Travel Information
Plan to arrive early
Arriving on time and getting settled before the teachings begin is a gesture of respect towards the teacher and the teachings we will receive, and is much appreciated. This allows for less disruptions to all retreatants once you are in retreat. Once again, as a gesture of respect, please make departure plans before you arrive and for the last day of retreat.
Please consider arriving a day or two before the start date. Retreats are organized and run on a volunteer basis. Helping set up the retreat before we begin will allow everyone to be ready and prepared to receive the teachings and guidance. Please register your arrival date. Please also register your confirmed departure plans (i.e. ferry reservations, plane ticket reservations, etc.). This allows for less disruptions to all retreatants once you are in retreat. Once again, as a gesture of respect, please make departure plans for the last day of retreat.
How to get here
Ferry from Vancouver: The Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal is a 45-minute drive south of downtown Vancouver. The ride on the “Southern Gulf Island Ferry” to Galiano Island is about 50 minutes. Please note: there are a limited number of ferries sailing from Tsawwassen to Galiano Island in the summer. Please check the schedules at www.bcferries.com or call 1-888-223-3779. It is critical to make reservations with BC Ferries if you are bringing a car. No reservation means you may not make the ferry as the summer months are heavily booked. Foot passengers do not require reservations, although arriving early will ensure there are tickets available.
Ferry from Vancouver Island: The Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal is a 40-minute drive from downtown Victoria; about 10 minutes from the Victoria International Airport. The ferry to Galiano Island is 65 minutes if it is direct, so check the schedules at www.bcferries.com.
Driving to the Retreat Center from Sturdies Bay on Galiano Island: From the ferry terminal at Sturdies Bay, follow Sturdies Bay Road to the junction at Porlier Pass Dr. (just past the Hummingbird Pub about 2 km) turn right and continue on Porlier Pass Dr. to the North End of the island (approx. 25 minutes from the ferry). You will pass Madrona Lodge on the same road (approx 15 minutes from the ferry) and Bodega Resort is about 3 minutes from Madrona, at Cook Rd. Once you’ve passed Cook Rd., keep an eye out for Spotlight Rd sign on your left. The handcrafted wooden “Crystal Mountain” sign is just past Spotlight Road on your right. Follow the dirt road all the way up to the oval parking area.
You will not need a car while you are in retreat. Please arrive without a vehicle if possible. Carpooling is encouraged and the retreat registrar can help you arrange this.
