We're Taking A Spa Holiday

In need of a little self-care sojourn? Look no further than Quebec’s Eastern Townships.

- Beth Thompson

AS CRAZY AS IT SOUNDS, MAKING A PLAN to de-stress can be very stressful. Honestly, there are so many questions to answer: Where to go? For how long? And what activities will give you the most bang – er, quiet – for your buck?

Good news: We can help lighten your load. First off, congrats on making the decision to indulge in a little TLC — it’s money well spent. Research backs this up. According to a study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, spending just one week at a wellness resort has myriad benefits, including helping you lower blood pressure, reduce weight and ward off depression. The best part is that it appears to be the gift that keeps on giving. When those same study participants were contacted six weeks after their trip, they were still enjoying the health benefits accrued on holiday.

Being a dedicated journalist, I thought it would be best to test the theory out personally – I mean, someone’s gotta have your back, dear readers – so I took it upon myself to head to Quebec’s Eastern Townships for a week of spas, hikes, healthy eating and mindfulness.

When it comes to options, Quebec is a great place to start, especially the Eastern Townships. Situated about two hours east of Montreal, this region is a natural paradise, dotted with lakes, valleys, mountains and forests. Like Quebeckers themselves, the hospitality industry takes pleasure and pampering very seriously. It’s been hosting visitors for more than 200 years, so it knows a thing or two about making folks feel at home. The fact that it boasts four all-season national parks is no small thing. Skiers, snowshoers and sledders flock to this winter wonderland, only to be replaced by bikers, hikers and campers in warmer weather.