Canadian Summer Retreats You Shouldn’t Miss

Tracadie Bay
Tracadie Bay on PEI by Stephen DesRoches/flickr
Ah, summer vacation. It’s a time to refresh your mind, wipe away the anxiety of the first half of the year, and prepare for renewed productivity in the fall. Don’t let the heat get to you, though; escape from the daily grind to a relaxing summer retreat in one of Canada’s scenic locations. Don’t get bored sitting on the beach all day, either. Immerse yourself in local cuisine and culture, invigorate your body with yoga, or give in to your cravings for outdoor adventure.

Prince Edward Island
Up north, where the air is cool but the sea is warm, lies Prince Edward Island (known to locals as just plain PEI). Bordered in sand with a sea of green fields in the center, the 140-mile-long island is never overrun with tourists. Lobster suppers, the quintessential summer meal, are famous here. In many family restaurants, you can finish off your meal with another infamous island treat: blueberry pie.

Canadian summer retreats
Charlottetown Dock, PEI, by Paul Josephy/flickr

The capital of Prince Edward Island is Charlottetown, a quaint city with historic tree-lined streets and pubs that have an Irish flair. A scenic journey along Blue Heron Drive will take you from Charlottetown to the center of the island, past serene Brackley Beach and the famous house that inspired the fictional character Anne of Green Gables. East of Charlottetown, on Dalvay Beach, is Dalvay by the Sea, a fantastic Tudor-style mansion resort that overlooks the ocean; with its 25 guest rooms and recently added 3-bedroom cottages it is a breath of fresh air and the perfect place for some summer relaxation.

Yoga Retreats

Relax your mind and body while enjoying one of the many yoga retreats found in British Columbia. Read Island is one of the more secluded of the Discovery Islands. There is no ferry service, so the island can only be reached by private or chartered boat. A summer retreat with Dragon Hill Yoga Studio on Read Island will restore your spirit as you practice Qi kung and meditation, feast on organic local food, and draw inspiration from the forest and the ocean.

Salt spring
Salt Spring Island by Taz/Flickr

For those looking for a little more activity, the Almost Solstice Retreat on Salt Spring Island, with Santosha Yoga Retreats, gives you the opportunity to explore the island by kayak. A weekend full of rest, meditation, relaxation, and delicious food will leave you rejuvenated. Santosha Yoga Retreats also offer a “Yoga at the Beach” option at Chesterfield Beach. After relaxing your muscles, you can take surfing lessons and breathe in the beautiful scenery of Canada’s west coast.

Blue Ridge Mountain Retreat

Unwind with the beauty of nature in a Blue Ridge Yurt Retreat in British Columbia. You’ll stay in a yurt, a modern version of the centuries-old shelters used by ancient nomads. Simple and open, the yurts overlook the stunning Kootenay Lake. Twenty acres of orchards, gardens, forests, and meadows will leave you mesmerized. You can kayak, swim or fish in the lake, drive to a nearby golf course, or visit one of the three hot springs within driving distance. If you’re looking for adventure, try your hand at hiking, mountain biking, or spelunking during your visit.

Whistler Summer’s

Take outdoor summer activities to a whole new level at the Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains in British Columbia. Enjoy an ecology tour through coastal forests and see mother bears and their cubs. A gondola takes you on a sightseeing tour through the sky between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.

Rainbow Lake Trail near Whistler By Iwona Erskine-Kellie
Rainbow Lake Trail near Whistler By Iwona Erskine-Kellie

Work on your tan at the base of the mountain, and ski or ride the glacier at its top. The Blackcomb Base Adventure Zone also offers unique activities for kids and the family. You can take a luge ride down the mountain, spin yourself silly in a human gyroscope, climb a spider web, or swing and climb on a maze of ropes.

No matter what your plans are for the summer, you can get away for a unique retreat in Canada’s wilderness. Bask in the sun wherever you go, whether it’s to the beach or to the slopes. Revel in the lush green landscape, and remember: fall is just around the corner, so enjoy this time while you have it.

About the author

Sylvia Martinez is a travel blogger and an insurance settlement consultant and she recommends a structured settlement because a lump sum payment can be a lifesaver when you need money now.  Instead of waiting for a long term stream of payments structured settlement companies provide a valuable service by cashing out your settlement if you need the money now for a great vacation, college or opening a business.