How do I get to Vancouver Island?
The good news is that there are MANY ways to get to Cowichan Lake on Vancouver Island! Vancouver island is accessible by plane and/or driving via multiple ferry routes via Vancouver, Victoria and Nanaimo.
If you are flying in from outside the province wondering HOW WILL I GET THERE?
It’s not as complicated as it seems. What I know for sure is that in every retreat, the women who come naturally show up for each other to ensure we all get to where we need to be safe and sound. We do everything we can to get you there, this I guarantee. And everytime it works out.
One of the first things we do in the private messenger thread is to coordinate plans for possible airport and ferry pick-ups / carpooling volunteers as with all retreats to date local attendees have graciously volunteered to drive and help where they can! It’s amazing what we accomplish when we come together.
Carpooling
If you are local (Vancouver or Victoria area) and can volunteers for pick ups or to drive other participants, it is always appreciated and a great way to connect before we come together as a group. We typically need three cars in total with a full retreat of 10-12 women. As mentioned, all of this is planned as a group in the messenger thread to see what’s needed and who can do what. After many of these retreats I know we ALWAYS find a way to get everyone there, together!
Local Airports
YVR – Vancouver (then drive to either Horseshoe Bay or Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal – see below)
YYJ – Victoria (then drive to Cowichan Lake which is 1.5 hours, directions here)
YCD – Nanaimo (then drive to Cowichan Lake which is 40 mins, directions here)
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The Ferries
Vancouver Island is accessible from two ferry routes via Tsawwassen and Horseshoe Bay Terminal, both located on the mainland of British Columbia. See www.bcferries.com for rates and routes.
From Vancouver/Tsawwassen to Cowichan Lake, Vancouver Island
Driving and Ferry times from terminal are included:
Route 1: Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal to Departure Bay, Nanaimo to Cowichan Lake is 3 hours and 14 mins (directions here)
Route 2: Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal to Duke Point, Nanaimo to Cowichan Lake is 3 hours 15 mins (directions here)
Route 3: Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal to Swartz Bay, Victoria to Cowichan is 2 hours 44 mins (directions here)
Note: reservations are needed in advance for walk-on and drive-on passengers.
Driving From Victoria/Swartz Bay
Driving from Victoria: Cowichan Lake is 1 hour and 11 mins (directions here)
Driving from Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal is 1 hour and 25 mins (directions here)
Driving from Nanaimo is 44 minutes (directions here)
From Seattle & Bellingham
Driving / Ferry / Blaine border: Take the 1-5 North towards Vancouver, BC. After crossing the border the route becomes Highway 99. Take Highway 17 turn-off and follow the signs south to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal. Visit BC Ferries or call 1-888-223-3779 (1-888-BCFERRY) for reservations.
Air: Travel from Seattle can be a scenic flight via scheduled or chartered floatplane. Visit Kenmore Air for flights to Victoria or Nanaimo.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
The best way to protect yourself from any unforeseen circumstance is to purchase trip insurance and medical insurance.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS & DOCUMENTS
*Note that a valid passport is required to cross International borders*
Please ensure you research the required documentation for your flight or for entry into another country (valid passport for the entire duration of the Retreat and return travel, visa, entry fee, etc.). I cannot accept responsibility for delay or cancellation of any flights, train, buses or other forms of transport.
ROOM CONFIGURATIONS
There are a total of six bedrooms and 12 beds in the house so each attendee is guaranteed a bed to herself unless you want to share a bed. FOUR rooms have one King bed in each and TWO rooms have four beds in each room ranging from twin beds to queen.
Room allocation is typically done on a first-come, first-served basis as you arrive unless I hear from you otherwise. If you’d like to request to share a room with a particular person let me know and I will do my best to accommodate your request.If you have special sleep requests or concerns let me know and I will do my best to ensure your needs are respected and met.
Think about packing ear plugs regardless and eye masks as there are no blackout blinds if this matters to you.
DRUGS & ALCOHOL USE
It’s important for participants to be clear headed and aware through the coaching sessions and as they process and integrate the learning received. Therefore the use of recreational substances such as alcohol or marijuana is not permitted.
For those who use CBD or marijuana for medicinal reasons, at previous retreats, this has been acceptable as long as it respects the other participants’ experience and is used outside of our sessions (like at the end of the day as we are winding down). Please let me know if this applies so we can respect your needs as well as the group being aware of yours.
FOOD
The most important thing to me is for you to feel supported and nourished with the best possible food available.
My intention is to supply mostly vegetarian and vegan-based options from local and organic sources wherever possible which is easy in this neck of the woods! There will always be “carnivorous add-ons” for each meal which keeps everyone happy.
You can provide any special requests, desires, preferences or sensitivities in the intake form so I can ensure you feel nurtured from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave.
I can’t wait for you to experience the HEALING that the space, environment and women will bring you over these powerful five days!
Let me know if you have any questions or concerns regarding the above or you feel I’ve missed something that matters to you.
Much love,
Keri-Anne x