2026 Winter Write-In – REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED

The Winter Write-In is an intimate winter songwriting retreat designed to give songwriters focused writing time which might be hard to find during their daily lives. Escape the February chill, learn songwriting lessons in two writing workshops, and experience community and laughter with your fellow songwriters. With cozy accommodations, quiet writing time, and a supportive community, this weekend balances structured learning with space for creativity.

February 13-15, 2026

Bowmanville, Ontario

Why This Retreat

Leave the bustle behind and lean into a winter weekend dedicated to writing. You’ll get just enough structure to spark ideas—then generous blocks of quiet time to develop them. Evenings are for community, connection, and sharing in supportive song circles.

The Winter Write-In is limited to nine participants.

Participants will enjoy:

• Sunday presentations of newly written material
• Daily workshops led by Murray Foster
• Dedicated writing time to dive deep into new songs
• Evening song circles for sharing in a relaxed environment
• Single-person bedrooms for private writing space

Where to Go

Winter Write-In is being held at:
5 Goodwin Avenue, Bowmanville, ON

Lodging & Ticket Options

Single rooms feature one Queen-sized bed. Individuals booking a single room are welcome to register a songwriting or non-songwriting partner who will share the room and bed with you. Non-songwriting partners are welcome to participate in all meals and non-songwriting activities.

Full Week Day Passes entitle attendees to all the workshops, camp activities, food and fun of the getaway – but no lodging. There are great hotels and Airbnbs nearby. We have listed a few options below. Only 2 day passes will be offered.

Single Room with Two Songwriting Partners is for two songwriters who wish to share a single queen bed. Great for songwriting spouses or other co-habiting arrangements.

Non-Songwriting Partners are welcome to join in meals, non-songwriting camp activities, and evening song circles.  If staying in the house, they must be accommodated in a single room with their songwriting partner. Our single rooms feature one queen-sized bed.

Winter Write-In Pricing

+We are offering a 10% discount to past Getaway attendees. Please email us to get your code.

Registration

Secure your place with a deposit or pay in full.
Payment is due in full by January 13, 2026.

Other Nearby Lodging Options

Comfort Inn & Suites
5 Spicer Square, Bowmanville, ON L1C 5M2, Canada

Winter Write-In FAQ

What skill level is required to join in songwriting activities?

This is an all-levels event. Every exercise is designed to be encouraging and inclusive whether this is your first-time writing songs or you’re regularly playing shows. Our goal is to spark creativity and growth. It doesn’t matter how well you sing or play your instrument (or if you even play an instrument). You just need to come into it willing to try, and you’ll do fine!

When should I arrive?

Check-in begins on Friday, February 13th from 3-6pm. Orientation begins at 6 pm. Dinner is served at 6:30pm.

Can I check-in late?

No problem! Just let us know if you won’t make it in time for dinner, so we can plan accordingly.

When does Winter Write-In end?

Sadly, we need to say our goodbyes on Sunday, February 15^th. We will have programming until 2:30pm. The getaway will officially end at 3pm.

What’s included?

Your registration includes lodging*, bedding, all activities, workshops, night-time entertainment, meals, and more!

*A limited number of Day Pass tickets will be made available. Day Pass holders are able to join all activities and meals, but lodging is not included.

What should I bring?

A willingness to learn, grow, and meet new people. Beyond that, we recommend bringing any personal items you may need to better enjoy your stay. Bedding and towels will be provided to guests staying on site.

Do you provide instruments?

Unfortunately, we can’t provide instruments. If you play an instrument that is difficult to transport, we may be able to connect you with another songwriter who is willing to share. Email us your concerns, and we’ll work with you to address them.

Can I bring my Pet?

Nope, sorry. We love all your furry friends, but they can’t come to camp.

Can I Bring My Kids?

Sorry! Songwriter Summer Camp is for adults 19 and over.

What kind of food with be served?

We’ll be providing homemade meals and local treats. We’re happy to provide options for those with dietary restrictions including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals.

Is transportation included?

Transportation is not included. If not arriving by car, you can take the GO Train from Toronto Union Station to Oshawa GO Station and then take an Uber to the property.

Is there parking?

Yes, we have ample parking available.

Is there WiFi?

You want to get away from it all, but still have access to TikTok. We get it. Each of the buildings on the property has its own WiFi.

What is your policy on alcohol and drugs?

While we do not provide alcohol, camp guests are welcome to BYOB and responsibly partake in alcohol and legal drugs. Please use plastic glasses in the pool area. No smoking or vaping inside the buildings and no cigarettes butts on the lawn – use an ashtray! If you are staying off-site, please do not drink and drive. Be respectful and safe!

Additional Terms & Conditions

WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TRAVEL INSURANCE, especially if you are traveling long-distance or crossing a border to join us. While we have no expectation to cancel this event, we strongly advise that you purchase travel insurance. Toronto Songwriting School, Inc., its officers, assigns, affiliates or any related parties (the “Organizers”) are not responsible for any losses or expenses due to delay or changes in schedule, overbooking of accommodations, default of any third parties, sickness, weather, strikes, acts of God, acts of terrorism, force majeure, war, quarantine, criminal activity, or for any other cause beyond its control. The Organizers reserve the right to change or cancel the event without prior notice. If the event is cancelled for any reason, Organizers shall have no liability beyond the refund of all event participants’ registration fees received by it. The Organizers may decline to accept or to retain any event participant as a participant on the event at any time or remove a participant for behavior deemed, in its sole discretion, to be disrespectful, disruptive or hate-driven.

Cancellation Policy

We get it, life happens and if you find yourself needing to cancel your registration, here our our guidelines: Requests received by January 13, 2026 will receive a full refund, minus a $25 processing fee. From January 13-February 6, 2026, you will receive a 50% refund, no exceptions. All requests after February 6, 2026 are non-refundable. We do allow you to transfer your registration to another person. Please email us if you have questions about this.

Schedule

Friday, February 13

• 3:00 PM – Arrival & check-in
• 4:00 PM – Writing time / settling in
• 6:00 PM – Welcome circle & introductions
• 6:30 PM – Dinner
• 8:00 PM – Song Circle #1

Saturday, February 14

• 8:30 AM – Breakfast / Morning Writing Time
• 10:00 AM – Workshop #1
• 12:00 PM – Lunch
• 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM – Writing time
• 6:30 PM – Dinner
• 8:00 PM – Song Circle #2

Sunday, February 15

• 8:30 AM – Breakfast / Morning Writing Time
• 10:00 AM – Workshop #2
• 12:00 PM – Lunch
• 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM – New Song Presentations: each participant shares something written over the weekend
• 3:00 PM – Departure