pristine environment

Bancroft, Ontario, centred in the beautiful Canadian Shield

Grail Springs opened its doors in 1993, a privately owned retreat sanctuary designed by its founder Madeleine Marentette. Located in Bancroft, the Mineral Capital of Canada, the property is close enough for an easy drive from Toronto or Ottawa, yet far enough to feel you have escaped to another world.

With hundreds of acres of pristine forest, walking trails, crystal outcrop, abundant wildlife, meditation gardens and a spring-fed lake, you will be inspired by the natural beauty and feel recharged by the potent healing enviroment that will support you. 

Vital Spring-Fed Lake

Fed by hundreds of vigorous springs, the lake is alkaline based which makes it extremely beneficial for detoxifying and purifying the body. Magnetically charged by the ancient granite bedrocks below, these vital ‘alive’ waters are then naturally filtered, kept in its purest form, with no chemicals added. Guests bathe, drink and swim in one of the last remaining purest water sources in the world.

Crystal Country - Geomancy Project, Mineral Capital of Canada

Planet Earth, much like our human body, has a complex subtle energy field; Geomancy is the Ancient applied science of balancing subtle energy fields within architecture and the landscape. Grail Springs sits in the Canadian Rockshield, the oldest exposed rock on the planet. Rich in massive deposits of quartz crystal, retreat guests can hike to the property's own crystal crop meditation area.

Read On About Grail Springs Geomancy Initiative

Meditation Labyrinth

Our sacred labyrinth is designed after the Chartres Cathedral labyrinth in France built in 1201. Some interpretations surrounding the labyrinth is that it represents the solar system, the chakra system or it is a symbol of the soul. In October 2012, we were honored with a visit from Venerable Sonam Rinpoche who cleansed and blessed the land in the centre of the labyrinth with a traditional Buddhist ceremony. People around the world use the labyrinth as a tool for contemplation and healing.

Read On About Grail Springs Sacred Labyrinth

Horses & Wildlife

Our family of horses add a special presence here at Grail Springs. Known for their therapeutic effect on the human condition, our gentle beauties have been known to assist and heal many of our guests through simple encounters out at the paddock, or by attending one of our Equine Greet and Groom sessions available May to November. Living in harmony with nature, the property is home to deer, loons, geese, blue herons, fox, hare, pheasants and the occasional moose just to name a few.

 Trail of Dreams

Originally used for logging, Grail Springs transformed one-hundred plus acres into a well-groomed trail system where animals and people can flourish together in harmony. Each Monday and Saturday morning, retreat guests can join an informative guided nature walk through the forest or take a self-guided hike using a map provided and well-marked trails.