Notre foire aux questions n'est actuellement disponible qu'en anglais.
Registration FAQs
To register, please fill out the registration form on our Registration page. A form must be completed for every participant (including children). Once we receive your form(s), an invoice will be sent within (2) business days. Your place will not be held until the invoice is paid in full.
If you are between the ages of 18-36, you may be interested in applying for the Azrieli Scholarship Program. For applications and information, click here. For Bursary Applications, click here. [LINK].
Please review the information on our Registration page before registering.
If you have any questions, please contact info@klezkanada.org
There are a variety of ways to participate in the Summer Retreat. If you would like to stay on site in a standard shared room, registration cost is between $1,700-$1,900 CAD per person. This includes all programming and meals. Offsite Passes, that include all programming and meals but no accommodation or transportation, cost between $1,200-$1,400 CAD per person.
If you are between the ages of 18-36, you may be eligible for the Azrieli Scholarship Program.
We also have a Work Exchange Program, which provides discounts between 25% and 50% on standard registration. If you require financial assistance, please apply for our Bursary Program.
You can see our full guide to accommodation offers and pricing on our Registration page.
KlezKanada est heureux d'offrir des rabais aux familles afin de rendre l'expérience de la
Retraite aussi accessible que possible pour les groupes de parents/tuteurs et de mineurs. Ce
rabais n'est pas automatiquement appliqué mais peut être demandé dans le formulaire
d'inscription.
Les chambres Standards sont disponibles pour les familles avec un rabais moyen de 25%. Les frais d'inscription seront réduits au moment de la facturation de l'inscription comme suit :
Premier et deuxième adulte (18 ans et plus) : 20% de réduction
Adolescents (13-17 ans) : 25 % de réduction
Enfants (5-12 ans) : 30% de réduction
Les enfants de moins de 4 ans sont acceptés gratuitement à condition qu'ils dorment dans un lit portable pour bébé (fourni par les participants) ou sur un matelas de sol.
Une seule réduction (soit la réduction familiale, soit la réduction pour le programme d'échange de travail) peut être appliquée à une personne. La réduction la plus élevée s'applique à tout membre d'un groupe familial qui participe au programme d'échange de travail. Toutefois, les groupes familiaux PEUVENT également solliciter notre programme d’aide financière s'ils ont besoin d'une aide financière supplémentaire.
Les participants inscrits qui annulent au plus tard le lundi 7 juillet 2025 recevront un remboursement intégral, moins des frais d'administration de 250 $ par personne. Les remboursements effectués après cette date entraînent des frais administratifs de 250 $ par personne et des frais supplémentaires de 250 $ par personne pour couvrir une partie des coûts engagés par nos fournisseurs. Les suppléments pour la literie ou les billets de navette ne sont ni remboursables ni transférables.
Aucun remboursement ou rabais ne sera accordé en cas d'annulation à partir du 1 août. Ceci s'applique aux annulations complètes, aux arrivées tardives ou aux départs anticipés. La seule exception à cette politique serait en cas d'urgence médicale, qui serait évaluée au cas par cas.
Les bénéficiaires de la bourse Azrieli qui annulent au plus tard le 1 août devront s'acquitter de frais d'annulation de 50 dollars. Aucun remboursement ne sera effectué après cette date.
Si KlezKanada annule l'événement pour quelque raison que ce soit, les participants inscrits seront remboursés intégralement pour leur inscription, literie, et leur billet de navette.
If you would like to cancel your registration and request a refund, please contact info@klezkanada.org. Please note our cancellation policy, as outlined in the question above and on our Registration page.
You may add a shuttle ticket or bedding to your registration until July 5, 2025. We will be adding a form for this in June.
Shuttle tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. In the event you are no longer needing your shuttle ticket, please do let us know so we can have an accurate list of who will be using the shuttle(s). The cost of an unused shuttle ticket goes towards making the shuttle more accessible for others.
Venue, Meals, and other Logistics FAQs
Our venue is Dos bisele glik (Le P’tit bonheur), a beautiful facility in the Laurentian Mountains. Dos bisele glik is situated on the shores of Lac Quenouille, surrounded by hiking trails, and has heated (!!) accommodation. With easy access to Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts and Montreal, the venue has operated as an outdoor leisure centre for over 60 years. We are excited to show you around: indoor and outdoor dining options, a variety of indoor and tented classrooms, comfortable common spaces, and a lakefront with swimming and boating.
Dos bisele glik offers a range of accommodation options. Most rooms sleep 6 people, with bunk beds, cupboards in the room, and private bathrooms or shared bathrooms on each floor. All mattresses are standard summer camp mattresses.
You can find a full description of all accommodation types on our registration page: https://klezkanada.org/registration/
À la retraite estivale de KlezKanada, les participants seront servis un menu soigneusement sélectionné de repas végétariens. Cela comprend trois repas fraîchement préparés et deux collations par jour. Notre objectif est de fournir des repas sains et accessibles qui répondent aux besoins diversifiés de notre communauté et qui, dans la mesure du possible, sont produits localement. Pour les personnes qui font la demande dans leur formulaire d'inscription, des restrictions alimentaires supplémentaires seront aussi prises en compte.
Nous cherchons à trouver l’équilibre entre notre engagement à une retraite estivale qui accueille des personnes ayant un éventail de pratiques juives, et les coûts, les ressources et les besoins du programme dans son ensemble. La gestion et la fourniture du service alimentaire représentent une partie importante du coût du programme de retraite estivale. La cuisine ne sera pas sous la supervision directe d’un rabbin. Toutefois, tous les vins et les collations auront la certification « hekhsher. » Les participants pourront sélectionner l’option de repas pré-emballés certifiés par le rabbinat au moment de l'inscription, sans frais supplémentaires.
All meals and snacks will be vegetarian/pescatarian meals, with vegan options for those with dietary restrictions.
Note that snacks will be provided. While you are welcome to bring some of your own favourite snacks to the retreat, we ask that you be mindful of what you bring and where you consume it. The site is strictly nut and shellfish free, so please do not bring any peanut, nut, or shellfish products with you. Please also ask roommates or those around you if they have any allergies before eating your own food in shared space. There will not be refrigeration or kitchen access available to participants. If you have medication that requires refrigeration, please contact us at info@klezkanada.org.
You can find details about the venue on our Accessibility page.
Dos Bisele Glik has WiFi access, but participants should be aware that WiFi can be slow, limited, and spotty in the mountains and with such a large group of people. We highly recommend downloading anything you need before arriving at the retreat. Participants are expected to disconnect from the WiFi when not using it, to keep the network as functional as possible. We hope that participants enjoy a mostly unplugged week at camp.
You can find our current COVID-19 Safety Policy here:
It’s important to pack for both warm and cold weather for camp, as the weather in the Laurentian Mountains fluctuates considerably. The days are generally quite summery and beautiful, but Dos bisele glik/Le P'tit bonheur is north of Montreal and the temperature can be much cooler than the city. Mornings can be chilly, evenings cold and nights positively freezing! Sometimes it rains. Sometimes it rains a lot. Then again, the weather is often gorgeous and the days are warm enough to go swimming. So, bring both a rain jacket and sunscreen.
All indoor accommodations are heated.
Practice:
- Bring anything pertinent to your practice (i.e. your musical instrument!), sheet music, music stands, etc.
- Anyone with the intention of dancing (which should be all of you!) but especially those planning to attend the dance classes (which, again, should be all of you!) should bring comfortable shoes for dancing – flip flops are unacceptable dance shoes.
- We strongly recommend that students bring recorders (tape/minidisk/digital) in order to tape lessons and ensembles for later review. Don’t forget: extra batteries, a microphone, extra discs, cords, and chargers.
Rooming:
- Please bring your own sheets and bedding unless you have requested bedding (for a small fee) as part of your registration.
- Bring your own towels and toiletries (if you have requested bedding, you will be given one towel).
- Flip-flops for the showers
- Ear plugs and eye masks are recommended for personal comfort in shared space.
Clothing:
- There are no laundry facilities at KlezKanada. Please make sure that you bring enough clothing for the full week.
- We recommend that you bring warm clothing with you, especially as we will be holding as much programming outdoors as possible and opening windows for airflow. It can get VERY cold at night so bring a warm sweater, a tuque (for the non-Canadians, that’s a ski-hat), a scarf, etc.
- Raingear (rainjacket, waterproof shoes)
- As the ground in the country can be affected by the weather, please bring supportive shoes with good traction for your safety and comfort.
- Despite the evening temperatures, the days can be very warm. You will probably want casual summer clothing for daily wear. Bring clothes that you can be comfortable in – think summer camp. Don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen, a bathing suit, and sandals.
- Many participants like to dress up a little bit on Shabes. Not formal, but nice. Some may want to bring a kippah or hat.
- Many participants like to dress up for our annual themed tantshoyz (dance party)! You can find the tantshoyz theme in the program guide: https://klezkanada.org/summer-retreat/program/
Other:
- Masks, COVID-19 Rapid tests, and hand sanitizer. Please see our COVID-19 Safety guidelines here.
- Camera and extra film
- Earplugs (for sensitive ears during classes or concerts, for sharing cabins with roommates, etc.).
- A flashlight or headlamp for walking around camp at night is HIGHLY recommended
- A reusable water bottle and reusable coffee cup for warm beverages.
- Bug spray. There are often mosquitos buzzing around.
- Cash, recommended if you plan to buy anything at the boutique or bar, though there will also be a payment processor for cards.
Yes, it is. However, you won’t regret it when you have to run back to your room at 2 am. The temperatures have been known to drop to freezing during the night.
No, sorry – no pets.
You can buy tshirts, stickers, CDs, posters, and more at the KlezKanada Boutique. There is also a bar at the late-night cabaret (cash or credit).
Our Summer Retreat is located on a beautiful, clear lake. The lakefront is open at select times during the day (TBD). Please note that swimming is ONLY allowed when a camp lifeguard is on duty. This policy is strictly enforced.
There is a strict non-smoking policy within the camp grounds. There will be one area set aside for smoking (look for signs).
Summer Retreat Program FAQs
Monday - arrival, community-wide welcome, and evening program
Tuesday - workshops, evening concert, late-night program
Wednesday - workshops, evening concert, late-night program
Thursday - workshops, evening concert, late-night program
Friday - workshops, Backwards March, Services, late-night Shabes tish
Shabes/Saturday - Shabes programming, Havdalah followed by a tantshoyz (dance party), late-night program
Sunday - departure
If you are new to your instrument or new to klezmer, consider taking our beginner’s classes and ensembles. These are noted in our program guide.
We also highly recommend that you take a dance class each year, but especially in your first year. Our dance classes this year are open to all levels and are a fun way to learn the steps and style of Yiddish dance. Taking the class during the day will set you up to dance all night! As a musician, the dance classes are an important part of learning how to play for dancing.
Registrants may attend as many or as few classes as they choose. Azrieli Scholarship recipients are expected to attend a minimum of three classes per day.
We encourage you to make your workshop choices upon arrival at the Summer Retreat and stick to them throughout the week. Try your choices on the first day and, if necessary, transfer on the second day. After the second day, please do not change classes without permission from the teacher. Most classes build upon what is taught each day and it can be extremely disruptive to have participants drop in and out of the class.
If you know in advance that you might skip a class, please inform the instructor as early as possible. They will let you know if it is possible to make up for missed material.
Schedule changes and announcements will be posted at the Info Desk throughout the week.
The children’s program is open to children ages 5-12.
Childcare is not currently available. We are happy to connect families together before the retreat in the interest of sharing childcare.
There is a map in your brochure with all of the workshop locations marked. Don’t be afraid to stop people and ask for directions to the class locations.
Each period features classes for all levels. Please respect the levels listed in the title or description of each class.
Consider your technical skill and level of experience: if you don’t consider yourself a technically advanced musician but have performed Yiddish music publicly for years, you might consider an advanced workshop. In contrast, if you are a professional performer but new to klezmer, you might benefit more from an intermediate class, as it will cover more basic stylistics.
Faculty may recommend alternate classes to participants based on level. Note: All beginners
should attend the Beginners’ Ensemble in AM1.
Many workshops at the Summer Retreat use printed course materials, which will be distributed at the beginning of the session. We will also have a link to a Google Drive folder where you can access (most of) these materials on your phone or tablet. Please note that course materials are usually not available in advance.
Many music workshops at the Summer Retreat teach music by ear and do not provide sheet music. This is at the discretion of the instructor.
If you would like to observe a class without participating, please check in with the instructor beforehand. When observing classes, please enter quietly and do not interrupt the class while it is in session.
Many people like to record their workshops for personal reference (for example, to review a song after the Retreat). We encourage this, but please ask before recording your teachers and fellow participants in workshop settings and please do not share recordings of your workshops without permission from the instructor. Before recording programming or participants, please read our Recording Policy [LINK].
At-large coaching is available throughout the week, pending faculty schedules. Please speak to the individual faculty member but keep in mind that faculty may not be able to facilitate every request.
It is impossible to partake in everything offered at the Summer Retreat. That said, it is up to you to structure your time. There are always plenty of opportunities for informal jam sessions and long talks outside in the sun. Shabes is, for the most part, left unscheduled.
Shabes is a day of rest and therefore the regular workshop schedule is paused on Saturday. Shabes programs are unamplified and centre around conversation, reading, and singing. Some participants attend our communally-led Shabes services, some participants sleep in. It is also an opportunity to rest, spend time by the lake, or explore the hiking trails. KlezKanada's Summer Retreat is an interdenominational space and we ask that participants be respectful of diverse levels of observance.
Every year, our retreat brings together a diverse crowd of people from Montreal, across Canada, and all over the world. We welcome Jews and non-Jews of all backgrounds, levels and modes of religiosity, ages, races, languages, and beliefs. We are committed to the work it takes to build a community that is ever more inclusive and equitable. You can read our Community Guidelines here for more information
The short answer is that if you come to our Summer Retreat, then you're already a part of our community!
All participants are expected to conduct themselves in a manner which fits the goals of KlezKanada and the students themselves. Participants must agree to respect and uphold the Code of Conduct when they register. In order to make our in-person and digital programs kind, inclusive, and safe spaces for all, we ask that you also read our Community Guidelines.
KlezKanada aims to create a safe and healthy community for all ages. An emphasis is placed on creating a family atmosphere. The success of the Retreat relies on the responsible behaviour of all registrants, scholarship students and faculty.
Smoking is permitted ONLY IN DESIGNATED AREAS.
Responsible use of alcohol, cannabis, and other legal substances by adults of legal age is permitted and alcohol is served on the premises. However, we expect that those who choose to drink, will consume responsibly and with respect for and awareness of those around them. Please note that the legal age to consume alcohol in Quebec is 18 and the minimum age for legal cannabis use in Quebec is 21.
Illegal substances will not be tolerated. Reports of usage will be dealt with immediately by the program administrators.
Who do I reach out to if I have an interpersonal issue to resolve? What should I do if I am feeling unsafe or harassed or have concerns about discrimination? What is an ombudsperson and why do we need them at the retreat?
KlezKanada designates an ombudsperson at our retreat every year to give participants a safe space to speak about, monitor, and resolve problems.
The ombudsperson is able to act as a compassionate listener should you encounter any difficulties during the Retreat. The ombudsperson strives to provide neutral, objective support. They cannot provide legally binding advice, but they can give you options on how to proceed in particular situations.
We encourage you to reach out to the ombudsperson about any problems you may encounter, including, but not limited to interpersonal issues, or issues related to harassment, discrimination, personal discomfort, or safety. At the in-person Summer Retreat, you may visit the ombudsperson during their designated office hours, which will take place in a safe and private location, or reach out to them personally during the week to arrange another time or place to meet. You can contact the ombudsperson directly by email at ombudsperson@klezkanada.org.
Travel and Shuttle FAQs
You can find driving directions to Le P’tit Bonheur on the password-protected Participant Info page.
We offer a shuttle service from Montreal to the Summer Retreat (and back) on the first day and the last day of KlezKanada. The cost per person is $45 one way/$90 roundtrip, with a 50% discount for scholarship students. You must buy your tickets in advance. You can purchase tickets as an add-on when you register for the retreat. Shuttle tickets may be purchased separately before July 15, 2025.
Shuttle tickets are non-refundable, non-changeable, and non-transferrable.
Advance sign-up is compulsory for this service. Shuttles are booked according to the number of people who purchase tickets. There will not be room for additional passengers who did not purchase tickets in advance of the deadline.
Find more information about what you need to enter Canada at this link.
We are currently confirming the location of the shuttle pickup in Montreal. We request that all participants taking the shuttles arrive at the shuttle departure point half an hour before the scheduled departure time.
If you are taking the 2 PM shuttle from the airport, please make your way to the International Arrivals area and wait nearby the Information Centre. A KlezKanada Shuttle Captain will meet you and direct you to the shuttle bus.
If you experience delays, cancellations, or other circumstances while on route and have to miss the shuttle, please let us know as soon as possible via info@klezkanada.org. If you cannot find another way directly to Dos bisele glik/P’tit bonheur, please arrange your own transportation to the town of Ste-Agathe-des-Monts and we will arrange a pickup for you from there. You may be able to find transport to Ste-Agathe-des-Monts from Montreal city or airport through Orléans Express, Exo Québec, or other services. We will not be able to do pickups on the island of Montreal or in the immediately surrounding suburbs. Please note that we are unable to refund shuttle tickets for no-shows or late arrivals.
Year-round Digital Programs FAQs
The following tools and devices will help you participate fully:
A wired internet connection with an ethernet cable is recommended for optimal performance, but wifi will usually work fine.
A device that meets the Zoom system requirements:
Computers: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362023-System-requirements-for-Windows-macOS-and-Linux
Phones/Tablets: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201179966-System-requirements-for-iOS-iPadOS-and-Android
Headphones connected to your device. These may be needed for certain musical exercises.
A USB microphone will improve your sound quality tremendously, and can also be connected to phones/tablets using an adapter.
A music stand might be helpful.
If you'd like to get a headstart on Zoom, we recommend you peruse the materials made available on the Zoom website here.
While all digital sessions are recorded for security and archival purposes, we are usually unable to make recordings of classes and workshops available for distribution. Thank you for your understanding.
We understand the limitations of Zoom and other technologies and how this will change some of what happens in our classrooms.
With this in mind, our faculty and staff of expert artists, teachers, and creators have adapted their regular classes, workshops, and concerts to best meet the needs of this digital moment. We also try to take advantage of the unique capabilities these platforms offer, and we promise that your learning experience will still be rich and interactive.
The following policy applies to all of KlezKanada's online events unless otherwise stated:
All class sessions will be recorded from security and archival purposes. By taking part in our online events, you are giving KlezKanada permission to use audio/video recordings and/or pictures of you for archival, educational, or promotional purposes at a later date.
All the technologies that we use (including but not limited to Zoom and Google) have their own privacy policies that you are subject to.
If you want to record, screenshot, or photograph any part of a class you are participating in, please check with the instructor before doing so. Any recordings or photos you do make of classes must be strictly for private use and may not be shared publicly. The recording of concerts and performances is strictly prohibited.
DO stay muted. Please stay muted unless you are called upon to speak. For example, a faculty member might ask you to introduce yourself at the beginning of a session.
DON’T be surprised if you are muted during a session. The meeting hosts have the ability to mute everyone. You can always hold down the space bar to briefly unmute yourself as needed. (Note: this does not work if your cursor is in the chat window).
DO raise your hand if you want to speak. You can click “raise hand” (located at the bottom of the participant list), and a little blue hand will appear on your screen. If you no longer want to speak, you can lower your hand.
DO be extra conscientious and careful not to interrupt or talk over other participants. Due to the time lag on Zoom, it is very easy to interrupt each other. Be sure to leave space for others to speak in group discussions. If you do find yourself speaking at the same time as someone else, why not invite them to speak after you are done?
No, it is not possible to connect to more than one Zoom session at a time. We ask that participants try to be fully present, especially in participation-heavy sessions. After all, "me ken nisht tantsn af tsvey khasenes" [you can't dance at two weddings at once].
You will be able to ask questions either out loud or through the chat function.
You can click “raise hand” (located at the bottom of the participant list), and a little blue hand will appear on your screen. If you no longer want to speak, you can lower your hand.
You can also type a question into the chat window. The instructor will make sure there is time to stop and answer questions.
For general inquiries, please reach out to us via email at info@klezkanada.org.
During the digital intensives or summits, our behind-the-scenes technical team will provide an orientation before the event begins. Come over and have your questions answered!