Step away from the noise and discover the rare luxury of being unhurried in a private forest retreat nestled among the pines of Alberta's Wildcat Hills.
Cozy up beside the pellet fire, wander the meditative labyrinth, stargaze beneath exceptionally dark skies, and reconnect with nature, each other, and yourself.
Every season tells a different story... but every stay invites you to slow down.
The space
🌿 What Past Guests Love Most
• “The peaceful solitude under the stars”
• “Cozy winter nights with the pellet fireplace”
• “Walking the meditative labyrinth in the morning light”
• “Thoughtful touches, from art supplies to nature guides”
• “Feeling truly unplugged and refreshed”
🌿 Welcome to Your Forest Retreat
Tucked among the pines in Alberta's beautiful Wildcat Hills, Meadow Haven Yurt is a private off-grid retreat designed for those seeking quiet, comfort, and the chance to slow down.
Every season offers something different—from brilliant autumn aspens and fresh snowfall to spring birdsong, summer wildflowers, and the occasional display of the Northern Lights. No two visits to Sign of the Pines are ever quite the same.
Spend your days exploring nearby mountain parks, wandering forest trails, discovering local cafés and restaurants, or simply enjoying the peace of the property. Return to a warm fire, a comfortable bed, and a sky filled with stars.
The space is intentionally simple, yet thoughtfully appointed with comforts that invite you to reconnect with nature, with each other, and perhaps even with yourself.
🌿 Step Inside Your Sanctuary
From the moment you step through the double French doors, you'll feel at home in this comfortable forest haven.
Thoughtfully curated with original artwork, artistic furnishings, cozy rugs, books, board games, art supplies, and nature-inspired details, the yurt offers warmth, character, and room to breathe.
After a day of exploring, settle into the queen-size canopy bed featuring a Tempur-Pedic mattress, organic cotton sheets, and comfortable bedding. A separate single sleeping nook is available for a third guest.
Whether you're seeking solitude, a romantic getaway, or simply a quiet place to recharge, Sign of the Pines offers a peaceful space to slow down and unwind.
🌿 Thoughtfully Off-Grid
Living off-grid doesn't mean giving up comfort—it simply means enjoying life a little differently.
• Solar lighting creates a warm evening atmosphere.
• A clean, private Separett Tiny composting toilet is located inside the yurt.
• Fresh drinking and wash water is provided in two 15-litre jugs with a ceramic water stand and indoor wash basin.
• The outdoor kitchen includes a propane BBQ, basic cookware, fresh spring water, and a simple wash station.
• The outdoor shower is available seasonally from late spring through early fall.
• Limited solar power and the absence of Wi-Fi create a peaceful atmosphere where it's easy to disconnect from screens and reconnect with what matters most.
🌿 Cozy Comforts
There's something deeply comforting about returning to a warm yurt after a day spent exploring snow-covered forests, nearby mountain communities, or simply enjoying the stillness of the property.
A high-efficiency wood pellet fireplace provides steady, reliable warmth—even when temperatures outside fall to -35°C. Its generous hopper keeps the fire burning for many hours before needing attention, and we provide all the wood pellets you'll need throughout your stay.
Curl up with a favourite book, enjoy a steaming mug of hot chocolate, challenge each other to a board game, write in your journal, or simply watch the snow drift past the windows while the fire quietly glows beside you.
When the outdoor shower is closed for the season, guests use the indoor wash station along with our thoughtfully prepared Comfort Kit, making shorter stays both simple and comfortable.
🌌 Dark Sky Nights
With very little artificial light nearby, Sign of the Pines offers exceptional stargazing. On clear evenings, thousands of stars emerge overhead, creating an unforgettable backdrop for quiet conversations, evenings around the fire pit, and moments of wonder.
On the right nights, you may even be treated to the magical display of the Northern Lights dancing above the forest.
In the warmer months, the dome vent can be opened for natural airflow while you fall asleep beneath the night sky.
🌿 Explore, Relax & Reconnect
Surrounded by six acres of boreal forest and meadow, Sign of the Pines invites both quiet reflection and outdoor adventure.
• Wander peaceful forest trails or snowshoe through fresh powder.
• Walk the stone-lined meditative labyrinth.
• Visit the Wish Tree and leave a wish, intention, or note of gratitude.
• Relax around the smoke-free propane fire pit beneath the stars.
• Enjoy board games, art supplies, books, or self-guided nature immersion experiences.
• Unwind on the Sun Pocket deck with a morning coffee or a favourite book.
🌿 Outdoor Living
The covered gazebo provides a private outdoor dining space, screened for comfort during the warmer months.
Prepare simple meals on the propane BBQ before settling into Adirondack chairs around the smoke-free propane fire pit.
The outdoor kitchen is equipped with basic cookware, fresh spring water, biodegradable dish soap, and an environmentally friendly greywater system.
🌿 What's Provided
• Drinking and wash water (two 15-litre jugs)
• Propane for the BBQ and fire pit (two tanks)
• Wood pellets for the fireplace
• Bedding and towels
• Books, board games, art supplies, and self-guided nature immersion activities
🌿 The Setting
Nestled at 1,362 m (4,469 ft) on our small family-run equine ranch, Sign of the Pines offers peaceful seclusion, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking prairie and mountain skies.
Backing onto hundreds of acres of Crown land, the forest continues well beyond the property, creating a peaceful haven for wildlife and offering guests an authentic sense of being immersed in nature.
Deer, elk, moose, fox, and countless bird species are regular visitors. The occasional bear may also wander through the area, reminding us that this is truly wild country.
Although the yurt enjoys its own private setting, you may occasionally hear the gentle sounds of country life: horses grazing, donkeys calling, birds singing, or a distant rooster greeting the morning.
Ghost Lake is just 15 minutes away, while Kananaskis Country and Banff National Park are both within an easy scenic drive, making the yurt a peaceful place to return to after a day of exploring.
🌿 A Year-Round Retreat
Whether you're seeking a romantic escape, a peaceful solo retreat, outdoor adventure, or simply a chance to slow down, Sign of the Pines offers a unique nature-based experience in every season.
Come for the stars.
Stay for the stillness.
Leave with memories that linger long after the journey home.
Guest access
Guests have exclusive access to the yurt, outdoor kitchen, screened dining gazebo, Sun Pocket relaxation deck, meditative labyrinth, Wish Tree, and approximately 6 acres of meadow and forest to explore at their leisure.
The surrounding Crown Land and nearby natural areas offer additional opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and outdoor adventure.
Other things to note
Help Us Keep Sign of the Pines Beautiful
To preserve the natural beauty of this off-grid retreat, we ask that you pack out what you pack in. All garbage and recycling must be taken with you upon departure.
Staying Off-Grid Made Simple
Sign of the Pines runs on solar power, so conserving energy helps keep the space comfortable and functioning smoothly for everyone. Please turn off lights when not in use and be mindful of your energy use.
Wildlife is a natural part of life in the Wildcat Hills.
Guests may occasionally encounter deer, elk, fox, moose, or other wildlife during their stay. We ask that all wildlife be observed respectfully from a distance.
