Cameron's Staff Pick iconCameron's Staff Pick

Climate Readers' Retreat with Guest Author John Vaillant

4.789 reviews
Location icon
Cortes Island, Strathcona, BC, Canada
Date
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

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.

The Climate Readers’ Retreat is an opportunity for people with a passion for climate and democracy to work through ideas and solutions for their communities together. Participants will enjoy multiple small-group talks with Pulitzer Prize finalist John Vaillant, author of The Golden Spruce and Fire Weather, as well as participate in structured and collaborative discussions with award-winning climate communications strategist Zoe Grams and celebrated environmental journalist and conservationist Ian Gill.

Let’s move beyond platitudes into a space of rigorous contemplation and commitment. 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 in climate action, this is a unique opportunity. In a time when new narratives are essential, the Climate Readers Retreat supports those searching for—and creating—new stories of renewal, regeneration and resistance.
Program Highlights

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

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

 

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

Getting Here

Location icon 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.

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

Accommodation
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.

Single w/ensuite Oceanfront

Accommodation
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.

Single w/ensuite

Accommodation
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.  

Single w/shared bathroom

Accommodation
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.                

Couple w/ensuite Oceanfront

Accommodation
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.

Couple w/ensuite

Accommodation
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.        

Couple w/shared bathroom

Accommodation
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.            

Twin w/ensuite oceanfront

Accommodation
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.          

Twin w/ensuite

Accommodation
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.    

Twin w/shared bathroom

Accommodation
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.          

Three-share w/shared bathroom

Accommodation
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.

Women Dorm

Accommodation
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.

Male Dorm

Accommodation
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.

Mixed Dorm

Accommodation
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.

Tent Site Single

Accommodation
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.      

Tent Site Couple

Accommodation
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. *For couples attending separate programs, please advise in the comment section. Your reservation will be adjusted and you will receive an updated confirmation.          

Commuter

Accommodation
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  

Venue & Amenities

A/C in Rooms icon A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi icon Free Wifi
Spa icon Spa
Sauna icon Sauna
Pool icon Pool
Towels icon Towels
Free Parking icon Free Parking
Kitchen icon Kitchen
Tour Assistance icon Tour Assistance
Hot Tub icon Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea icon Coffee/Tea
Cafe icon Cafe
Restaurant icon Restaurant
Fitness Center icon Fitness Center
Yoga Studio icon Yoga Studio
Housekeeping icon Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent icon 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.

Meals

Menu Types

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”.

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

5.0
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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.

4.0
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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!

5.0
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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.

5.0
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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!

5.0
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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/

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