Whether you're feeling trapped at home, needing to pause from the daily grind, or need a vacation from a vacation, there are many wellness retreats in Ontario to choose from that are easy to get to from Toronto.
I think everyone can relate to feeling out of gas and overwhelmed. We often feel like we can just ride it out but often the cure for the feeling of exhaustion and sluggish is to stop, disconnect, and reset.
Here is a list of 5 retreats and experiences that'll get you thinking outside the box.
Read more about Ontario
- Northern Ontario resorts
- Weekend getaways from Toronto
- The best parks in Vaughan
- Parks you need to visit in Richmond Hill
Looking to build your own getaway?
- Check out these yurts in Ontario or our guide on how to book summer cottages in Muskoka and the best Airbnb Muskoka cottages.
Here's what we're covering:
5 wellness retreats in Ontario
Wellness retreats come in all different forms and sizes. These are five to get you started. All of these are an easy getaway from Toronto.
Full Moon SUP Yoga
We all know about the healing and and self-healing benefits of yoga but what if you combined it with stand up paddleboarding (SUP)?
With this activity you'll be able to work on your balance, strength, and stability while on a paddleboard in the middle of calm waters while connecting with nature.
Full Moon SUP Yoga is for beginners and pros alike. Aside from the wellness benefits, you'll also be getting a nice core work out and other muscles you never knew you had.
While this is a short experience, this activity will give you a chance to build your own single-day or multi-day wellness retreat by booking a Cedar Cottage or a lakefront cottage in the Algonquin Highlands.
This is the kind of healing that you might not even realize that you need. You'll come back refreshed and ready to take on the world!
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Location: Haliburton, Ontario
Hours: 7:30PM
Length: 1.5 hours
Price: $44 per person
The Dwarf Goat Experience
I don't know if you knew but goats have a remarkable ability to read and respond to facial expressions and personal feelings. A recent study also says that goats prefer to happy people.
Sky River Meadows has a herd of Nigerian Dwarf Goats that are hand raised to be the perfect therapy to turn that frown upside down.
With two different time slots in the day, you can book yourself a private experience with these lovable, intelligent, and huggable creatures.
Find yourself a peaceful corner in the farm nestled in the Muskoka wilderness, make new friends, and immerse yourself with these incredible little goats.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Location: Utterson, Ontario
Hours: 9:00AM or 2:00 PM
Length: 3 hours
Price: Starts at $49.50 per person in a group of 4
Maximum group size: 9
Rise and Shine Adventures
There's something about being outdoors and mindfulness that come together really well. It's the idea that through joy, your mind-body-spirit connection is what allows for change, healing, and lasting happiness.
This is what Marissa of Rise and Shine Adventures lives by in her collection of lifestyle experiences that'll puts you out of your comfort zone in a good way.
Currently she offers a combination of hiking and yoga in The Blue Mountains region, an introduction to SUP, and an intention-infused mala making workshop.
Combine all 3 experiences and make a full-day wellness retreat out of it!
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Location: The Blue Mountains, Ontario
Hours: 9:00AM or 2:00 PM
Length: 2.5 hours for Hike & Yoga with a View
Price: Starts at $27.50 per person for a group Hike & Yoga with a View experience
Maximum group size: 9
Quest for Balance
So far, all the experiences mentioned so far are half-day sessions and require you to build out your own day-retreat. For those that are looking for an immersive outdoor wellness retreat in Ontario that spans multiple days, this one is the one to consider.
Over the course 4 days, you'll be treated to twice daily restorative yoga sessions while on a stand up paddleboard on Kawawaymog Lake.
In the evening, practice the ancient and universal form of self-healing in a wood fired sauna.
You'll also be fed by very well by Chef Gregor in the dining room with locally grown and organic meals. Some food ingredients come from their garden and others are all sourced from Ontario farms and local organic meat providers.
You'll be spending your 3 nights in comfortable cabins in the forest that range from canvas glamping-style to traditional log cabins.
At this price, this wellness bundle can't be beat!
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Location: Algonquin, Ontario
Length: 4 days and 3 nights
Price: $330 per person
Maximum group size: 12
Nature's Harmony
I initially introduced Nature's Harmony in the best yurts in Ontario feature. Beyond just the accommodations there, they are a full-fledged resort that will allow you to do your own digital detox and reconnection with nature.
In addition to yurts, they also have chalets, cabins, and canvas glamping sites available for your group.
With 485 acres at your disposal, you'll be able to experience the wilderness here with a variety of outdoor activities in all four seasons. In the summer, this means you'll be able to take advantage of their extensive trails for hiking and biking, canoeing in the serene Bang’s Bay, and lawn games such as bocce ball, croquet, and horse shoes.
Beyond the activities, wake up everyday to the stillness of the Laurentian Mountains in the distance, wildlife passing through, and the quiet sounds of nature.
This is your chance to go off-the-grid and put together your own version of what an outdoor wellness retreat should look like.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Location: Mattawa, Ontario
Length: Any number of nights
Price: $126.50 for two people in a chalet
Maximum group size: Depends on the accommodations
Frequently asked questions
Yes, drop-ins aren't available and so you do need to book in advance on the platform.
Yes, many of the providers on Joya Travel offer private sessions. Quest for Balance does not offer a private option.
All providers are fully compliant with local COVID-19 guidelines.
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