Ebb & Flow: Kayaking & Yoga Practice
Retreat Highlights
- daily yoga practice
- daily kayaking
- explore vibrant ecosystems
- bioluminescent phytoplankton paddle under the stars
About this Retreat
Details of this retreat
Hollyhock, located on the southern coastline of Cortes Island (on the unceded land of the toq qaymɩxʷ (Klahoose), ɬəʔamɛn qaymɩxʷ (Tla’amin), and ʔop qaymɩxʷ (Homalco) Nations) is an ideal basecamp and launch point for kayaking adventures. Against the stunning backdrop of Desolation Sound, explore the intricate and rugged coastlines of the Discovery Islands, searching for wildlife along the way.
Each day will begin with mindfulness, meditation or yoga practice followed by kayaking. A new adventure awaits each morning as we explore nearby islands and coastlines. Aboard your kayak, learn basic safety and paddle techniques. Engage with local history and the Indigenous ways of life interwoven within these unique ecosystems. Watch for humpback whales, orcas, harbour seals, sea lions, and an abundance of bird life. Paddling closer to shore, explore vibrant intertidal ecosystems and the incredibly diverse organisms found within them.
One evening after dinner, we will gather in our kayaks and experience the magic of bioluminescent phytoplankton, lighting up the water as we paddle under the stars.
Meet the end of each day with a relaxing yoga session. Yoga classes will focus on strengthening postures and improving flexibility while working specifically with your individual needs.
Designed for fun, rejuvenation, and education, this beginner-friendly program will awaken your senses, enliven your body and deepen your relationship with self and nature.
Equipment & Gear
Kayaks and most gear provided and included in the cost of the program. Participants will receive a packing list about 6 weeks before the start of the program.
Related Programs
Ebb & Flow: Kayak & Yoga Immersion (May 11 - 16, 2024)
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
Getting Here
Directions
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
Single w/ensuite Oceanfront
Single w/ensuite
Single w/shared bathroom
Couple w/ensuite Oceanfront
Couple w/ensuite
Couple w/shared bathroom
Twin w/ensuite oceanfront
Twin w/ensuite
Twin w/shared bathroom
Three-share w/shared bathroom
Women Dorm
Men's Dorm
Mixed Dorm
Tent Site Single
Tent Site Couple
Commuter
Venue & Amenities
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
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
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!
The Healing is Part of the Journey
seriously funny, in writing and in life
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!
connection, skill building
I strongly recommend this amazing program!
https://hollyhock.ca/p/909/podcasting-the-story-from-hear/