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Silent Meditation Retreats in Canada/
Silent Meditation Retreats in Bowen Island/
Summer Silence: A Meditation Retreat
Summer Silence: A Meditation Retreat
August 13 - 16, 2026
Bowen Island, Canada
3 nights, 4 days
18 person retreat
Highlights
Practice meditation with a like-minded community in a Yurt in the forest
Enjoy silence, space and rest with a like-minded community
38 acres of meadows, trees, a lush garden and walking labyrinth to explore during walking meditations
Receive one-on-one guidance during designated times with Carolyn
Includes guided meditation sessions, dharma talks, silence, guided gentle yoga, self-led walking meditations
Details
An opportunity to recharge before the busyness of fall and to grow more appreciation for life’s simple moments. Join Carolyn Anne Budgell for a 4-day, 3-night retreat into silence, space, and rest with a like-minded community. Amidst the towering old growth and 38 acres of meadows, trees, a lush garden and walking labyrinth on Bowen Island, BC, Xenia Retreat Centre offers a secluded space to step away from daily noise and reconnect with stillness. This retreat is designed for those seeking a pause, a greater appreciation for life’s simple moments and time to just be. Our home: A retreat like this requires a special space - one that is immersed into nature, with the simplest of dwellings and untouched natural surroundings. Welcome to the Xenia Centre. Just a 20 minute ferry from West Vancouver, BC on Bowen Island, Xenia is surrounded by parkland and nestled between two lakes, with abundant trails with giant ferns, and a short walk to the ocean. Xenia offers the work of Sanctuary (of the moment) inclusive of all traditions, spiritual studies and cultures. It is an eclectic, non-dogmatic environment, offering a doorway through which one can know one’s true nature as a direct experience. Containing numerous cottage dwellings and an astounding Gathering Space, it’s the perfect backdrop for easing into silence. Walk the labyrinth, sit with OPA our ancient Douglas fir or visit the horses in the meadow. OPA, the horses, Khodo and Summer, Tofino the donkey and Mars the miniature horse along with Gracie our labradoodle and Charlie the pig are very good at offering Sanctuary to all those who spend time with them. Read more about Xenia’s Guidelines and Values here. Cuisine by Marika Richoz: Three nourishing meals are provided daily. With Marika's care, you will find yourself fully satiated with vegetarian dishes that will become part of your meditation practice. Mindfully eating and appreciating every last bit. Accommodations: Xenia offers a variety of simple, yet comfortable accommodation options including self-contained cabins in a forested refuge, yurts with washrooms nearby, and dorm spots (for females only). More room details can be found here. If you’re not booking the female only dorm cottage, please book with your friend or roommate as we cannot guarantee coordinating roommates.
Venue
Xenia Retreat Centre
4.7 ★ 9 Reviews
Xenia is a 38-acre Sanctuary in the heart of Bowen Island, one hour from downtown Vancouver and 90 minutes from our international airport. It is also surrounded by hundreds of acres of protected government forests and lakes. It is a place of safety and beauty. It is a place to heal, to rest, to play and to discover one’s true nature and inherent gifts.
Free Wifi
Garden
Sauna
Housekeeping
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Free Parking
Shower
Balcony
Bathroom
Accommodation
Oma Private Cabin for 1 or 2 People
Private room for 2
$1,000 USD / person
Oma Private Cabin for 1 or 2 People
Private room for 1
$1,700 USD total
1 / 2
Xenia Retreat is a 38-acre Sanctuary in the heart of Bowen Island, one hour from downtown Vancouver and 90 minutes from our international airport. It is also surrounded by hundreds of acres of protected government forests and lakes. It is a place of safety and beauty. It is a place to heal, to rest, to play and to discover one’s true nature and inherent gifts. Xenia offers a variety of simple, yet comfortable accommodation options including self-contained cabins in a forested refuge, yurts with washrooms nearby, and dorm spots (for females only). If you’re not booking the female only dorm cottage, please book with your friend or roommate as we cannot guarantee coordinating roommates.
Meals
Meals provided
Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Diets catered
Vegan · Vegetarian · Gluten-free · Dairy-free · Nut Allergy Friendly
Cuisine by the amazing Marika Richoz. Three nourishing meals are provided daily. With Marika's care, you will find yourself fully satiated with vegetarian dishes that will become part of the meditation practice. Mindfully eating and appreciating every last bit.
Testimonials
1 / 3
Host
Carolyn Anne Budgell
Vancouver, BC, Canada
Sharing Mindfulness, Meditation + Breathwork since 2009, Carolyn's experience is vast: presenter at Wanderlust & Lululemon Festivals, published on My Yoga Online & Halfmoon Yoga, instructed over 20 Yo...
Certified Yoga Instructor
Accreditation has been verified
1 language
English
Teaching for 9 years
Joined Insight Timer in Sep 2016
What's Included
A space to step away from daily noise and reconnect with stillness
Three nourishing vegetarian meals a day
Guided meditations led by Carolyn
Dharma talks with Carolyn
Longer periods of silence
Guided gentle and restorative yoga
Self-led walking meditations
Designated times for questions and one-on-one guidance
Not Included
Travel to and from Xenia Retreat, on Bowen Island, BC
FAQs
Guest requirements
Some previous meditation experience is encouraged
Cancellation policy
The remaining balance for the retreat is due 120 days prior to the start date. If this balance is paid earlier than these 120 days, you are eligible to cancel and receive a full refund of this remaining balance, provided you do so at least 120 days before the retreat begins.
