7 Days at Mountain Trek — A Fitness and Wellness Retreat in British Columbia
Where to begin? Writing this brings back so many calm, joyful memories from one of the most restorative trips I’ve ever taken. I spent a full week at Mountain Trek in Ainsworth, British Columbia, and I was able to fully disconnect from everyday life and refill my physical and mental reserves.
What Mountain Trek Is
Mountain Trek is a boutique luxury fitness retreat and health spa offering a structured, boot-camp-style program designed for men and women at all fitness levels. The program helps corporate and urban professionals step away from high-intensity lifestyles to reclaim physical and mental health. With a small-group format, the experience is focused, personalized, and restorative.
The Lodge and Location
My home for the week was the lodge perched on a mountainside overlooking Kootenay Lake in Ainsworth, British Columbia, just outside Nelson. It’s peacefully remote, which is exactly the point: being in the middle of nowhere lets you step away from the noise of daily life and enjoy the land for a full seven days.
Small Groups and a Holistic Program
Mountain Trek hosts up to 16 guests each week, offering a personalized schedule with time for solitude as well as social connection. Each day combines extensive hiking, cardio, yoga, nutritious cuisine, and spa amenities such as massages, hot tubs, saunas, and detox treatments. The curriculum also includes educational seminars on nutrition, sleep, detoxification, balanced diets, and stress relief, all aimed at making healthy habits sustainable after you return home.
Fresh, Portion-Controlled Cuisine
The food at Mountain Trek was outstanding—fresh, flavorful, and crafted by an excellent kitchen team. All meals and snacks are prepared to meet individual dietary needs and preferences. At check-in you list food dislikes and allergies, and the chefs provide alternatives throughout the week. Portions are controlled, plates are colorful, and flavors are layered.
During my seven days I avoided:
- gluten
- caffeine
- added sugar
- most dairy
Breaking my coffee habit was noticeable around day three with a mild headache, but overall my digestion and energy improved. Eating regular, scheduled meals and snacks helped keep my metabolism steady, and I felt less bloated than usual.
Mountain Trek emphasizes whole foods: lean protein, whole grains, healthy fats, and a wide variety of vegetables. Breakfast is the most carbohydrate-rich meal, lunch is often a stew or soup, and dinner focuses on lean protein and many vegetables. Everything is prepared on-site with local ingredients, and the chefs often source meats and produce from nearby farms.
Pre-yoga smoothies!
Hiking: The Heart of the Program
British Columbia’s scenery is breathtaking. Mountain Trek is about a five-hour drive north of Spokane, WA, and sits in a very outdoorsy region with thousands of miles of trails—many originally formed by miners a century ago. Over the week we completed six different hikes ranging from a few kilometers to longer alpine treks; hikes lasted two to five hours depending on the route.
Guests are split into groups based on fitness level. Group 1 moves the fastest, pushing to reach a target heart rate zone, while other groups enjoy a steadier pace. My first days were intense with Group 1—our guide set a brisk pace so we spent a lot of time in the fat-burning zone. Later I joined Group 2 and 3 to take photos and soak in the views.
The alpine hikes were my favorite: you climb to around 2,000 feet and are rewarded with miles of viewable lakes, streams, and wildlife. One standout was Kokanee Lake in Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park—its glacier-fed water glows a deep, clear blue. The ranger who guided us mentioned how deep the lake is, which made geology feel especially fascinating that day.
Rest Days and Recovery
I took two lighter days to rest, which was exactly what my back needed after a heavy pack and intense hikes. The hot tub, sauna, and massage options made recovery easy, and quiet time on the deck helped me clear my inbox and my mind—a surprisingly effective stress reliever.
Fitness Classes and Yoga
Daily fitness classes complement the hiking. Morning yoga at 6:30 AM was my favorite ritual—gentle stretching to reconnect with the body after a strenuous day. Evening classes after dinner focused on metabolizing the meal through cardio and strength circuits; these were optional but very effective. I especially enjoyed the circuit and CrossFit-style workouts.
The yoga studio overlooks the lake—perfect for morning practice.
Education and Expert Guidance
Education is a major part of the program. Over the week we attended eight seminars on topics like nutrition, sleep health, and metabolism. Sessions were led by knowledgeable staff including kinesiologists, registered dietitians, and other specialists. The chance to ask specific questions and get personalized advice was invaluable.
Community and New Friends
I met a wonderful group of fellow guests—each person had different reasons for being there: weight loss, stress relief, or simply the love of hiking. By week’s end we had formed strong bonds. I’m grateful I arrived solo; it allowed me to be fully present and make new friendships I hope to keep.
Lee + Helaine
I want to thank Mountain Trek for an incredible week. The combination of expert guides, beautiful hiking, fresh nutrient-dense food, spa treatments, and practical education made this a transformative experience. If you’re considering a weight-loss retreat, a metabolism reboot, or a fitness vacation that also focuses on long-term wellness habits, I highly recommend Mountain Trek.
Have you ever been on a fitness retreat?