Attractions to discover, February 22, 2021 (Revised on September 9, 2024) 2021-02-22
quebecvacances.com
quebecvacances.com

Invest in a moment of rest and introspection in a place of authenticity rich with monastic heritage. Divine Quebec suggests 6 ideas for a retreat sure to do you a world of good.


Exterior of the Monastère des Augustines.
Monastère des Augustines. Photo credit: Marie-Anne Gaudreault

Take care of yourself in the heart of history

Embark on a unique experience in a welcoming, history-filled setting at the Monastère des Augustines, a restored former Augustinian cloister. Located in the heart of Old Québec City, this place carries on the mission of the Augustinian Sisters, dedicated to the healing of the body and mind. Each stay in either an “authentic” or “contemporary” room comes with access to the museum, the common relaxation and meditation areas, as well as a calendar of wellness-focused activities. And if you’d like some guidance in your healing journey, the Monastère’s Signature and themed retreats will ease your moments of introspection.


Embrace silence and inner peace

Built in 1912, the Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac, a Benedictine abbey housing a community of 30 monks, is renowned for its beautiful lakeside location, but also for its simple yet warm hospitality. A stay at the Abbey Guesthouse (for men) or the Villa Sainte-Scholastique (for women) is a perfect way to find inner peace. The enchanting setting of the Eastern Townships also lends itself perfectly to reconnection, relaxation and introspection. Passersby can stop at the Abbey for a guided tour that will take you behind the scenes of monastic life.


Aerial view of the Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac in the fall.
Photo credit: Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac

Exterior site of the Ermitage Saint-Antoine.
Photo credit: Ermitage Saint-Antoine de Lac-Bouchette

Find harmony in nature with the whole family

Ermitage Saint-Antoine is a little slice of paradise in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region. With a rich heritage handed down by the Capuchin fraternity, the site has been adapted to today’s needs – particularly those of families – to offer a modern sanctuary where they can recharge their batteries together surrounded by nature. Guests can choose to stay in a hotel room, a chalet or even on a camping site, all in the heart of a wooded estate in close proximity to lakes and mountains. Families will also find a range of activities onsite, including an immersive multimedia show, an observation tower and pedestrian trails.


Rejuvenate close to the city, but far from it all

Located on Saint-Bernard Island just south from Montréal, Manoir D’Youville is a resort immersed in an enchanting, peaceful natural setting, ideal for getting back to basics. From yoga retreats to mindfulness escapes, the Manoir offers many options for rejuvenation in an environment conducive to relaxation and replenishment. Having once belonged to the Grey Nuns, the site is also home to a restaurant, Chez Mes Sœurs, which serves up a varied, healthy menu to contribute to guests’ well-being.


Five Adirondack chairs near the water.
Manoir D’Youville. Photo credit: Marie-Anne Gaudreault

Greenery-filled exterior courtyard.
Centre de spiritualité des Ursulines. Photo credit: Marie-Anne Gaudreault

Focus on yourself in a haven of spirituality

The Centre de spiritualité des Ursulines, a spirituality centre in Québec City’s Loretteville neighbourhood, offers a place of rest and contemplation where peacefulness, proximity to nature and heart-warming cuisine encourage creativity and reflection. Surrounded by a wooded area criss-crossed by walking trails, the Centre offers simple, comfortable single-occupancy rooms that invite you to refuel your mind, body and soul. Nearby, the Saint-Charles River, majestic Kabir Kouba waterfall and surrounding parks will enchant you.


Take a break for the soul in a forest setting

The Abbaye Val-Notre-Dame in Quebec’s Lanaudière region is the perfect place for a quiet, spiritual retreat, whether you’re looking to recharge your batteries or simply take a well-deserved break. The monastic guesthouse offers rooms with a sober decor, identical to those used by the monks, and guests can go on a silent retreat ideal for self-reflection and a return to oneself. The surrounding forest is a great place not only for hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing, but also for discovering delicious forest-based foods – a great way to reconnect with nature in all its forms.


View of a lake and the Abbaye Val Notre-Dame in the back.
Photo credit: Abbaye cisterienne de Val Notre-Dame

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