Faith & Community Retreats · Near London, Ontario
Fernwood Hills has been a gathering place for community groups since 1966 — forty acres in Komoka, ten minutes from London. Faith communities, church groups, and non-profits use the Farmhouse and Studio Loft for women’s retreats, leadership days, ministry planning, and community gatherings. Private. Forest. Unhurried.
Check availability →Getting off church property — or out of the office — changes the quality of conversations. The forest setting isn't a gimmick; it's a real shift. People arrive quieter, and stay longer in meaningful discussion.
Your booked space is yours for the day. Your group sets the pace, no schedule imposed from outside — which is often the whole point.
Vern started this property as a gathering place for community groups in 1966. That spirit is still here. You bring your people and your agenda. We take care of the space.
Best for
Not ideal for
5–25
people
Since 1966
community gatherings
10 min
from London, ON
Private
booked spaces
The Spaces
The Farmhouse
The original 1960s farmhouse with a long harvest table, a full working kitchen, and a warm domestic atmosphere. The best space for opening devotionals, group meals, closing prayer, and any gathering that benefits from sitting around a real table together.
Studio Loft
A vaulted, open-plan loft with hardwood floors and natural light from all sides. Large enough for the full group to gather in a circle, participate in worship, move through experiential activities, or simply spread out. Forest visible from every window. Pairs naturally with the Farmhouse for retreats that need both large-group and smaller-group space.
Who Uses Fernwood
Half-day or full-day gatherings for women's groups — morning devotionals, creative workshops, shared meals, and time in the forest. The Farmhouse creates the warm, domestic atmosphere that makes these days feel like more than a program.
Leadership development, accountability retreats, and men's ministry days work well with Fernwood's combination of purposeful indoor space and outdoor land. Trail walks, fire pit, and a long table for the hard conversations.
Elder boards, pastoral teams, and ministry leadership groups use the Farmhouse for planning days and decision-making retreats. Private, unhurried, and far enough from the church building to think clearly.
Pre-trip planning retreats and post-trip debrief days for short-term and long-term missions teams. The Studio Loft is large enough for the full team; the Farmhouse is right for the meals and evening sessions.
Youth pastor teams, student leadership development days, and volunteer training retreats. Active groups appreciate the trails, the meadow, and the flexibility of both indoor and outdoor space.
Board retreats, fundraising planning, and organizational development days for non-profits and faith-based organizations. Simple, private, affordable compared to hotel venues — and significantly more memorable.
The Land
Forty acres of protected Carolinian forest — old-growth oaks, wild ferns, a meadow, and seasonal ponds. Trail walks, quiet sitting spots, and outdoor gathering spaces are built into the geography. Many retreat leaders build in unscheduled time in the forest — and find it becomes the most remembered part of the day.
Forest trails
Winding paths through undisturbed Carolinian woodland. Quiet enough for reflection. Good for walking discussions, prayer walks, or solitude time.
Meadow
An open meadow with long views and natural light — good for outdoor worship, group activities, or afternoon rest and conversation.
Creek
Seasonal ponds accessible by trail. A peaceful landmark for quiet sitting or walk-and-talk sessions between program blocks.
The Food
Manna by Fernwood Hills — in-house food prepared in a simple, thoughtful way that fits the scale and feel of your day. Seasonal menus, family-style or buffet service. No fixed price list — menus and pricing are worked out as part of your booking. We can accommodate vegetarian and some other dietary preferences; just mention it when you inquire. Outside caterers are welcome too — bring your own, no corkage. About Manna →
Overnight Retreats
Multi-day retreat programs are possible by combining the day program spaces with overnight cabin and farmhouse stays — overnight add-ons across four spaces when available. Evening sessions around the fire, morning time in the forest, and a slower pace that a one-day retreat can't achieve. Ask about overnight add-ons when you inquire.
See overnight spaces →Fernwood Hills has hosted community gatherings since 1966 — church groups, family reunions, and community organizations were the original guests at what Vern Humphrey called the Picnic Grove. That tradition of hospitality for community and faith groups is still very much the spirit of this place.
Questions
No — Fernwood Hills is a family-owned private retreat property. We welcome faith communities, church groups, non-profits, and community organizations regardless of denomination or affiliation.
Yes. Adler Cabin, Bracken Cabin, the Farmhouse, and the Studio Loft are available as add-ons to daytime programming when dates allow. Ask about multi-day availability when you inquire.
Non-profit organizations are welcome to ask about rates when they inquire — we'll work with you on what's fair for your group. Contact us directly and mention your organization type.
Yes — the Farmhouse kitchen is a full working kitchen available for communal cooking. Your group is welcome to prepare meals together. Manna catering is also available if you'd prefer food handled on-site.
Private use of your booked space, full-day access, free on-site parking, deck and garden access, fire pit, and walking trails across 40 private acres. Catering is a separate add-on. This is not a full-property buyout.
Plan Your Retreat
Group size, dates, and a brief note on what you’re hoping to do is enough to get started. We respond same day with availability, a custom quote, and a planning guide for your specific group.
Manna food quoted by request · All prices CAD · HST extra