As Bethlehem Centre continues to care for and prioritize the safety of our guests, staff and volunteers through the pandemic, following on going public health orders.  Please continue to check back before attending the Centre.

While masks are not required at this time, they are welcomed and encouraged. We are rigorous about regular sanitization of high touch surfaces and kindly ask that everyone do their part, wash or sanitize hands often and stay home when you are sick.

Check-in is between 3:00 – 4:00 PM in the main house (foyer) of the Centre.  We encourage you to arrive on time, to allow yourself time to settle before dinner is served at 5:30 PM. When requested we will have keys put on the registration table which is in the main building, just left from the front door. Program Facilitators will also receive a printout sheet for your guests in each room for check-in and out. 

Any guests who arrive early, are more than welcome to wander around the Centre or lake until the check-in time, If they need to store personal items they ask the Guest Services team where they can store their items until they can check into their room.

Room check-out is at 10 AM. On the final day of your stay, we ask that you place your used bed linens and towels in your pillow case by 10 AM and leave them in the hallway.  If your group begins with a morning session, please speak to your group host or coordinator for the check-out time. For guests who don’t have access to putting their items in a car, we can store them in the main lobby area until they are ready for departure. If there is another group please come talk to our Guest Services team about where to store your items until you are ready to leave. You are more than welcome to stay at the Centre until you would like!

We have parking right in front of our garden area when you first come into the grounds it’s on the left side. There is also parking on the west side of the Capernaum building.  If needed there are also a couple of spots right in front of the main building for parking. Please park as close as you can to each other. If you have mobility restrictions, please feel free to use our reserved parking near the front of the building. You are welcome to use the carport as a drop-off for luggage when checking in. After you have unloaded your belongings, please return your car to the main parking lot.

 Here is a list of things you may enjoy bringing with you. None of this list is required but may help you make your stay as comfortable as possible.

• Toiletries, such as soap, shampoo, conditioner, or items that make you feel nurtured
• Hair Dryer if you think you’ll need one
• Shoes that slip on easily for comfort in your lodging space
• Water bottle & or a travel cup
• Notebook, journal, and/or sketchbook
• Any prescription medication you require
• Flashlight
• Comfortable layered clothing (please check the weather report)
• Swimwear for Westwood Lake (including a beach towel)
• Fan to help keep your room cool and comfortable during the summer months
• Ear plugs (if you’re sharing a room or like a little extra quiet)
• Rainwear (umbrella, rain jacket, rain boots)
• Good walking shoes to Westwood Lake Trail
• Please be mindful of wild animals in the area, if you are walking the trail bring what helps you feel safe

Bethlehem has complimentary WIFI in all buildings. Quiet Hours are observed between 10 PM-7:30 AM.  Be mindful of loud ringtones and conversations, we ask that you use your cell phone in the main foyer or in your car to respect the quietude of others. 

During your stay here you may encounter people who are in silence. As a spiritual Centre, we take pride in honouring this practice. Please see our Guest Services team in the Centre Shop if you would like more information on the practice of silence.

We are proud of our pure and clean tap water so have no need to offer bottled water. We ask that if you bring bottled water please take your bottle home to recycle.

The buildings and grounds of Bethlehem Centre are smoke free. Please respect the grounds and the people using them by smoking off premises.

Open flame candles are a danger to us and the surroundings; please use battery operated candles if needed.  Please ask permission if you intend to use open flame candles or will be smudging for ceremonial purposes (a waiver must be signed at Guest Services in the Centre Shop).

We have a Labyrinth on our grounds in the pattern of the Chartres Cathedral in France.

Our library will be reopening in January 2022 and is available as a quiet reflective, shared space for guests.

A small mediation chapel (in the Main House) available for prayer and meditation, as well as a reflective pond.  A wooded area on the property provides a place to connect with nature.

We are graced with beautiful Westwood Lake at our front door to walk around or swim in during favourable weather. The loop around the lake is over 6 KM and features a public beach and amazing must see bluffs.