I find that the winter months are a perfect time for reconnecting and spending quality time with “the girls”. Take three days (or five) and get pampered, try something new or get reacquainted with the great outdoors. Here a few unusual suggestions, both local and some a little further a field. Contact Columbus World Travel and we’ll make your winter break a reality.
BE PAMPERED at:
Ste. Anne’s Spa, Grafton, Ontario
The quintessential girlfriends’ getaway involves spa treatments and plenty of pampering. Ste. Anne’s Spa, regularly ranked among the best spas in Canada, is the perfect place to relax with your friends. Ste. Anne’s is best known for the quality and variety of its treatments and its cozy country setting.
BE ACTIVE at:
Elkin Creek Guest Ranch, Nemaiah Valley, B.C.: If the girls are longing to escape to the great outdoors, but still want the comforts of an all-inclusive resort, this Nemaiah Valley property is the perfect destination. Take a horse for a ride, try your hand at fly fishing or take a sailboat out on the lake. This all-inclusive stay includes accommodation, three meals a day, use of the Ranch’s sauna and fitness centre and all activities.
EAT in:
Montreal, Que.: Combine culture with food during a girlfriends getaway in one of Canada’s top foodie cities: Montreal. From Montreal smoked meat sandwiches at the famous Schwartz’s Deli to streetside poutine to Montreal-style bagels with smoked salmon and cream cheese at all-day breakfast joint Beauty’s, there is so much diversity and quality on the Montreal restaurant scene. Save room for wine and cheese, chocolates and fresh baked pastries.
DRINK in:
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont.: Hire a car or appoint a designated driver and enjoy a day touring the many wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Ontario’s wine region is home to dozens of wineries, all within driving or biking distance, that offer tours and tastings of reds, whites and signature ice wines on-site. The estates of Inniskillin, Konzelmann and Jackson-Triggs are especially worth a visit.
ESCAPE to:
Sonora Resort, Sonora Island, B.C.: If you really just want to get away from absolutely everything, consider a vacation at the secluded Sonora Resort. From kayaking to bear watching to fly fishing, lovers of the outdoors will find plenty to keep them busy. Indoors, guests have access to a gym, mineral pools, wireless Internet service and the Island Currents Spa. Three meals daily are included in the price of your stay, as are snacks, appetizers, beer, wine, liquor and non-alcoholic beverages.
REMINISCE at:
Green Gables House, Cavendish, P.E.I.: Bring back memories of being young and discovering the adventures of Anne Shirley for the first time with a visit to Green Gables House in P.E.I. As Lucy Maud Montgomery’s inspiration for Anne’s adoptive home with Marilla and Matthew, this house now attracts visitors from around the world.
SUN & SAND in:
Wasaga Beach, Ont.: The world’s longest freshwater beach (14 km) awaits you and your friends on long, sunny summer days. Located on Georgian Bay, Wasaga Beach is a great place to relax waterside and offers beach-side shopping, entertainment and dining options for when you need a break from the rays.
GOLF at:
Predator Ridge, Okanagan, B.C.: The 36 picturesque holes of championship golf offered by Predator Ridge are an ideal place to play, while the luxury accommodations at Predator Ridge Resort really complete the package. Both suites and cottages with access to an outdoor hot tub and swimming pool, dining area, spa and clubhouse are available to guests.
SKI at:
Mont-Tremblant, Que.: Just an hour from Montreal in the Laurentian Mountains, Mont-Tremblant is one of Canada’s premier winter destinations and a great place for girlfriends to escape to. Enjoy your apres ski with the fine dining and nightlife options offered in the village.