Retreat!
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Experience the Lakeland
Sometimes all that is needed to recharge your batteries is a retreat of some kind. It could be a road trip with a stay in an unusual or blissful setting. Or it could be retreating into yourself on your own or with experienced guidance.
Peruse the places listed, some especially designed for personal escape and discovery. Book one that fits and take a few days to retreat on the water, in the boreal forest or in your mind. You’ll come away raring to take on your next big professional or personal project or simply having a sense of calm energy.
Be still at Pine Creek Retreat
Situated on the Pine Creek Ravine, above the banks of the historic North Saskatchewan River, this property offers a connection to nature and self with its unique, Metis-inspired shelter experiences, thoughtfully placed along the ravine, all connected to a lavish common area and historical Pine Creek Stopping House. This designated provincial heritage site was originally used as an inn, general store, post office, and social gathering area for weary travelers and homesteaders in Alberta’s Lakeland.
Take in the forest, fields, and rivers while staying at gorgeous secluded shelters spaced far apart from each other along the Pine Creek Ravine. The shelters personify a contemporary—and elevated—redesign of Metis trapper lean-tos and tents. Order ahead—from eggs and beef to vegetables, soups, and prepared meat pies—from the farm-to-table menu provided by Serben Farms.
The property is situated along the historic Victoria Trail, near the village of Waskatenau, only minutes away from Métis Crossing, Victoria Settlement Provincial Historic Site, Victoria District National Historic Site of Canada, in the county of Smoky Lake.
AbSOULutely You Wellness
AbSOULutely You Wellness runs a two-day Retreat & Market from time to time that takes place at The Barn near St. Paul. Weekends are curated to center around reviving self-purpose and connecting with self. Sessions include meditation, speakers, practitioners, and heart-opening rituals that take place in a rustic setting with an on-site sauna.
During retreats, soul and wellness practitioners will lead or be available to chat with, such as Naomi Mailhot from Sage Rising Wellness, Desiree Macor from The Unbridled Heart, Karen Telford from Water Spirit Spa & Retreats, and Laura Hunter from Revyve True Wellness in Cold Lake. Check social sites for details on any upcoming retreats.
White Trees Retreats
Relax and unwind on your own or with others at a lakeside setting on Moose Lake near Bonnyville. The eight-room facility offers weekend retreats, pottery workshops, and seasonal retreats for individuals or groups. Receive guidance if you like or take time to experience the calmness of the water and the sound of the birds. Walk the trails of white trees, create pottery, go for a paddle, pick berries, or watch sunsets by the outdoor fire.
One-day or weekend wellness retreats let you replenish with a small group of like-minded people. A retreat typically includes guided self-reflection and breathwork, learning about your chakras or energy systems, creativity through pottery, yoga, sound therapy, and healthy delicious food. Programs are led by local certified instructors. Pottery workshops are evening or day events designed to build a unique clay item, such as a fairy house or a mug. Book individually or with a group of friends to enjoy a charcuterie board and learn how to make a clay item. Eight themed rooms are available.
Forest Therapy with Ruth Isley
Meet Ruth Isley, certified forest therapist, Qi Gong instructor, and energy healer with more than 30 years of experience. Explore sessions with her and consider them retreats of the mind and body. Based in Bonnyville, Ruth offers courses as well as healing at home with forest therapy, Qi Gong, energy healing, meditation, and salt cave experiences. She has a background in Chinese Medicine and will work with you to free trapped emotions, raise your vibration, and balance your physical, mental, and spiritual being.
Church Stay Alberta
Church Stay Alberta in Mannville is a former church turned Airbnb, located near stunning countryside, lakes, and close to day-trip destinations such as Vermilion, St. Paul, and Vegreville. It sleeps up to six with two-bedroom areas, a full kitchen, dining area, gym zone, and an altar area with a pulpit and church organ. There is also a costume selection for selfies, a gift shop, and the World’s Tiniest Titanic Museum.
Hamilton House B&B
Hamilton House is nestled in the center of six acres of open lawns and flower gardens and surrounded by private boreal woodlands near Cold Lake. Book one of the five themed rooms for top-notch B&B services and serene country charm.
To truly get away, book Hamilton House’s remote cabin on an island. Paddle or ski across the lake to reach this fully equipped cabin in the woods. Hamilton House provides canoes or ski rentals in winter for you to reach this sweet haven. Birdwatch, watch the northern lights, or simply relax.
