Copyright © 2026 Archdiocese of Vancouver
There is a war for the story of what it means to be a man.
There are a lot of ways to respond to the assault in our stories.
But Jesus provides a vision for life.
He provides a path…
Thus says the Lord: Stand at the crossroads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths,where the good way lies; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.
–Jeremiah 6:16
The Men’s Retreat is the fruit of the Holy Spirit’s work among men in the Archdiocese of Vancouver. What began as a small gathering of men seeking to grow in Christ has become a source of renewal, fellowship, and encouragement for many.
Built on years of faithful leadership and partnership with Jake Khym and Life Restoration, the retreat continues to offer men an opportunity to encounter Christ, ignite hearts, and be strengthened for their mission as men.
Gain clarity on how to move through the world that will bring you to a place of peace and ease in how you hold your life
- Build meaningful brotherhood with other men pursuing the same path
- Step away from the noise and find rest for your soul in the mountains
- Take time to reflect, pray, and reconnect with what matters most
Agenda / Activities
Nestled in breathtaking wilderness, RockRidge Canyon offers an unparalleled space for men to simply be men. Explore wilderness and lakefront trails at the base of the mountains, enjoy scenic prayer times, and engage in a variety of outdoor activities and adventures between sessions and during afternoons of free range time.
Activities at RockRidge Canyon:
- Zipline is available for an additional $27 per person at registration
- Hiking Trails
- Lake Tour Barge Ride
- Soccer Fields
- Disc Golf
- Ball Hockey
- Basketball Court
- Octoball
- Volleyball
FAQ
+ Who is The Men's Retreat for?
The Men's Retreat is for any man 19-years or older.
The Men's Retreat is grounded in the faith and teachings of the Catholic Church. However, we welcome men of all faith backgrounds. We encourage men to attend this retreat with others from their parish or men's group—the retreat experience is always enriched in the context of community.
+ Where is The Men's Retreat held?
The Men's Retreat is held at RockRidge Canyon, a beautiful retreat facility located in the scenic outdoors of Princeton, BC.
+ Is group registration available?
Every attendee must register individually. However, many men attend the retreat as part of groups from their parishes or men's groups. Attending The Men's Retreat as a group is welcomed and encouraged. In most cases, we are able to keep members of a group together for accommodations.
+ What accommodation options are available?
Private, Shared Private and Bunk-Style Dorms for those who prefer indoor accommodations.
RV and tenting spaces for those who wish to camp.
+ What should I bring if I am camping?
If you are planning to camp, please bring your own camping gear, including a tent or RV, sleeping bags, and any other camping essentials. Remember to pack for varying weather conditions.
Regardless of whether you are camping or staying in one of the RockRidge facilities, we will send you a detailed packing list prior to the retreat.
+ Are there accommodations for those with mobility issues?
Yes, we have a support team and access to transportation to assist those with mobility issues, ensuring everyone can participate comfortably.
+ Are dietary needs accommodated?
We can accommodate dietary restrictions and special dietary needs. Please let us know your requirements when you register so we can make the necessary arrangements.
+ What should I do if I have trouble registering?
If you are experiencing issues with registration, please reach out to Grace at gabas@rcav.org for assistance.
+ What volunteer options are there for The Men's Retreat?
Volunteers make The Men's Retreat possible. We’re currently looking for female volunteers (ages 19+) to join us for the weekend, especially in meal service and dishwashing. These are hands-on roles that can be physically demanding, but they’re a vital part of the retreat experience. If you know women who would be interested and able to volunteer for this year's Retreat, please have them contact Melanie at mkeras@rcav.org for more information about the roles needed and how to volunteer.
"My biggest takeaway from the retreat was to be equally yoked with Jesus and let the Master craft me to be the person He has created me to be."
Retreat Participant
"The whole retreat was so heartfelt that I was wishing it would last forever"
Retreat Participant
Jason Jensen
Jason is the CEO of Glass Canvas. He has set the tone for radical pursuit of the way of Jesus, leading with vulnerability, intentionality, and pursuit of the human heart. His personal mission is to help increase the accompaniment capacity of the Church, and he does so with his gifts of being with individuals and leaders to help draw them into an integrated Christian imagination.
September 11-13, 2026 | RockRidge Canyon, BC
September 11-13, 2026
RockRidge Canyon, BC
There is a war for the story of what it means to be a man. There are a lot of ways to respond to the assault in our stories. But Jesus provides a vision for life.
He provides a path…
Thus says the Lord: Stand at the crossroads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths,where the good way lies; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.
–Jeremiah 6:16
The Experience
Gain clarity on how to move through the world that will bring you to a place of peace and ease in how you hold your life
- Build meaningful brotherhood with other men pursuing the same path
- Step away from the noise and find rest for your soul in the mountains
- Take time to reflect, pray, and reconnect with what matters most
Agenda / Activities
Nestled in breathtaking wilderness, RockRidge Canyon offers an unparalleled space for men to simply be men. Explore wilderness and lakefront trails at the base of the mountains, enjoy scenic prayer times, and engage in a variety of outdoor activities and adventures between sessions and during afternoons of free range time.
Activities at RockRidge Canyon:
- Zipline is available for an additional $27 per person at registration
- Hiking Trails
- Lake Tour Barge Ride
- Soccer Fields
- Disc Golf
- Ball Hockey
- Basketball Court
- Octoball
- Volleyball
Retreat Packages
Single Room | $720
Hotel-style private room with a private bathroom for one person.
Double Occupancy | $500
Hotel-style private room in Wolfe Creek Lodge with a private bathroom shared by two people.
Dormitory Lodge | $350-390
Includes 6-7 bunk beds and one large, shared bathroom. Price varies for top and bottom bunks.
RV site with 30 or 50 amp power, sewage and water.
RV Site | $300
Tent Site | $275
Tent site with access to washrooms and showers.
Copyright © 2026 Archdiocese of Vancouver
September 11-13, 2026
RockRidge Canyon, BC
Experience The Men's Retreat
at RockRidge Canyon
The Experience
Speakers / Chaplain
The Men’s Retreat is the fruit of the Holy Spirit’s work among men in the Archdiocese of Vancouver. What began as a small gathering of men seeking to grow in Christ has become a source of renewal, fellowship, and encouragement for many.
Built on years of faithful leadership and partnership with Jake Khym and Life Restoration, the retreat continues to offer men an opportunity to encounter Christ, ignite hearts, and be strengthened for their mission as men.
Single Room | $720
Hotel-style private room with a private bathroom for one person.
Double Occupancy | $500
Hotel-style private room in Wolfe Creek Lodge with a private bathroom shared by two people.
Dormitory Lodge | $350-390
Includes 6-7 bunk beds and one large, shared bathroom. Price varies for top and bottom bunks.
RV site with 30 or 50 amp power, sewage and water.
RV Site | $300
Tent Site | $275
Tent site with access to washrooms and showers.
Retreat Packages
Eric Chow serves the Archdiocese of Vancouver as Senior Director of Ministries & Outreach and Director of Proclaim, guiding evangelization and missionary discipleship across the Archdiocese. For over twenty years, he has lived his vocation through Catholic Christian Outreach, parish life, and men’s ministry — including helping lead the Men’s Retreat from its very beginning.
Eric Chow
Fr. Mark McGuckin serves the Archdiocese of Vancouver as Director of Vocations and Seminarians, fostering priestly vocations and accompanying men discerning the priesthood. Ordained in 2016, he previously worked in Vancouver’s film and television industry before entering the seminary. He also serves as pastor of St. Francis de Sales Parish in Burnaby and dean of the New Westminster Deanery.
Deacon Tim Kostamo serves at Christ the Redeemer Parish in West Vancouver and was ordained a permanent deacon in 2024. An orthopedic surgeon for over 20 years, he is passionate about helping men grow in faith through brotherhood, confession, and the example of St. Joseph. He and his wife, Ewa, have four children.
Deacon Tim Kostamo
Fr. Mark McGuckin
Speakers & Chaplain
Eric Chow
Senior Director of Ministries & Outreach and Director of Proclaim
Jason Jensen
CEO of Glass Canvas
Deacon Tim Kostomo
Deacon at Christ the Redeemer Parish
Archdiocese of Vancouver - Director of Vocations and Seminarians
Fr. Mark McGuckin
