Early June on Canada’s west coast is a splendid time of year, alive with the sounds and sights of spring. From nesting birds to foraging bears, the coast hums with renewal. Join us for a peaceful, nature-focused retreat where you’ll slow down, observe, and learn about British Columbia’s coastal ecosystems in their vibrant spring awakening.

Each day blends learning, leisure, and exploration—guided by award-winning ecologist, bird guide, author, and photographer Melissa Hafting, whose deep knowledge and passion bring the BC coast’s birdlife vividly to life (read Melissa's full bio below). Supporting the retreat is lodge owner and wildlife biologist Deborah Lacroix, whose career began as a coastal bird specialist and who brings decades of experience and local insight.

Together, Melissa and Deb—along with our welcoming lodge team—will lead you through the forests, shorelines, and waters of Barkley Sound. Birds are our central theme, but the timing of this retreat also coincides with some of the year’s best low tides for bear viewing, intertidal exploration, hiking, and kayaking.

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how birds reveal nature’s interconnected processes—and how birding itself can nurture personal well-being through mindful observation and the simple joy of being outdoors. All levels of birding experience are welcomed.

Prices start from CDN $2,950 +GST  per person based on double occupancy for four nights, inclusive of guided excursions, gear, chef-prepared meals, and all lodge amenities. Single, triple, and quadruple occupancies are available, please inquire for pricing.

What’s included?

• All excursions and activities with Melissa Hafting and lodge staff
• All accommodation and meals
• Live music
• Much, much more!

More about Melissa Hafting

Melissa is an ecologist, bird guide, author, and photographer. She founded the BC Young Birders Program in 2014, which aims to bring together youth of all races, sexual orientations, and genders to look at birds on fun excursions in the natural world. The program also helps teach youth about citizen science and the importance of bird conservation. She is also passionate about making birding more inclusive for all, especially for BIPOC birders like herself. She is an avid traveller and loves to explore the world looking for birds. Melissa is an eBird reviewer for the province of BC and sits on the board of directors of the Frontiers in Ornithology Association and Wild Bird Trust of BC. She was also a judge for the 2022 and 2023 Audubon Photography Awards, the recipient of BC Nature’s 2021 Daphne Solecki Award for contributing to nature education for children in British Columbia, a finalist for the 2021 Nature Inspiration Awards for the Canadian Museum of Nature, a lead in the 2020 CBC TV documentary, Rare Bird Alert, winner of the 2024 Alan Duncan Bird Conservation Award, and in 2025, Melissa was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal. Her photography can be viewed on her Instagram account @bcbirdergirl