Spiritual retreats are perfect for a post-pandemic getaway to find some alone time with nature and yourself.
If this is your first time planning to visit a spiritual retreat in BC, don't worry, we got you. Before you go planning your spiritual getaway you should know what to expect at a retreat of this kind.
A spiritual retreat is a safe space where you can experience complete renewal and gain a high level of self-knowledge. For those who believe in God or in any other higher power, it’s also the perfect setting for a profound meeting with it. During a spiritual retreat, you’ll be secluded in a distant place, usually surrounded by nature, away from noise and distraction. This is also why spiritual retreats are known as silent retreats or meditation retreats.
Whether your intention is to deepen your meditation practice, experience solitude, or reconnect with your own dear heart through the beauty of nature, here are some life-changing retreats you should consider not only because they're popular in BC, but are also known to be some of the best spiritual retreats in Canada.
1. Yashodhara Ashram, Kootenay Bay.
Temple of Light at Yashodhara Aashram. Photo Credit: Daniel Séguin.
Are you a person who enjoys taking time for self-discovery? Want to learn how to sharpen your awareness or achieve balance in your life? These are some of the reasons one may choose to attend a retreat or workshop at Yasodhara Ashram. This is a yoga retreat and study center that supports personal self-development, helping bring quality into lives through yogic tools and experiential learning. Spiritually they offer a focus on Light and the Divine Feminine, much-needed in our world today. Set in the natural environment of the beautiful Kootenay Bay region, the fresh oxygen, crystal blue lake, wildflowers, and forests surrounding this property provide a unique setting for spiritual reflection and growth. While the Ashram is rooted in the Karma Yoga tradition, it tends to attract people from all backgrounds, ages, and paths who are looking for meaning and purpose, experiencing life transitions, or seeking healing. The word “ashram” means spiritual home, and Yasodhara draws on spiritual traditions from across the world to offer programs that emphasize the mind-body-spirit connection. They offer a variety of retreat and program options, from guided to self-guided.
- Cost $160/day approx; deposit $100. (Includes shared accommodation and meals)
- Contact: 1-800-661-8711, info@yasodhara.org
2. The Hermitage, Denman Island.
The Hermitage at Denman Island; Photo Credit: Emily Halle.
The Hermitage, surrounded by many other mindfulness retreats on Vancouver Island, is a renowned rustic organic farm that offers sanctuary and stillness for spiritual seekers of all backgrounds. While the core values of The Hermitage are rooted in Buddhist Dharma, they welcome teachers from a variety of meditation traditions. Following the tradition of Eastern forest monasteries accommodations are small, private meditation huts set among trees, sharing a central washhouse. Guests are encouraged to take their cushions to a private spot and meditate in the midst of nature. Scheduled teaching and silent practice retreats are offered during the summer months and occasionally during the winter. To register for in-person retreats or online retreats, take a look at the retreat schedule.
- Cost $95/per night
- Contact: 250-335-3377, booking@rivendellretreat.org
3.Rivendell Retreat Centre, Bowen Island.
Photo Credit: Rivendell Retreat Centre
This beauty is located in the heart of Vancouver's downtown eastside. Rivendell is a non-profit society, hosted by a volunteer Christian community, rooted in the gospel values of Jesus and the practiced traditions of prayer, silence, simplicity, and hospitality. A true sanctuary in nature, you might just find a deer beside you when you open your eyes from a deep meditation. They offer a welcome to small groups and individuals who are seeking spiritual renewal, respite, and growth and are accessible to people with limited resources and special needs. You can opt for an even deeper experience of solitude if you choose to book through the Rivendell Hermitage, which offers small huts in the woods with no electricity.
- Cost: By Donation, usually $50/per night
- Contact: 604-947-0077, booking@rivendellretreat.org
4. The Sentinel, Kaslo.
Photo Credit: Tripadvisor, The Sentinel.
The Sentinel is a gorgeous place for a spiritual retreat in Vancouver. Run by founders Richard and Gillian, the Sentinel is their answer to this question: What are we collectively capable of achieving and becoming when we explore beyond the boundaries of convention to access a mindful state of peace and compassion? The beautiful purpose of this facility is to support people who seek to expand consciously in this world. They offer unique programs and diverse gathering spaces in a tranquil setting overlooking beautiful Kootenay Lake and the soaring Purcell Range attracting visitors from every corner of the globe to their intimate workshops and retreats. You can opt to book a few days of self-guided reflection or choose from their list of many packaged retreat options. Some are more wellness-focused, and others are more spiritual in nature.
- Cost: $200/per night
- Contact: 250-353-2246
5. Hollyhock, Cortes Island.
Main Lodge at Hollyhock. Photo Credit: Tripadvisor, Hollyhock.
Renowned as one of the world’s most beautiful retreat locations, Hollyhock offers a range of spiritual retreats and programs, in addition to their broader programming. Powerful experiential learning happens in a magnificent setting on British Columbia’s wilderness coast. They are registered not-for-profit and rely on philanthropic support to help fund programming development, accessibility, and campus sustainability. Enjoy cozy accommodations in hand-crafted wooden buildings and gourmet organic vegetarian cuisine. If you’re seeking a spiritual retreat, Hollyhock is hosting some truly beloved teachers. If you’re seeking solitude, self-guided retreats are available, too.
- Cost: $1500/a week approximately.
- Contact:1-250-935-6576
