This retreat is designed for individuals seeking meaningful rest, introspection, and embodied self-discovery. Whether you are navigating a life transition, feeling disconnected from yourself, or simply craving time away from the noise of daily life, this retreat provides the space and guidance to reconnect with your inner wisdom. No prior experience in embodiment practices or retreats is necessary—just an openness to exploring new ways of being. And come prepared to have fun!

By the end of the retreat, you can expect to feel a deeper sense of clarity, self-awareness, and ease in your body and mind. Participants will leave feeling more grounded, connected to their personal values, and equipped with practical tools to integrate new insights into their everyday lives. You'll also receive a curated workbook to help solidify your learnings and create a work plan for sustainable change, and be invited to a post retreat community space to connect with other participants.

Guests stay in eco-friendly cabins that blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings. Accommodations include private and shared options, with cozy bedding and access to shared washrooms and common spaces. Everything is designed to provide comfort while allowing you to fully immerse in the retreat experience.

Your retreat experience includes:

• Accommodations for the duration of your stay

• Nourishing farm-to-table meals prepared by a personal chef

• Guided embodiment practices and facilitated group sessions

• Time in nature, including optional guided excursions

• Access to the wood-fired sauna and quiet reflection spaces

• A customized workbook to help integrate your insights into daily life

Yes! Meals are thoughtfully prepared to accommodate various dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other restrictions. During registration, you will be asked to share your dietary preferences and the Edge team will ensure your meals align with your needs.

We recommend bringing:

• Comfortable clothing for movement and relaxation

• Weather-appropriate layers for outdoor activities

• A swimsuit for the sauna

• Sturdy footwear for forest trails

• A reusable water bottle

• Any personal items you need for your comfort

• Any necessary medications

A full packing list will be provided upon registration.

We encourage a digital detox to help you fully engage in the retreat experience. There is no Wi-Fi or cell service at the retreat center—this is intentional, allowing you to disconnect from external distractions and reconnect with yourself. There is a landline on site in the case of an emergency or need to communicate to your friends or loved ones.

Cristin has over 20 years of experience in leadership, facilitation, and community engagement, and brings a deep well of expertise to Birch + Bloom. She holds a diploma in Peace and Conflict Studies, a Communications degree and Certificate in Dialogue and Civic Engagement from Simon Fraser University, and is currently completing her Certified Feminine Embodiment Coach training. Her work is rooted in helping individuals and teams navigate transformation with clarity, intention, and presence. She has designed and led retreats, workshops, and leadership programs that encourage self-discovery and meaningful connection. Her approach is deeply relational, blending practical tools with nature-based wisdom and somatic practices to guide participants toward sustainable change. The Birch + Bloom retreat is a culmination of her lived experience, education, and dedication to creating spaces where people can rest, reflect, and reconnect—with themselves and with others. You’re in trusted hands!

Guests should plan on arriving between 2-3 pm on arrival day. During arrival you will have the opportunity to settle into your cabin, enjoy free time, or experience drop-in activities while the remainder of the guests arrive.

Departure time for most experiences is after lunch to allow for travel time back home. We encourage all guests to stay and experience the full retreat program.

In a word – “Amazing”. The Edge team takes great pride in delivering a culinary experience that will have you asking for recipes. Savour abundant, freshly harvested, global culture buffet dining with chef Gregor’s specialties to thrill your pallet and expand your culinary savvy. Meals at the Edge are more akin to attending a dinner party with an engaging chef than visiting a buffet at an all-inclusive.

In the spirit of community we invite guests to assist with clearing and washing personal dishes. Remember those days before automatic dishwashers when the best conversations happened at the kitchen sink? It’s that way here all the time.

The Edge operates on solar power which provides us with energy for pumping and heating water, energy efficient lighting, music, and most of the comforts of home. Blow-dryers, hair-straighteners, and other devices that produce heat when plugged in, cannot be used here. These devices can damage the electrical system so we ask that they are left at home.

We also ask that any devices that may impact the experience of other guests be left at home, as many of our guests are looking forward to unplugging.  For example, portable gaming devices, drones, tablets, personal computers, & cell phones should be kept at home or in your vehicle.

What about a camera? We love when guests take photos and share them with us on social media after their visit!  Please ensure devices such as cameras are fully-charged before your trip.

CPAP Machines: All cabins have electricity and can support CPAP machines. In our Canopy Cabins, the outlets are a bit farther from the beds, so a small extension cord may be needed, but all other cabins can easily accommodate CPAP use.

Experiences at the Edge are substance-free, inviting us to connect through all of the senses.  Alcohol and drugs inhibit the depth of connection possible and can be a distraction from the personal transformation that our guests are seeking.  We also respect that some participants who join us at the Edge may have had previous harmful relationships with substances, and we are creating safe space to engage together.

Guests are not permitted to bring their own alcohol onto the property for personal consumption. We are not licensed to sell alcohol or to permit BYOB.

Guests are not permitted to bring drugs (including cannabis) for recreational use. If you have a medical need, please notify the Edge team prior to your visit to ensure your needs are met without impacting the safe experience of the group. As a reminder, the Edge is a smoke-free environment.