August is high summer in the Great Lakes region. In both Detroit and Toronto expect warm, often humid days (around 25–30 °C / 77–86 °F) and mild nights. Summer thunderstorms are possible — a light rain jacket or small umbrella is a good idea. Both venues are air-conditioned, so bring a layer for cooler indoor spaces.
Detroit and Toronto are both on Eastern Daylight Time (EDT, UTC-4) — there is no time change during the program.
NATI-RETI 2026 takes place on Turtle Island. The Detroit area is situated on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe peoples — the Three Fires Confederacy of Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi nations. Toronto is in the traditional territory of many nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinaabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples, and is covered by Treaty 13 and the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant. Our program invites us to learn and walk respectfully on these lands.
All NATI-RETI 2026 participants are citizens of the United States, permanent residents of the United States, or citizens of Canada, so no visa is required for the border crossing:
Keep your passport and documents with you in your hand luggage at all times on travel days — never packed in luggage stored under the bus.
Each participant arranges and pays for their own travel to Detroit at the start of the program and from Toronto at the end of the program.
Arrivals are expected between 07:30 and 13:00 on Monday 3 August, followed by the orientation session at 13:00 and the opening celebration. If your travel is delayed or interrupted, please inform the organizing team as soon as possible so we can adjust your pick-up.
On Sunday 9 August we travel together by bus from Detroit to Toronto, crossing the border into Windsor, Ontario, early in the morning. Have your passport (and Green Card, if applicable) ready at hand for the border inspection. Your luggage travels with us on the bus for the whole day.
The day is itself a pilgrimage through Underground Railroad history:
In the afternoon we continue by bus to Toronto (approximately 4 hours), where we check in at Victoria University and share dinner together.
The program closes on Sunday 16 August with breakfast and the closing celebration in the morning. Check-out from the residence is at 11:00; a luggage storage space will be indicated on site for those departing later in the day.
Each participant arranges their own onward travel from Toronto. Convenient options from downtown Toronto include:
Union Station is about a 25–30 minute walk, a short subway ride (Museum Station to Union on Line 1), or a 10-minute taxi/rideshare from Victoria University.
A center of Franciscan spirituality set on 95 wooded acres, run by the Capuchin friars of the Province of St. Joseph, who warmly welcome guests of all traditions. Each participant will have a private room with a private full bathroom. Linens, towels, and soap are provided; rooms are climate-controlled and Wi-Fi is available. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served on site.
The retreat center is a Franciscan house of prayer: please maintain a respectful, calm atmosphere, wear casual and modest clothing, and note that alcohol is not consumed on the grounds. The woods, walking paths, and outdoor spaces are open to you for reflection and rest.
Accommodation is in the Margaret Addison Hall and Burwash Hall residences, in shared rooms with shared washrooms. Linens and towels are provided; the residences have Wi-Fi and common rooms. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in the Burwash Dining Hall, and sessions take place at Emmanuel College (75 Queen’s Park Crescent East), a few minutes’ walk away.
Take a look at the residences and dining hall before you arrive:
The NATI-RETI 2026 program fee covers accommodation in Detroit and Toronto, all meals during the program, study materials, and program transportation — including the bus from Detroit to Toronto on 9 August and all scheduled study visits and local excursions. Participants are responsible for their travel to Detroit and from Toronto, and for personal expenses. Full details on the Investment & Financial Support page.
Card-operated laundry machines are available in the Toronto residences at a small cost (details on arrival). No laundry service is planned during the Detroit phase — pack enough clothing for the first week.
Communications teams will photograph and record video throughout the program for documentation and promotion. By participating, you consent to being photographed or filmed. If you prefer not to appear, let the communications team know at the start of the program.
Wi-Fi is available at both venues. The USA and Canada share the country code +1, but they are separate countries for mobile roaming — check that your plan covers both sides of the border, or consider adding a cross-border/roaming option before you travel.
The USA and Canada use the same plugs (Type A/B, 120 V, 60 Hz) — no adapters needed between the two countries.
You will use U.S. Dollars in Detroit and Canadian Dollars in Windsor and Toronto. Credit and debit cards (including contactless) are widely accepted in both countries; a small amount of cash in each currency is enough for incidentals. ATMs are easy to find in both cities.
Tipping is customary in restaurants and cafés in both countries (usually 15–18%), but never needed for organized NATI-RETI 2026 services — buses, study visits, or meals at the venues.
In both the United States and Canada, dial 911 for police, ambulance, or fire. Contact details for the on-site organizing team will be shared at the beginning of the program.
Detroit and Toronto are welcoming host cities with no significant safety risks associated with the program — as in any urban area, keep an eye on your belongings in airports, stations, and busy public spaces. Tap water is safe to drink in both countries. Several program elements take place outdoors (study visits, walking tours, learning on the land), so come prepared for summer sun and mosquitoes. Bring an adequate supply of any regular medication for the full duration, in your hand luggage.
Our Climate Justice study visit to Freedom Dreams EcoVillage in Detroit is a hands-on day of work on the land: pathway building, gardening, and weed clearing around the Hill House, along with some deconstruction of pallets and sheathing of the Hill House. The deconstruction is minimal, fully supervised, and done with tools and PPE provided on site. For this day, please:
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We look forward to welcoming you in Detroit and Toronto.
Have a safe trip!