Cloud's Staff Pick

Last Chance

Top Rated

4 Day Men's Retreat - A Path To Wholeness & Authenticity

Name: The Sacred Journey | A Men's Path to Wholeness and Authenticity
Start: 2025-05-22
End: 2025-05-25
Location: The Sentinel
Rating: 4.96

4.96477 reviews

Up to 20 in group

May 22 - 25, 2025

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Jeff

Richard

Tony

Jeff Sorensen

Jeff is the founder of breathARMY and the lightFORCE Collective - Leadership, Breathwork and Cold Exposure Facilitator Training Academy. His mission is to educate, inspire and empower people to live to their true potential. Jeff uses a variety of different tools including breathwork, movement, meditation, cold, heat and psychedelics to help people break through the structures that hold us back from living and expressing our true potential in the world. Jeff has walked through some of the darkest shadows of trauma, addiction and mental illness to emerge with profound wisdom and light which he humbly carries to activate the light and potential in others. He has a unique ability to weave a deep understanding of scientific principles with timeless philosophical and spiritual wisdom in an easy to understand, light, yet incredibly powerful and enjoyable way. Jeff has had the opportunity and privilege to learn and train with some of the world’s leading experts and lineages of breath, cold, somatics, movement, thought and plant medicine. He has uniquely woven these teachings into a one of a kind, heartfelt and impactful offering that has deeply touched thousands of people through the workshops, retreats, courses and trainings he has offered. Jeff has been teaching spiritual practices for over 15 years, has trained and practiced as a psychedelic therapist in both clinical and ceremonial settings, consulted for various psychedelic therapy start ups, is an international best-selling author, retired paramedic and currently travels full time sharing his passion and purpose with the world. You can contact Jeff at jeff@breatharmy.com or @breatharmy on Instagram “Jeff is one of those rare people who chose to take his experiences and learn from them while simultaneously not attaching himself to those experiences. His story is mind-boggling, and yet he remains unattached and lives closer to freedom than most will ever allow themselves to.” Brian Mackenzie - Founder & Creative Director of SHIFT, Co-Founder and President of The Health and Human Performance Foundation

Richard Kay

Richard Kay brings 25 years of experience in the medicine world to his work, having been certified as a medicine guide for the past seven years. His deep commitment to transformational practices and community building has established him as a respected figure in both ceremonial and therapeutic circles. Featured in Netflix's "Field Trip" series, Richard's work has gained international recognition, highlighting the growing acceptance and understanding of traditional medicine practices in modern contexts. His contributions to "Clive's Words of the Day" have further showcased his ability to weave wisdom and insight into everyday reflection. As the author of the forthcoming book "Presence: A State of Being" and co-producer of the "Declaration of Unity and Healing of All Nations," Richard bridges ancient wisdom with contemporary understanding. A co-founder of The Sentinel and founding member of the Psychedelic Association of Canada (PAC), Richard has been instrumental in developing ethical frameworks and community standards in the emerging field of psychedelic therapy. His role as chef during the Great Peace March demonstrated his ability to nurture both body and spirit while building community. Throughout his career, he has maintained strong ties to humanitarian causes, including being a significant supporter of the Vancouver Food Bank. Richard's dedication to men's community work spans a quarter century, during which he has been an active member of a men's team—a connection he considers among his most valued. His approach to facilitation and guidance is deeply informed by this long-standing commitment to men's emotional and spiritual development. His personal philosophy, often expressed through sayings like "stay in your heart" and "remember who you are," reflects his emphasis on authentic self-expression and heart-centered awareness. Married for 31 years and father to two adult children, Richard embodies the integration of personal growth work with family life. His extensive experience in ceremonial practices, combined with his commitment to community service, has made him a trusted guide for those seeking transformation and authentic connection. Through his various roles as author, guide, and community leader, Richard continues to support others in their journeys toward greater presence and self-realization.

Tony Tacan

Tony Tacan, a respected elder from the Wahpeton Dakota Nation near Prince Rupert, Saskatchewan, serves as the lead facilitator for the sweat lodge ceremonies at the Sentinel. Drawing from generations of traditional knowledge, Tony guides participants through this sacred purification ritual with quiet wisdom and profound respect for Dakota spiritual practices. The sweat lodge ceremony, known as "Inipi" in Dakota tradition, is conducted under Tony's careful stewardship. His approach honors ancestral ways while creating a welcoming space for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants seeking healing, clarity, and connection. As a Sundance Chief, Tony brings additional depth to his leadership role. The Sundance represents one of the most significant ceremonies in Plains Indigenous traditions, and Tony's experience in this sacred responsibility informs his gentle yet powerful presence in the lodge. Those who have participated in Tony's ceremonies often speak of his ability to create an atmosphere of both reverence and accessibility, helping people connect with traditional teachings in meaningful ways while ensuring protocols are properly observed.

Details of this retreat

We invite you to join us on a raw and powerful journey into the heart.
Over these four days together, you will be held within a sacred container where you can fully explore and express your deepest emotions and reconnect to your true nature.
As men, we've often learned to suppress our grief, sadness, guilt, shame, anger, and fear. These buried emotions become heavy anchors, blocking our natural capacity for joy, connection, and peace. Even when life appears perfect on the outside, these unprocessed feelings can leave us feeling empty & disconnected from our true selves.

This unconscious suppression often projects into our most intimate relationships, affecting not only ourselves but those closest to us. Through ancient wisdom practices, ceremonial healing, and the support of brotherhood, this retreat offers you the an opportunity to:

Release emotional burdens in a safe, confidential space
Reclaim parts of yourself lost to grief and trauma
Transform your relationship with difficult emotions
Learn practical tools for emotional awareness
Connect with other men walking a similar path
Return to your life with renewed clarity and purpose

What to Bring

- Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for movement & ceremonies

- Swimwear for cold immersion hot tub and sauna

- Flip flops

- Journal & pen

- Water bottle

- Personal items for overnight stay

- Any sacred objects you wish to bring for the Mesa

- Additional detailed packing list provided upon registration

Come join us for this sacred journey | Release what no longer serves you
Rediscover who you truly are | Live the life you were meant to live
Daily Schedule:

Day 1 – Thursday, May 22

3:00 PM - Arrival & Check-in

4:30 PM - Opening Circle with Breath and Movement & Introduction to Sacred Space

7:30 PM - Dinner

8:30 PM - Free Time

Day 2 - Friday, May 23

7:00 AM - Morning Movement, Breath & Meditation

8:30 AM - Breakfast

10:00 AM - Medicine Circle Discussion

12:30 PM - Lunch

2:00 PM - Cold Immersion/Sauna

4:30 PM - Sacred Forest Cacao and Breath Ceremony

7:30 PM - Dinner

10:00 PM - Close

Day 3 - Saturday, May 24

7:00 AM - Morning Movement, Breath & Meditation

8:30 AM - Breakfast

10:00 AM - Sweat Lodge Ceremony with Elder Tony Tacan

12:30 PM - Lunch

2:00 PM - Free Time (Journaling, Cold/Sauna, Reflection)

3:30 PM - Introduction to Medicine Circle

4:00 PM - Forest Cacao Deep Dive and Rapé Ceremony

9:00 PM - Light dinner (Soup, Bread, Salad, Nuts & Fruit Plate)

Day 4 - Sunday, May 25

7:30 AM Optional Morning Movement, Breath & Meditation

9:00 AM - Breakfast

10:30 AM - Closing Circle & Integration

12:30 PM - Departure

Special Notes

-You will be asked to fill out a medical and family history and a waiver

- Please let us know of any food restrictions - note there are always choices on the Sentinel menu.

- Schedule may adjust slightly based on group needs and weather

- Silent periods: Mornings until after breakfast and after lunch on Saturday

- Early registration is recommended

This is more than just a retreat - it's a gathering of brothers ready to dive deep into their journey. Together, we'll combine physical practices that ground us, emotional exploration that heals us, and ancient wisdom that guides us. We've witnessed countless men transform through this work, and we're honored to walk this path with you.

All ceremonies and practices are offered with respect to their traditional origins and adapted for our contemporary healing journey.*

We have created "The Djentle Bear Scholarship" in honour of a dear brother Brendan Hamilton that was a part of the Annual Men's Retreats at The Sentinel.

Their are Scholarships still available, please complete the Djentle Bear Application form HERE: https://forms.gle/vc4HceD7g9iZddFd9

For registration and accommodation details, please contact info@sentinelbc.ca Read More

Getting Here

The Sentinel

Directions

We are a 50-minute drive north of Nelson, BC, just outside the charming village of Kaslo. We are 9 hours by car from Vancouver, and 8 hours from Calgary. These drives are incredibly beautiful, wending through some of North America's most spectacular mountain terrain. There are flights (approx. 1 hour) from both Vancouver & Calgary to our nearest airport, in Castlegar, which is a scenic 1.5 hours from our door.

Driving from Nelson, follow highway 3A north to Balfour (Kootenay Lake ferry landing), and proceed another 20-25 minutes on Highway 31 north. There is a "Sentinel Retreat" blue road sign on the highway (approx. 60 km from Nelson). Slow down and prepare to take a sharp right turn onto Amundsen Road. The Sentinel is located at bottom of the hill. Please observe signs. Read More

Accommodation

All our King and shared Twin rooms have stunning views of the lake and mountains. Whether you opt for a luxurious private King or a shared Twin, all our rooms are clean and modern. Ensuite bathrooms have heated floors, a rain shower, and amenities for your comfort. Fluffy white towels and crisp linens are found in every room — our goal is to ensure can relax and refresh during your stay with us.

Twin shared room (per person)

Our twin shared rooms are elegant, lake and mountain facing boasting ensuite bathrooms with heated tile floors. All rooms were intentionally designed to enhance a reflective and serene stay away from home. Read More

Queen Room

Room 7 is a cozy queen room on the lower level of the Lodge. It's favoured by guests who love containment, a dark sleeping space, and appreciate the savings offered by using a shared bathroom, steps away. This room does not have a direct lake view, but is adjacent to our beautiful sunroom which offers plenty of sunlight and beautiful views of the lake. Read More

Maloca Queen Room

The Maloca Queen Room is a cozy bedroom down the hallway from our the Temple Space. Ideal for our events Read More

Room 11 Maloca - Queen

This Queen Bed room, located at the end of the hall in our Maloca Temple building provides a tranquil escape with a serene view of Kootenay Lake. The bathroom is adjacent to the room and features both a bathtub and a shower wand. Read More

Sunroom Nest

The Sunroom Nest is a glamorous word for shared accommodation in our Sunroom with up to three other people. Each person gets a fully made twin bed with a high density foam topper, 1 pillow, sheets and a full set of towels. The bathroom is adjacent to the sunroom nest, shared and you are steps away from the lower lobby tea/coffee station. Read More

Sentinel Camping

Camp on The Sentinel grounds! Bring your own tent and bedding and we will set you up with a lovely place to camp. Shared bathroom facilities. Summer Only. $50/person/night 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

Overlooking spectacular Kootenay Lake, the Lodge, with its massive windows and expansive deck affords breathtaking lake & mountain views. The Maloca, a magnificent round, timbered ceremonial and activity space, seems to float above the lake. A short stroll from the Lodge, the Sentinel's spa deck, with its unique wood-fired sauna and cedar-lined hot tub is a favourite gathering spot for guests, year-'round. 700' of lakefront, with deck, firepit and yoga area is a tranquil spring/summer area. Read More

Meals

Menu Types

Vegan

Vegetarian

Pescetarian

Ayurvedic

Includes Meat

Organic

Gluten Free

Dairy Free

Nut Free

Guests rave about our food! Sentinel meals are prepared with ingredients sourced whenever possible from our organic, on-property garden. We can accommodate virtually any dietary requirement. Read More

What's Included

Accommodation
Meals
Cedar hot tub
Sauna
Maloca
Lakefront
Nature

What's Not Included

Bodywork
Airfare
Travel
Gratuity
Taxes

Customer Reviews

4.96 out of 5.0 average rating

Emma • May 16, 2025

5.0

Verified

The team is solid, and we were well taken care of

I enjoyed a transformative women's retreat here with Anastasia Chomlack and felt like the Sentinel staff was really well organized, and on top of the needs of my facilitators. They were always available for the many last minute things that come up at group events. Gorgeous setting, everything was really clean, and beautiful. The food was delicious -- they did a great job at that too. Read More

Melanie • May 16, 2025

5.0

Verified

Warm, Grounding, Expansive Luxury!

This space is held by the land and you can feel that every nook, cranny, gathering, grounding, rest, community and sacred space has been devotionally created to host people in their expansion.

First, the staff are outstanding. Hands down the warmest hospitality and attention to our needs.

The shared rooms were luxurious with private on-suites, soft linens, stocked bathroom, blackout curtains, and gorgeous views.

The gathering house and meals were delicious and cosy. Perfect for deep conversations and delicious healthy meals in soft and inviting spaces.

The Maloca overlooking the lake was spectacular! What a sacred space for ceremony, integration, yoga, stretching, breathwork...and my fav: dancing! :)

The amenities were also outstanding: hot tub, dock, waterfront, green space, hammocks, viewpoints, sauna, cold plunge....nothing was forgotten (including dairy-free latte machine- yum!)

Cannot wait to come back and experience this gorgeous property! Read More

Ryan • May 14, 2025

5.0

Verified

Life changing experience

I came for the awaken retreat, the scenery and experience will be something I’ll never forget. Read More

Pam • May 08, 2025

5.0

Verified

Most beautiful spot in the kootneys

If you have never been to the sentinel then your missing magical and extreme relaxation with amazing views of the mountains and lake. The sentinel is a place you will never forget. Read More

Kimberley • May 06, 2025

5.0

Verified

Starlight Medicine Retreat: 5/5 stars!

I had an amazing retreat experience at The Sentinel with Sarah Salter-Kelly. Sarah and The Sentinel staff work so well together to provide a very safe container for deep work, the retreat was well organized with all the details worked out. The accommodations and meals were absolutely amazing.

Sarah is a powerful healer, space holder and wisdom keeper. She gives her all in retreats and you feel very seen, heard and loved. I always learn
so much from her and leave her retreats feeling centered, grounded, empowered and that layers of healing have been tended to. I highly recommend Sarah Salter-Kelly and The Sentinel. Read More

4 Day Men's Retreat - A Path To Wholeness & Authenticity

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Jeff Sorensen

Richard Kay

Tony Tacan

Details of this retreat

Getting Here

Directions