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 of no more than 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.
Each afternoon, you’ll have opportunities for self-care, whether you want some solo time to go for a walk, shop Tofino and Ucluelet or enjoy a spa treatment. You’ll return home invigorated and refreshed.
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/
THE TRAILS
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 WEATHER
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.
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 luxurious beachfront resort is perched on the edge of Cox Bay, between the pristine beauty of Pacific Rim National Park and spectacular Clayoquot Sound. This 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 stay in a 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.
Water’s Edge Shoreside Suites is a peaceful property with access to both the serene Ucluelet Harbour and the Marina. It is situated on a private island joined by a causeway and just minutes from The Wild Pacific Trail. Guests enjoy spacious private suites featuring west coast decor and full kitchens, making it the perfect home base to explore the areas miles of sandy West Coast beaches, ancient rainforests, fantastic kayaking, awesome fishing charters and spectacular panoramic views.
If you book a private room package, your room here will feature a Queen or King-side bed, full kitchen, living area, gas fireplace and private patio with water views and high-speed internet.
If you book a shared room package, your room will feature two bedrooms with a shared bathroom, full kitchen, living area and, gas fireplace, private patio, water views and high-speed internet.
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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:
🗸 Leads the opening meeting on Day 1, explaining what you can expect, the general flow of each day, what's expected of you, how she'll support you and all the other logistics you need.
🗸 Works with our local staff, such as guides and drivers, to keep things safe, on schedule and running smoothly
🗸 Leads mindful running clinics that teach you how to run more efficiently and with more flow and ease
🗸 Manages the pace of each run so that you never feel rushed or get left behind
🗸 Helps you get to scheduled events like yoga class, spa appointment and dinner reservations on time
🗸 Facilitates sharing circles, creating a safe space for the group to reflect and share openly
🗸 Provides emotional support if ever you need it
In need of additional assistance in planning your travel? We now offer Concierge travel planning services. Reach out to our retreat travel specialist (info@runwildretreats.com) about things like private airport transfers, pre and post-retreat experiences, tours and adventures that we can book on your behalf. To request this service, add this service to your package. The $195 deposit payment will be applied toward the total cost of any services (such as hotel, transportation) we book on your behalf. The deposit is non-refundable.
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:
“I Run Mindfully” women's technical run t-shirt
Run Intention Bracelet
27-oz Stainless Steel Klean Kanteen bottle with sport cap
“I Run Mindfully” vinyl stickers (pack of 2)
Mindful Running Training Log
“Run Mindfully” Intention Bracelet
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!
A Ecological Stewardship Fee (ESF) of $5 CAD is included in your package in support of maintaining the marine ecosystem in Clayoquot Sound.
**Tip: bring a waterproof jacket and good walking shoes. Life jackets are supplied by the water taxi company. The water taxi is an open air Zodiac boat with a motor.
In the early 80’s, Meares Island was in immediate danger of clear cut logging. Concerned Tofino residents, environmentalists, and the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations joined together to face off the big timber industry. This initial battle ground gave birth to BC’s “War of the Woods” which spread up to the Queen Charlottes and culminated into the largest act of peaceful disobedience in Canadian history!
These trees, aged between 800 and 1,300 years, are something to marvel at. Take your time to explore the fern carpeted forest floor and to hug some of the hugest and oldest life forms on this precious planet.
Hilthuu? is the Tla-o-qui-aht place name for Meares Island. Hilthuu? Is a significant part of the Haahuulthii ~ traditional territory, resources, rivers, songs and names of the Tla-o-qui-aht Hawiih ~ Hereditary Chiefs.
Victoria, BC, Canada 
