Your body changes as you age, and so should your relationship to running. Discover how mindful running can help you love this stage of your life and all your body and mind can achieve
This 7-day women’s trail running and wellness retreat will take you into our favorite old-growth rainforests on British Columbia’s Vancouver Island. You’ll run among 800-year-old Douglas Fir trees dripping with bright-green lichen and feel the soft, loamy soil under your feet. You’ll run expansive beaches in Pacific Rim National Park, in awe of the ocean’s power and beauty.
Each day’s run is an opportunity to practice mindfulness, soak in nature’s beauty and embrace the joy of playing in the great outdoors. This low-mileage retreat features runs up to six miles, and includes walking breaks and plenty of photo stops. With the support of your dedicated retreat leader and professional running guide, you’ll feel supported and equipped to safely take your running off the road and onto the trails.
In addition to learning how to run mindfully in order to maximize the stress-reducing effects of running, you'll hear how the indigenous peoples known as the Yuutu?it?ath First Nation used ancient cedar trees to build sturdy seafaring canoes for fishing and whale hunting.
From the safety of the shoreline, you may see sea lions and seals, or puffins nesting and birds of prey frolicking high overhead in the windswept trees. During our afternoon Whale Watching tour in Clayoquot Sound, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a learning place for sustainable economic, social and environmental development. This biodiverse region is a critical piece of the Emerald Edge—a 100-million-acre coastal, temperate rainforest that stretches from coastal Washington, through British Columbia and into Southeast Alaska.
Each day of this retreat presents an opportunity for you to indulge in nature's beauty, self care and mindfulness, where you can spend your time browsing Tofino's art galleries and boutiques or watch the sun set over Long Beach, lounging by the sea with a book, or soaking in the jacuzzi, find time to the things that fill your soul and recharge your energy.
This retreat is rated Level I. This means it’s suitable for you if:
Learn more about how we manage run pacing here: https://runwildretreats.com/about-the-run-wild-retreat-experience/levels/
Vancouver Island is largely covered by temperate rainforest, featuring massive trees such as Douglas Fir, Sitka spruce and giant red cedars, some of which can be nearly 1,000 years old. These forests are dense, humid and thick with foliage such as ferns and mosses, lichens and fungi. All of our runs take place on established trails designed for foot traffic and are not open to bikes. Since the forest ground is so fragile and can be easily scarred by hikers, it’s important to always stay on the designated trail and in some cases, the boardwalk and wooden stairs. Since these wooden surfaces can get a bit slippery when wet, we will use caution in wet conditions and walk when its safer to do so.
Some trail sections may be rooty and rocky and present a challenge for new trail runners, in which case, you can walk or modify your running stride to account for this uneven trail surface. When we are running on the beaches, the ground surface is mostly hard-packed sand, and is ideal for running. We may have to cross some tidal creek (when the tide is out to avoid wading through water).
The Magnolia Hotel & Spa, located in Victoria’s historic inner harbor, Situated in the heart of downtown Victoria, British Columbia, The Magnolia Hotel & Spa is an award-winning small hotel that is big 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 an authentic experience. Your Superior hotel room features 300 square feet of elegant space and will have two queen beds (Shared room package). Or, you may choose to upgrade to a private room with one bed. Enhance your retreat experience with a spa treatment by contacting the Magnolia Spa directly.
This time of year, temperatures are starting to cool off and will be mostly in the high 40’s to high 50’s. 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, especially because of this area’s exposure to winds and weather blowing in off the Pacific Ocean. You will appreciate having a warm jacket to wear in the cool evenings and accessories like a hat and light gloves to wear while running.
This luxurious beachfront resort is perched on the edge of Cox Bay, between the pristine beauty of Pacific Rim National Park and spectacular Clayoquot Sound. Lodge Beach Lodge is cedar-shingled lodge offers 5-star amenities and casual service in a rustic setting, creating a perfect, serene retreat from everyday responsibilities. The Resort is set among native coastal vegetation and takes full advantage of the expansive sandy beach and the open ocean.
If you book a private room package, your room will have a King bed, soaker tub, luxurious bathrobe, in-room coffee, Douglas-fir wood furniture, slate-tiled floor and high-speed internet access.
If you book a shared room package, you will either share a stay in either a shared lodge room or two-bedroom cottage with two bathrooms, living area, in-room coffee, outdoor hot tub on a semi-private patio, luxurious bathrobes and high-speed internet.
Our highly trained retreat leaders provide the space and support for you to have a potentially transformational experience. As experts in mindful leadership, she provides valuable guidance on how to be mindful on and off the trail. Here's more about what you can expect from your retreat leader:
The Transformational Travel Kit contains hand-selected items to support you in having a meaningful travel experience. Featuring the book, "Transformational Travel Journal: Your guide to creating a life-changing journey" by Eric Rupp, this kit also contains:
* 27-ounce stainless steel water bottle with sport cap, made by Klean Kanteen exclusively for Run Wild Retreats
* Embossed faux-leather luggage tag
*Two high-quality vinyl stickers "I Run Mindfully"
Shipping is FREE!
The Mindful Running Inspiration Kit is filled with custom items that will support and inspire you to consistently practice your healthy running habits.
Get inspired to continue your practice every time you reach for your mindful running gear, and take to the streets and trails knowing you are feeding your soul and fueling your good health in the long run. Your Mindful Running Inspiration Kit Includes:
Share and celebrate the joy of maintaining a daily running practice, while reminding you that no matter where you take your shoes — from Moab to the Mediterranean — you’re part of a community of healthy runners who support you on this path.
Shipping is FREE!
Tofino, BC, Canada 
