Bodega Ridge Men’s Retreat

Galiano Island, BC
October 8 - 12, 2025

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Bodega Ridge Men’s Retreat | FAQs

This page is a living resource that will continue to be updated with new and pertinent information as we get closer to arrival. We look forward to welcoming you on this immersive retreat.

Updates have been made to The Retreat Schedule, What to Bring and Spa Bookings as of 9/8/25.

Emergency Numbers you can give your family while you are in session:

  • Bodega Ridge - Jesse Keefer - 1.604.368.9209 - Jesse and Bodega Ridge staff will have our class schedule and your lodging location if they need to reach you.

  • My cell - Elliott Rector - 1.503.522.8406 - please give your family my cell in case of emergency. I will be connected to wifi while on site and will be able to receive texts from them so that I can notify you.

  • Please also take down my cell for your travel day, text or email me if you have any changes in your plans that affect your arrival.

Intake Form Reminder:

  • Thank you to those who have already completed your intake form. If you haven’t yet, please complete it here: INTAKE Form. This helps us—and Bodega Ridge—prepare for your arrival.

Arrival Day | Wednesday October 8, 2025

  • Check-in at the Main Lodge opens at 2 pm at Bodega Ridge, Galiano Island, BC, Canada

  • Dinner will be served from 6 - 7 pm

Sacred Space

  • Cell phone service is intermittent on Galiano Island depending on your carrier. WiFi is available at Bodega Ridge

  • The retreat will be technology free in communal spaces. A designated time and space will be provided to accommodate necessary phone calls (i.e., parents connecting with children and other needs)

  • The retreat will be alcohol free

  • There are no open flames permitted (with the exception of altar candles and designated fire pits). Please do not light candles, burn incense, sage, or palo santo on site unless otherwise notified by Bodega Ridge staff and/or retreat leaders

Preparing for the Retreat

  • In general, most people fly into Vancouver (YVR).

    You can also fly to Victoria (YYJ), although non-stop ferries from Victoria (Swartz Bay) to Galiano Island (Sturdies Bay) are more limited. Make sure to check the ferry schedule here.

  • Please try to arrive onsite at Bodega Ridge by 6PM on October 8th, so that you can meet the crew and enjoy dinner.

    There are two direct ferries to Galiano Island on October 8: 10:25am and 7:30pm.

    We recommend flying to Vancouver on October 7 and then take the 10:25am ferry on October 8.

    Guests arriving at Vancouver Airport on October 8 can travel to Galiano Island as follows:

    Option 1: Rent a Car

    • Collect your rental car at Vancouver Airport.

    • Drive directly to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes).

    • Park and board the ferry to Galiano Island (reserve tickets in advance for the 10:25am or 7:30pm ferry).

    • Upon arrival at Sturdies Bay, drive to Bodega Ridge (approx. 30 minutes) or we can arrange for shuttle pickup if you walk onto the ferry.

    Option 2: Taxi/Lyft/Uber + Ferry

    • Book a taxi or Lyft/Uber from Vancouver Airport to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal.

    • Purchase walk-on ferry ticket in advance for the desired departure (10:25am or 7:30pm).

    • Take the ferry to Sturdies Bay on Galiano Island.

    • Coordinate a shuttle pickup at Sturdies Bay.

    Option 3: Carpool with Other Guests

    • Connect with other guests arriving around the same time using the carpool list to be distributed 2 weeks before the retreat.

    Note: Confirm ferry schedules and purchase tickets early to secure your spot.

  • Arrival Day is Wednesday, October 8, 2025.

    • Check-in opens at 2pm with light snacks at Bodega Ridge on Galiano Island

    • Pink Geranium Cafe & Store is open until 4pm - coffee, fresh baked goods, groceries, snacks for purchase

    • Dinner will be served from 6 - 7pm

    Departure Day is Sunday, October 12, 2025.

    • Breakfast at 7:30am

    • Check-out by 11am

    • A small sacred item that you can place on our altar for the week to soak up the energy and blessings of the space. Please refrain from choosing something highly valuable. You will take these items back home with you at the end of the retreat.

    • A travel alarm clock/watch (we will be mostly tech-free, so please don’t plan on using your phone while in sessions, a watch is also nice for seeing the time without having to use your device during the day)

    • Refillable sealed water bottle / mug (one will also be provided)

    • Comfortable, warm practice clothing and outdoor clothing. Think layers (indoor and outdoor). We will be outside rain or shine!

    • Waterproof jacket or raincoat. British Columbia + Fall = Rain

    • Layered clothing (thermal base layer, fleece or insulated jacket)

    • Moisture-wicking shirts

    • Durable/waterproof hiking pants

    • Comfortable waterproof hiking boots / trail running shoes with good grip

    • Extra socks (2-4 pairs, preferably wool or synthetic)

    • Warm hat (toque) and gloves

    • Swimsuit

    • Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)

    • Headlamp for our early morning hike

    • A full supply of necessary medications + supplements

    • All necessary toiletries needed

    • Credit card for incidentals & any optional purchases at Pink Geranium Cafe: Bodega asks all guests to provide a credit card at check-in for any purchases made on the property.

    • Optional: snack or energy bars, immune-boosting and internal cleansing supplements and herbs

  • Expect cool, damp fall conditions (mid-40s to mid-50s F / 7–13°C). Rain is likely, with shifting skies. Pack waterproof layers and warm clothing.

    Please be prepared!

  • Please share any food allergies or special dietary needs through our INTAKE FORM no later than October 1, 2025.

  • Your retreat schedule will be provided upon arrival. If you have any questions about the schedule in advance, please contact us.

  • Props Provided:

    Yoga mats, yoga blocks, straps, and blankets are all available.

  • It is HIGHLY recommended you bring any amenities, or toiletries you prefer or anticipate needing during the retreat. 

    Bathrooms are equipped with all-natural soaps and towels.

  • You can book a spa session directly with Isabella from BASK portable spa services at 1.250.464.1337 or https://baskspa.ca/.

    Your retreat schedule will be provided upon arrival so you may book spa appointments during breaks and meal times without missing anything!

  • Our five days together will incorporate Qi Gong, Meditation, Yoga Nidra, Tantric Hatha Yoga, Breathwork, INSIGHT contemplative sessions, Wilderness Immersions, storytelling, and fireside chats, balanced with time in community and time in solitude. 

    No previous experience with any of these practices is required. 

    Each element is designed to provide an experience that feels authentic, nourishing, and meaningful.

    Simply show up as you are. The experience is there to serve you, and every component is yours to make your own.

  • Bodega Ridge is nestled in between the oceans and forests of beautiful Galiano Island, BC. It’s where reflection and contemplation are at ease, and where time seems to stand still. Where your whole person - mind, body and spirit- is nourished and restored. Cocooned in the magic of the island, Bodega Ridge is designed to allow guests to reconnect with nature, with others, and with themselves.

    Address: 120 Manastee Road Galiano Island, BC V0N 1P0

    Phone: 1.250.539.2677

    Website: https://www.bodegaridge.com/

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