ABOUT US

Our Mission

At Backyard Retreat, our mission is to help you create the perfect getaway—right in your own backyard. As a family-owned and operated business, we’re dedicated to providing top-quality hot tubs and swim spas and backed by exceptional customer service. Our goal is to make the process simple, stress-free, and enjoyable from start to finish, so you can focus on what truly matters—relaxation, wellness, and quality time with the people you love.

Our Values

  • Family First — We’re proud to be family-owned and operated, and we treat our customers like part of that family.
  • Excellence in Service — Recognized for outstanding customer care, we go above and beyond to ensure your complete satisfaction.
  • Honesty & Transparency — No pushy sales tactics—just genuine guidance to help you make the right decision for your lifestyle and budget.
  • Expertise You Can Trust — With over 40 years of combined industry experience, we bring knowledge, integrity, and attention to detail to every interaction.
  • Customer Commitment — We’re here for you 7 days a week, ready to answer questions, offer support, and make sure your backyard retreat stays enjoyable for years to come.

Meet The Staff



Nick Bowen

Principal Owner

My name is Nick Bowen, better known as “Slick Nick”, a nickname that was given to him by his school friends due to his leadership, ambition and entrepreneurship. Nick has been in the industry for over 25 years. His vision has always been to create more than just a store—he set out to design a 5-star, resort-style buying experience where every customer feels welcomed, understood, and valued. As the face of Backyard Retreat online, Nick shares his expertise and passion for helping families create their own backyard escape. Known for his leadership and drive, he brings energy and authenticity to everything he does. Outside of work, Nick enjoys weight training, mixed martial arts, fast cars, basketball, and golf—and even holds a Guinness World Record with his martial arts academy.



Bjorn “BJ” Wilmot

Owner/Operator

With over two decades of experience in the hot tub and swim spa industry, Bjorn brings unmatched product knowledge and a genuine commitment to helping customers find the perfect fit for their home. Before co-founding Backyard Retreat in 2013, he worked directly with Hydropool at their Mississauga headquarters, gaining hands-on expertise in service, sales, and customer care. Today, Bjorn focuses on creating a seamless experience—from your first visit to long after installation—so you can feel confident in your investment and enjoy a lifetime of relaxation. Outside of work, he enjoys cars, fitness, cheering on the Toronto Raptors, and spending time with family and friends.



Logan Bowen

Store Manager

Logan is dedicated to helping customers find the perfect hot tub or swim spa to fit their lifestyle. With a background in the restaurant business, he knows how to make the buying experience smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free. Whether you’re looking to relax, recover, or spend more quality time with family, Logan helps you find the right fit for your space and needs. Outside of work, he enjoys cars, weightlifting, gaming, and recently picked up golf—so he understands the value of having the perfect way to unwind after a busy day.



Talia Bowen

Director of Marketing and Design/Sales Associate

Talia is our in-house marketing designer at Backyard Retreat. She brings a creative eye and strategic approach to everything from social media content to visual design. With a background in branding and digital marketing, she helps showcase what makes our hot tubs and swim spas stand out—combining aesthetics, storytelling, and customer experience to make our brand feel as relaxing and luxurious as the products we sell.


Here’s What Our Customers Have to Say

  • We would highly recommend Backyard Retreat. The customer service was excellent! Nick was so pleasant to talk with, he answered all our questions about the hot tubs when we were shopping, and he went above and beyond to help us with the electrical and preparation to install our new hot tub. Installation was arranged quickly and easily by BYR. Afterward, Nick was patient with our questions about maintenance and put our minds at ease. Now that we have our Hydropool hot tub in our backyard we are thoroughly enjoying it, and to top it off it didn't cost nearly as much as we thought it would to get a good quality tub in our backyard. Thanks again Nick!

    Amanda Oke

  • Amazing service from Backyard Retreat! Will and the team, from start to finish provided nothing but exceptional service. We purchased a swim spa recently and we are LOVING IT! Will and the team we’re beyond helpful with all our questions and provided us with amazing guidance in our first major backyard Reno. Backyard Retreat are an amazing team to deal with, always professional and on time. Will was so patient with us and really prompt to respond to you and always went above and beyond. Thanks, everyone! Wishing you an amazing 2020!

    Marcia Marcolin

  • Ive been looking for over a year to finally renovate my backyard when I was recommended by a friend to go see Backyard Retreat. The reason I'm doing this review is if there is anyone out there looking for a company that takes sincere pride in customer service, it's this place. Will and his staff are nothing short of excellent. Their knowledge and customer service is unparalleled. They take the time to make sure you get what you want and they're always a phone call or an email away even after hours. Just come to this place and don't bother with any others. You won't regret it.

    Austin Cousin