Ground to Heal
August 31 - September 5, 2025
Gabriola Island, BC
Find solace in a sanctuary designed for deep grounding and renewal. Nestled in the forests of British Columbia along the shores of the Strait of Georgia, this five-night retreat invites you to slow down and realign with nature. Surrounded by the stillness of the island, you’ll move with intention, sink into daily meditation, and root yourself in grounding practices.
This is a space to reset, reconnect, and return home to yourself.
What to Expect Each Day
Each day, Nate will guide yoga practices rooted in mindfulness and embodied movement. We will begin each morning before breakfast with a gentle, grounding practice designed to center you for the day ahead.
The rhythm of the day allows for spacious, structured time devoted to self exploration and solitude. This is time to reflect, journal, rest, or simply be in quiet connection with the natural surroundings. In the afternoon, a dedicated vinyasa flow offers the opportunity to deepen your practice, build strength, and explore fluid movement with intention.
Evenings close with calming yin and meditation, inviting rest, integration, and a gentle return inward.
On Gabriola Island, staying at Haven will immerse you in nature. Shared meals anchor the day and invite us to gather around nourishing food, thoughtfully prepared by the resident chef.
Throughout the retreat, there is generous space for quiet solitude and introspection, balanced by intentional moments of community and connection. The rhythm of the retreat weaves together guided experiences and personal time, creating a supportive container for rest, reflection, healing, and growth.
About the Retreat Stay
Grab your yoga mat and passport! Step away from the hustle of daily life and into the quiet simplicity of Gabriola Island, a serene, welcoming space for all. The journey from Vancouver, BC can be a quick scenic flight by seaplane or a slower, more meditative adventure via a couple ferry boats. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to the Haven retreat center, where peace and island calm await.
Haven features a modest swimming pool, a small hot tub, and direct ocean access, perfect for quiet reflection or a refreshing dip. A short 10-minute walk leads to tranquil forest trails, inviting exploration of the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty. During the warmest season, the ocean provides an opportunity to immerse yourself fully in nature’s rhythm, creating space for renewal and connection.
Meals are communal, and the chef will prepare large portions of nourishing, healthy food for all participants. There is no set menu—just wholesome, comforting meals to fuel your body and mind. This retreat isn’t about indulgence in luxury; it’s a return to simplicity, providing space to focus on self-reflection and grounding.
Please note that the retreat offers limited access to Wi-Fi and cellular service, allowing for a true disconnect from technology.
Accommodation
Prices include the program, lodging, and food. Participants are responsible to book travel and arrive at Gabriola Island, Descanso Bay Terminal independently.
This intimate private stay offers a quiet retreat for one. Featuring a single bed and an en-suite bathroom, it’s a little space to rest in solitude.
Private Room | Single Bed
This cozy private stay offers a quiet retreat for one. Featuring a double bed and an en-suite bathroom, it’s a comfortable space to rest in solitude.
Private Room | Double Bed
Tucked away in the trees, this cozy private stay offers a quiet retreat for one. Featuring a queen bed and an en-suite bathroom, it’s the perfect sanctuary for rest, reflection, and solitude.
Private Room | Queen Bed
In the solitude of the forest, this room with multiple beds offers a spacious accommodation to share with a friend or two. This booking is for one of up to four guests in one shared space, with an en-suite bathroom.
Shared Room | Single Bed
In the solitude of the forest, this room with multiple beds offers a spacious accommodation to share with a friend or two. This booking is for one of up to four guests in one shared space, with an en-suite bathroom.
Shared Room | Queen Bed
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Haven is nestled on Gabriola Island in British Columbia, a serene and tranquil destination. This small, quiet island is renowned for its lush forests, rugged shorelines, and vibrant arts community. Gabriola exudes a peaceful and laid-back atmosphere, with limited shops and restaurants, making it an ideal choice for nature enthusiasts, those who appreciate simplicity, and individuals seeking a slower pace of life over the allure of convenience.
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Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are freshly prepared by the resident chef using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients designed to nourish and energize. Vegetarian and gluten free diets are thoughtfully accommodated. Meals are served buffet style at set times and enjoyed together in a relaxed, communal setting.
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Arriving at the Haven is an exciting adventure. You can take a ferry from Vancouver to Nanaimo Island, followed by a smaller ferry to Gabriola Island. This journey takes approximately four hours and includes walking or taxi rides.
Alternatively, you can depart from YVR or the Waterfront terminal on a seaplane, the 25-40 minute flight lands at Silva Bay, where you will take a taxi to the Haven.
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Each day begins with a gentle movement class and meditation at sunrise. The afternoons are dedicated to flow classes or activities that promote physical movement. In the evening, we conclude the day with restorative yoga and journaling.
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yoga mat
yoga strap
toiletries and soap
bathing suit
warm clothes to layer
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Jumping into the sea will help recalibrate your body to the natural world.
We’ll take paddle boards out onto the bay and swim in the tranquil waters.
The island is also perfect for gentle forest walks, together or solo, designated dirt paths wind through the soft hills.
You may like to walk into town to visit local shops and view art.
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The Haven is now a dry facility, so no drinking is permitted on the premises as of 2026. You may find a pint of local huckleberry brew or BC wine if you venture out during free time.