Nature Connected
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The name says it all. This is all about Discovery.
Discovery Retreats are designed to immerse you in the practice of Forest Bathing while also supporting you in learning more about the practice.
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Whether you're drawn to Forest Bathing for its health benefits, seeking a greater sense of peace and presence, or considering becoming a Forest Therapy Guide, this retreat offers a unique opportunity to step away from daily distractions and embrace a different way of being in nature. In a serene and wild setting, you will be guided to gradually slow down, unwind, and engage your senses in ways designed to deepen your relationship with the natural world while also supporting your emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
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This retreat is offered in partnership with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT), a global leader in training certified forest therapy guides and promoting the development and practice of forest therapy. Led by experienced ANFT trainers, Discovery Retreats take place in stunning locations around the world, offering unique opportunities to experience the practice alongside like-minded and like-hearted individuals.
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Good News! If after the retreat you decide that you want to become a Forest Therapy Guide, ANFT will give you a discount on the training tuition.​​
Your Retreat Hosts and Forest Therapy Guides
Ken Ouendag (he/him)
Lead Facilitator and Guide
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Born and raised in Winnipeg, MB Ken (he/him) felt called to the West Coast to live alongside the mountains, ocean, and rainforest. Ken Ouendag trained with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) to become Vancouver's first Certified Forest Therapy Guide in 2017. In 2022, he relocated to Calgary, AB where he continues offering public and private nature-based programs designed to support health and wellbeing, inviting people to explore and deepen their relationships with the natural world.
Ken discovered ANFT's forest therapy guide training after completing numerous outdoor education and guiding programs with organizations including NOLS and Outward Bound. He has experience offering nature-based programming to adults of all ages while working in Recreation Therapy in long-term care, hospital, and community outreach settings. Building on his experiences in nature-based programming and Recreation Therapy, Ken is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology to deepen his ability to support others.​​ Ken trains and mentors forest therapy guides-in-training enrolled in training programs with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT).
Chris Jenik (she/her)
Assistant Facilitator and Guide
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Chris is a Certified Forest Therapy Guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) and the Prairie and Mountain Representative for Nature and Forest Therapy of Canada (NFTC). Before becoming a Forest Therapy Guide, Chris was a teacher and school administrator with the Calgary Board of Education for 34 years. She has facilitated outdoor environmental programs for schools in Canada and the United States, contributed to curriculum development, and offered professional development opportunities for teachers, schools and school boards.​​
Recognizing the daily stress educators face and the mental health challenges affecting students, one of Chris' primary focuses has been offering forest therapy/forest bathing walks to schools and school boards. In partnership with an Environmental Conservation Area, Chris has co-facilitated Wellness Nature Retreats, providing space for stillness, reconnection, and relaxation. She believes nature offers endless lessons, inspiration, and support—something she has witnessed firsthand through guiding forest bathing walks and nature-based programs.
Wild Heart Spirit Heart Retreats & Cottages
Our venue is a retreat center nestled at the edge of the wilderness where forest trails meet garden pathways. Our days and nights will be spent immersed in an environment thoughtfully crafted to uplift and inspire. Everything has been designed to foster connection, healing, love, and joy.
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Wild Heart Spirit Heart is located in British Columbia, just outside the community of Tulameen, a 30-minute drive from Princeton. We will provide an optional ride-sharing sign-up form.
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Visit their website to learn more:
Daily Schedule
On a forest therapy walk, we always tell our participants that everything is an invitation. Meaning, we welcome everyone to follow their bodies' lead by making adaptations that best suit them at the moment. The same applies to this retreat. As you can see below, we will offer daily activities designed to create a truly immersive experience—helping you reconnect and recharge—but if yoga before breakfast or a hike up Wild Mountain (with miniature goats!) isn’t your thing, we trust you’ll find your own way to spend time in a way that is nourishing for you.
Thursday, August 14
4:00 pm Check-in
4:45 pm Group Orientation & Tour of Wild Heart Spirit Heart Grounds
6:15 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Introduction to Forest Therapy & Welcome Circle
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​Friday, August 15
7:30 am Sunrise Yoga w/ Nikki from Wild Heart Spirit Heart
8:30 am Breakfast
10:00 am Forest Therapy Walk
1:00 pm Lunch
2:30 pm Wild Expressions – Letting nature inspire free-flowing creativity
4:00 pm Hike up Wild Mountain with miniature goats
6:15 pm Dinner
7:15 pm Q&A about Forest Bathing/Forest Therapy
8:15 pm Candlelit Sound Journey​
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Saturday, August 16
8:30 am Breakfast
10:00 am Forest Therapy Walk
1:00 pm Lunch
2:30 pm Yoga in the Garden w/ Nikki from Wild Heart Spirit Heat
3:30 pm Solo Forest Wander
6:30 pm Dinner
8:00 pm Story Weaving​
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Sunday, August 17
8:30 am Breakfast
10:00 am Tree Planting Ceremony
10:30 am Closing Circle
11:30 am Light Lunch
12:00 pm Departure​​
What's Included
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Lodging in your choice of cottage
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Delicious, plant-based organic meals (i.e., daily breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, and dinner)
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Water, tea, and coffee are available throughout the day
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All scheduled sessions outlined in the Daily Schedule
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Open access to the gardens during your stay
Our venue offers a rare chance to disconnect from screens and immerse yourself in nature. While there is no cell service, WiFi is available in designated areas for communication via WiFi calling or apps like WhatsApp and iMessage. If needed, a landline is available for emergencies. Perhaps consider this an invitation to embrace a digital detox.
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The folks at Wild Heart Spirit Heart believe that true health is rooted in nature, and their meals reflect this philosophy. Each day, fresh, hearty, and nourishing plant-based dishes will be prepared for our group. Even if you're not accustomed to a plant-based diet, this is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy wholesome, satisfying meals that celebrate natural ingredients.
Select Your Cottage
Each cottage has been thoughtfully designed to provide comfort, connection, and tranquillity. Screened windows allow fresh mountain air to flow in while keeping bugs out, and cozy duvets with extra blankets ensure warmth on cooler evenings. There is no electricity, TV, fans, air-conditioning, heat, or Wi-Fi—just the simplicity of nature.
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You’ll have access to a shared outdoor treehouse shower and a composting toilet—either shared or private, depending on your booking—as well as sinks with running water for your convenience. These are not your typical composting toilets! Rest assured, they are modern, well-maintained, and odour-free, offering a clean and comfortable experience.
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Prices are listed in Canadian dollars along with an approximation of the cost in US dollars.
All prices are per person except for the Private Cottage - Double Occupancy option.
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Reserve your spot with a $300 deposit today.
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Early Bird Discount available until June 30, 2025 - Save $50 off the prices listed below
Shared Cottage - CAD $975 (approx. USD $680)
​Experience connection and comfort in a cozy shared space. Each shared cottage has two beds. Price is per person.​
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Private Cottage - CAD $1175 (approx. USD $820)
​Enjoy the peace and privacy of your own space, ideal for self-reflection and quiet rejuvenation.​
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Private Cottage w/ Ensuite - Single Occupancy - CAD $1425 (approx. USD $995)
- SOLD OUT -
​Indulge in added comfort with your own private bathroom in a serene atmosphere. If you’d like to share the experience, you’re welcome to book with a friend or loved one and enjoy your stay together. This is the price for one person. To book for 2 people, please select the option below.​
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Private Cottage w/ Ensuite - Double Occupancy - CAD $1825 (approx. USD $1290)
- SOLD OUT -
Indulge in added comfort with a private bathroom in a serene atmosphere. You’re welcome to book with a friend or loved one and enjoy your stay together (with one queen bed). This price includes lodging, meals, and all scheduled sessions for 2 people.
We’re happy to answer any questions you may have. Feel free to reach out to us and we’ll do our best to respond promptly. If you'd prefer a conversation, we would be happy to arrange a time to have a conversation over the phone or via Zoom.
