After a long and exhausting work week, months filled with stressful schoolwork, or many hours spent with your children and family, many of us need a break from reality. A retreat can be the perfect way to do this, whether alone, or with close friends. Listed below are six retreats spread throughout Canada’s wilderness that will help you escape from reality, and spend time relaxing and focusing solely on your well being.

The Sanctum Retreat Centre

Located close to Caroline Alberta (AB), the Sanctum Retreat Centre hosts a plethora of different retreats year round, including a Women’s Serenity Retreat on October 27-29, and the Healing Hearts Women’s Retreat from November 3-5. Surrounded by forest, wildlife, and mountains, with its cabin-like feel and wonderfully modern interior and exterior, the Sanctum Centre is ideal for Albertans looking to escape their day to day lives. A full schedule for 2017 and 2018 retreats can be found here.

spa stone tower

Bliss Haven Retreat Centre

Located just 90 minutes from Toronto in Dunville, Ontario, Bliss Haven is the ideal location for those looking to escape the corporate lifestyle. With a variety of different packages and options available for guests, Bliss offers great options for everybody. You can also organize weddings, wellness retreats, group retreats, and many other varieties to take place at the facility, or sign up for a retreat that is already occurring. Other activities can also be organized on the property, including horseback riding, kayaking and golf. The centre is very accessible (check out Precondo’s homepage for more accommodation choices around Canada), and a great way to have a relaxing weekend.

Santosha Yoga Retreats

Based in Salt Spring Island, British Columbia (BC), Santosha Yoga Retreats offers those on the West Coast an ideal way to relax and spend time reflecting on themselves. Dorothy, the teacher of the retreats, has been a yoga instructor since 2002, and has now expanded to not only offer her amazing classes and retreats on Salt Spring Island, but also worldwide, in destinations such as Croatia, and Italy. Her retreat schedule can be seen here.  If you are looking to do a retreat on Salt Spring Island, the location is on a refurbished farm featuring modern amenities. You can easily connect to nature here, and reflect on yourself.

mountain view with colorful flowers

Mountain Trek Retreat Health and Spa

If you’re looking for a more active approach to your retreat weekend, the Mountain Trek Retreat, located close to Nelson, BC, is ideal for you. This year, the retreat was named the #1 International Destination Spa by the Travel + Leisure Best Awards, along with numerous other awards. The spa prides themselves on a boot camp style retreat, spending time hiking, practicing yoga, and participating in a digital detox. Along with the lodge close to Nelson, there is another lodge in Baja, Mexico, also offering varying activities and programs that allow visitors to immerse themselves in nature and the act of letting go of their stress. Each day begins with breakfast, yoga and then hiking, and in the afternoon participants take part in wellness talks, a fitness class, and later a massage or visit to the hot springs. The Mountain Trek Retreat and Spa, whether you are visiting in BC or Mexico, is the ideal way to let go of your day to day stresses and focus on yourself. To see the retreat schedule click here.

The Homestead Retreat

You can find the Homestead in Tofino BC, practicing an evidence based retreat style. This retreat is located in an ideal location, because it allows access to both water and land based activities. You can spend a week here, with each program running from Sunday to Sunday between April and October. Visitors will spend most of their time outdoors, spending time paddle boarding, hiking, doing beach yoga and swimming amongst other activities. The retreat also includes fitness training, and advice from registered health professionals. With guidance for up to one year after your retreat, this can be the ideal way to kickstart a fitness and health journey, while spending time in one of the most beautiful places on the planet. You can find retreat dates here.

Shanti Yoga Retreat

Calling all Canadians looking for an island escape, this retreat is perfect. Located on the idealistic Wolfe Island in Ontario, Shanti Yoga Retreat is perfect for yoga enthusiasts and beginners alike. Take the Wolfe Island Ferry from downtown Kingston to access the island. With a variety of different getaway options available, ranging from a few days to longer trips, this retreat is ideal for those looking to escape into nature while practicing the art of yoga. The retreat offers other forms of relaxation as well, including meditative walking. With a variety of options available for women, or both genders, this is a great option for a weekend getaway, whether alone or with friends! See the schedule here.

Overall, most of these Canadians retreats feature awesome escusions into nature that will help you relax and release some of your stress. Enjoy them alone, or with friends! Most offer women only options. Enjoy your stay at one of these ideal weekend escape points!

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