Retreat to Renew

Leave the city and the stress behind. From hot springs to horses to wilderness havens, these remote properties connect with nature to soothe your exhausted soul.

By Joanne Sasvari

Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort

This West Kootenays wellness resort has been welcoming guests since the 1930s; for millennia before that, the Ktunaxa First Nations enjoyed the healing effects of its hot, mineral-rich waters. Take a dip in the pool overlooking Kootenay Lake, wander through the steamy cave, relax in the spa, then let your cares float away with a serene night’s sleep. — ainsworthhotsprings.com

Haida House at Tllaal

Sheltered by the rainforest just south of Naikoon Provincial Park on Haida Gwaii, this former hunting lodge is now a Haida-owned property that offers an immersive Indigenous experience through eco-adventures, Cultural programming and locally inspired cuisine. Bears and eagles call this pristine land home, and you will want to, too. — haidahouse.com

Tsa-Kwa-Luten, The Ocean Resort at Cape Mudge

Restore your spirit at this secluded oceanfront resort on scenic Quadra Island, a short ferry ride from Campbell River. At the site of a historic gathering place, the Laichwiltach people have built a modern, full-service lodge based on the warm, welcoming design of a wooden Kwagiulth “Big House” and all its art and heritage.  — capemudgeresort.bc.ca

Ocean House at Tlaga Gawtlaas

At the northern end of the Haida Gwaii archipelago, this Haida-owned property is a sustainable, welcoming and beautiful base for exploring one of the most intriguing places on the planet. The property itself offers unique insights into Haida Culture through its regionally inspired cuisine, spa, arts and heritage programming.  — oceanhouse.ca

Siwash Lake Resort

With 10,000 acres of wilderness to explore on foot or by horseback, this is as authentic as a guest ranch experience can get. This five-star-rated lodge in B.C.’s Cariboo-Chilcotin is an ultra-private luxury hideaway that offers a variety of customized eco-adventures, including hiking, fly-fishing, archery, wilderness survival, white-water rafting and one of Canada’s finest equine experiences, suitable for riders of all levels.  — siwashlake.com

Stikine Valley Inn

The surroundings may be wild and rugged, but the accommodation is comfortably luxurious at this hidden treasure of a hotel in Telegraph Creek, Northern B.C. But the best reason to visit may just be the restaurant, which offers elevated comfort food and Tahltan hospitality in equal measure. — stikinevalleyinn.com

Lil Crow Courtyard

Rest, relaxation and rejuvenation are on the itinerary when you stay at the three magical cabins owned and operated by Native Expressions, better known as the world-renowned musician and stone carver David R. Maracle and his wife Kimber Lee. Located on Tyendinaga Mohawk territory near Prince Edward County, Ontario, these cabins are filled with art, love and meditative peacefulness.  — lil-crow-cabin.business.site

Lodge on the Point 

Go off the grid at this private peninsula of cottages, cabins and a central lodge on Manitou Lake in Northern Ontario. Open year-round, this solar-powered lodge is the ideal designation for a stress-free family getaway or work retreat where guests can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing and stargazing. — lodgeonthepoint.com

La KINA8AT-ENSEMBLE

The non-profit organization KINA8AT offers training, awareness and renewal programs inspired by Indigenous philosophy and Traditions. Now, with the support of Indigenous Services Canada, they are also providing healing Te8ekan stays in St-Eustache, Québec, to help members of Indigenous families impacted by physical, psychological or emotional violence rediscover their identity and pride of their Ancestors. — kina8at.ca

Wildhorse Ranch & Outfitters

In the Foothills of the Rocky Mountains west of Red Deer, Alberta, Wildhorse Ranch & Outfitters embodies the spirit of the Old West through its mission to help build better lives for people and horses alike. Aside from its Equine Evolution to Excellence program, a blend of consciousness and horse sense, it offers retreats, reiki, camps and land-based learning. — wildhorsecamp.com

Domaine Notcimik

Not just a campsite, but an authentic encounter with the Atikamekw Nation, Domaine Notcimik is a haven in the forests of Haut-St-Maurice north of Montréal. A place to pitch a tent, relax in a tipi or chalet, and commune with nature and Indigenous Culture. The site offers both a wealth of outdoor activities and exchanges with Indigenous artisans. — domainenotcimik.com

Tla’amin Resorts and Accommodations/Historic Lund Hotel

North of Powell River, where the highway ends and Desolation Sound begins, sits the Lund Resort at Klah Ah Men, with its marina, restaurant and century-old hotel. The property has been thoroughly refurbished, its décor inspired by the art and Culture of its Tla’amin owners. Discover a relaxing refuge where Indigenous Traditions live through carving, weaving, dance and storytelling. — lundresort.com