Awesome BC yoga retreats for EVERY budget

Written for Daily Hive by Monica Krake, founder of Head + Heart, a mindful calendar that helps people discover events and teachers to support their journeys. 

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Yoga retreats come in all shapes and sizes these days. From tradition-based Ayurveda or Iyengar retreats to the more general wellness and self reflection yoga retreats — to retreats where you can drink a lot of wine. Truly, something for everyone!

If you’re in 2019 intention-setting mode and planning a retreat is at the top of your list, there’s a retreat out there JUST for you, no matter what your specific needs or budget might be.

Here in BC, we’re blessed to have some of the world’s top yoga teachers AND retreat locations which means we don’t really need to go very far for a world class retreat experience (though, Costa Rica does sound pretty good about now).

To help with your 2019 retreat planning, I’m sharing some of the best retreats in BC, for every budget. I hope you find exactly what you need.

Yoga & Nature Immersion Retreat to Hollyhock on Cortes Island

Hollyhock has a world-renowned reputation as being one of the most idyllic places to do a retreat in BC. They offer yoga retreats alongside many other spiritual and personal development retreats, with some of the world’s most noted teachers. In 2019, Fiji McAlpine is offering a Yoga + Nature Immersion retreat with DoYogaWithMe.com founder, David Procyshyn.

Cost: For 6 Days, $575 + accommodations, which range depending on the accommodations you book at Hollyhock. Cheap tenting options are also available.

Nectar Yoga BnB Retreat on Bowen Island

Just a short ferry from Horseshoe Bay, Nectar Yoga BnB offers Vancouverites a quick escape from city life. You can opt to do a self guided yoga retreat with resident teacher, Amrita Clark, or choose one of the packaged retreats offered on their website. Retreats start at $330 for a minimum two night stay. You’ll enjoy quaint accommodations, daily yoga, meditation, nourishing hand-delivered breakfasts, and a perfect setting to help you press the reset button on your life and wellness.

Cost: Starting at $330 for two nights. Breakfasts included.

9-Day Iyengar Yoga Retreat to Haida Gwaii with Louie Ettling

For more than 17 years, Vancouver-based Iyengar teacher Louie Ettling has been offering a summer retreat to Haida Gwaii. Held in beautiful Tlell, this retreat is appropriate for all levels. If you’re coming from off-island you definitely want to give yourself extra time to soak in the magic of Haida Gwaii, as there is a rich culture and history to explore. To register, connect with Louie directly via the email found in the link above.

Cost: For 9 days, $1650 for off-islanders; $700 for Islanders. This includes accommodations, yoga, and three meals per day.

Restorative Vancouver Island Yoga & Meditation Retreat with Carolyn Anne Budgell

This retreat to the Swanwick Centre near Victoria on Vancouver Island is perfect for those seeking to go deeper in their meditation practice and experience a few days of restorative yoga. Led by Carolyn Anne Budgell, you can expect daily restorative & hatha yoga, seated & walking meditations, journalling & self-inquiry, and many periods of noble silence. This retreat will feed your body with wholesome vegetarian meals and feed your mind with daily lectures related to un-learning conditioned beliefs with gentleness.  

Cost: For 4 days, prices start at $650 for a shared room. This includes all meals and accommodations. Two scholarships ($325) are available via application to Carolyn.

Salt Spring Island Centre of Yoga Personal Retreat  

The Salt Spring Centre of Yoga is esteemed as one of BC’s oldest and most respected yoga facilities, and offers a stunning setting for personal yoga retreats. A personal yoga retreat to the Salt Spring Centre includes a two night stay in their turn-of-the-century cozy farmhouse, daily yoga classes, community connection, and delicious vegetarian meals prepared for you each day, from their farm! Yoga classes are led by teachers who’ve completed their teacher training at the Centre or at their sister facility, Mount Madonna. You can enhance your retreat by opting for one of the Ayurveda and bodywork sessions available at their Wellness Centre or take time outdoors, hiking or exploring the island. Definitely check out Salt Spring’s famous outdoor Saturday market while you’re there!

Cost: For a 2 Night stay, prices range from $375 – 575 depending on the accommodations chosen.

Lake Cowichan Camping + Yoga Retreat with Fiji McAlpine

Along the Cowichan River is a beautiful sacred land where internationally-loved teacher Fiji McAlpine will offer her annual ReWYLDing Retreat for Women August 16-18th.  This is camping, so it’s a more rustic experience but designed to be deeply nourishing for your soul. You can expect yoga, hiking, 5 Element Meditations, Sacred Circles and a beautiful setting to connect with your Wild and Sacred Self and with other like-minded women. Co-hosted by facilitator, Jeanine Smithson, this is one of the most affordable yet awesome retreats I’ve come across.

Cost: For 2 nights/3 days, the early bird price is $249 if you book by May 1st. You bring your own accommodations and food.