Revive Your Soul in Atlantic Canada
By Margarita Hirapetian
Revive Your Soul in Atlantic Canada
By Margarita Hirapetian
Allow the pristine wilderness and rich culture of Atlantic Canada to recalibrate your mindset.
The rejuvenating power of untouched wilderness and abundant cultural connections cannot be overstated. Canada’s eastern provinces – New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador – are a haven for those seeking wellness and stress relief amidst nature’s majestic splendor. These provinces, each with its unique charm, offer a variety of activities that cater to both physical well-being and mental peace. As you plan your visit, prepare to come away from the experience with a reenergized body, refreshed mind, and reanimated spirit.
Forest Bathing & Coastal Wellness
New Brunswick, with its vast forests and rugged coastline, is ideal for those seeking a tranquil retreat. Visitors can indulge in the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, in the Acadian Forest, where the serenity of ancient trees and the symphony of nature offer a deeply calming experience. Visiting in the fall? You’ll be awed by the riotous fall colors — climb up to Turtle Mountain near Grand Bay-Westfield for a breathtaking view of forest, lakes, and grassy bogs that will never leave your memory.
The province’s coastline, featuring the famous Bay of Fundy, offers further opportunities for therapeutic walks along the beaches, where the world’s highest tides create a constantly changing landscape. The coastal towns also offer wellness retreats that combine yoga, meditation, and impossibly fresh local seafood, providing a holistic approach to health and relaxation.
Ocean Therapy & Celtic Healing
Nova Scotia, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, offers a unique form of wellness through ocean therapy. Activities like kayaking, sailing, and even surfing in the cool North Atlantic waters are not just physically energizing but also mentally uplifting. The province’s Celtic heritage comes alive in Cape Breton, where visitors can immerse themselves in the healing power of music and dance. The Celtic Colours International Festival, with its array of concerts and community events, allows one to experience the joy and communal spirit of Celtic music, known for its therapeutic effects.
After getting your heart’s fill of activities, remember to unwind amidst all this natural and cultural splendor with a visit to Nova Scotia’s first Nordic Spa, Sensea Nordic Spa, featuring an outdoor sauna, hot and cold baths, lakeside waterfalls, and revitalizing treatments that invigorate and calm in equal measure.
Beach Retreats & Green Spaces
Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada’s smallest province, is a sanctuary of peace with its red sand beaches and rolling green landscapes. The Island’s beaches, particularly Cavendish Beach and the secluded Greenwich Beach, offer a serene environment for mindfulness and meditation, complemented by the soothing sounds of the ocean. Visit Mysa Nordic Spa & Resort, located on the banks of St. Peters Bay, and indulge in an 18-acre haven offering thermal baths, essential oil steam rooms, cold water plunges, a Finnish sauna, meditation sessions, and massages.
The Confederation Trail, which meanders through picturesque villages and pastoral landscapes, awaits to provide a peaceful escape into nature. Where you ought to stay is a no-brainer. Enjoy a unique glamping experience in an authentic Mongolian yurt at Nature Space Resort, or luxury camping at Meridian 63 ° in Scandinavian-inspired, off-grid micro cabins that overlook a spectacular view of the West River in Strathgartney Provincial Park. Adventure greets you the moment you set foot outside your cabin with nearly 20 miles of trails and easy access to the Bonshaw River.
Rugged Wilderness & Cultural Wellness
Known for its rugged natural beauty, Newfoundland and Labrador offers wellness through adventure and cultural immersion. While exploring the beloved East Coast Trail, one is treated to breathtaking views of the Atlantic, magnificent whale sightings and the undeniable therapeutic power of untouched wilderness. On the west coast, Gros Morne National Park serves as the perfect backdrop to a plethora of adventures, such as hiking along the distinctive red landscape that is the Tablelands. Considering it took millions of years to create, it’s hardly surprising what can be found here. Not the least of which is perspective.
While visiting, one will likely weave themselves into the province’s rich cultural tapestry, adding a restorative touch to their spirit. Engaging in traditional activities like rug hooking or local storytelling not only relieves stress, but also connects visitors to the simple joys of life and the warmth that is Newfoundland and Labrador’s hospitality. Discovering this place is truly an all-encompassing wellness prescription that can be refilled time and time again with each subsequent visit.
Stunning Views
Soak in the coastal scenery and friendly vibes of Canada’s Maritimes.
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