Things to do
At and around Secret Sanctuary
Whether you’re here to slow down or explore, Secret Sanctuary and the surrounding area offer something for every season, mood, and rhythm. Here are some of our favourite ways to connect, play, and unwind.
On the Land
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Meet our Animals
Come say hi to our resident animals and feel the heartbeat of the Sanctuary.
Sequoia and Luna, our gentle guardian dogs, will likely greet you with wagging tails and happy hearts. They love showing guests around. Visit the chickens and pigs, always full of character and charm. And don’t miss a visit with Bowdy the llama. He’s especially friendly (and extra cuddly when offered leftover fruit or veggies).
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Book a Wellness Experience
Drop into presence with a massage, Reiki session, or one-on-one mindset coaching. Let the forest and your breath guide your healing.
Wellness services -
Walk the Trails
Wander peaceful forest paths around the property and reconnect with the rhythms of nature.
Lakes, Beaches & Outdoor Adventures
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Go Paddling
Feel the sun on your skin and the water beneath you. We offer paddle board rentals for $40/board per day, perfect for exploring the nearby lakes. Whether you're gliding across Battle Lake (just 7 minutes away) or venturing a little farther, it’s a beautiful way to slow down and connect with nature.
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Swim, Fish & Explore
Surrounded by water, our area is home to several lakes perfect for beach days, fishing trips, or boat outings:
- Battle Lake (7 min)
- Pigeon Lake (15 min)
- Twin Lakes (25 min)
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Hike to the Top of Mount Butte
A short but satisfying ~30-minute hike rewards you with beautiful views from this local hidden gem just off Battle Lake Trail Road.
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Bike or Walk Zeiner Park
Explore scenic trails, beaches, and forest paths at Zeiner Provincial Park, located on the shores of Pigeon Lake.
Recreation & Local Gems
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Golf with a View
Enjoy a tee-time at one of the area’s relaxing golf courses:
- Willow Greens Golf Resort (10 min)
- Black Bull Golf Resort (15 min)
- Dorchester Ranch Golf Course (20 min)
- Pigeon Lake Golf Club (25 min)
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Sip & Savour Local Flavours
Visit nearby craft breweries, distilleries, and a charming meadery:
- Wallbanger (18 mins)
- Hawk Tail Brewery (48 min)
- Grey Owl Meadery (45 min)
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Shop & Dine at Pigeon Lake Village
Browse boutiques, enjoy a cozy café or delicious meal, and soak up small-town charm in the Village of Pigeon Lake.
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Family Fun Night
Mini-golf, games, and more await at Blackstone Mini Golf & Family Park, right across from Pigeon Lake Village.
Winter Magic
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When the snow falls, the adventure continues:
- Snowshoe or cross-country ski at nearby Hidden Springs Retreat
- Sip hot tea by the fire or borrow a cozy DVD from our in-home collection (just text us to stop by)
On the property map
Walk the trails
Wander peaceful forest paths around the property and reconnect with the rhythms of nature.
- 01Meadows Trail 200 m
- 02Fairy Forest Trail 150 m
- 03Gnome Trail 0.5 km
- 04Llama Trail
Good to know
Common questions
Do you rent paddle boards?
Yes, $40 per board per day, perfect for Battle Lake just 7 minutes away.
How close are the lakes?
Battle Lake is about 7 minutes away, Pigeon Lake about 15 minutes and Twin Lakes about 25 minutes.
Are there trails on the property?
Yes. The Meadows Trail, the Fairy Forest Trail, the Gnome Trail and the Llama Trail wind through the land.
What is there to do in winter?
Snowshoe or cross country ski at nearby Hidden Springs Retreat, or sip hot tea by the fire and borrow a cozy DVD from our in home collection.
Make a weekend of it
Pair it with a stay
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Tiny Home Cabin
A cozy year round cabin steps from the playground, with a kitchenette, TV and your own fire pit.
View Tiny Home Cabin -
Birch Glamping Tent
A spacious 306 ft² bell tent tucked into the forest, right by the walking trails.
View Birch tent -
Aspen Glamping Tent
A twin pole bell tent in a grove of aspens, the most secluded glamping site on the land.
View Aspen tent
More to do
Other experiences
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Wellness services
Massage, Reiki, aromatic kinesiology, yoga and mindset coaching, right here on the land.
- With Veona, Sophie and Denika
- Massage from $95
- Yoga from $85
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Forest bathing
Walk the self guided Forest Bathing Circuit, or book a 1.5 hour guided experience with Veona.
- Self guided circuit
- Guided with Veona
- Playtime or Healing theme
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Homestead animals
Sequoia and Luna, the guardian dogs, the chickens and pigs, and Bowdy the llama.
- Guardian dogs
- Llamas
- Chickens and pigs
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Campfires and gatherings
Your own fire pit at every site, summer weekend bonfires and community potlucks.
- Private fire pits
- Summer bonfires
- Community potlucks
Your spot by the fire is waiting
Book a glamping tent, the Tiny Home Cabin or a forest campsite, just over an hour from Edmonton.