Your Perfect Venue for Church Retreats, Youth Camps, and Spiritual Gatherings Since 1920
Organize your remarkable church event at Gull Lake Centre. We have had over 100 years to become THE go-to venue for church events.
*Limited availability. Hurry!
Welcome to Gull Lake Centre, where church groups find the perfect setting for spiritual growth, community bonding, and rejuvenation. Established in 1920 and originally built for church retreats, we’ve had over a century to learn and improve, to become the perfect venue for church groups, ensuring a peaceful and inspiring environment. Our venue is designed to accommodate groups ranging from 20 to 250 guests, providing an ideal space for your needs.
Welcome to Gull Lake Centre
Whatever your needs may be, Gull Lake Centre can accommodate:
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Youth Camps
With a variety of activities and safe, comfortable accommodations, Gull Lake Centre is perfect for youth camps. Through the use of our facilities and infrastructure, youth groups can partake in team-building exercises and outdoor adventures to help young people grow in faith and fellowship.
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Church Retreats
Our serene setting and well-equipped facilities provide the ideal environment for church retreats, allowing members to disconnect from daily life and reconnect with their faith and each other.
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Spiritual Gatherings
Whether you're planning a small group retreat or a large conference, our centre can accommodate gatherings of all sizes. Our peaceful surroundings inspire reflection, worship, and spiritual growth.
Why Choose Gull Lake Centre
Strategic Location: Conveniently located within 1.5 hours from Edmonton and Calgary, our centre offers an accessible retreat away from the hustle of city life. While we provide an immersion in natural beauty, please note that Gull Lake Centre is a shared space, and there may be other groups onsite simultaneously.
Meeting Rooms and Spaces: Versatile meeting rooms equipped with AV, WiFi, and comfortable seating. From Bible studies, to worship services or smaller breakout sessions, we have you covered.
Accommodation: Perfect for groups of 50-250 guests, our campus includes multiple buildings of cabins and dormitories all nestled in the calm of nature.
Dining: Enjoy nutritious and delicious meals prepared by our catering partners that are able to accommodate dietary restrictions, ensuring every guest is well-catered for.
Outdoor Activities: Experience the beauty of our natural surroundings with a variety of outdoor activities, perfect for team building and spiritual connection. Available in May, June, and September, our staff-led activities, such as rock climbing and canoeing, offer guided adventures for an additional fee. Guests are also welcome to enjoy our grounds and equipment for self-guided activities like campfires, disc golf and using our ice rink, ensuring a fulfilling and reflective retreat.
Don’t settle for anything less - book your event at Gull Lake Centre today!
Key Details about Gull Lake
2 hours from Calgary, 1:40h from Edmonton
Founded in 1920 as a Christian Summer Camp
For groups from 20 to 250 people
7 flexible meeting spaces
70-acre lake-side property
Campus-style layout
24/7 host available
100% WiFi coverage
Facilities and Services:
Learn more about our facilities and services:
Cozy Lodges and Cabins: Our cabins and lodges provide a home-away-from-home experience, combining comfort with the charm of nature.
Chapel: A beautiful, serene space for worship and reflection.
Dining Hall: A large communal space for meals and fellowship, with flexible seating arrangements.
Meeting Rooms: Various sizes to accommodate different group activities and breakout sessions, all equipped with the proper AV technology.
Recreation Areas: Utilize our outdoor spaces, gymnasium and lake for sports, team-building activities, and relaxation.
WiFi Coverage: Our entire campus has full internet coverage for your convenience.
Reserve Your Spot!
The Activities
Personal Development
Engage in peaceful morning devotionals by the lake or in our prayer garden for reflection and connection, and designated quiet areas for personal prayer and meditation. Reflect on the beauty of creation without any of the distractions or noise of city life.
Communal Growth
Strengthen bonds with communal activities, including group worship services in our chapel or outdoor spaces, fostering unity in praise and fellowship. Participate in team-building exercises to enhance trust and cooperation, share meals in our dining hall for fellowship and connection, and enjoy campfire gatherings for stories, songs, and reflections.
Recreational Activities
Enjoy a range of recreational activities that promote well-being. Explore our scenic grounds for physical activity and contemplation, or take in the tranquil waters of Gull Lake with canoeing and kayaking. Engage in friendly competition with various sports and games, and take leisurely walks to observe and appreciate the local wildlife and natural beauty.
Workshops and Seminars
Enhance your retreat by using our facilities to host workshops and seminars. Your members will leave equipped with the tools they need to grow in faith surrounded by a peaceful environment. Multiple rooms allow for small group discussions and breakout sessions to go deeper and encourage each other.
Let’s Plan My Church Retreat
See what other church groups have to say about their experiences at Gull Lake Centre.
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"Made a couple of requests and they were all met even before my arrival and during my stay accurately timed to perfection."
- Youth Event Guest
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"We had a lot of freedom to enjoy the camp and our Cohort Week. The staff were accommodating and easy to work with."
– Ministry Training Event Guest
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"[The staff] was also very understanding and flexible when our sessions would go longer and encouraged us to spend time in God's presence as he would take care of what we needed afterwards"
– Youth Retreat Organizer
Location and Transportation:
Gull Lake Centre is located almost halfway between Calgary and Edmonton in Alberta. Only 15 minutes from Lacombe, the centre is secluded enough for privacy and peace, but also close enough to amenities if you want to visit a Tim Horton’s.
Prices and Packages:
Below are our typical 2024 booking rates. Please contact us for more specific pricing for your group.
Minimum Group Size: 20 Guests
Adult Weekend:
Starting at $215/person – includes meals (Friday 7:00 p.m. to Sunday 2:00 p.m.)
Youth Weekend:
Starting at $170/person – includes meals (Friday 7:00 p.m. to Sunday 2:00 p.m.)
Day-use:
$45/person – includes one meal
Day-Use with Programming: $57 - includes one meal
Summer Rentals: Available Friday 7:00 p.m. to Sunday 10:00 a.m.
Booking Inquiries
Spots are filling up fast! Book now to secure your preferred dates.
Values and Beliefs
Gull Lake Centre was founded in 1920 as a Christian camp. We exist to practice and promote the Christian faith. We welcome you with warm hospitality. We ask that each guest group’s purpose for gathering, and conduct while on site, is not in opposition to our values or purpose. If you are concerned about this request or are unsure if your group can meet this requirement, please contact our Executive Director and he will be happy to answer any questions.
FAQ
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Gull Lake Centre has capacity for 246 overnight guests or 300 + for day use.
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We offer professional catering services, and our experienced staff can work with you to create a menu that meets the needs of your group. They are equipped to handle your dietary restrictions whether it is celiac, soy, sesame, dairy, fruit, or shellfish, and will make the necessary modifications to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience.
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Gull Lake Centre offers a variety of amenities including: Spacious dining room for 300 people, 7 flexible meeting spaces, High-speed wi-fi, A/V equipment, Tables and chairs, On-site host, All-day coffee and tea, games room, and a Gymnasium.
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Because of the flexible, campus-like layout, you can have as little as 20 people, or as many as 246 in your group.
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Yes, please bring your own bedding and towels as we do not supply them.
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Gull Lake Centre understands the issue with allergies, so we kindly ask that you leave your pets at home. However, we welcome certified service animals that provide necessary assistance to our guests.
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We have all the basic A/V equipment you will need. There is no extra cost as its use is included in your rental.
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