The Convent

Country Inn

Robert and Mette Ducan

Robert and Mette

The Convent
Box 209
Val Marie, SK
Canada
S0N 2T0

Tel. 306-298-4515

Val Marie, located in the south-west corner of Saskatchewan, is the gateway to Canada's Grasslands National Park

Globe and Mail newspaper article about The Convent
(250 Kb image)

Located in the village of Val Marie, right next to Grasslands National Park in Saskatchewan, Canada. The Convent is a nine bedroom Country Inn. Room rates: $69.00 CDN (single),  $89.00 CDN (queen), and up; you can rent the whole building (9 bedrooms) for a discount, call for details. Breakfast is included. 

The Convent features long balconies on the main and second floors, a large sitting room, and Chapel. Preserved from the original building plan, the Chapel is ideal for retreats, workshops, meetings, and quiet reflection.

Built in 1939, The Convent was a high school operated by The Sisters of Assumption. Classes were held in The Convent until the mid-1960's, when the school was closed. The building stood vacant until discovered by Robert Ducan during a 1996 summer vacation visit to Val Marie. Captivated by the building's brick work, hardwood floors, and rich interior wood, Robert purchased the building from the village, saving The Convent from imminent demolition. Working together, Robert and Mette restored the building, opening The Convent  Country Inn, in time for the 1997 winter holiday season.

The story of Robert's and Mette's achievement has been featured on Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) radio and television programs, and in The Globe and Mail newspaper.

Grasslands National Park

The Convent is an ideal place to stay while exploring Canada's Grasslands National Park. The Park is a land of prehistoric badlands, lush coulees, and broad river valleys sweeping to distant horizons. It is the only place in Canada where colonies of black-tailed prairie dogs still exist in their native habitat.
Grasslands Park and surrounding area are wonderful places to view Plains Indians archaeological sites, featuring buffalo jumps, teepee rings, medicine wheels, and ancient village ruins.

What the Lonely Planet Travel Guide says about us:
"Val Marie is tiny but contains one of the best places to stay in the province if you're into character. The Convent Inn is actually in a restored convent. The woodwork is impressive and the white duvet covers complement the rich oak tones of wall-unit cupboards.  A huge lounge with overstuffed furniture and a left-book library provide a great place to relax after a hike. Continental breakfast is included."

The Canadian Geographic January-February, 2009 Issue says that The Convent is one of the four most unique places to stay in canada.

The Convent


Rich Interior Woodwork


Restaurant


Sitting Room


Evening Stroll in Val Marie

Outside View at Dusk 

Perfect place for a quiet wedding.

We invite you to come and swing in a hammock and listen to the crickets and Meadow-larks.