We look forward to experiencing a transformative vacation with you in the lush forests of British Columbia.
Please find below the information you need to prepare for the retreat.
Important Note: In your welcome email is unique link to an information form. Please fill this out at your earliest convenience.
How to get to the lodge
There are many ways to get to the lodge. Often, guests consider coming a couple days before or after their retreat to explore our beautiful town of Nelson, and/or the other wonderful natural places in British Columbia that are just a drive away, such as; Fernie, Golden, and Banff National Park—one of the most stunning landscapes on earth!
Getting to us isn’t always easy, so we offer a free shuttle from the two airports closest to us to help out; Spokane, WA (GEG), and Castlegar, BC (YCG). This option is great if you’re limited on time and are just coming in for the retreat. Please note that our shuttles operate at specific times only and if your flights are missed, cancelled, or delayed, arrival to the lodge is ultimately your responsibility (we will do our best to help, however!).
You may also drive to the lodge, if you wish. This is a great option if you want to explore our surrounding area some more!
Instructions for flying into Spokane, Washington (GEG)
The Spokane shuttle departs the airport at 1:00p sharp on the Saturday of your start date. We recommend flights that arrive before 12:00p, as the shuttle is unable to wait for delayed flights.
The shuttle returns to the airport the following Saturday by 12:00p, so flights departing after 1:00p work well.
Upon arrival, please meet the shuttle in the 1-hour parking lot across from Concourse B & C no later than 12:45p. You will see our driver holding a Mountain Trek sign.
The Spokane airport shuttle is approximately 4-5 hours with the border crossing.
Instructions for flying into CASTLEGAR AIRPORT, BC, CANADA (YCG)
Our Castlegar (YCG) shuttle services all flights arriving and departing on Saturdays between 10:00a and 3:00p. Castlegar is only 75 minutes from our lodge, but is a small regional airport that is more prone to delays and cancellations.
If arriving into Castlegar, please note you will first be transported into the lovely town of Nelson, where you can walk around the shops and restaurants (view our Guide To A Saturday In Nelson), and then at 4:00p (once we have fully cleaned and sanitized every room) you will re-board the shuttle and drive out to the lodge.
Driving Instructions
The lodge address is below:
3800 North Street
Ainsworth Hot Springs, BC
V0G 1A0 Canada
Please note: check-in is between 5:00-6:00pm
What to pack
Bring layers, leave fancy attire at home—this is your time to recharge in comfortable clothing. Complimentary daily laundry service is provided so you can pack light (you shouldn’t need to pack more than a carry-on) and in your room, you will find organic shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, a hairdryer, and a spa robe. We also provide your backpack and hiking poles for the week.
! NEW for 2024 !
As we continue our effort to reduce material waste, please bring your own 3L water bladder and 24-32 oz / 750mL – 1L insulated water bottle from home.
If you don’t have either, you can purchase our favorites when at the lodge and then bring these essential hiking items home.
How to Layer
Base layer
This is your sweat-wicking first layer that has direct contact with your skin. Good fabrics include polypro, merino wool and silk. Cotton is discouraged—it will keep you damp.
Middle layer
Your insulating layer that traps body heat. Polar Fleece and wool are preferable.
Outer layer
Your shield from wind and rain. Gore-Tex, or something similar, is best—it’s waterproof yet breathable.
Spring/Fall (Colder Weather) Packing List
Passport
Prescribed medications
NEW!—20-30oz insulated water bottle—NEW!
NEW!—3L water bladder—NEW!
Trail runners / hiking boots
2 pairs med-weight wicking hiking socks (wool preferred)
Slippers
Sandals
Indoor fitness shoes/runners
2 pairs fitness socks
Bathing suit (preferably 2)
Activewear for the gym and yoga
Loungewear
2 quick-drying hiking pants
2 short-sleeve base layers
1 long-sleeve base layer
1 warm fleece or wool mid-layer
Rain jacket
Rain pants
Warm vest (optional)
Warm hat or ear band
Sun hat
Rain hat (if rain jacket doesn’t have a hood)
Medium-weight, water-resistant gloves
Non-cotton underwear
Pajamas
Sunglasses
Camera
Book
Extra pair of prescription eyeglasses
Note: We provide backpack and hiking poles. In an effort to reduce material waste, please bring your own 3L water bladder and 20-30 oz insulated water bottle (both available at lodge).
Summer (Warmer Weather) Packing List
Passport
Prescribed medications
NEW!—20-30oz insulated water bottle—NEW!
NEW!—3L water bladder—NEW!
Trail runners / hiking boots
2 pairs lightweight wicking hiking socks (wool preferred)
Sandals
Indoor fitness shoes/runners
2 pairs fitness socks
Bathing suit (preferably 2)
Activewear for the gym and yoga
Loungewear
1 pair quick drying lightweight hiking pants
1- 2 pairs of lightweight hiking shorts
2-3 hiking base layer tank tops or t-shirts
1 lightweight long sleeved base layer shirt (for sun and/or bug protection)
1 warm long sleeve over layer
Rain jacket (breathable)
Sun hat
Non cotton underwear
Sunglasses
Camera
Book
Journal
Sleeping eye mask
Pajamas
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Note: We provide backpack and hiking poles. In an effort to reduce material waste, please bring your own 3L water bladder and 20-30 oz insulated water bottle (both available at lodge).
What to leave at home
Tobacco
Candy
Coffee
Alcohol
Perfume
Strongly-scented deodorants, lotions and aftershave
Mountain Trek Schedule
How to prepare
Our nutritionist and kinesiologist recommend adopting the following guidelines leading up to your retreat, ideally beginning one month prior:
Eat fibrous breakfasts
Consume smaller, low-carb dinners; breakfast and lunch should make up 2/3 of your daily calories
At least 2 fruits and 2-3 cups of vegetables per day
Less caffeine
At least 8 glasses of water daily
Fewer refined carbohydrates, such as white breads and pasta
1 multivitamin daily
Less salt when cooking and snacking
Increase your cardio activity
Aim to hit at least 10,000 steps daily
Increase leg strength when possible, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator
Why no Caffeine
For the week or two you are at Mountain Trek, you will not have sugar, alcohol, or caffeine. While the sugar and alcohol might be obvious, cutting caffeine might be perplexing. Caffeine stimulates the adrenal glands to produce the stress hormones cortisol and epinephrine. Higher and prolonged levels of cortisol in the bloodstream have been shown to have a negative effect on raising the metabolism, altering blood sugars and blood pressure and decreasing muscle tissue and bone density. It has also been shown to increase the deposit of belly fat for a significant percentage of the population. We offer substitutes at the retreat that will satiate your coffee needs.
Travel & Medical Insurance
It is required that all guests have medical insurance. If coming from outside Canada, please ensure your current health insurance covers travel or purchase travel-specific medical coverage.
It is highly recommended that guests purchase trip cancellation insurance. The Mountain Trek program is non-refundable and last-minute emergencies or medical issues do sometimes arise. Please visit your local travel agent to do so, or purchase insurance online.
We look forward to seeing you
For answers to your questions, email guestcare@mountaintrek.com.
An Award-Winning Retreat
