Because sometimes the best way forward is to step away.
By Kristina Smith
There was a moment, paddling across a quiet lake in the Kawarthas, when it suddenly dawned on me: I was deeply, and completely, at peace. With the world. With the present. With—dare I imagine it—myself. I was on a retreat, and it had taken three days for my nervous system to settle. Space I didn’t even know I needed.
When you think of retreats, yoga might be the first thing that comes to mind, but there are a number of other types of retreats out there. The reset you didn’t know you needed might be waiting for you in the silence of a meditation hut, in the grounding energy of horses, or in the joy of dancing awkwardly in the woods.
Retreats are invitations to wander, breathe, and press pause. Whether it’s reconnecting with yourself, a partner, or your team, there’s a retreat out there ready to meet you where you are—preferably with fresh air, nourishing food, and wild views to wake your soul.
Nature Retreats
There’s something about stepping into the forest, listening to water move, or breathing in cool morning air that brings you back to yourself. Nature retreats are less about doing and more about being—slowing down, tuning in, and letting the seasons set the pace.
Alongside the stillness, you might find meditation, movement, and journalling practices that awaken intuition and inner calm.
Our Pick: Northern Edge Algonquin | South River, Ontario
Perched on the edge of Algonquin Park, Northern Edge’s Heart Wisdom Healing Retreats run once per season, each guided by a theme—winter dreaming, spring flowing, summer blooming, fall harvesting. Activities include meditation, movement, sound healing, sauna sessions, crafting, and ceremonies.
Using a process they call the “Way of the Circle,” participants explore self-discovery, intuition, and heart-centred living, taking home practices for daily life—all while sharing the journey with like-minded souls.
Mental Wellness Retreats
Sometimes life gets…lifey. When the inner noise won’t quiet, and the daily grind leaves you feeling exhausted or disconnected, a mental wellness retreat can offer a chance to reflect and reconnect with your own truth.
A chance to step away from schedules, slow down, and nurture emotional clarity, resilience, and presence.
Our Pick: Soulful Radiance | Hockley Valley, Ontario
Led by Jennifer Febel of BTG Wellness, this immersive retreat at the Ecology Retreat Centre blends emotional resilience, spiritual exploration, and transformative practices through chakra work, psychology, and philosophy.
Rustic yet comfortable, with chef-driven meals and a babbling stream nearby, it’s designed for those ready to break free, regain focus, and step into the life they’re ready to create.
Team Retreats
Spend some time together outside of the boardroom. Whether it’s a week-long immersive or a one-day off-site, team retreats offer a meaningful way to reconnect, recharge, and build camaraderie, swapping spreadsheets and Slack for sauna, sunshine, and shared moments that spark creativity and connection.
Our Pick: Ste. Anne’s Spa | Grafton, ON
Set in Northumberland’s countryside, this 1800s fieldstone castle blends heritage charm with modern wellness. Teams can enjoy a full day of restoration: private lunch in the Anna Quinn Function Room, handcrafted apothecary gifts, spa and wellness allowances, afternoon tea, and full access to steam rooms, hydrotherapy pools, and saunas.
It’s a day designed to celebrate your team, inspire connection, and leave everyone feeling refreshed.
Emotional Literacy Retreats
The one class you never took in high school (but definitely should have). Most of us have no idea what to do with our emotions—shoving them down until they explode sideways, or wearing them like a giant wool sweater no one asked for. Emotional literacy retreats give you the tools to actually feel—without shame, jargon, or chaos.
Our Pick: SEED Lodge | Rocklyn, ON
Over four immersive weekends, Esther Kalaba—art therapist, psychotherapist, and Kundalini yoga teacher—guides participants through breathwork, movement, art, and group practices that feel like adult summer camp meets inner child healing.
Each retreat focuses on the Big Emotions (Shame! Anger! Grief! Joy!), teaching you to notice, process, and respond from your centre. Expect laughter, tears, and plenty of “aha” moments.
Couples Retreats
Sometimes the best way to reconnect isn’t a date night—it’s a full escape. Couples retreats offer space to slow down and rediscover the joy, curiosity, and playfulness that brought you together in the first place.
Whether it’s shared adventures, quiet reflection, or simply savouring a meal in nature, these retreats give you room to strengthen your bond away from the everyday.
Our Pick: Dimensions Retreat | Algonquin Highlands, ON
For a deeper look at a restful couple’s experience here, check out our full story in the Travel Well section.