Do Lifework Somewhere Outside
Backpacking Retreat
September 15th-17th, 2023
Vancouver, BC
Reconnect with the true nature of yourself
Three days hiking through the spectacular BC backcountry, challenging yourself mentally and physically, and enjoying five (million) star accommodation under the stars.
Go outside with trip leader Kendra
Hike under towering peaks, through alpine meadows and alongside dazzling blue lakes, covering 40+ kilometers while learning to safely and confidently navigate BC’s backcountry. Master foundational backpacking skills including trip planning, packing, gear use, navigation, cooking, water filtration, food storage and wildlife awareness.
&
Go inside with life coach Fab
Navigate and explore the complexities of your inner dialogue and reconnect with what draws you closest to the true nature of yourself. Learn Lifework's tried and true practices, such as journaling, meditation & clarifying exercises in an unplugged and uninterrupted setting.
Disconnect from our overly connected world and reconnect with yourself & the great outdoors
What’s Included
Backpacking
Expert trip leader
Backpacking permits
Personal and communal backpacking gear
Backcountry meals and snacks
Trailhead transportation
Core skills and confidence in the field
Personal Development
ICF certified life coach
Pre-retreat lifework
Group and breakout coaching sessions
Personal development workshops
Daily journaling sessions
Group meditations
The Route
The route is a challenging out and back trail that travels through a postcard perfect landscape near Pemberton, BC. The route weaves under Mt McLeod, Seven O’Clock Mountain and Mt Barbour and alongside alpine lakes and tarns. The total route is 43km with 2,510 meters of elevation gain.
Day 1 - 16km, 1280m, ~5 hours hiking
Day 2 - 11.5km, 920m, ~4 hours hiking
Day 3 - 16km, 310m, ~4 hours hiking
Much of the route is remote with a variety of terrain including forests, alpine meadows, open ridgelines and talus slopes. Trip members should be prepared to carry a 25lb pack while navigating difficult and ever-changing terrain.
Physical fitness is key to enjoyment and the retreat will be a good match for those who enjoy strenuous day hikes and crave a physical and mental challenge. To maximize enjoyment of the trip, we strongly encourage participants to be involved in a training regimen before the trip, ideally including training hikes with a weighted pack.
Itinerary
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Lifework walking meditation, clarifying exercises and journal prompts
Somewhere Outside trip prep session -
Travel to trailhead
Hike toward camp
Lakeside lunch
Set up camp
Opening Lifework Session ~ disconnect to reconnect
Dinner and life chats
S’mores and stargazing -
Breakfast and morning pages
Walking meditation
Day hike to alpine lake
Lakeside lunch, dip and lifework programming ~ true nature of you
Hike back to camp
Dinner and s’mores under the stars
Evening pages -
Sunrise Lifework session ~ define your true north
Breakfast and morning pages
The final hike
Lake swim
Closing ceremony - stay true to you
Lunch celebration in Pemberton
Travel back to city
Travel Info
Roundtrip transportation from North Vancouver to the trailhead will be provided. The retreat will depart a drop off spot in North Vancouver on Friday, September 15th at 630AM and will return on Sunday, September 17th at ~630PM. If you are joining us from outside of the Vancouver area we recommend arriving in Vancouver on September 14th and departing late on September 17th or the following day. Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is the most convenient airport to fly into.
Retreat Price
$950 CAD
$300 deposit required at booking
$650 due 30 days before trip
Your Hosts
Fabienne Gordon
Founder, Lifework
Fab is an ICF certified Life coach & founder of lifework on a mission to make the power of life coaching more approachable, accessible and “cool”. For over 5+ years Fab has helped 500 young professionals make the shifts they needed to live the life they always wanted. When she’s not coaching, you can find Fab “somewhere outside” exploring the great BC wilderness.
Kendra Cobourn
Founder, Somewhere Outside
Kendra is the founder of Somewhere Outside where she focuses on helping aspiring and experienced adventurers take outdoor trips safely and confidently. She is a backpacking expert having spent the last seven years backpacking throughout the western United States and Canada. Kendra is Wilderness First Aid certified and a Leave No Trace trainer.
Retreat Reviews
from our 2022 retreat attendees
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"This retreat was everything I could have asked for and more. Every single component on the trip exceeded my expectations. I learned SO much from Kendra and now feel confident to head out into the backcountry at home. As for the life work component, there truly are no words to describe what this trip did for me. The 1-1 time with Fab are memories I will always remember and advice I have taken back home with me. I came home inspired beyond belief because of the self development I gained. Grateful for every single incredible human who shared this experience with me - memories to last a lifetime."
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"This weekend was dedicated to stepping out of my comfort zone: taking a step back from a world of wifi, to places where flowers grow and no one is around to tweet about it. I hiked, climbed and camped..but most importantly met 9 incredible people who supported me in my every endeavor. Here's to always challenging ourselves, stepping out of the status quo and going for it. Somewhere Outside and Lifework were my rocks through the laughter, sweat, tears and bug bites...thanks for believing that I could be more than "outdoorsy in that I like patios."
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"Well... that was just what I needed! I jumped at the opportunity to participate in this trip when advertised, but I really didn't know what to expect. Can confirm - it exceeded all my expectations. Not only am I leaving the trip feeling so proud of myself for accomplishing a killer (!!!) hike, but I've also gained so much mental clarity. The journal prompts allowed me to dig deep and uncover a lot. I loved being unplugged and recharging in the fresh air with like minded women. Thank you, Fab and Kendra, for such a special weekend!"
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“This retreat will be classified as one of the most amazing memories of my year - and maybe even my life! The time spent to educate on backpacking and hiking safely, but then also go inward on our personal goals and challenges was incredible. I am leaving this retreat feeling so much more confident, comfortable and proud of who I am as both a person and my abilities to spend time somewhere outside. Cannot recommend this retreat enough!“
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"Words honestly can't explain how great this experience was. What's better than doing life work, outside, in one of the most beautiful places on earth?! While I was nervous going into this, I came out on the other side a more confident, stronger person. It's amazing how a weekend like this can leave you feeling light, even while carrying a heavy pack :) Can't wait to join on another trip again soon!"
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"Hiked into the mountains with a heavy pack and nine strangers this weekend. Came out with a new perspective and nine new friends. A huge thank you to Lifework and Somewhere Outside for reminding me you can do the work, live the work and be somewhere outside all at the same time."
Retreat FAQs
How many spaces are available?
The retreat is designed foster connection through an intentionally intimate group size. You will be surrounded by a group of 8 welcoming, supportive and challenge seeking gals and two backpacking trip leaders.
Should I have spent a night in the wilderness before?
No prior experience is necessary. This trip is built to teach first time overnight adventurers how to safely and confidently spent overnights outside.
Is trip itinerary subject change?
Yes! Itinerary changes may occur due to circumstances beyond our control, including but not limited to forecast, conditions, forest fires, smoke, etc. Any changes will be communicated in advance!
How far do I have to hike?
The daily hikes vary between 11-16km with 300-1300m of elevation gain. Hikes traverse different types of terrain such as well-trodden dirt paths to rocky scrambles. Expect moving time to be anywhere from 4-6 hours.
Will I have my own tent or a shared tent?
Tents will be double occupancy. If you sign up with a friend, you are welcome to share a tent. Otherwise you will be paired with a new friend!
Should I have a specific goal in mind?
No specific goal just a desire to get really clear around your life formula and how to live in alignment on your journey ahead.
What type of food will I eat?
You will be provided with a mix of fresh and dehydrated meals and snacks, all delicious and nutritious. Meals will cater to preferences and dietary restrictions (gluten-free, dairy free, vegetarian, vegan, etc).
What if I have my own backpacking gear?
Please let us know if you do not require any backpacking gear and pricing can be updated for you.
Do I need to complete any pre-work before the retreat?
There will be pre-work to complete to get into the right mind space before heading into the backcountry together!
Thoughts, concerns or hesitations?
Email us at letsgo@somewhereoutside.co
