Toronto Staycation: A Girls’ Weekend in Downtown Toronto
A milestone birthday calls for a memorable girls’ getaway. Here’s why the Chelsea Hotel Toronto—with delicious dining, a beautiful pool and an escape room—was perfect for our downtown staycation.
Nature as Medicine: Could a few days at a retreat in the woods really make a difference?
I Escaped to an Ontario Wellness Retreat to See If Nature Could Really Reduce My Stress By Rosalind StefanacFor years, we’ve been told to eat better, exercise more and get enough sleep. But now more and more healthcare experts are adding another prescription to the list: more time in nature.That’s what brought me to Dimensions, a nature-focused wellness retreat in Ontario, tucked among some 40 acres of forest on the shores of Maple Lake in the Algonquin Highlands. Rather than offering wellness trends or quick fixes, Dimensions combines evidence-informed therapies with the restorative power of nature. Its programming blends guided mindfulness, movement, spa therapies, nutrition and time outdoors—an approach rooted in growing research that shows spending time in natural environments can help reduce stress, improve sleep and mental health, and support overall well-being.I expected beautiful scenery and a chance to unwind. What I didn't anticipate was how intentionally slowing down—through long forest walks, lake paddles, restorative therapies and delicious meals—quieted my mind in a way I hadn’t experienced in years. By the end of my stay, I wasn't just feeling more relaxed, I found myself planning out how I would better incorporate more outdoor time in my days back in Toronto. A different kind of wellness retreat Scattered throughout the forest, the retreat’s 17 private cabin suites offer plenty of solitude while still being just a short walk from the main lodge. From the moment I stepped into mine, it was clear this wasn’t a typical spa getaway. With its warm wood finishes, floor-to-ceiling windows and private deck overlooking the lake, it felt less like a hotel room and more like a secluded sanctuary. Every design element seemed intended to draw my attention back outdoors, whether I was sipping kombucha by the window seat, soaking in the tub or simply watching the trees sway in the breeze. My fridge was stocked with healthy beverages, and in the main lodge guests were welcome to help themselves to wholesome snacks throughout the day (all gluten- and refined-sugar free), making healthy choices feel effortless.The property is dog friendly too, and seeing guests exploring the trails with their four-legged companions only added to the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.The days can be as structured—or as unstructured—as you like. Wellness programs range from two-day getaways to immersive stays of 10 days or more, focused on nervous system regulation and mental wellbeing using evidence-based therapies, outdoor adventures and restorative downtime.I tried