Visit Us
Whether for a few days or a longer season, we welcome you to experience the beauty of the land and the warmth of Christ-centred community. Stays are donation-based, and every visit begins with a conversation.
Anastara Acres
Anastara Acres is home to a Christ-centred community on 152 acres of forest, meadow, and flowing water. A visit here is not a getaway from life but an invitation into it: to slow down, share the table, and reconnect with the land, with one another, and with the Creator who sustains all things.
Whether you come for a season of rest and renewal, an opportunity to experience a way of life more closely aligned with God’s design, or to explore making this community your home, we invite you to come as you are. Here, you are welcomed into the everyday rhythms of shared life—gathering around the table, working and learning together, growing in fellowship, and spending time in God’s creation. Our hospitality is a natural expression of this way of life, rooted in faith, love, generosity, and a desire to make room for others at the table.
“Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”
Hebrews 13:1–2
An Invitation to Belong
People come to Anastara for many reasons. Some seek rest and renewal after a difficult season, while others are curious about Christ-centred community and wish to experience the rhythms of shared life firsthand. We welcome individuals, families, and small groups who desire a peaceful retreat, meaningful fellowship, or an opportunity to explore a way of life more closely aligned with God's design.
Anastara Acres is first and foremost our home and a living ministry, rather than a public accommodation or conventional retreat rental. Our hospitality is an extension of our shared community life, offered through personal connection and mutual understanding. Every visit begins with a conversation to explore how we might welcome you into this way of life.
Some stay for a weekend, while others remain for weeks or months. For those who sense God may be calling them to make Anastara their home, a visit can become the beginning of a deeper journey into community life and discipleship.
We also welcome opportunities to partner with churches, ministries, and organizations whose missions align with ours, opening our home and land for meaningful gatherings such as children's camps, pastoral retreats, and other experiences that foster faith, connection, and renewal.
“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household.”
Ephesians 2:19
What a Stay Looks Like
Life at Anastara follows the natural rhythms of the seasons and the needs of the community, so no two visits are quite the same. Depending on when you come, your days might include quiet mornings, shared meals, time in prayer and fellowship, hands-on projects in the garden or workshop, exploring the land, or evenings gathered around the fire. Saturdays are our Community Days, when we welcome the broader fellowship to join us for food, fellowship, meaningful conversations, and shared learning.
As a visitor, you are welcomed into our home as part of the community rather than simply as a guest to be served. We invite everyone to embrace the spirit of shared life by caring for the spaces they use, cleaning up after themselves, and lending a hand where they feel led. These simple acts of consideration and service help us care for one another and sustain a welcoming environment where hospitality can remain accessible to all, regardless of financial means.
Above all, we hope your time here offers the freedom to rest, connect, contribute, and experience the beauty of a life shared in faith and love.
Accommodations & Shared Spaces
At Anastara Acres, accommodations are part of our shared community life rather than traditional room or cabin rentals. We have a variety of welcoming spaces, and where you stay will depend on availability, the needs of the community, and the length of your visit. As people come and go, we may occasionally shift between spaces to make room for one another. We invite everyone to embrace this flexibility as part of the spirit of shared living.
Comfortable private bedrooms in the heart of the community, with shared access to the living room, library, kitchen, shared washrooms, and gathering spaces just outside your door.
Three cozy cabins (Ra'am, Ruach, & Esh) with fully-equipped kitchens and a shared community firepit, offering a little more privacy and independence while remaining close to the heart of community life.
A rustic, off-grid cabin along the shores of Strubel Lake, with a wood stove and private dock. A peaceful setting for simplicity, solitude, and reflection.
A spacious communal home on the quieter north side of the property, with four bedrooms, a loft, a full kitchen, two living areas, and a wraparound sundeck. Primarily home to long-term residents, with occasional room for longer or seasonal stays.
A cozy one-bedroom, studio-style suite above our community workshop on the north side of the property. A quiet, private space that is primarily home to long-term residents, with occasional room for longer or seasonal stays.
Seasonal opportunities for tent camping or RV stays along the river, offering a closer connection to nature while remaining part of the broader community.
Sharing in the Cost
At Anastara Acres, hospitality is an expression of our faith and commitment to sharing what God has entrusted to us. Most visitors offer a modest contribution toward their stay, which helps cover shared costs and sustain the land, the community, and the ministry. Our desire is that cost never becomes a barrier to experiencing the rest, fellowship, and community life offered here, so for those who are unable to contribute, ministry scholarships may reduce or fully cover the cost of a stay.
Alongside financial generosity, we invite everyone to embrace a heart of shared stewardship by caring for the spaces they use, helping with everyday tasks, and contributing to community projects as they feel able. Meals are often shared potluck-style, with residents and visitors welcome to contribute ingredients, bring a dish, or lend a hand with preparation and cleanup. These simple expressions of mutual care, service, and generosity reflect our belief that all we have is a gift from God, entrusted to us to care for and share with others. Together, we share both the blessings and responsibilities of community life, helping sustain a place where hospitality can remain accessible to all.
Every visit begins with a conversation. We invite you to share a little about yourself, what brings you to Anastara, and what draws you to this way of life. Together, we can explore the timing, available spaces, and how your visit might fit within the life of the community.
Start a ConversationQuestions
How do I arrange a visit?
Every visit begins with a conversation. Reach out through our Connect page to tell us a little about yourself, what brings you to Anastara, and any questions you may have. Together, we'll explore available dates, accommodations, and how your visit might fit within the life of the community.
What does a stay cost?
Most stays include a modest contribution toward shared costs, which we'll talk through together when arranging your visit. For those with limited financial means, ministry scholarships may reduce or fully cover the cost of a stay, so please don't let cost keep you from reaching out.
Do I need to be a Christian to visit?
Not at all. We welcome people of all backgrounds and beliefs, wherever they may be on their spiritual journey. Anastara is a Christ-centred community, and our faith naturally shapes our daily life, conversations, gatherings, and shared activities. While visitors can expect to encounter prayer, Scripture, and discussions rooted in our Christian faith, there is no expectation to share our beliefs or participate in spiritual practices. We simply ask that visitors come with an open heart and a willingness to respect the faith that guides our way of life. We believe each person's spiritual journey unfolds in God's own way and timing, and our desire is to share life in love and fellowship, without pressure or persuasion.
How long can I stay?
Visits may range from a few days to several weeks or months, depending on availability, the needs of the community, and whether the arrangement continues to be mutually beneficial and aligned with our shared values and way of life. Longer stays offer an opportunity to experience community life more deeply and may become part of the journey toward making Anastara your home.
What about meals?
Meals are often shared potluck-style in The Nest (our community kitchen and dining space). Visitors are invited to contribute ingredients, bring a dish, and/or help with meal preparation and cleanup as part of our shared stewardship. Please let us know about any dietary needs or restrictions before your visit so we can discuss how best to accommodate them.
Can I bring children or pets?
Absolutely! Families are welcome, and children will find plenty of opportunities for adventure, exploration, and play. We also love our four-legged companions, and dogs and cats are welcome as part of community life. Please tell us about your pets when arranging your visit, so we can talk about how best to introduce them to the community and to our resident pack of dogs.
Is there cell service and Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is available in several shared spaces, including the Lodge, The Nest, The Den, and our shared workspace. There is no direct Wi-Fi access in the cabins, and cellular reception is limited throughout the property. We encourage visitors to embrace the opportunity to unplug, slow down, and enjoy a little more time connecting with nature and one another.
What should I bring?
We recommend comfortable clothing suited to the season, sturdy footwear for exploring the land, indoor shoes or slippers, and a swimsuit for the hot tub, sauna, or lake. If you'd like to participate in hands-on community projects, bring clothing you don't mind getting dirty. You may also wish to bring a Bible, journal, or favourite book for quiet moments of reflection.
Visitors are generally asked to bring their own food for breakfasts, lunches, and snacks, along with any ingredients or dishes they'd like to contribute to our shared dinners and any other communal meals. If providing your own food presents a financial hardship, please let us know when arranging your visit so we can explore how the community may be able to support you.
You're also welcome to bring in-kind donations to support the community and ministry. We gratefully accept a variety of useful items, including tools, clothing, furniture, artwork, household supplies, and other resources. If you have something you'd like to contribute, feel free to mention it when arranging your visit so we can discuss what would be most helpful.
Where are you?
Anastara Acres is nestled in rural Clearwater County, Alberta, near Rocky Mountain House, surrounded by forest, meadow, and wilderness in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies. Just minutes from Strubel Lake and a short, scenic drive from the breathtaking landscapes of Abraham Lake, Nordegg, and David Thompson Country, our location offers a peaceful retreat with abundant opportunities to explore the surrounding natural beauty. We'll share directions and arrival details once your visit has been arranged.
Can I host a group gathering or event at Anastara Acres?
We welcome opportunities to share our land and spaces for meaningful gatherings that align with our faith, values, and ministry. This includes partnerships with churches, ministries, and like-minded organizations for camps, retreats, educational experiences, and other purposeful events. We also welcome inquiries about personal and family celebrations or gatherings from active members of our community and wider fellowship.
As Anastara Acres is first and foremost our home and a living ministry rather than a public event venue or retreat rental, all gatherings are considered individually through conversation, taking into account their purpose, alignment with our community, availability, and shared needs. We'd love to hear what you have in mind and explore whether it might be a good fit.
Visitor Reviews
Scroll to read more →
“A cozy and peaceful place surrounded by beautiful forest that made every moment special. The hosts and everyone who works there were incredibly kind, welcoming, and attentive, which made us feel at home from the very first day. During our stay, we were filled with new emotions, strengthened our faith, and spent a few unforgettable days meeting wonderful people and creating meaningful memories. This experience will stay with us for a long time, and we are very grateful for such a warm and inspiring stay.”
Emin · Visitor
“I have never felt so welcomed by a community in such a short period of time. The connections that were made, the conversations that were had, and the sharing of perspectives and values were an experience I think that will stay with me forever! The whole community are so amazing, kind and honest! I was able to learn so many new things, and expand some of my perspectives! I got a chance to not only escape my busy life, but to connect with genuine human beings, the beautiful nature surrounded by us and learn a little bit more about grace, faith and integrity! The experience is unforgettable.”
Ashley · Visitor
“My time with Anastara has been nothing less than liberating. Living in the community for several months gave me the opportunity to face deep programs and patterns that were unconscious to me before. The love, acceptance and reflections I've received in my time here were life-changing. I feel a deep gratitude for Anastara and its founders, Anastara Acres and all the beautiful people within this community. Thank you so much. And with great excitement, I look forward to keep seeing this hub evolve into what it is meant to be.”
Jeroen · Temporary Resident
“An amazing hidden gem! A community of genuine people of service with awesome connections, food and fellowship. We relaxed in the rustic log lodge, enjoyed the hot tub and explored the many hiking trails. Very pet friendly and welcoming. If you want to restore your soul there are many options at Anastara.”
Denise · Visitor
“This was such an incredible experience. We were welcomed in as family right away! We made so many new connections and memories. The food is absolutely outstanding. They even baked me a cake for my birthday. I cannot recommend this place enough!”
Kassandra · Visitor
“I am grateful for the profound insights and connections I gained during my time at Anastara. It was a transformative experience that continues to inspire my daily life.”
James · Visitor
Ministry Scholarships
At Anastara Living Ministry, we believe financial circumstances should never prevent someone from finding rest, fellowship, and belonging. For those who are unable to afford a stay, and for others our ministry exists to serve, scholarships may reduce or fully cover the cost, including opportunities for longer, ministry-supported stays and deeper participation in community life.
Each situation is considered individually, with care for the needs of those seeking support and the resources available to our community. We invite you to reach out, share a little about your circumstances, and begin a conversation about how we might walk alongside you.
An Open Invitation
Whether you are seeking rest, meaningful connection, a season of renewal, or a deeper experience of life in community, we welcome you to reach out. Every visit begins with a conversation, and we would love to hear your story, learn what brings you here, and explore how we might share this place and season of life together.
Start a Conversation“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
1 John 3:18