# Mountain Trek: Hiking Health Reset in British Columbia

> Mountain Trek is a 7-night health reset retreat at a timber-frame lodge in Ainsworth Hot Springs, British Columbia, overlooking Kootenay Lake. Days are built around long guided hikes, yoga, fitness, clean food and spa recovery, and it's best for reasonably fit adults who want a real reset.

Source: https://www.retreatvacations.net/mountain-trek-health-and-fitness-retreat/
Last checked: 2026-10-20
Location: Ainsworth Hot Springs, Kootenay Lake, British Columbia, Canada
Type: wellness, yoga, spa, detox
Official website: https://mountaintrek.com
Best for: Fit-enough adults, often solo, who want a structured week of hiking and healthy habits
Setting: Forested Kootenay region, overlooking Kootenay Lake and the Purcell Mountains
Programs: 7-night all-inclusive health reset, up to 16 guests a week; lighter Timeless Trekkers weeks for 65+
Daily rhythm: Sunrise yoga, 3 to 4 hour guided hike, lifestyle talk, fitness class, spa and relaxation
Nearest airports: Castlegar (YCG), Trail (YZZ), Spokane (GEG), with Saturday shuttles

As recommended in:
- National Geographic, "Feeling burnt out? Here are 6 tailored retreats to help you bounce back" (2025-02-19) https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/top-retreats-and-spas-to-beat-burnout

## What it's like

Mountain Trek is a hiking-led health retreat in the Kootenays of southeastern British Columbia. The lodge is a timber-frame building in Ainsworth Hot Springs, about 45 minutes up the lake from Nelson, with views over Kootenay Lake to the Purcell Mountains. Inside there are 15 private guest rooms with ensuite bathrooms, a dining room, a fireside lounge, a glass-fronted yoga studio and gym, and a spa.

This isn't a lie-by-the-pool kind of retreat. The whole week is designed as a reset for your body and habits, and the team has been running it for more than 30 years. You'll hike a lot, eat clean, sleep well and learn why each piece matters.

## The programs

The core offer is a single 7-night all-inclusive program, and you can't book shorter stays. Some guests stay two weeks, which is the maximum. Groups are capped at 16 guests, split into smaller hiking groups with professional guides.

A typical day runs like this:

- Early wake-up with a green smoothie and tea
- Sunrise yoga, a gentle stretch class looking out at the mountains
- Breakfast, then a briefing with your guides
- A 3 to 4 hour hike on trails in local provincial parks, with a picnic lunch
- Rest, then a lifestyle talk on topics like sleep, stress, nutrition and mindfulness
- A functional fitness class, an early dinner and a short nature walk
- Evening spa time, massage and guided relaxation

The food is chef-prepared and designed by a nutritionist, with lighter dinners to help you sleep. There's no added sugar, alcohol or caffeine during your stay, though they offer substitutes. The spa has an infrared sauna, steam room, outdoor hot tub and cold plunge, and the program includes three therapeutic massages plus pre- and post-retreat coaching calls.

For guests 65 and older, special Timeless Trekkers weeks dial the intensity down a little and adjust the classes.

## Who it suits (and who it doesn't)

It's a strong fit for adults who want structure and a genuine change of routine. The retreat says its sweet spot is ages 35 to 65, most guests come solo, and there are at most three couples in a week.

You do need a base level of fitness. The FAQ asks that you can climb six flights of stairs without stopping and walk moderate terrain for 3 to 4 hours with short breaks. Under-18s aren't allowed. If you're after a slow spa week with wine at dinner, this isn't it.

## Getting there

The lodge is at 3800 North Street in Ainsworth Hot Springs. Mountain Trek runs a private shuttle on Saturdays from Castlegar (YCG), Trail (YZZ) and Spokane, Washington (GEG), and airport transfers are included. You can also drive. See the [Mountain Trek website](https://mountaintrek.com) for travel times and current dates.

## Frequently asked questions

### How long is the Mountain Trek program?
It's a 7-night program, and you can't book less than a week. Stays longer than two weeks aren't offered.

### How fit do I need to be?
You should be able to climb six flights of stairs without stopping and hike moderate terrain for 3 to 4 hours with short breaks.

### Is caffeine or alcohol allowed?
No. The program cuts out added sugar, alcohol and caffeine during your stay, and offers substitutes.

### How many guests are there each week?
Up to 16. Most come on their own, and there are no more than three couples per week.

### Which airport should I fly into?
Castlegar, Trail or Spokane. The retreat runs a Saturday shuttle from each.