Yoga retreats offer a different kind of escape. One where the goal isn’t productivity or performance—but presence. It’s intentional movement, restorative stillness, nourishing food, meaningful connection, and being surrounded by nature in a way that allows you to just be.
At Revelstoke Wellness, we believe that when you step into nature, move your body with intention, and share space with others who are doing the same, something shifts. You soften. You open. You remember what it feels like to be truly well. Revelstoke Retreats is part of that vision. It’s the adventure-based retreat arm of Revelstoke Wellness, blending yoga, hiking, rest, and reflection in wild places.
Whether you’re brand new to yoga or simply craving a break from the everyday, this blog will walk you through what to expect from a yoga retreat and why one might be the most life-giving decision you make this year.
What Is a Yoga Retreat, Really?
A yoga retreat isn’t just a vacation with some downward dogs thrown in. It’s an immersive experience designed to help you tune in physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Most yoga retreats unfold over several days and invite you into a gentle rhythm of movement, rest, and reflection. Mornings often begin with a quiet, breath-focused practice to ground your energy and ease you into the day. Afternoons might include hiking, journaling, lakeside strolls, or simply curling up with a book and a view. Evenings tend to wind down with slow, stretchy flows or guided meditation.
You can expect to experience different styles of yoga throughout the retreat, including:
- Gentle Yin Yoga
- Flow/Vinyasa Yoga
- Guided meditation
At Revelstoke Retreats, our days are shaped by the landscape around us. One day might involve an invigorating backcountry hike followed by restorative yoga under an open sky. Another might be about stillness, journaling beside a glacier-fed lake, or sinking into a delicious savasana while the mountains glow golden outside your window.
You don’t need to be an advanced yogi (or even particularly flexible). You just need a willingness to be present. Most of our guests are beginners or somewhere in-between, and every practice is guided with options to support you where you’re at.
It’s less about perfecting the pose and more about learning how to come home to your body.
Why Do People Go on Yoga Retreats?
Life moves fast. Between work, responsibilities, and constant distractions, it can feel like there’s never a moment to fully exhale. A yoga retreat offers something many people don’t even realize they need: a chance to step out of the rush and into a different rhythm..
For many, a retreat is a way to deepen their yoga practice (or to start one) in a more immersive setting. Unlike a drop-in class, a retreat gives you time to explore movement, breath, and rest without needing to rush off to the next thing. You get to settle in and really feel the effects of a regular practice.
Some people simply want a vacation, but they don’t want to plan it all themselves. A yoga retreat offers just enough structure—daily movement, nourishing meals, beautiful surroundings—without being rigid or overwhelming. You can show up, be taken care of, and use the time however you need.
You don’t have to be flexible or experienced in yoga to benefit. What matters most is the willingness to slow down and take care of yourself in a different way.
The Revelstoke Retreat Experience
Revelstoke Retreats offers signature hiking and yoga retreats in Revelstoke and beyond. From the rugged trails of Glacier and Revelstoke National Parks to the quiet shores of Kootenay Lake—and even tropical escapes in Mexico—each retreat is a chance to slow down, reconnect with nature, and breathe more deeply.
Led by ACMG-certified guides Beth and Kristin, our retreats weave together guided hikes, restorative yoga, reflective journaling, nourishing meals, and meaningful time outdoors. Some of our 2025/2026 offerings include:
- The Sentinel on Kootenay Lake
This lakeside retreat is centered on yoga, meditation, creative expression, and quiet time near the water. It’s designed for people who are ready to soften and step out of daily demands, with less doing and more being. - Sentry Lodge
Located near Revelstoke, this remote, helicopter-accessed backcountry lodge offers a more adventurous escape. Expect alpine hiking, hearty meals, and daily yoga practices that support your time on the trail. One or two classes a day help you stretch, unwind, and reconnect with your breath—surrounded by sweeping views of the Columbia Mountains. - The Grand Traverse
A four-night, hut-to-hut hiking adventure through the Esplanade Range. You’ll travel on foot between backcountry lodges, with your gear flown ahead by helicopter. Yoga and meditation are woven into the journey, offering quiet moments of reflection in the alpine. - Prana del Mar, Baja Mexico
If you’re craving sun and salt air, this oceanfront retreat is designed to help you fully unplug. It includes twice-daily yoga, reflective workshops, organic meals, and free time to walk the beach, lounge by the pool, or explore at your own pace.
“I have participated in many yoga retreats in my time, both domestic and international, and I can honestly say this retreat is first class! The theme of the retreat was cultivating awareness. Beth and Kristin excelled at moving us from the gross to the subtle over the course of the weekend. We practiced amazing yoga (morning and evening practices – meditation, pranayama, beautiful flowing vinyasa [accessible to all], yin yoga and Yoga Nidra); field journaling, both sketching and writing; truly fabulous massage; outrageously good cuisine; an outdoor fresh water hot tub and sauna; and all in an awe-inspiring venue in the West Kootenays just outside Kaslo. The accommodations are almost new, well appointed and very clean. The views of Kootenay Lake and the Selkirk Mountains are unparalleled. I highly recommend this retreat! I will without a doubt attend this retreat in the future.” –Jenn Stedman, Revelstoke Retreats Participant
You don’t need to be an expert in yoga or an experienced hiker to join. These retreats are open to anyone looking for something deeper than a typical vacation.You don’t need to be an expert hiker to join our retreats. With two certified guides, we accommodate different paces so everyone can enjoy the journey. That said, it’s important to be comfortable spending the day outdoors and have a fitness level that allows you to navigate uneven terrain with some elevation changes. For more details on the physical demands of each retreat, feel free to reach out to Revelstoke Retreats—we’re happy to help you find the perfect fit! They’re for people who want to move, rest, explore, and remember what it feels like to feel fully present in their body.
What to Bring to a Revelstoke Retreats Yoga Retreat
What you pack for a yoga retreat will depend on where you’re going and how long you’ll be away. A weekend retreat at a lakeside lodge will look a little different from a multi-day backcountry hiking trip. That said, there are a few basics that are useful no matter the setting.
Pack comfortable clothes you can move in, a reusable water bottle, a journal, and a yoga mat. Revelstoke Retreats provides yoga props, so you will have more space to bring your essentials in your pack. If you’re spending time outside, add walking shoes, a warm layer, and a rain jacket to your bag. Many retreats are hosted in beautiful natural settings, so it helps to be prepared for changing weather.
For trips that include hiking, swimming, or backcountry travel, check with Beth or Kristin for a full packing list. You may need items like a bathing suit, daypack, or headlamp.
You don’t need fancy equipment or designer yoga wear. Just bring what helps you feel at ease and be open to a slower, more intentional pace.
Ready to Retreat?
If something in you is craving quiet, movement, or a shift in perspective, a yoga retreat might be the reset you didn’t know you needed. It isn’t about escaping your life, but about reconnecting to it with a little more softness, presence, and ease.Whenever you’re ready, we’ll be here to welcome you.
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