A year of pandemic exhaustion has convinced us that our next vacation should be as stress-free and uncomplicated as possible when it’s possible. If you’re looking for a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, these Canadian destinations will provide you with the tranquility you’ve been searching for.
Disconnect in the Yukon
One of Canada’s best-kept secrets is the rugged beauty of the Yukon. For the time being, however, the territory is only accepting Canadians who are fully vaccinated . For those who are ready to travel, the Yukon has the nation’s most comprehensive list of recommended vaccinations. Leave your phone at Mount Logan EcoLodge and get some fresh air. A two-hour drive from Whitehorse, the Kluane National Park and Reserve is the perfect place to get away and recharge. In addition to the three existing guest rooms, the property already has two yurts and a cabin dating back to the Gold Rush days. Wall tents with two loft-style levels, wood interior beams, a queen bed, and a wood stove are now available for the summer season. Two barrel cabins with mountain views are also available. At nightfall, it’s a good location for aurora borealis displays (which are visible from August through April).
Trout Point Lodge offers a forest bathing experience.
For decades, Shinrin-Yoku (forest bathing) has been practiced in Japan, and it may be the best way to combat pandemic exhaustion. This three-day wellness retreat at Trout Point Lodge in East Kemptville (N.S.) features an all-new three-hour private forest bathing experience, as well as access to kayaks and paddleboards on the Tusket River and yoga classes and a therapeutic in-suite massage. Keep an eye out for North America’s dark-sky zones while on vacation.
Read also: Rockies Mountain And Other Most Important Places in Canada
Float and sauna in Tofino
Tofino is one of the few places in the world that truly captures nature. Tofino Resort + Marina is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery. You can take in the fresh ocean air, go hiking or surfing, and eat fresh local produce because of the resort’s location. A floating sauna, which can hold up to six people, is scheduled to open in October and is located a 20-minute boat ride from the resort. In addition to hammocks and a fire pit, the sauna has a floor-to-ceiling window that overlooks the Tofino Inlet.
Spa it off
The pandemic stress shake-off doesn’t exclude urbanites who may not have the opportunity or desire to explore nature. The stress-free oasis of a city spa package can be found without the need for a long journey. Breakfast for two and a $200 credit for massages are included in the new wellness package at the Ritz-Carlton Toronto (valid until Sept. 6). With the Strm Nordic spa in Montreal, Montrealers can soak away their stress without having to fly halfway across the world to do so. You’ll also get 40% off services as part of the Attractions Passport initiative to encourage Quebecers to enjoy local tourism.
Extending the Zen
Pandemic mode is something we’ve been in for quite some time now. Our minds and bodies have accumulated a lot of stress, and it will take more than a weekend to get it all off our shoulders. You can now stay at a resort or hotel for weeks or even months at a time with extended stay packages (great for those who work remotely, are wary of too much travel or too many touch points, or want to avoid multidestination trips). Suites at the Solara Resort & Spa in Canmore, Alberta, are available for weekly and monthly rentals. All of the amenities of a high-end resort, but without the long-term commitment, can be found in the spacious kitchens and bedrooms. Let’s not forget that Canmore is also a beautiful place. Perhaps the best hiking, views, glacier lakes, and fresh mountain air can be found in Canmore and Kananaskis. You’ll have plenty of time to re-energize your mind and body, whether you’re just taking in the scenery or going for a hike or mountain biking.