Running is more than just movement—it's a way to deepen your appreciation for the outdoors, nourish your soul, and elevate your connection to yourself and the world around you. 
Discover the joy of mindful running in one of the world’s most incredible landscapes. This Vancouver Island retreat invites you to reconnect with your body and mind, surrounded by majestic 800-year-old Douglas Fir trees, the expansive beaches of Pacific Rim National Park, and the serene beauty of Clayoquot Sound. This experience offers the perfect balance of adventure, self reflection, and rejuvenation for runners like you.
Embark on thoughtfully guided runs along serene coastal trails and untouched beaches, where each step feels like a meditation. Take in the breathtaking beauty of your surroundings, from ancient cedars and moss-covered trails to the horizon where the Pacific Ocean meets the sky. This isn’t just a running getaway—it’s a journey into yourself, guided by nature, and supported by a like-minded community of women.
Observe sea lions, seals, and majestic puffins, while overhead, birds of prey dance in the wind. Each day is an invitation to immerse in nature's splendor and truly nurture your spirit. Whether you’re strolling through Tofino's art galleries or lounging by Long Beach, the Vancouver Island Trail Running + Wellness Retreat offers countless moments of pure peace and self-discovery. Recharge your body in the jacuzzi, recharge your mind beneath the hues of a sunset, and treat yourself to the sights, sounds, and flavors of this mindful haven.
Learn the art of running with less impact, protecting your joints every step of the way
Rejuvenate your mind and body with stress-relieving forest bathing in the serene old-growth rainforest
Restore your runner’s body with beach yoga and luxurious spa treatments
Bond with like-minded women, reducing stress and anxiety through shared adventures both on and off the trail
Enjoy unforgettable Whale Watching experiences
Discover the fun and flow of trail running in stunning landscapes
Savor the rich flavors of Canadian West Coast cuisine at award-winning restaurants
Relax and unwind, knowing we’ve got all the planning and logistics covered so you can be fully present
"Run Wild Retreats on Vancouver Island had it all! It had the perfect balance of outdoor activity and exploration, with relaxation time and truly amazing culinary delights! With a large group, our retreat leader, Jan, handled all the logistics with ease and grace, and I was impressed with her leadership! We also got to do fun extracurricular activities like whale watching, where several grey whales made their way towards our boat for incredible sights! The accommodations were high-end, but of course it was the views of the Pacific Ocean and the coastal rainforest that made the trip."
--Elizabeth V.
"Just returned from Vancouver Island and feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Jan, our trip leader, was top notch, as were the local guides, drivers, and skippers. I was one of a group of 14 travelers, and would happily travel with any of them again. The food was outstanding, the runs picturesque, and I didn't have to plan any of it!"
--Sara D.
This experience is a Level I and is perfect for women who:
Are comfortable with runs or hikes lasting 1–3 hours, including breaks for water, photos, and taking in the views.
Can comfortably run at least 3 miles at a time.
Embrace a sense of adventure and enjoy trails that may include some roots, rocks, or uneven terrain.
Love trying new things and are open to learning and practicing mindful running techniques.
Don’t mind running at a conversational pace and stopping to enjoy the scenery.
Don’t mind getting their shoes a little wet while running on the beach.
Are prepared for the possibility of rain, equipped with the essentials from a provided packing list.
Have (or are willing to acquire before the retreat) trail running shoes and a hydration pack.
Seek a meaningful balance of adventure, relaxation, and personal growth.
The core of this retreat lies in finding flow through mindful running. Expert leaders will guide you through each trail to cultivate a sense of presence, helping you take on each stride with greater awareness. This practice will inspire and energize your journey as a whole. If you've never run trails before, you'll learn how to adapt your road running technique for this new terrain. And if you're an experienced trail runner, you'll take your running to a whole new level of efficiency and joy. Connect more deeply with nature, yourself and other women through this powerful practice that provides you with skills and insights to maximize the stress-reducing effects of running.
Vancouver Island is largely covered by temperate rainforest, featuring stunning trees like Douglas Firs, Sitka Spruce and Giant Red Cedars (some of which are nearly 1,000 years old!). These forests are dense, humid and thick with a wide variety of foliage like ferns, mosses, lichens and fungi. This breathtaking location offers an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, and serene coastal charm. From the towering cedars of the temperate rainforest to the dramatic expanse of the Pacific shoreline, every moment spent here feels like a step closer to mother earth and your highest self.
This time of year, temperatures will mostly be in the high 40s to high 50s. Rain is highly likely, so it’s important to have a waterproof-breathable running rain jacket (that offers more protection than a wind shell). We will send you a comprehensive packing list so you know what to bring. The weather is typically milder and warmer in Victoria and will feel cooler in Tofino and Ucluelet due to this area’s exposure to winds blowing in from the Pacific Ocean. You’ll appreciate having a warm jacket to wear in the evenings and accessories like a hat and light gloves to wear while running.
Our retreats are designed to support you as a whole woman, not just a runner. From mindful movement to serene moments of reflection, this retreat is thoughtfully curated to restore balance in your life. You’ll have time to explore, connect, and relax both with the group and on your own in the nurturing embrace of Vancouver Island’s natural beauty. This is your chance to heal from the effects of stress and focus on doing the things that energize you, inspire you and feed your soul.
Located in downtown Victoria’s historic inner harbor, The Magnolia Hotel & Spa is an award-winning small hotel that is huge on personalized service. Recognized by Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast and Trip Advisor as a top hotel in Canada, the hotel’s timelessly elegant rooms, exquisite spa, fine dining and personalized recommendations create a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
This luxurious beachfront resort is perched on the edge of Cox Bay, between Pacific Rim National Park and Clayoquot Sound. Long Beach Lodge Resort is cedar-shingled lodge that offers 5-star amenities and casual service in a rustic setting, creating a perfect, peaceful retreat. The Resort is set among native coastal vegetation and takes full advantage of the expansive sandy beach and open ocean.
If you book a private room package, you will have a King bed, soaker tub, luxurious bathrobe, in-room coffee, Douglas-fir wood furniture and slate-tiled floor. If you book a shared room package, you will be paired with another runner in a shared lodge room or two-bedroom cottage with a shared living area, in-room coffee, outdoor hot tub on a semi-private patio and luxurious bathrobes.
Savor meals crafted from the freshest local ingredients, highlighting the rich flavors of the region. Enjoy everything from refined dining at top restaurants to nourishing meals designed to fuel your adventures. Every bite is a celebration of the island’s vibrant culinary culture. Most meals are included in your retreat package and we handpick high-quality restaurants for incredible culinary experiences. We make every effort to accommodate your dietary preferences and restrictions. You'll have a chance to indicate your specific dietary requirements in the retreat participant intake form.
Tofino, BC, Canada 
After arriving to Victoria in the morning (or the previous day), take a shuttle or taxi from the Victoria International Airport or Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal (allow approximately 1 hour travel time) to our hotel located in Victoria’s historic harbor. We meet at 3:00 p.m. at a meeting room in the hotel for the Official Retreat Opening Meeting (wear your running clothes).
After breakfast at our hotel, we’ll check out of our rooms and settle in for the two-hour drive north in a chartered private motorcoach to Qualicum Beach, where we’ll stop for lunch at a unique country market for an al fresco lunch and time to browse for local crafts and art.
After breakfast at our hotel, we’ll have a short drive to start of the Tonquin Trail, which takes us along smooth, crushed-gravel paths to a series of boardwalks and stairs that lead down the breathtaking Tonquin Beach. 
Clayoquot Sound is very popular with gangs of transient killer whales that are on the hunt for food. Annually we also enjoy record numbers of humpback whales and our summer resident gray whales.
After breakfast at the hotel, we have a short drive into the Pacific Rim National Park to begin our scenic beach run (on mostly hard-packed sand) that will include some tidal crossings and incredible views of Long Beach. 
After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll start today’s run from the hotel, enjoying a longer loop run that takes us along a well-established trail along rugged cliffs and ocean views on Ucluelet's famed Wild Pacific Trail. 
Weather permitting, enjoy an afternoon private yoga class on the firm sand of Long Beach, where the grandeur of the Pacific Ocean serves as your backdrop for this mindful movement class with a professional yoga instructor.
After breakfast and checkout out of the hotel, we’ll drive to the southern end of Pacific Rim National Park for one last rainforest-to-beach run along the Willowbrae Trail, a gravel path with sections of stairs along which you can expect to see wildflowers and sea birds.
We begin the day with an optional, 30-minute pre-breakfast run through Victoria’s Inner Harbor that starts and ends at our hotel. At 8:30 a.m., our group meets for the last time for a private breakfast and Retreat Closing meeting, during which we share our takeaways from the retreat experience, after which you have time to pack up and check out of your room.
