Frequently asked questions.

 FAQs

 

  • Off the Beaten Path Veterinary Retreats are exclusively for veterinary professionals, licensed veterinarians, technicians, and team members.

  • Each retreat offers 15 credit hours of RACE (pending) approved CE.

    • 15 hours of CE with certificate

    • Welcome reception, two meals on full days and one on half days

    • Printed lecture notes

    • A carefully curated swag bag

  • At Off the Beaten Path Veterinary Retreats, we understand the importance of accommodating specific dietary needs and allergies. Whether you require gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan or allergy-sensitive meals, we work closely with our venues and caterers to ensure your dietary preferences are respected and your meals are both safe and satisfying. Please let us know your requirements in advance so we can provide the best possible experience.

    • More information coming soon.

  • Yes, there is an additional charge for the excursions, based on which one you choose. More details on registration page.

  • Please contact the hotel directly through the link on the "About" tab, or click here https://www.blackrockresort.com/

  • Yes, Black Rock Oceanfront Resorts does allow pets but please contact them directly to arrange your stay.

  • 🚗 Option 1: Drive + Ferry (Most Popular)

    Step-by-Step:

    1. Ferry Crossing:

    1. Drive to Tofino:

    • From Nanaimo, take Highway 19 north for about 43 km (26 miles).

    • Exit onto Highway 4 (Pacific Rim Highway) westbound.

    • Continue through Port Alberni, then follow signs to Tofino.

    • The drive from Nanaimo to Tofino takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.

    Highlights:

    • Scenic stops include Cathedral Grove and the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

    • Ideal for travelers wanting flexibility and the ability to explore en route.

    Tips:

    ✈️ Option 2: Direct Flight

    Airlines:

    Duration:

    • Approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.

    Pros:

    Cons:

    🚌 Option 3: Bus + Ferry (Car-Free Travelers)

    Service:

    • Tofino Bus Island Express: Provides transportation from Vancouver to Tofino via ferry and bus connections.Discover Tofino

    Duration:

    Pros:

    • Budget-friendly.

    • No need to drive.

    Cons:

    • Longer travel time.

    • Less flexibility in scheduling.

    🧳 Summary Table

    Method Duration Cost Estimate Notes

    Drive + Ferry 5–7 hours Moderate Most popular; scenic route

    Direct Flight ~1–1.5 hours Higher Fastest; limited baggage

    Bus + Ferry 6.5–8 hours Budget Car-free option; longer duration

    Final Tip: Regardless of your chosen method, it's advisable to check current schedules and road conditions before traveling. Reservations for ferries and accommodations are recommended during peak seasons.

  • We understand that plans can change. Please review our cancellation policy carefully before registering for the retreat.

    Participant Cancellations:

    • Cancellations made more than 60 days prior to the retreat start date will receive a full refund, minus a $75 administrative fee.

    • Cancellations made 31-60 days prior to the retreat will receive a 50% refund of the total registration cost.

    • Cancellations made 30 days or less prior to the retreat are non-refundable due to committed costs with venues and facilitators.

    Transfer Options:

    If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your registration to another qualified participant up to 14 days before the retreat. Please contact us to initiate the transfer.

    Event Cancellation:

    In the unlikely event that we must cancel the retreat due to insufficient enrollment, natural disaster, or unforeseen circumstances, you will receive a full refund. However, we are not responsible for any travel or accommodation expenses incurred.

    We strongly encourage all participants to purchase travel insurance to protect their investment in the event of emergencies or schedule changes.

  • Participation in Off the Beaten Path Veterinary Retreats (the "Retreat") involves travel, physical activities, and continuing education programming in various settings. By registering for and attending a Retreat, participants acknowledge and accept the inherent risks involved in such activities.

    Assumption of Risk

    Participants understand that any travel, physical activity, or interaction with animals and the natural environment carries certain risks. These may include, but aren't limited to, minor injuries, illness, allergic reactions, accidents, or unforeseen natural events. By choosing to participate, attendees voluntarily assume all such risks.

    Medical Disclaimer

    Off the Beaten Path Veterinary Retreats does not provide medical , mental health, or veterinary advice during its events. While educational content may touch on these subjects, all information presented is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. Participants are responsible for their own physical and mental well-being during the retreat.

    Personal Responsibility

    Participants are solely responsible for their personal safety, belongings, and conduct throughout the Retreat. Any damage caused by a participant to property or harm to others will be the sole responsibility of that individual.

    Limitations of Liability

    Off the Beaten Path Veterinary Retreats, its organizers, facilitators, contractors, and affiliated venues are not liable for any injury, loss, damage, delay, or expense incurred by a participant as a result of participation in a Retreat. This includes but is not limited to losses resulting from cancellations, transportation issues, weather, illness, personal injury or property damage.

    Insurance

    Participants are encouraged to carry personal health, travel, and liability insurance that covers them during the dates of the Retreat. Off the Beaten Path Veterinary Retreats does not provide individual insurance coverage.

    By attending the Retreat, all participants agree to release, indemnify, and hold harmless Off the Beaten Path Veterinary Retreats and its affiliates from any claims or liabilities arising out of their participation.

  • Off the Beaten Path Veterinary Retreats is committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of our clients, website visitors, and retreat participants. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information in accordance with applicable Canadian privacy laws.

    1- Information We Collect

    We may collect personal information that you provide to us directly, including but not limited to:

    • Name, email address, phone number and mailing address

    • Professional credentials and veterinary license information

    • Payment and billing details

    • Dietary or accessibility needs related to retreat participation

    • Feedback or survey responses

    We may also collect limited non-identifying information automatically through website analytics, such as browser type, pages visited, and IP address.

    2- How We Use Your Information

    We use you personal information to:

    • Register you for retreats and process payments

    • Communicate important event updates or changes

    • Provide relevant continuing education materials and certificates

    • Respond to inquiries or customer service requests

    • Improve our services and retreat experiences

    • Comply with legal obligations

    3- How We Share Your Information

    We do not sell or rent your personal information. We may share limited information with trusted third-party service providers for purposes such as payment processing, email communication, or event logistics. All third parties are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it solely for the purpose we specify.

    4. Data Security

    We take appropriate physical, administrative, and technical measures to protect your personal data from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. However, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure.

    5. Retention of Personal Information

    We retain your information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy or as required by law.

    6. Your Rights

    You have the right to access, correct, or request deletion of you personal information. You may also withdraw your consent for future communications at any time by contacting us at info@offthebeatenpathvetretreats.com.

    7. Cookies and Analytics

    Our website may use cookies and analytics tools to improve functionality and understand user behaviour You can control your cookie preferences through your browser settings.

    8. Changes to this Policy

    We may update this Privacy Policy occasionally to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Any changes will be posted on our website with the updated effective date.

    9. Contact Us

    If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact us at info@offthebeatenpathveterinaryretreats.com.