 If the long winter has left you ready to climb the walls, it’s time to take your wild heart out on the road. Whether you need a few days of pampering and a romantic getaway to revive the home fires, a family vacation away from the city or a trip to blow your mind after too many months of blowing your nose, a quick getaway might be just what you need.
Soothing delights
WCDA member The Hochelaga Inn, in Kingston’s historic district, was built in 1850 and boasts 21 stunning rooms, heritage gardens and an abundance of luxury spa services. Book early to make sure you get the Tower room—with spacious sleeping quarters and a ladder that takes you into the tower, where you can read or meditate with a panoramic view of the city.
If winding cobblestone paths, museums and gourmet restaurants sound like heaven, venture to Hochelaga and enjoy an aromatherapy massage, pedicure or facial while you relax. Anne Boyd, the Inn’s charming owner, says, “Sometimes a manicure before that special meeting or a relaxing massage after can make all the difference in the world to a guest under stress. We are so happy to be able to help in balancing their bodies and minds.”
Boyd loves to meet her guests, who come from all over the world. She’ll help you avoid any stress during your stay: just ask when you book and she’ll plan your dinner reservations, local tours or the 1000 Island Cruise. While you’re there, ask Boyd about the area’s history—and the resident ghosts! www.hochelagainn.com
Journey into chocolate
Northern Ontario is for lovers. And Hummingbird Hill, outside of North Bay, is the place to elope in chocolate and languish together in an outdoor hot tub. If the idea of tying the knot summons too much stress, Marianne Persia’s resort offers an elopement package, including a Justice of Peace, so you can wed in the glorious gardens surrounded by fairytale woods (mixed and same-sex couples welcome!) and honeymoon in chocolate—that’s right, chocolate.
Persia says the Chocolate Spa Indulgence Getaway is one of her most popular packages. And who are we to argue? The Hummingbird Hill adventures don’t stop there—no matter how tasty—you can also sign up for Native drum-making, dog sledding, canoeing, wine tasting, horseback riding or an all-girl Goddess Getaway. www.hummingbirdhill.ca
Stretch your creativity
Return home transformed after a yoga and art retreat at Wyldwood Sojourn in Lonsdale, Ontario. A stay in this rustic country home, surrounded by woods and waterfalls, and covered in exquisite murals by WCDA member and owner/artist Maureen Walton, revitalizes the spirit.
Recover or discover your creativity with inspiring workshops in painting, sculpture, yoga and meditation, myths and storytelling, herbology and more. You’ll feel reconnected after working in the art and yoga studios and resting in a communal sleeping area.
“This is not a spa to be pampered in,” says Walton. “We offer a fusion of many disciplines designed to complement each other…. As a mural artist and designer, I was excited about creating a temple-like atmosphere to support healing work.” Steps away from rivers and ghost towns, this idyllic world is straight out of the fairytales that your workshops might explore. www.maureenwalton.com/Wyldwood/ws_intro.htm
Fun on the farm
Moms, dads and kids can all enjoy a retreat from the urban pace through Country Hosts. You’ll enjoy staying on the farm at over 50 locations across Ontario, sharing breakfast and stories with rural families. The kids will benefit from helping with farm chores, learning about country work, playing with animals and various outdoor activities—and you’ll enjoy a break from the old routine. Once there, be sure to take a look at the starry night sky. www.countryhosts.com
A walk on the wild side
Not every goddess pines for chocolate, art, and inner calm—get outside with the girls and test your stamina and strength with a ladies-only wilderness adventure. With Wild Women Expeditions (WWE), you can choose from over 40 outdoor experiences. Whether kayaking, canoeing or cycling the majestic terrain of Northern Ontario, WWE brings the equipment and experienced guides.
Most expeditions begin just outside of Sudbury on WWE’s lush, 230-acre grounds. Special expeditions for moms and daughters (as a wild Mother’s Day treat) are one more reason to check out the selection of adventures geared to take your wild side for a spin. www.wildwomenexp.com
Out of this world
If you’re longing to do something on a completely surreal scale, Star C. Spider’s imaginative Alternate Reality Events might be just the thing. Choose your own adventure with this imaginative young woman. She will create a trip for you, in your own backyard or, if you like, in outer space! Spider tailors events to your dreams, from staging an alien abduction to attending your own funeral.
A seasoned world traveller at 23, Spider’s experiential extravaganzas range from Seuss-themed birthday parties to treasure hunting through the world’s deserts. An experienced event planner and a product of the gaming generation, she blends travel, adventure, games and dreams to custom-design your wildest fantasies. www.alternaterealityevents.com
Take on the world
If you’re almost ready to get waaay out of here, but have cold feet, www.journeywoman.com can help. This Toronto-based online travel resource for women can help you plan the ultimate adventure. Forget about sites filled with last-minute deals and no details—this site offers advice and tips, provides community with other women with shared plans or experiences, answers your questions and more.
Not sure what you should pack? Journeywoman has a guide for that—click here before you even look for your backpack. You can also find out about packages from local to abroad at www.journeywoman.com/traveltales/ActiveHolidayTips.htm.
Hopefully these ideas will inspire you, whether you’re itching to escape the city for a weekend or go on a journey that makes your heart race just thinking about it.
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