life fade into the background and the simple joys of making music, exploring nature, and being fully present take center stage.

Let the beauty of Quebec’s maple forests inspire your music, your creativity, and your sense of wonder.

Autumn moments, one string at a time.

There is something about the quiet magic of the Gatineau Hills in the fall – where maple forests glow in shades of gold, crimson, and amber, and the air carries a crisp stillness – that invites your creativity to soften, open, and expand.

At Manoir de la Forêt, just outside Ottawa, you are welcomed into a world that feels both secluded and expansive—where the outside world fades and the rhythms of nature begin to set the pace. Morning light filters through tall trees, afternoons drift easily between music and rest, and evenings invite warm conversation, laughter, and song beneath soft golden light.

This is your space to let go of pressure, comparison, and self-doubt. To step into a supportive, encouraging environment where your musical voice is welcomed exactly as it is—and gently supported as it grows into something even more free.

Here, creativity doesn’t need to be rushed. It unfolds naturally – like the turning of the season itself.

So what can you expect from 7 days and 6 nights immersed in music, nature, and community in the heart of Quebec’s fall forest?

→ What if you returned home with greater confidence in your ukulele playing and singing, along with new skills, fresh inspiration, and a deeper connection to your musical voice?

→ What if you stepped away from everyday responsibilities and distractions, giving yourself the rare gift of time and space to focus entirely on your creativity?

→ What if you received personalized guidance through small-group learning and 1-on-1 sessions with experienced facilitators who are invested in your growth?

→ What if you spent a week surrounded by just 12 like-minded music makers—sharing songs, ideas, laughter, and encouragement in a community that feels welcoming from day one?

→ What if you left not only with musical breakthroughs, but with meaningful friendships and a sense of belonging that stays with you long after the retreat ends?

This is what happens when you step away from the everyday and into something intentionally designed for creativity, connection, and transformation.

Would THAT be worth coming to Quebec for?

Absol-uke-ly.

With only 12 participants, this retreat is intentionally intimate—creating space for personalized attention, meaningful connection, and the kind of musical growth that happens when you feel supported, inspired, and truly seen.

Our immersive home for the week is Manoir de la Forêt – an idyllic private retreat nestled in the heart of a 29-acre maple forest in Cantley, Quebec, just 20 minutes from both Gatineau and Ottawa.

As you arrive, a sweeping tree-lined driveway draws you into a world that feels quietly removed from everyday life. The moment you step inside, you are met with warmth, light, and the natural beauty of the surrounding forest. The Oak Room – bright, airy, and framed by towering trees – becomes the heart of our gathering space, where music, laughter, and connection naturally unfold.

Here, you are the one and only group on the property. The entire manor is exclusively ours for the week, creating a rare sense of privacy, intimacy, and full immersion in nature. Private gathering spaces, cozy corners, a welcoming library, and expansive outdoor decks offer endless places to rest, reflect, and create – each framed by the quiet presence of the forest.

Step outside and you are immediately surrounded by winding trails, crisp autumn air, and the soft rhythm of the natural world. Morning light filters through the maples, afternoons invite slow walks and inspiration, and evenings bring the group together under golden light as music drifts out into the stillness of the trees.

Just beyond the forest, the vibrant cities of Gatineau and Ottawa are only a short drive away—but once you arrive, there is little reason to leave. Everything you need for a deeply nourishing, creative, and connected week is already here.

This is a place to slow down. To immerse yourself in nature. To create without distraction. To reconnect with your music, your creativity, and yourself in a setting designed for presence, inspiration, and community.

A week in the forest. A week of music. A week that feels entirely your own.

Throughout the retreat, you’ll enjoy thoughtfully prepared, in-house meals inspired by French-Canadian flavors and seasonal comfort food. Expect warm, satisfying dishes that reflect the coziness of fall in Quebec—think hearty soups, savory quiches, rustic chilis, fresh salads, and locally inspired specialties.

With advance notice, most dietary preferences and restrictions can be thoughtfully accommodated, ensuring everyone feels cared for and well-fed throughout their stay.

At The Gathering Table, food becomes part of the retreat experience itself – an invitation to pause, connect, and be nourished in every sense of the word.

Mornings begin slowly here. Sip a warm cup of coffee or tea, breathe in the crisp autumn air, and gather around the table for a nourishing breakfast before the day unfolds.

As the forest awakens around us, we’ll come together for music-making, learning, and creative exploration. In between, you’ll find plenty of time to wander woodland trails, connect with fellow participants, or simply enjoy a quiet moment surrounded by the colors and calm of the season.

As evening settles over the forest, you’ll gather for a nourishing dinner shared in community, followed by a relaxed and open-ended night of possibilities.

You might choose to step outside and take in the quiet beauty of the stars above the maple canopy, retreat early for deep rest and integration, or linger with new friends making music, laughter, and connection by the warmth of shared space.

What’s Included:

• Seven inspiring days (and six nights) together with daily deep-dive sessions for personal growth
• All coaching and group workshops
• Two private consultations (30 minutes each – one with Marnie and one with Diane)
• Six delicious breakfasts
• Five beautiful lunches
• Six mouth-watering dinners
• Personal down time for relaxing, hiking, walking, napping and more!
• Salon of Sharing – a time for sharing music, camaraderie, and celebrating on our final night together
• Lunch in Wakefield as a group with transportation included (alcohol not included)
• Group trip to Gatineau Park, transportation included

What’s Not-Included:

• Your round-trip airfare or ground transportation to the retreat location
• Other non-included items would include: alcohol, souvenir shopping, spa services and additional activities not listed (ie. guided hike, etc)
• Personal, medical or trip cancellation insurance (we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance)
• Special dietary needs (most can be accommodated with notice)
• Staff gratuity (optional)

Flights/Travel Planning

Arrive: Sunday, October 18

• Destination: Ottawa International Airport (YOW)
• Travel from the airport to Manoir de la Forêt is 20-25 minutes by car
• 3:00pm Check In
• You Can Uke meet up after everyone has arrived and had time to settle into their rooms
• Gather for dinner

Departure: Saturday, October 24

• Gather for last breakfast together
• You Can Uke goodbye
• 10:00am Check Out

About the Outaouais Region

Nestled just north of Ottawa, Gatineau Park and the Outaouais Region including Cantley, Wakefield, and the Gatineau River offers a rare blend of rolling hills, dense maple forests, winding rivers, and quiet countryside charm.

This is a landscape defined by its natural rhythm—where seasons are deeply felt, and fall transforms the entire region into a vibrant tapestry of gold, crimson, and amber.

This region is not just a destination – it’s a way of experiencing the changing seasons.

From exploring hiking trails, to scenic lookouts, quiet country roads, or simply taking in the stillness of the forest, in autumn, as the air turns crisp, the forests come alive with color, and the hills seem to glow at sunrise and sunset. 

During your retreat, we will explore nearby Wakefield for its warm village atmosphere and riverside beauty, and take in the sweeping vistas of Gatineau Park’s trails and lookouts.

Whether walking along the Gatineau River or pausing beneath a canopy of fall leaves, this region offers a deep sense of presence, inspiration, and natural wonder—an ideal backdrop for music, creativity, and connection.

Meet Your Facilitators

They are professional musicians and teaching artists who will guide you through this transformative experience with musical breakthroughs, challenging creative exploration, and helping you find your authentic musical voice.

Marnie Ward

Marnie deeply believes music is for EVERYONE. Sharing music amongst others is a fundamental joy and responsibility. Her passion is to give the gift of music to anyone she meets, without judgement. She is happy to share her knowledge of over 30 years as a performer and teaching artist.

As a performing artist, Marnie has been seen from regional musical theatre stages to Carnegie Hall, with jazz and swing bands, her Andrews Sisters Tribute Act – Reveille 3. She has presented at ‘ukulele festivals across the US including the Rocky Mountain Ukefest, Midwest Uke & Harmonica Camp, Aloha Ukefest, and the TBUG Cruise to name a few. For 8 years,  she was an arranger and performer with the Rocky Mountain Ukulele Orchestra.

Marnie is a certified James Hill ‘Ukulele Initiative (JHUI) teacher and holds a Ka’ohekane Certificate of Hawaiian Music –  from the University of Hawaii’s Windward Community College.

Marnie created You Can Uke Retreats to provide transformational learning opportunities in stunning locations grounded in nature; focusing on small, intimate group learning where long-lasting connections can be made. She is excited you are here for this opportunity she holds so dear!

As a teacher, she provides private and group instruction as the owner of Marnie Ward Voice & ‘Ukulele Studio based in Denver, Colorado. 

Diane Nalini

Diane Nalini is an award-winning jazz vocalist, songwriter, voice and ukulele teacher who has released five critically-acclaimed albums. She writes and sings in four languages and has performed at jazz festivals around the world. She has given gala performances for President Bill Clinton and Sir Paul McCartney. The Montreal Gazette writes, “Diane Nalini has the voice, the phrasing, confidence, clarity and control to make a tune her own and turn it into a nuanced thing of beauty.” Diane’s songs have been used in films, TV shows and video games. Since 2014, she has been the resident vocalist with the Ottawa Jazz Orchestra.

Diane fell in love with the ukulele in 2016 and studied with ukulele maestros Sarah Maisel and Craig Chee, taking workshops with Benny Chong and James Hill along the way. Diane has taught and performed at the Strathmore UkeFest, the MidWest Uke Camp, the Aurora City Of Lights Ukulele Festival, Uketober Fest, and the Port Townsend Ukulele Fest. In 2020 at the start of lockdown, she and her husband, bassist Adrian Cho, launched a warmly received, free weekly livestream concert series on YouTube. It drew viewers from around the world, spreading cheer and always ending in a weekly singalong. She started the website Ukulele for Jazz Singers as a free resource for people wanting to learn the basics of jazz accompaniment.

Diane has developed video lessons for three Ukulele Guides published by Ukulele Magazine amd her article and accompanying video lesson about the Roman Numeral System was number one in Ukulele Magazine’s countdown of ten most popular lessons, stories and videos of 2024.

We are so excited to join you on this magical journey! Thank you for choosing us.

Accommodations

For seven days and six nights, Manoir de la Forêt becomes our private musical sanctuary.

Unlike a hotel where everyone disappears behind separate doors, we’ll spend the week together under one roof in this beautiful three-story estate, creating a warm and welcoming home-away-from-home experience. The manor is reserved exclusively for our retreat group, allowing us to settle in, relax, and fully immerse ourselves in music, creativity, and community.

Throughout the week, you’ll find yourself moving effortlessly between music sessions in the Oak Room, shared meals around the table, conversations on the expansive deck, and quiet moments tucked away with your ukulele and a view of the forest. Every space within the manor has been designed to encourage connection, comfort, and inspiration.

Accommodations are located throughout the home’s three levels and offer a variety of room types to suit different preferences and budgets. Please note that the manor is a multi-story property and guests should be comfortable navigating stairs between floors.

By the end of the week, this won’t just feel like where you stayed—it will feel like home.

South Wing Retreat Rooms

Single Occupancy

$3,575.00

per person

A secluded retreat within the retreat. 

Nestled in the private south wing on the third floor, these rooms offer a peaceful escape with easy access to the wing’s cozy lounge area. Two shared bathrooms serve the four rooms in this wing. This a wonderful choice for guests who value both quiet and community. 

Room configurations include:

One King Room

Two Queen Rooms

One room with 2 XL twin-bed and a loft

Bring a friend rate: $3,315.00 each for double occupancy, separate beds in same bedroom.

Woodland Suite Rooms

Single Occupancy

$3,450.00

per person

Comfort, privacy, and a suite-style experience. Located on the second floor, the Woodland Suites feature king beds and are arranged in pairs, with two rooms sharing a bathroom. Each suite can be closed off from the main hallway, creating a more private and intimate living space while still enjoying the warmth and connection of the larger retreat home.

All rooms have one king size bed with the option to split apart for 2 twin bed if you’re bringing a friend.

Bring a friend rate: $3,270.00 each for double occupancy, separate beds in same bedroom.

Upper House Rooms

Single Occupancy

$2,995.00

per person

Our best-value accommodations. Located on the second floor along the main hallway, these comfortable king-bed rooms offer convenient access to shared bathrooms just across the hall. Thoughtfully appointed and welcoming, they provide a cozy place to rest and recharge after a day of music-making, exploration, and connection.

Bring a friend rate: $2,815.00 each for double occupancy, separate beds available in same bedroom. (only one double occupancy Upper House Room available)

Bring a Musical Friend

Some of the best retreat memories are made with a friend.

Bring a musical companion and enjoy one of our limited double-occupancy accommodations. Most rooms feature king beds, and select rooms can be arranged with two separate beds to comfortably accommodate friends traveling together. Whether you’re attending with a spouse, sibling, friend, or fellow ukulele player, sharing the experience can make an already memorable week even more special.

While this retreat is designed primarily for active participants, non-playing partners and friends are welcome to join. If you would like to bring a non-playing guest, please reach out for accommodation and pricing details.

That said, one of the most transformative aspects of a You Can Uke Retreat is the opportunity to immerse yourself in a community of fellow music makers. Many participants arrive knowing no one and leave with lifelong friendships, musical collaborators, and a deep sense of belonging. We encourage guests to embrace the full retreat experience by participating in the music, conversations, excursions, and connections that make this community so special.

Frequently Asked Questions

Payment Schedule & Cancellation Policy

• If accepted, a $500 non-refundable retainer/deposit is due to reserve your place
• 50% of remaining balance is due on or before Monday, July 20, 2026
• Remaining balance is due on or before Friday, September 15, 2026

Refund Schedule

• 100% refund (minus retainer/deposit) before Monday, July 20, 2026
• 50% refund (minus retainer/deposit) before September 15, 2026
• After September 15, 2026, NO REFUNDS can be made. In some extenuating circumstances, a credit may be applied to a future retreat.

Amenities at Manoir de la Forêt

Is Manoir de la Forêt mobility-accessible?

Still got questions? Set up a virutal meet & greet with Marnie.