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18 January 2023

Five Ways To Relax & Rejuvenate In Kingston This Winter

Looking for that restorative winter getaway that’s close to home but feels like a world away? Say hello to Kingston.

Kingston is one of Ontario’s prettiest cities and it is less than three hours away from Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa.

Often called the Limestone City for its many stunning buildings made from the silvery white rock, Kingston has a waterfront location and a distinct historic vibe.

When it comes to a restorative getaway, this historic city has it all: amazing dining, plenty of spa options, a walkable downtown and access to a beautiful waterfront. With the Thousand Islands at its doorstep, Kingston is a great jumping off point for adventures in this cool part of Ontario.

Please check out Landsby’s Kingston and area wellness packages:

Read on below for our top five ways to enjoy a restorative wellness retreat in Kingston and the Thousand Islands this winter.

Experience Caribbean Warmth at Cher-Mère Day Spa

Cher-Mére has two amazing day spas in Kingston that offer full pampering services using their own line of eco-friendly products created in the Caribbean. The products are all-natural and cater to all skin types. The luxe line of products brings the Caribbean to you. Services at Cher-Mère include face, skin and body care as well as massage and aromatherapy.

We love the couples tranquility package for those looking for a perfect way to unwind and relax with your partner. It includes a one-house Swedish massage using a sensory mixture of essential oils.

Read more about Cher-Mère’s founder Aba Mortley in our post ‘Warmth and Belonging’ at a Kingston Spa.

Relax with a Nordic Sauna experience

Revitalize the mind, body and soul in a brand new guided Nordic sauna experience at Kingston’s prestigious Frontenac Club. The 75-minutes Stoke & Chill sessions are designed to leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed while eliminating stress, reducing inflammation and expanding overall health.

The sessions are provided by Stoked Sauna Co. and use the natural Nordic practice of sauna bathing in a modern space.

Experience food as medicine for the soul

Discover how great food can revitalize and re-energize with a stay at the Pangea House in Gananoque, just 20 minutes outside of Kingston in the heart of the Thousand Islands.

Not only will your getaway include beautiful accommodations with great hosts, but you will be spoiled with a gourmet breakfast and a spectacular chef-prepared five-course meal. An intimate dining experience adds to the amazing food, which is created using fresh ingredients sourced as locally as possible.

Indulge in thermotherapy at the Glow Spa 

Glow Spa from JAMES MEDIA CO on Vimeo.

Health is at the forefront of everything offered at the Glow, conveniently located in downtown Kingston. While Glow offers a myriad of services including skincare and body treatments, it also has an amazing Spa Retreat space that’s designed to help clients heal, rejuvenate and relax.

The indoor facilities include a large hydrotherapy pool, cold plunge pool, sauna and eucalyptus steam room. Indulge in the ancient relaxation ritual of thermotherapy which utilizes a cycle of hot, cold and rest therapy to promote better sleep, stimulate the immune system, improve blood circulation and soothe aches and pains.

Breathe in fresh air with a forest walk or stroll the waterfront trail

Surrounded by the UNESCO-recognized Frontenac Arch Biosphere and at the doorstep of the Thousand Islands, Kingston has many options for getting out in nature. Nothing is as relaxing as a stroll along the waterfront or an invigorating winter hike through a snow-covered forest. If time allows, try incorporating a visit to the Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area into your Kingston getaway.

Located close to the city centre, the wilderness area features 394 hectares of marshland, fields and serene forest habitats. There are four groomed trails for classic cross-country skiing and one that is maintained for snowshoeing. Rentals are available on weekends.

If you’d like to up your forest walk,  you can try out a forest therapy walk. Forest therapy is a mindful practice inspired by the Japanese practice of ‘Shinrin-Yoku’ (forest bathing) which encourages a mindful connection to nature. Learn more about it here.

Go Car-Free!

If you want to maintain that vibrant glow gained by your wellness retreat, we recommend leaving the car at home and avoiding highway winter driving. Read our post on 5 Reasons to Travel Ontario by Train for more incentive.

Let us book you a VIA Rail ticket directly to Kingston or, if you’re coming from Montreal, we recommend trying Pascan Airlines, which has direct flights between the two cities.