A Wildlife Sanctuary and Nature Escape
Beaver Hills Retreat was purchased in the spring of 2000 with a clear intention: to care for the land and create a thriving wildlife sanctuary. Over time, this 40-acre property has been thoughtfully restored through extensive tree planting, habitat protection, and careful stewardship. What was once open land has grown into a rich and diverse natural environment supporting birds, mammals, wetlands, and native plant life.
In 2015, these long-term efforts were formally recognized when Beaver Hills Retreat was certified as a Wildlife Friendly Habitat by the Canadian Wildlife Federation. This designation reflects years of commitment to creating a safe, sustainable space where wildlife can flourish alongside respectful human presence.
From Sanctuary to Private Nature Retreat
Building on this foundation of conservation, Beaver Hills Retreat began welcoming guests in 2019 as a private nature retreat. Visitors come from across Alberta and around the world to slow down, reconnect with the outdoors, and experience the quiet rhythms of nature in a setting that feels cared for and unhurried.
Whether visiting for a quiet escape, a romantic stay, or time immersed in nature, guests are invited to experience the land as it is—peaceful, alive, and intentionally protected.
Birdlife and Biodiversity
Birding season at this private nature retreat near Edmonton is especially rewarding. The property is home to a long-established Purple Martin colony that has thrived for more than two decades, fledging hundreds of young birds each year. In addition, Bohemian Waxwings, robins, hummingbirds, house finches, and tree swallows are regularly observed.
An untouched meadow provides essential habitat for ground-nesting birds, while wetlands support waterfowl and other species.
Living With Wildlife
Wildlife sightings are a natural part of life at Beaver Hills Retreat. Moose, deer, coyotes, and a variety of smaller species are commonly seen moving through the property. A single black bear has been observed in the area, along with occasional sightings of elk and wolves, as well as reported cougar sightings in Elk Island National Park, reflect the overall health and continuity of the surrounding ecosystem.
The goal has always been simple: to care for the land in a way that allows wildlife to thrive over time, through patience, stewardship, and respect for natural processes.
A Slower Way to Begin the Day
Mornings often begin with birdsong, rustling leaves, and the subtle movement of wildlife across the landscape. Sitting quietly with a cup of coffee, listening and observing, is often all that’s needed to feel grounded. The retreat is designed to support these small, unhurried moments that naturally emerge when time is allowed to slow.
A Quiet Escape Close to Edmonton
Located just 30 minutes east of Edmonton, Beaver Hills Retreat offers a year-round nature escape that feels far removed from city life while remaining easy to reach. With only one cabin on the property, guests experience complete privacy and the rare sense of having space entirely to themselves.
Those who wish can unplug and immerse fully in nature, while still enjoying the comfort and simplicity of a well-equipped cabin.
Dark Skies and Open Horizons
Beaver Hills Retreat is located within the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve, where minimal light pollution allows the night sky to remain clear and expansive. Evenings are often spent outside, taking in the stars, watching the Milky Way emerge, or simply enjoying the stillness that comes with true darkness.
Shared With Care
Beaver Hills Retreat is grateful for the opportunity to welcome guests from near and far and to share this private Alberta nature retreat with those who value quiet, care, and connection to the natural world.
The intention remains the same as it was in 2000: to protect the land, respect the wildlife, and offer a peaceful place where nature can be experienced simply and honestly.
A Landscape Shaped by Time
The retreat sits on the edge of the Beaver Hills UNESCO Biosphere, a landscape shaped by glacial movement more than ten thousand years ago. As the ice receded, it left behind rolling hills, deposited boulders, wetlands, and boreal forest—many of which remain visible across the property today.
These natural features are preserved not as decoration, but as reminders of deep time and the forces that continue to shape the land.
Set among peaceful natural surroundings, Beaver Hills Retreat offers a comfortable and private escape just minutes from Elk Island National Park—an easy nature retreat near Edmonton, Alberta.