Kate Barlow in Montreal, Canada | 1st to 8th May 2027

• 7 nights’ accommodation at the Hampton by Hilton Montréal Downtown, with daily breakfast
• 27 hours of embroidery tuition with Kate Barlow, spread over 4.5 days (two 3-hour sessions per full day)
• Bright, comfortable workshop facilities designed for creativity and learning
• A full-day cultural excursion including the McCord Stewart Museum, lunch in Old Montréal, visits to local haberdashery shops, and the magnificent Notre-Dame Basilica
• An afternoon sightseeing cruise on the St. Lawrence River, with time to explore Montréal’s historic Old Port and La Grande Roue de Montréal
• Welcome reception and three-course welcome dinner on the first evening
• Additional group lunches and dinners as outlined in the itinerary (5 lunches and 3 dinners are included)
• Dedicated Creative Experiences host throughout the retreat
• A small group size (maximum 15 guests) for personal attention and a relaxed learning atmosphere
• Farewell dinner and drinks on last night

To help you plan with ease, please note the following are not included in the retreat package:

• Flights to and from Montréal
• Airport transfers (can be arranged at an additional cost)
• Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
• 1 lunch and 4 dinners during the retreat (you can join your tour manager or have dinner on your own or with your new friends)
• Drinks and personal expenses during free time
• Optional excursions or activities outside the planned programme
• Embroidery kit and materials from Kate Barlow (these will be available to purchase separately)

Your journey to Montréal is simple, with excellent international air connections and easy access from the airport to the city centre.

By Air
Fly into Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL), Canada’s second busiest airport, with direct flights from the UK, Europe, the United States, and many international destinations. The airport is located approximately 20 km (12 miles) from downtown Montréal, with a journey time of around 25–30 minutes by taxi or private transfer.

Getting to the Hotel
The Hampton by Hilton Montréal Downtown is conveniently located in the heart of the city. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available from the airport, while the STM 747 Express Bus provides a direct service between the airport and downtown Montréal, operating 24 hours a day. From the nearest stop, the hotel is just a short walk away.

Hotel Check-in
Check-in at the Hampton by Hilton Montréal Downtown is from 3:00 pm. We recommend planning your flights to arrive from this time where possible.

Pre-Arrival Support
Before your retreat, you will receive detailed arrival information, including directions to the hotel and helpful travel advice. Optional private airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, and a member of the Creative Experiences team will be at Montréal–Trudeau International Airport to welcome you on arrival.

Your home for the week is the Hampton by Hilton Montréal Downtown, a modern and welcoming hotel ideally located within easy walking distance of Old Montréal, the city’s vibrant waterfront, and many of its most celebrated attractions. Comfortable, contemporary guest rooms and inviting communal spaces provide the perfect place to relax after a rewarding day of embroidery and sightseeing.

Each morning begins with a generous breakfast at the hotel before the day’s activities commence. Throughout the retreat, a selection of group lunches and dinners are included, allowing you to enjoy Montréal’s renowned culinary scene, where French, Canadian, and international influences combine to create an exciting dining experience.

Your retreat begins with a welcome drink and three-course dinner on the first evening, offering the perfect opportunity to meet Kate Barlow and your fellow guests.

To provide flexibility, 1 lunch and 4 dinners are not included, giving you the opportunity to discover Montréal’s wonderful cafés, bistros, and restaurants at your own pace. On evenings when dinner is not included, we will always recommend a local restaurant and warmly invite anyone who wishes to join us, ensuring you will always have company unless you prefer an evening to yourself.

To help you make the most of your week in Montréal, we recommend packing for both comfortable days of embroidery and relaxed sightseeing around the city.

Clothing
Early May in Montréal is generally mild, with daytime temperatures between 13–18°C (55–64°F), although mornings and evenings can be considerably cooler. We recommend packing comfortable layers, including light sweaters or cardigans, a waterproof jacket, and a warmer outer layer for evenings. Casual clothing is suitable throughout the retreat, while smart-casual attire is ideal for our welcome and farewell dinners.

Comfortable Walking Shoes
Our excursions include exploring Old Montréal, visits to museums and historic sites, and time spent along the Old Port. Comfortable, supportive walking shoes are essential, as many streets in the historic centre are cobbled or uneven.

Electrical Plugs
Canada uses Type A and Type B electrical outlets with a 120V supply. Guests travelling from the UK, Europe, Australia, or many other countries will need a suitable travel adapter. If you plan to use multiple devices, a small extension lead or USB charging hub can also be useful.

Medications
Please ensure you bring an adequate supply of any prescription medication you require for the duration of your stay, together with a copy of your prescription if appropriate. We also recommend packing any personal medications, such as pain relief, allergy medication, or motion sickness tablets if you are prone to travel sickness.

Travel Essentials

We recommend bringing:

• A valid passport and any required travel documents
• Comprehensive travel insurance
• Credit and/or debit cards (widely accepted throughout Canada)
• A reusable water bottle
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• A small day bag for excursions
• An umbrella or lightweight waterproof jacket for occasional spring showers

With a little preparation, you will be ready to enjoy a wonderful week of embroidery, culture, and discovering the beautiful city of Montréal.

We want every guest to enjoy a safe, comfortable, and rewarding retreat in Montréal. Please review the following before booking:

The retreat includes walking around Old Montréal, the historic waterfront, museums, and the Notre-Dame Basilica, as well as embarking and disembarking from a sightseeing boat cruise. Guests should be comfortable walking at a relaxed group pace for extended periods, standing during guided visits, and navigating occasional cobbled or uneven streets.

The Hampton by Hilton Montréal Downtown offers modern, comfortable accommodation. If you have specific room requirements, such as a walk-in shower or accessible room, please let us know at the time of booking so we can discuss availability with the hotel.

The embroidery classes involve extended periods of seated stitching, with regular breaks for coffee, tea, and lunch. Guests should be comfortable sitting for several hours at a time and moving independently between the workshop, dining areas, and guest rooms.

If you have mobility considerations, medical conditions, or accessibility requirements, we strongly encourage you to contact us before booking so we can discuss your individual needs and assess whether this retreat is suitable for you.

While we will always do our utmost to support participation and explore reasonable adjustments wherever possible, any special arrangements must not compromise the experience of the wider group.

Our team is committed to ensuring every guest enjoys a welcoming, enjoyable, and memorable week. If you have any questions about accessibility or the physical requirements of the retreat, we would be delighted to help.

Rather than working on a single set project, guests joining Kate Barlow’s Montréal retreat will be invited to choose from a beautiful collection of her original embroidery designs, allowing you to select the project that best reflects your interests and experience. Throughout the week, Kate will provide individual guidance and expert tuition, helping you develop new techniques while bringing your chosen design to life.

For this special retreat, Kate will be offering the following projects:

• Butterfly Bloom – a delicate celebration of nature featuring beautiful butterflies, floral motifs, and intricate decorative stitching.

• Moroccan Blue – inspired by the rich colours, patterns, and architectural beauty of Morocco, combining texture and vibrant embroidery techniques.

• Souk Treasures – capturing the atmosphere and colourful treasures of a traditional Moroccan marketplace through layered stitching and decorative detail.

• Bobbins & Bluebirds – a charming design celebrating the heritage of embroidery, featuring sewing-themed motifs alongside elegant bluebirds and floral elements.

• A Brand-New Exclusive Design – Kate is currently creating an exciting new embroidery project especially for the Montréal retreat, which will be revealed closer to the event.

Cancellation shall take effect only when Creative Experiences receives written notification from the person confirming the booking. All correspondence should be addressed to Creative Experiences, 55 Westfield Avenue, Cupar, Fife, KY15 5AA, United Kingdom or by email to info@creative-experiences. In all cases of cancellation, the deposit forfeit. The following cancellation fees expressed, as a percentage of the total holiday cost, will become immediately payable to Creative Experiences.

Cancellation charge:

Cancellation within 8 weeks; 40% of holiday cost payable

Cancellation within 7 weeks; 60% of holiday cost payable

Cancellation within 6 weeks; 80% of holiday cost payable

Cancellation within 4 weeks; 100% of holiday cost payable