Salish Shorelines: A Saltwater Journey
About this Retreat
Details of this retreat
Launching from various beaches around Cortes Island as well as from the 43 foot schooner Misty Isles, each day will involve fresh itineraries, with Hollyhock serving as our beautiful base camp. We will set out to explore the expansive and intricate coastlines of the Discovery Islands while learning about the geology, history, and ecological systems of the Northern Salish Sea. Expand your kayaking skill set as we learn basic kayak safety, strokes and maneuvering. On one of our evenings we will venture out for sunset on the water, followed by a bioluminescence paddle as dusk falls.
While traveling aboard Misty Isles, discussion topics will touch on themes of oceanography, marine ecosystems and coastal navigation. The warm, protected waters of the Northern Salish Sea will serve as an educational canvas for adventurers with a yearning for discovery and contemplation in one of the world’s most stunning coastal environments.
Don’t miss out on a unique and rare opportunity to explore the stand alone coastlines and waterways of western British Columbia. Guides, Captain and crew are all certified in Wilderness First Aid, and are Transport Canada and Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of BC accredited.
With only 10 spots available, this popular program fills quickly. We are pleased to offer this annual program in partnership with Cortes-Island based, family-run businesses; Misty Isles Adventures and Cortes Kayaks. We may add a 2nd program so please join the waitlist when full.
Kayaks and most gear provided. Participants will receive a packing list 6 weeks before the program.
Daily Schedule
The detailed schedule for this program will be provided at least 30 days prior to the start date. Locations and timing are dependent on weather conditions but you can expect a typical day to look like the following:
Sample Schedule
7-8am - Guided Yoga or Tai Chi practice
8-9am - Breakfast in the Lodge
10am start - On the water (Kayaking or Boating & Kayaking) with packed lunch
6:30-7:30pm - Dinner in the Lodge
7:30-10pm - Sunset Paddle (one evening)
*One afternoon off will be scheduled during the program
*Extra activities include yoga, garden tour, guided naturalist tours, oyster BBQ, etc.
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/