Getting Around
The Hollyhock campus is spread out over 40+ acres, connected by uneven forest footpaths and trails. Trails can include gravel, roots, and stones, which can be difficult for those with mobility needs. Walkers and scooters can use most main paths, but access to some buildings and areas is limited.
Campus trails are foot-access only; vehicles must stay in the parking lot. Staff and golf carts are available to help with luggage on arrival and departure days, please arrange this with Guest Services at least 24 hours in advance. If you think you may need assistance getting around, please contact [email protected] in advance of your stay.
It gets very dark at night away from the city lights and many paths are not lit at night. We strongly recommend guests bring headlamps or flashlights for use when walking in the evenings to ensure your safety.
Hollyhock is home to a variety of forest creatures, including deer, bees, and other wildlife.
Cortes Island is also home to large predators including a local pack of wolves, cougars, and the occasional black bear. You are extremely unlikely to see any of these beautiful neighbours during your stay and there are no historical cases of animal attacks on Cortes Island. If you happen to see a wolf speak loudly and firmly to it, ask it to go away, do not run.
There are no deadly or dangerous venomous snakes or insects on Cortes Island. If you have a bee or wasp allergy, it is important to know that we have many species of bees and wasps in the garden and surrounding forest.
Accommodations
Accommodations are spread across a variety of buildings that each have different routes and trails, some more easily accessible than others. Some buildings, like A-Frame, Bluff House and Beach House, are accessed via stairs. Most have one or two steps to access rooms or bathhouses.
We recommend contacting registration to discuss options and ensure your accommodations are accessible for you.
Session Spaces
In all of our session spaces we provide folding chairs and back jacks (floor seating). Pillows, cushions, bolsters and blankets are often available for added comfort. People are welcome to sit, stand, stretch, and move about. If there are any adaptations to ensure your full participation, we are delighted to support your comfort.
Microphones and amplification are often used in Olatunji hall (around 1200 sq ft) depending on group size. For the smaller spaces (Raven and Kiakum are around 700 sq ft) microphones are usually not utilized.
Medical Facilities
Cortes Island is remote, with limited healthcare services. There is no hospital on the island, and the health clinic operates with restricted hours. In the event of a medical emergency, you may need to travel or be medically evacuated to access care. Please bring a sufficient supply of any required medications, as they cannot be obtained locally.
Childcare
Although we do not provide childcare at Hollyhock, we welcome families and little ones. We are happy to provide a list of local childcare providers if you are considering bringing your child(ren). Cortes Island is a wonderful place to explore for wee ones! Please contact registration with any questions about bringing children to campus so that we can help ensure a great experience.
Sensory Considerations
We do our best to provide a scent-free campus at Hollyhock. We ask that guests and staff refrain from using heavily scented products or perfumes. All toiletry products available at Hollyhock are scent-free.
Indoors and outdoors, you can almost always find a space for privacy and quiet. Sanctuary is a meditation space on the edge of the apple orchard that is often a refuge for quiet-seekers.
We encourage participants to snap or rub their hands in lieu of clapping in the middle of sessions. Please speak to your facilitator if you are hard of hearing so that accommodations can be made to improve your auditory experience.
