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Climate Readers' Retreat with Guest Author John Vaillant: Renewing Our Energy for Change

Name: Climate Readers' Retreat with Guest Author John Vaillant: Renewing Our Energy for Change
Start: 2025-05-21
End: 2025-05-25
Location: Hollyhock
Rating: 4.78

4.789 reviews

Cortes Island, Strathcona, BC, Canada

May 21 - 25, 2025

Retreat Highlights

Workshops, discussions
Action Plan for future work
Listening to keynotes
Curated reading lists
Group work
Writing
Individual reflection

About this Retreat

Your Guides

John

Zoe

Ian

John Vaillant

John Vaillant is an author and freelance writer whose work has appeared in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, National Geographic, and the Guardian, among others. His first book, The Golden Spruce (Knopf, 2005), was a bestseller and won several awards, including the Governor General's and Rogers Trust awards for non-fiction. His second non-fiction book, The Tiger (Knopf, 2010), won the B.C. Achievement Award for Non-Fiction, was a bestseller selected for Canada Reads, and has been published in 17 languages. In 2014 Vaillant won the Windham-Campbell Prize, a global award for non-fiction. In 2015, he published his first work of fiction, The Jaguar's Children, which was long-listed for the Dublin IMPAC and Kirkus Fiction Prizes, and was a finalist for the Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize. Vaillant’s latest book, Fire Weather, is a #1 national bestseller that won Britain's Baillie Gifford Prize, a global prize for English language non-fiction, and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, the U.S. National Book Award, the PEN John Kenneth Galbraith Non-Fiction Award, the Writers‘ Trust Nonfiction Prize, and Britain’s Wainwright Prize. It was named one of the ten best books of 2023 by The New York Times, among many other prominent publications. In Canada, Fire Weather won the Shaughnessy-Cohen Prize for Political Writing, the Dafoe Book Prize, and the Hubert Evans Prize for Non-Fiction.

Zoe Grams

Zoe Grams is an award-winning strategist and organization leader who works at the intersection of storytelling and environmental and social justice. She is founder of Zg Stories—a B-Corporation communications agency; co-founder of Upstart & Crow, a creative non-profit; and former Chair/Co-Chair of multiple boards including WISH Drop-In Centre Society and KidSafe (amongst others). She has provided advocacy strategy and large-scale communications outreach to non-profits, municipal governments, Indigenous Nations, and purpose-driven companies across Canada and the US for more than a decade. Born and raised in Scotland, she holds an MA in Philosophy from The University of Glasgow and an MSc with Distinction in Politics and Communication from the London School of Economics.

Ian Gill

Ian Gill is an Australian-born author, journalist, critic, conservationist and co-founder of the bioregional initiative Salmon Nation and storytelling initiative the Magic Canoe. Ian worked for almost 20 years as CEO of Ecotrust in Canada, the US and Australia, and has extensive experience in community and economic development in coastal communities along North America’s west coast. He is co-founder of Upstart & Crow, a literary non-profit, and is a contributing editor at The Tyee. His book on Haida Gwaii, All That We Say is Ours, was re-released in paperback in 2022.

Details of this retreat

Our world needs scalable, systemic change, and now. But most of us don’t have the time and space in our daily lives to deeply reflect on what our contribution to solving the climate crisis might be.

Pulitzer Prize finalist John Vaillant—author of The Golden Spruce and Fire Weather, award-winning communications strategist Zoe Grams, and celebrated journalist, author and non-profit founder Ian Gill present a carefully-curated five-day program to support you in moving from thinking to action in our current times. We’ll be joined by special guest, author and land-based leader Cúagilákv (Jess Housty) who will speak to the concept of right relations and Indigenous knowledge in relation to climate work.

Through workshops, presentations, interactive dialogues and more, participants will explore:  

Hope. How do we define hope and how important is it, really, in our future work?
Storytelling. What are methods and ideas from award-winning journalists and communications experts that can support us in turning these answers into practice?
Right Relations. What does it mean to be in “right relations” with each other, and the planet? How or should non-Indigenous citizens collaborate with Indigenous communities for positive impacts?
Class and politics. What are the inherent assumptions we make about others, and how do we begin to have discussions with others outside of our social “bubbles”?
Disconnection and denial. What are the ways in which we each create barriers to doing more?
Building the future. What’s stopping you from deepening your work or impact — and what comes next?

This is an opportunity to explore how to move from despair or mourning into organizing; to discuss tough questions about action and complicity; to discover and share techniques for renewing your energy for change; to find out how we can talk about the current political reality in order to galvanize people to action; and to create a plan to transform how you contribute to our shared futures.

If you’re seeking inspiration to stoke your work in the months ahead, to find tools for deepening your work, use this time for reflection, relationship building and giving yourself the tools and space to build a plan for the future.

Proceeds from the retreat go towards Upstart & Crow’s non-profit Climate program and Thistalalh Library.
Daily Schedule
Click here to view your program schedule.

Read More

Schedule

A detailed schedule will be emailed to you about 30 days prior to your program. Click here to view a sample program schedule.

Note: Schedule is approximate and may change

Hollyhock, Cortes Island, Strathcona, BC, Canada

Directions

Our address is: 445 Highfield Road, Manson’s Landing
Cortes Island, B.C. V0P 1K0 Canada

There are a variety of ways to get here. They include:

Seaplane:
1 hr from Vancouver
2 hrs from Seattle

Fly & Water Taxi:
2 hrs from Vancouver
3 hrs from Seattle

Roadtrip
Approx 6 hrs from Vancouver
Approx 10 hrs from Seattle

Public Trnsport (Ferry)
Approx 6 hrs from Vancouver
Approx 10 hrs from Seattle

Other ideas:

Rideshare:
Lighten your footprint and cost by sharing a ride with a fellow Hollyhock traveler – you might make a new friend! Create a free account on our secure Ride Share Board.

Electric Charging Station:
We are proud to offer an electric vehicle charging station on campus. Plan your stops with PlugShare.

Hollyhock Shuttle:
Complimentary for Onsite guests to and from ferry, seaplane, water taxi and ferries. Read More

Accommodation

A variety of accommodations are located throughout our lush campus, ranging in price to suit most budgets. Choose from private, beachfront or ocean facing rooms, dorm-style lodging or cabins that nestle in the quiet seclusion of the forest. Our beautiful campsites are also available, with a cedar bath house conveniently located for your use. Room fees include all Hollyhock basics, like stimulating presenter evenings, delicious, organic meals, morning yoga/meditation classes, guided naturalist walks and tours of the garden, as well as luxurious soaks in our ocean-view hot-tubs. Telephones and wireless Internet are centrally located. Room Options Include: Single: 1 Person Twin: Couple or Friends, 2 beds. Couple: Couples or Friends sharing 1 bed. Family/Friends: 3 or more adult friends or family /2 beds Dorm: Up to 6 people/bunk beds Tenting with full-service bath house (bring your own tent and bedding) Roommates can be assigned, upon request, in twin and dorm rooms only.

Private Cabin Oceanfront

This prized cabin includes one queen bedroom, a common area with fireplace and couch, mini-kitchen, private bathroom, and deck overlooking the ocean. Located on our water's edge with a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding Desolation Sound. We have property wide complimentary WiFi. Read More

Single w/ensuite Oceanfront

Located on our water's edge with a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding Desolation Sound. These rooms include a queen bed and your own private bathroom. The building has a shared kitchen and living space, with a large deck on the ocean side. We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room. Read More

Single w/ensuite

Spacious rooms with a queen bed and private bathroom. Enjoy your own space immersed in nature and the surrounding views. We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room. Read More

Single w/shared bathroom

These cozy private rooms have a shared bathroom, and some rooms have a small desk. We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room. Read More

Couple w/ensuite Oceanfront

Located on our water’s edge with a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding Desolation Sound. These luxurious rooms include your own private bathroom. The building has a shared kitchen and living space, with a large deck on the ocean side. We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room. *For couples attending separate programs, please advise in the comment section. Your reservation will be adjusted and you will receive an updated confirmation. Read More

Couple w/ensuite

These spacious rooms have a queen bed with a private bathroom. Enjoy your own space immersed in nature and the surrounding views. We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room. *For couples attending separate programs, please advise in the comment section. Your reservation will be adjusted and you will receive an updated confirmation. Read More

Couple w/shared bathroom

These cozy private rooms have a queen or double bed and a shared bathroom. Some rooms have a small desk. We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room. *For couples attending separate programs, please advise in the comment section. Your reservation will be adjusted and you will receive an updated confirmation. Read More

Twin w/ensuite oceanfront

This room has two double beds and will be shared by two people. Your room mate will be chosen at random based on gender, or you can request to share with someone you know. The room is located on our water’s edge with a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding Desolation Sound, and includes a private bathroom. The building has access to a kitchen and living space with a large deck on the ocean side. We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room. Read More

Twin w/ensuite

These rooms have two beds and will be shared by two people. You can share with someone you know or your room mate will be chosen at random based on gender. They are spacious and modern with a queen bed, twin bed, or sofa pull out, and include a private bathroom. We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room. Read More

Twin w/shared bathroom

These rooms have two beds and will be shared by two people. You can share with someone you know or your room mate will be chosen at random based on gender. Nested in ferns and blackberry bushes, these cozy and rustic rooms have a shared bathroom. Please be advised some have an external bathhouse. We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room. Read More

Three-share w/shared bathroom

These rooms have three beds and will be shared by three people. Your room mates will be chosen at random based on gender, or you can request to share with someone you know. This comfortable room surrounded by lush green forest has one double bed and two twin beds. A small kitchenette with a small fridge is available. The bathroom is shared with another room. We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room. Read More

Women Dorm

Rustic and cozy, our dorms are our most economical room option. This dorm can accommodate up to 6 people and has its own washroom. This option is for female-identified people only. We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room. All dorm beds are assigned, please ask the reception desk first if you would like to switch beds. In consideration of other participants in your dorm, if you require an alarm clock, please bring a battery-powered one with no audible noise. If sound may keep you awake, we recommend bringing ear-plugs with you to ensure a good-night’s rest. If you are a loud snorer, the dorms may not be suitable for you. Read More

Men's Dorm

Rustic and cozy, our dorms are our most economical room option. This dorm can accommodate up to 4 people and has its own washroom. This option is for male-identified people only. We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room. All dorm beds are assigned, please ask the reception desk first if you would like to switch beds. In consideration of other participants in your dorm, if you require an alarm clock, please bring a battery-powered one with no audible noise. If sound may keep you awake, we recommend bringing ear-plugs with you to ensure a good-night’s rest. If you are a loud snorer, the dorms may not be suitable for you. Read More

Mixed Dorm

Open to all! Rustic and cozy, our dorms are our most economical room option. This dorm can accommodate up to 6 people and has its own washroom. We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room. All dorm beds are assigned, please ask the reception desk first if you would like to switch beds. In consideration of other participants in your dorm, if you require an alarm clock, please bring a battery-powered one with no audible noise. If sound may keep you awake, we recommend bringing ear-plugs with you to ensure a good-night’s rest. If you are a loud snorer, the dorms may not be suitable for you. Read More

Tent Site Single

For nature lovers, set up your tent near cedars and reconnect with nature. Bathhouse nearby with showers and toilets. Bring your own tent, towels, and all appropriate camping gear. Due to fire safety, cooking on campsites is not permitted. Three meals a day from the Hollyhock kitchen are included in your total cost. Please be aware that this area is accessed by walking paths only. There may be uneven terrain in the forest. Stoves, campfires, and recreational vehicles are not allowed on campus. Read More

Tent Site Couple

Commuter

Staying off-site. Includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and unlimited use of the property’s facilities. If you prefer to have no breakfast or only lunch, please check the appropriate box in your registration form under the commuter question. Lunch is $31 and Dinner is $63 per day, plus tax. Your package and pricing will be updated manually and you will get a second confirmation when we have updated your package. Please call us if you have any questions or would like a different meal arrangement: 1.800.933.6339 Read More

Venue & Amenities

A/C in Rooms

Free Wifi

Spa

Sauna

Pool

Towels

Free Parking

Kitchen

Tour Assistance

Hot Tub

Coffee/Tea

Cafe

Restaurant

Fitness Center

Yoga Studio

Housekeeping

Bicycles For Rent

Hollyhock sits on the traditional territories of the Klahoose, Tla’amin, Homalco Nations. We are committed to renewing our relationships with the First Nations peoples on whose territories we are guests.

Since 1982 Hollyhock has built upon the history of this land as a place of gathering, a pioneering homestead, and the site of an important human potential education centre. On this foundation of gathering, pioneering and learning, Hollyhock’s founders dreamed of creating a lifelong learning and leadership curriculum to inspire, nourish and support people intent on service to a better world.

Hollyhock became a not-for-profit in 2006 to strengthen carrying out our mission into the future. With your help we can keep this as a thriving centre for skill-building, lifelong learning and stewardship of the natural world, inspiring, nourishing and supporting people making the world better for another 30+ years. Read More

Meals

Menu Types

Vegan

Vegetarian

Pescetarian

Ayurvedic

Includes Meat

Organic

Gluten Free

Dairy Free

Nut Free

A feast for the senses! Renowned fresh, sumptuous food has made our Hollyhock kitchen famous. Our French-Intensive garden supplies vegetables, herbs, fruit, and flowers to each meal, gracing your table with food that is nourished with care every step of the way. Our healthy, organic, vegetarian fare features ingredients from our abundant gardens located just outside our kitchen door, and well as local BC foods. Meals at Hollyhock are globally-inspired and prepared with love and skill in our Hollyhock kitchen. Enjoy weekly wild seafood dinners and beach-side oyster appetizer barbecues. We serve organic grains and organic produce sourced locally, whenever possible. Organic herbs, flowers, greens, and vegetables are harvested daily from the Hollyhock garden. Our orchard produces many beautiful fruits featured on the dessert menu seasonally and served in our 24/7 fruit bowl offering. Our meals are created and served “family style”. Read More

What's Included

Standard program tuition
Room
Meals
Access to hot tubs, sauna, and Hollyhock activities

What's Not Included

Travel costs
Healing arts
Bodywork
Store purchases
Optional additional excursions (kayaking, SUP, sailing)

Customer Reviews

4.78 out of 5.0 average rating

Elizabeth • Nov 21, 2021

5.0

Verified

Tantra: Living Presence and Prana

I really enjoyed the course. I felt a great release and opening in my body, calming of the mind and a new awareness of holding patterns in my body. Thank you Maitreyi Yogacharini and Hollyhock! I am looking forward to the recorded session as I would like to follow the practice again. Read More

Natalie • Jun 27, 2021

4.0

Verified

Profoundly grateful!

Hollyhock's virtual Activate Summit was a much needed breathe of fresh air. The program gave me the chance to harvest and claim the long-forgotten power I have within, and the opportunity to connect with like-minded leaders to emerge - as an individual and as part of a community - able to shape the future, inwards out. The depth of knowledge and understanding of workshop leaders and plenary speakers made the program that much stronger - I only wish it was longer! Read More

S.Portico • Sep 24, 2019

5.0

Verified

The Healing is Part of the Journey

Do not let the planes, ferries, shuttles, or taxis required to reach Hollyhock deter you. This is part of the magic of the place. By the time you arrive much of what you need to leave behind has been untethered into one of those named transportation devices. The setting is astounding. The overall vibe is that everyone is happy to be there, and happy to have you among them. Read More

Leslie • Sep 22, 2019

5.0

Verified

seriously funny, in writing and in life

Great session! Not too large, not too small. Our group came together with just the right energy and the retreat centre provided the serenity and safety to let us be both serious and crazy.
Hollyhock is well known for its beauty of location, but even better known for the delicious dishes its amazing staff serve up. And equally famous for its bread...both gluten and gluten free.
Best of all...inter conversations between everyone attending concurrent sessions. Just pick a table and jump in. This is where lifelong friendships happen.
In this crazy world it's reassuring to know that Hollyhock is there.
Thank you.
Did I mention the view from the outdoor Hot tub? Or the oyster roast on the beach? Yum! Read More

Odette • Sep 04, 2019

5.0

Verified

connection, skill building

The Podcast from Hear was an audio storytelling program at Hollyhock. How much honesty and strength a circle of women can have, multiplied by the setting. We shared and grew, our group of diverse identities and experiences. Young empowered women and courageous professionals and artists of decades of expertise. Poets, scientists, Indigenous artists, sound engineers, soundscape artists, audio storytellers, professors of journalism and writing~ we had it all, we shared openly and with great heart.
I strongly recommend this amazing program!
https://hollyhock.ca/p/909/podcasting-the-story-from-hear/ Read More

Climate Readers' Retreat with Guest Author John Vaillant: Renewing Our Energy for Change

Retreat Highlights

About this Retreat

Your Guides

John Vaillant

Zoe Grams

Ian Gill

Details of this retreat

Schedule

Getting Here

Directions