2007 Ontario Getaway Guide

Get Out of Town and Escape to One of Ontario’s Natural Vacation Destinations

for Some Fun and Relaxation

 

COUNTRY RETREATS

The Robins’ Nest Straw Bale Retreat — Norwood

Pamper yourself with a soak in the hot tub, delicious healthy meals, quiet strolls in the woods, walk the labyrinth, enjoy therapeutic treatments. Specializing in personal or small group retreats of 10 or less, Robins’ Nest provides a tranquil space for people to step out of stress and get back to nature. Come on your own or with some friends; for a weekend or a week, you decide your stay. Bridal party getaways, birthday parties, “mental health” escapes, or pick your own reason! The aesthetically pleasing strawbale house aids in this relaxing atmosphere. One day to full weekend workshops are also available.
Located at 1150 County Rd. 40, Norwood. For information visit our website www.robinsnestretreat.com, or call (705) 639-2284.

Harmony Dawn retreat – Rice Lake
Harmony Dawn is custom-built for healing and self-transformation groups, utilizing both Fengshui and the latest sustainable energy technologies.  Nestled into the Northumberland Hills off Rice Lake, just 1-1/2 hours from Toronto, Harmony Dawn has drawn rave reviews from guests for its “feel”, location, and hospitality, especially its innovative, healthily balanced cuisine. It has been voted one of the “greenest” buildings in Canada. Open year round; group size: 8-22. Kindly book at least 6 months in advance to get the date of your choice.
Call 705-696-2066 or visit us at www.harmonydawn.com

Ecology Retreat Centre — Hockley Valley
Located 75 minutes north of Toronto in the beautiful Hockley Valley, this spacious centre is surrounded by 200 acres of natural forest and pristine streams. There are accommodations and meeting spaces for groups of 20 to 80 people, hiking trails, an inground pool, and a 76-foot stone labyrinth. Registered massage therapy is available by appointment. We specialize in international vegetarian cuisine with flexibility for other menu options. Special rates for large groups or longer retreats.
(519) 941-4560, email bookings@ecologyretreatcentre.com, visit www.ecologyretreatcentre.com

Thirteen Moons Retreat for Women - Norwood
A beautiful and affordable place for individuals or small groups to find peace, nourishment and inspiration. Located two hours northeast of Toronto, lush cedars gently hug you as you wind your way up the driveway to your secluded home away from home. The artist-designed, light-filled building offers magnificent views of the 186 acre property from each room. Sleep comfortably in our cozy beds or camp under the stars. You deserve to treat yourself to a relaxing getaway or facilitated wellness vacation featuring fabulous organic vegetarian meals lovingly and creatively prepared by a holistic nutritionist/cookbook author. Let their gifted therapists pamper your body with their soothing treatments. Spend quiet time by the water, walking the labyrinth, or exploring the trails. Ideal location for celebrations or time away with friends.
Contact Louise Racine, RR1, Norwood, Ontario, K0L 2V0, call (705) 652-9329, email louise@thirteenmoons.ca, or visit www.thirteenmoons.ca

Novalis River Resort (B&B) — Beaverton
Novalis is a retreat for the mind, body and soul; a unique pastoral and scenic spot where visitors can relax, unwind, restore and replenish. A beautiful natural setting that touches the heart and brings peace and joy to each and every visitor. An escape from the fast pace of life, which in just one stay can remain with you forever, begging you to return again and again for balance, self-care, and pure pleasure! Situated on the banks of the Beaver River, near Beaverton, Ontario just 90 minutes northeast of Toronto. As you approach the property up the long winding driveway that parallels the Beaver River, you feel instantly calmed; your breathing slows and deepens inhaling the fresh country air and the peacefulness of it all; then your heart beats a bit faster with the excitement of what is about to happen. During your stay, enjoy the in-ground outdoor swimming pool as well as the cedar sauna. Pamper yourself with Swedish and Thai massage, reflexology, reiki, Zen shiatsu, and facials.
Call Birgit and Eckart for information (705) 426-4530, view our website at www.novalisbeaverton.com

Sugar Ridge – Midland
Sugar Ridge is located just minutes from Midland, but a world away.  The perfect blend of pampering and panoramic vistas is what sets Sugar Ridge apart. It is both a Bed and Breakfast and a Retreat Centre. We have 10 cabins nestled in the woods and a 4200 square foot retreat centre available for groups up to 50 people. This four seasons retreat offers peace and tranquility spread over 150 acres of majestic forests, rolling hills and lush meadows. The nearest neighbour is 3,000 acres of protected provincial land making up the Wye Valley. Sugar Ridge offers an exceptional combination of experiences to explore the body, mind and soul. You can join a retreat, or let us help you create your own. The owners, Liz and Kurt Frost, are both yoga teachers and psychotherapists, offering yoga classes, day programs and weekend retreats for groups or individuals. Sugar Ridge is the perfect place to explore nature. Let us help you rediscover yourself. Wholesome vegetarian meals are served overlooking a view of Georgian Bay and the Wye Marsh. Explore trails throughout the property, or stretch mind and body with a yoga class. In summer, guests can relax by the pool and watch hawks circling overhead. Fall offers a spectacular autumn palette and winter provides frosty beauty and wonderful skiing. Wildlife abounds year-round and bird watching is spectacular. A variety of workshops and ongoing programs throughout the year are available.
Contact Sugar Ridge at info@sugarridge.ca or 1-866-609-1793 (Canada) or visit our website www.sugarridge.ca

Wolverton Hills — Pontypool
At Wolverton Hills you feel like you are “far from the maddening crowd.” Just over an hour east of Toronto you will find peace and solitude at our private property on the Oak Ridges Moraine. Rent our quaint cabin for a day, night or as long as it takes to rejuvenate at our country getaway. It can’t get any easier! All you need to do is bring and prepare your own food. Wolverton Hills free range eggs are provided. Enjoy a fully-equipped and very comfortable cabin, including cozy duvets, linen and towels. Sit under the stars at night next to the water’s edge and enjoy a toasty bonfire. Swim in our healing spring fed two-acre pond or hike through the rolling hills on 200 acres of interpretive trails. Relaxing aromatherapy massages and other rejuvenating treatments are available. Visit donkeys and other hobby farm critters. Also visit owner/operator Debbie’s pottery studio and watch her create Wolverton Hills Pottery. Ideal for writers, artists, or couples who need to recharge and reconnect to the earth.
Check out our website for video tours, rates, information www.wolvertonhills.com or call 905-986-0848.

New Life Retreat Centre for Wellness – Perth
A lovely meeting and health retreat near Perth, 3.5 hours east of Toronto in lovely Lanark Highlands. Features include: swimming, nearby canoeing and kayaking, walking trail, hot tub. We’re known for our excellent vegetarian cuisine (raw food is a specialty). A lovely heritage house on 100 acres sleeps 17 and space for a dozen more is being created this summer. NLR is suited to corporate or government meetings thinking “outside the box”, plus workshops, individual stays for rest and healing, weddings and family gatherings.
Telephone (613) 259-3337, or find much more information at www.newliferetreat.com, or email wellness@newliferetreat.com.

Hummingbird Healing Retreat — Lakefield
Relax, rejuvenate, retreat, “where relaxation comes naturally.” Two hours from Toronto and surrounded by nature you’ll find simplicity at Hummingbird. Enjoy a pampering therapeutic aromatherapy massage or Reiki session. Experience superb accommodations, delicious meals catered to dietary concerns (mostly organic) and friendly hosts. We have facilities for small groups (up to eight) or individuals. Workshops are offered for the stressed, the creatively-minded or the spiritual seeker.
For information visit our website www.hummingbirdbb-retreat.com call (705) 652-3978 or Toll free 1-888-526-6032.

Northumberland Conference & Retreat Centre

Set among 80 peaceful acres and with a panoramic view of Lake Ontario Northumberland Conference & Retreat Centre's rural location and quiet surroundings is an ideal location for individual and group retreats, conferences, seminars and workshops, personal reflection and getaways.  The natural environment of forested trails and a secluded pond creates an atmosphere of unhurried tranquility. The facility hosts private meeting rooms ranging in capacity from 15 to 200, spacious bedrooms all includes private bathrooms and the comforts of modern accommodations along with wireless Internet. Our attractive in-house restaurant offers a variety of delicious vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals, using locally grown organic produce and herbs when in season. In addition to our main dining room, our fine dining exclusive "Century" room introduces Asian Fusion dishes to indulge your getaway experience. If requested, we can offer you  introductory classes in self-relaxation, positive visualization, meditation and yoga. Therapeutic massage services can also be arranged on-site. Our goal is for each guest to leave feeling refreshed, revitalized and renewed. We welcome your enquiries whether for a conference, a retreat or a weekend getaway. Visit us online at www.northumberlandheights.ca. Phone (905) 372 - 7500
or email us at info@northumberlandheights.ca.

WORKSHOP RETREATS

The Living Centre - London
Spirit of the Earth, The Living Centre & Living Arts Institute (est. 1983) is an eco-spiritual education and retreat sanctuary. Organic since the beginning, this beautiful 50 acre sanctuary has been cared for with a love that now extends to all those who come here. The centre offers nature’s healing beauty and an Ayurvedic living-foods approach to optimizing health. Personal and group retreats in Spiritual Fasting, vision quests and sweat lodge ceremonies, and diploma certification programs in Conscious Living, Herbalism, Shamanu: Earth Wisdom Teachings, and Ayurvedic Living Nutrition are some of what a person can experience. The foundation and inspiration of the centre is based on the principles of the Sevenfold Path to Peace. Directors Walter Shantree Kacera, PhD, DN, and Lorenna Bousquet-Kacera blend their 30 years each experience in the natural healing arts to support you in maximizing your health and in receiving the highest quality leading edge education in the natural healing arts.
Contact The Living Centre at (519) 652-9109 or (519) 652-0230, E-mail: info@thelivingcentre.com, or visit www.thelivingcentre.com

Northern Light Centre — Singhampton
Enjoy herbs and Healing Workshops with Heather Bakazias, a herbalist and wildcrafter who works in the Wise Woman Tradition. She makes her own massage oils, tinctures, herbal teas and facial preparations. During her summer Herb Workshops you can learn to recognize common herbs, their medicinal properties, and how to make tinctures, oils and salves. Most of the workshops, held outside on 50 acres of beautiful land, teach the identity of different herbs, weeds, and flowers. You will learn their values, when to harvest, and how to dry your own herbs.
For more information on upcoming herb weekends contact Heather Bakazias (705) 445-7565 or write Northern Light Centre, Box 77, Singhampton, ON, N0C 1M0. Visit www3.sympatico.ca/heathersherbs/

Aziza Healing Adventures: - local and international
Improve your life with an inspiring selection of programs that deliver self-discovery at its best: Couples Retreats, Getaways for women, Meaningful Vacations, Relationship Workshops, and Truly Madly Deeply Workshops. Aziza's highly successful personal growth events promote greater self-awareness and clarity. Our unique holistic approach to wellness combines creativity, psychotherapy, journal writing and nature. Breathtaking settings offer the benefits of yoga, sea kayaking, meditation or forest walks. Experience a life enhancing eco journey amongst kindred spirits, and delight in gorgeous cuisine in charming locations. Programs are held in Toronto, Kawarthas, Mexico, USA, Thailand and Bali.
For upcoming events please visit www.aziza.ca, check Vitality's seasonal Resource Directory, or call (416) 696-0086.

Northern Edge Algonquin – Algonquin Park
A welcoming sanctuary providing an intimate connection with nature. This solar-powered retreat is set on a quiet lake at the northwest corner of Algonquin Park, less than three hours from Toronto. The Edge is easily accessible by train and public transportation. Their mission is to provide experiences in nature that help us to rediscover ourselves, empower one another and heal our connection to the earth. Unique “Quest for Balance Retreats” feature yoga and introduction to sea kayaking. Shamanic training programs include a two-year training with Martha Lucier, frequent presenter at the Whole Life Expo. Art retreats, women-only events, executive retreats offered year-round. Slow down and enjoy colourful organic, locally-grown foods and accommodations in fresh forest air. Unique learning opportunities and inspiring staff.
Call toll-free 1-800-953-EDGE or visit www.algonquinretreat.com. For Shamanic Studies Programs, visit www.shamanismcanada.com

WILDERNESS RETREATS

Maple KI Forest ™ Spirit Waters - Tamworth
Established in 1986, Maple Ki is a tranquil, beautiful retreat nestled amidst rocks and trees of the magnificent Canadian Shield and features stunning views of a pristine lake and river with rapids. This spacious waterfront hideaway offers cozy rooms and a soothing ambience. Make Maple Ki your home away from home and your sanctuary for relaxing and revitalizing the body, calming and centering the mind, healing the heart, and uplifting the spirit. Hatha yoga instruction is offered each morning either on the platform beside the lake or in the yoga studio overlooking sparkling lake waters. Savour superb vegetarian cuisine. Encourage deep relaxation with healing bodywork sessions and infrared sauna. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the lake, a walk on the woodland trails, a paddle across the lake and along the river, or a nap in the hammock. Unwind, unfold and emerge renewed. Perfect for individuals retreating in solitude or with loved ones. Group rentals available.
Midway between Toronto and Ottawa just north of Napanee. Contact Julianna Norrie (613) 379-2227, email info@mapleki.com and visit www.mapleki.com.

Kukagami Lodge - Wahnapitae
Immerse yourself in the quiet beauty of the Northern Ontario forest. Sleep in the peaceful silence of your own private log cabin. Dine on salads picked fresh from our organic gardens. Swim in the clean, clear water of our spring-fed lake. Relax by the shore as you watch loons dance upon the water. Kukagami Lodge is a summer paradise. Walk through the forest, kayak or canoe on the lake, or just sit back with a good book. Let our wood-heated sauna steam the toxins out of your system, then step into the cool water of Kukagami Lake to vitalize and refresh. Get back to nature in comfort! Leave the city behind as you step back a hundred years to the simple life, away from electricity and running water, away from the fast life, and into the stillness of the forest. Kukagami Lodge offers all-inclusive packages for summer getaways: lodging, three meals daily, snacks, canoes, kayaks, a little sailboat, hiking and mountain biking, swimming, reading and relaxing, and the ever-popular sauna. We are located six kilometres from the nearest road, so we bring you across beautiful Kukagami Lake by boat. Open July 21 through Thanksgiving for summer season, and Dec 26 through March 25 for cross-country skiing.
Kukagami is located 35 km northeast of Wahnapitae. Visit their website for rates and stories at www.kukagamilodge.com Contact us at Kukagami Lodge, Wahnapitae, ON. POM 3CO (705) 521-6587 or leave a message at (705) 853-4742. Email: lodge@kukagami.infosathse.com. Find us on the map halfway between Sudbury and Lake Temagami.

Smoothwater Temagami Canoe Trip Outfitting
Tried & true, Smoothwater is a leader in professional canoe trip outfitting services including, route consultation (with info beyond the guide books), kevlar and ABS canoe rentals, home-made trip food (lots of fresh & organic ingredients), gear rentals, shuttles, and pre/post trip lodging and meals. Outfitting is a great way to go if you are new at this, or don't have the time to pull it all together.
Call for info 888-569-4539, or email temagami@ontera.net. We hope Smoothwater fits into your summer plans!

HEALTH RETREATS

Nonpareil Natural Health Retreat – Stirling
Specializing in raw organic juice fasting, cleansing and detoxification. Getaway to this 173-acre country estate. Indulge in the simple pleasures of country life, being cared for and nourished. Awaken your inner power. Experience our new medical grade SaunaRay far infrared sauna. Recharge and revitalize your energy through raw juices and power drinks, rest and relaxation, yoga, relaxing full body massage, reflexology, nutritional consultations, moor mud baths, reiki, emotional energy balancing, and long walks through rolling acres of maple forest. This is a powerful program and a permanent makeover from the inside out. Swim at the Crowe River under invigorating waterfalls, relax in hammocks and enjoy quiet evenings under the stars. Only 2- 1/4 hours east of Toronto.
Call (613) 395-6332. E-mail nonpareil@sympatico.ca, view our website www.nonpareilholistic.com. Address RR#3, 658 Wellmans Road, Stirling, Ontario, K0K 3E0

YOGA & MEDITATION RETREATS

YOGA MIND AND BODY - Burk’s Falls
Shanti Vana, located west of Algonquin Park, only 2-1/2 hours from Toronto, invites you for our weekend retreats. Shanti Vana is located in a pristine ecosystem with fresh air and clean water on 100 acres of beautiful forests, gardens, and ponds and it is a welcoming, peaceful, and healthy living home. Vegetarian meals are well-balanced and heartwarming, provided with organic vegetables from our gardens. Invigorating yet deeply relaxing Yoga Classes and Satsangs in Sivananda tradition are held with Beata Barnard (Savitri-Devi). Walking the 108 Solar Lanterns Peace Labyrinth at night, connecting to nature and sharing the wisdom of our renowned guests can inspire peace and contentment.
Visit: www.yogamindandbody.ca. Email: beata@yogamindandbody.ca. Call: (705) 387 1879                                     

URBAN & COUNTRY SPAS

Pure + Simple – Toronto
Refresh yourself after a long hot summer day in the garden or a grueling day at work with a facial and oxygen treatment from Pure + Simple. Established in 2000, Pure + Simple has become Toronto’s favourite facial place.  (Voted Best Facial in Toronto Life and NOW Magazines). The Ayurvedic inspired facials – from the Pure + Simple Facial (A classic European), to IPL (the best in AntiAging), will have your skin glowing and your spirits refreshed. Your skin will experience the best of Natural and Organic Skincare products made by Pure + Simple, Jurlique, and Naturopathica. An Oxygen treatment will not only hydrate your moisture starved skin but the cool of pure oxygen will leave you feeling energized and refreshed. With two locations in the popular urban centres of Yonge/Eglinton and Yorkville, and one more coming to King and Bathurst, Pure + Simple is a convenient urban oasis.
Yonge/Eglinton, 2375 Yonge Street, Toronto, Tel: 416.481.2081
Yorkville, 27 Bellair Street, Toronto, Tel: 416.924.6555
Website: pureandsimple.ca, Email: spa@pureandsimple.ca 

Oasis Wellness Centre and Spa –  Distillery District, Toronto
Located in the heart of Toronto's historic Distillery District, The Oasis Wellness Centre and Spa is one of Canada’s largest and most remarkable day spas. This breathtaking 23,000 square foot urban retreat offers an unparalleled array of aesthetics, registered therapies and alternative wellness. 65 treatment centres, designed with a calming aesthetic in mind, feature specially designed lighting, sound and other materials to create a remarkable experience. The Oasis Wellness Centre and Spa also features an 1,800 square foot stand resource centre offering guests a convenient way to access TEYE - Oasis’ custom manufactured natural based skin care, body treatment and mineral make up collection.
Located at Building 36, The Smokehouse, 55 Mill Street, Toronto (416) 364-2626, toll free 1-866-998-6999, www.experienceoasis.ca

HighFields Country Inn & Spa — Zephyr
HighFields Country Inn & Spa is both a day and destination healing retreat, situated on 175 acres of secluded privacy, less than an hour’s drive northeast of downtown Toronto. They offer packages for couples and singles (male and female) and there is no single supplement. The chef prepares local organic and all natural foods, served in the converted century barn dining room or in the solarium overlooking the rolling hills of the Oak Ridges Moraine. Their Spa offers over 40 different treatments, including organic facials and body wraps. Come and enjoy the outdoor pool, tennis court, 175 acres of hiking trails, indoor sauna and fitness facility.
View the website at www.highfields.com and call for reservations at (905) 473-6132.

INTERNATIONAL RETREATS

Quantum Health Tai Chi Retreats – Costa Rica
Retreat to Punta Leona, Costa Rica, where rejuvenation comes naturally. Increase your understanding of Tai Chi concepts in the ancient physical, energetic and spiritual practice of Tai Chi, all the while experiencing one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Punta Leona is surrounded by 750 acres of tropical rainforest and botanical gardens. Walk along our pristine beaches or jungle trails. The local area also provides many other exciting opportunities for entertainment, shopping and wildlife tours. You will be swept away by the natural beauty and will emerge with increased sense of health, balance, harmony, and spirit.
Upcoming Costa Rica Tai Chi retreats: July 15-22, 2007 and December 1-8, 2007. www.quantumhealthtaichi.com (519) 537-3710

HIMALAYAN HOLIDAYS
Tibetan practitioner, amchi Kunga Chotak, invites you to join him on an extraordinary 15-day journey to some of the most beautiful locations the Himalayas have to offer. His personal knowledge of these regions will ensure that your holiday is a memorable, enriching adventure on August 25 to September 9th. All ground travel, guided excursions, accommodations and most meals are included.
For itinerary: www.amchikunga.com/himalayanholiday.html or call: (416) 466-8152. This travel opportunity is presented by the organizers of the annual MysoreYoga Retreats to India. To learn more about safe, affordable and exciting trips and yoga retreats to India and Asia visit: www.mysoreyogaretreat.com.