Our Valentine’s Day Staycation

Looking for the perfect romantic escape? We spent a dreamy weekend at Château Cartier Hotel & Resort in Gatineau, Quebec.
From cozy luxury accommodations to a relaxing spa experience at Koena Spa, this stay had everything we needed for a romantic retreat.

With stunning views of the Ottawa River, this hotel offers the perfect mix of luxury and tranquillity.

In this video, we’ll take you on a tour of the hotel and give you a glimpse of the stunning winter scenery. Whether you’re planning a special getaway with your partner or want to see what Château Cartier has to offer, this video has all the details!

Fireside in The Distillery brings the warmth and charm with cozy fire pits, indulgent hot chocolate, and delicious S’mores!

This unique experience transforms The Distillery District into a picturesque retreat. With open-air patios, crackling fire pits, and complimentary HUSH blankets, it’s the ideal spot to unwind with friends, family, or a relaxed date.

And let’s talk about the treats! We sampled some of the best warm-up drinks and desserts the event has to offer:

* S’mores Hot Chocolate – A rich, chocolatey delight topped with toasted marshmallow from Cluny Café.

* Nutella Marshmallow Hot Chocolate – A creamy Nutella-infused twist on the classic, also from Cluny Café.

* S’mores Churros – A must-try from Wildly Delicious, featuring a crispy churro coated in graham crumbs, stuffed with gooey chocolate, and topped with torched marshmallows.

Whether you’re sipping something sweet, toasting marshmallows over the fire, or exploring the charming streets of The Distillery District, Fireside in The Distillery is the perfect way to slow down and enjoy a cozy escape.

No Entry Free * Hot chocolate prices vary.

Discover the wonders of Kōena Spa in Gatineau, Quebec!

This highlight video shares my personal experience at this stunning spa. 

I was blown away by the beautiful setting, the friendly staff, and the incredible treatments. 
The Aufguss ritual was a highlight – a truly transformative sauna experience. 

If you're looking for a relaxing getaway, Kōena Spa is a must-visit. 

 Kōena Spa in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada

Kōena Spa in Gatineau offers a unique urban Nordic spa experience inspired by the four elements. 

Unwind in their 50,000 sq. ft. sanctuary, featuring four hot and temperate baths, two invigorating cold baths, three dry saunas, and two soothing steam saunas.  You can unwind and reconnect with yourself with numerous relaxation rooms and three distinct restaurants.

A highlight of the Kōena experience is their signature Aufguss ritual. This invigorating sauna experience combines infused essential oils with choreographed towel movements, creating waves of heat and aroma for a purifying and revitalizing cleanse.  It's a must-try!

Stay onsite at the Château Cartier Hotel & Resort and enjoy a stress-free getaway—no need to step outside! Direct elevator access to Koena Spa allows you to go from your cozy room to ultimate relaxation in just moments.

Leave the hustle and bustle behind and join us on our visit to Kōena Spa. 

Step into a world of wonder at illumi in Mississauga, Ontario! This breathtaking light show features millions of sparkling lights arranged in dazzling displays that captivate visitors of all ages. Wander through immersive themed zones, marvel at larger-than-life installations, and experience the combined magic of art and technology.

Whether you’re exploring with family, friends, or on a date night, illumi promises unforgettable memories and countless photo-worthy moments. Don’t miss this extraordinary spectacle of lights!

We visited Arthur, Ontario; celebrated as Canada’s Most Patriotic Village! This charming town is filled with vibrant murals, historic landmarks, and heartfelt memorials honouring Canada’s heroes. Known for its strong community spirit, Arthur takes pride in honouring veterans, especially around Remembrance Day, when the entire town comes together to commemorate those who served. Discover why this small town has earned a place in Canadian history as a symbol of national pride.

Join us as we visit the Goderich Lighthouse and the historic Tiger Dunlop Tomb, two of Ontario’s fascinating landmarks! Located on the scenic shores of Lake Huron, the Goderich Lighthouse stands as one of the oldest active lighthouses in Ontario, guiding ships since the 1840s. This picturesque spot offers breathtaking views and insights into Canada’s maritime heritage. Just a short distance away, we’ll explore Tiger Dunlop’s Tomb, the final resting place of Dr. William “Tiger” Dunlop—a charismatic pioneer, doctor, and soldier who played a major role in the area’s development. Dive into the rich history, local legends, and unique charm of these must-see sites in Goderich, Ontario!

If you love nature, history, and picturesque views, take a walk along the Tiger Dunlop Heritage Trail - a beautiful path following an abandoned CPR right-of-way in Goderich, Ontario! This scenic walk takes us to the historic Menesetung Bridge, offering stunning views of the Maitland River as it flows into Lake Huron and a view of the oldest salt refinery in America.

Experience the unique charm of the Menesetung Bridge during the Salt & Harvest Festival, when it’s illuminated with solar lights, creating a magical atmosphere.

This year, we celebrated our anniversary with a getaway to the beautiful Benmiller Inn & Spa, a charming retreat nestled near Goderich, Ontario. Our spa room had a breathtaking view of the Maitland River, and we were lucky enough to spot a heron in front of our room, a beaver frolicking in the pond, and witness the drama of a thunderstorm.

The inn's tranquil setting was the perfect place to unwind, but it was also an ideal base for exploring the quaint lakeside towns along Lake Huron. We enjoyed visiting some of these lovely spots, each offering unique charm and stunning views of the lake.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape, a nature retreat, or a jumping-off point for discovering Ontario’s West Coast, Benmiller Inn & Spa provides the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure.

If you're planning your next getaway, we highly recommend a visit to this riverside gem!

Located just 1 km from Hwy 17, Seven Sisters Rapids is a must-see in Chutes Provincial Park, the only provincial park between Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie. The park spans the Aux Sables River, featuring a series of seven rapids and cascades easily accessible via the Twin Bridges Trail. This trail offers stunning views of the rapids, waterfalls, and river gorge. Interpretive panels along the trail provide historical insights into the area's logging past, where a wooden chute once diverted logs around the waterfalls. 

Chutes Provincial Park is a fantastic destination for camping, hiking, and birdwatching, with 134 campsites, including those with electric hookups for RVs. The park's natural beauty is especially captivating in the fall when the foliage turns vibrant colours. Visitors can enjoy amenities such as picnic areas, restrooms, and a camp store, making it a perfect spot for a family outing or a serene nature retreat.

Located on the Trans-Canada Highway, just north of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, The Trading Post is a must-visit destination. This family-owned general store, gas station, and outfitter boasts one of the largest selections of fishing and hunting products in Northern Ontario.

At this charming spot, you can eat at Frenchies Fish House, where the Redneck Burger and golden-crisp fries are local favourites. And, for dessert, head over to the Big Moose Ice Cream Parlour, a classic spot known for its wide variety of ice cream flavours, perfect for cooling off on a warm day. Or, any day, for me. ;)

These establishments are part of Frontier Village, a collection of locally owned businesses that make The Trading Post a hub for locals and visitors alike. Whether you're looking for a yummy meal, a sweet treat, or shopping, The Trading Post in Sault Ste. Marie has something for everyone.

Kinsmen Park in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, is a scenic retreat, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families. This charming park features a small lake ideal for a peaceful stroll, a playground for kids to enjoy, and stunning waterfalls that add a touch of natural beauty. With a variety of walking and biking trails, Kinsmen Park offers plenty of opportunities to explore and connect with nature, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and recreation.

Don’t miss Crystal Falls! This waterfall is the perfect spot for a peaceful break or a photo opportunity, adding a touch of natural beauty to your adventure.

Whether you're looking for a relaxing walk, a place to picnic, or a bit of adventure on two wheels, this area has something for everyone.

We swam in the "Dead Sea of Canada" located in the heart of Saskatchewan. It was unexpected and amazing! Plus, my sore shoulder felt better afterward!

Manitou Beach is a small resort town on Little Manitou Lake, just 90 minutes from Saskatoon or a 2-hour drive from Regina.

Fed by underground springs, this terminal lake boasts a high mineral content of sodium, magnesium, and potassium salts. With a salinity of 180 g/L, the water's salt concentration is about half that of the Dead Sea, making it easy for us to float effortlessly.

The lake is home to brine shrimp but no fish, thanks to its mineral-rich waters. The water can be murky, so a good rinse after your swim is recommended.

Manitou Beach has some great dining options. We enjoyed delicious poutine from Burger Buoy which is right at the beach. While you're here, don't miss a visit to Danceland, famous for its unique horsehair dance floor, which is still in use today.

Exploring the Claybank Brick Plant in Saskatchewan offered us a fascinating journey through industrial history and natural beauty. Once a bustling brick-making facility, the site showcases well-preserved kilns and machinery from the early 20th century. At the Interpretive Center, you can learn about the brick-making process and the plant's significance in regional development.

The plant began operations in 1904 and ceased in 1989. It was donated to the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation in 1992 and was designated a National Historic Site in 1994. 

The scenic trails provided stunning views of the Massold Clay Canyons. The flora was both beautiful and unexpected, indigenous to the area.

After our 3k loop through the Badlands, we rewarded ourselves with Saskatoon Pie and ice cream at the Bunkhouse Cafe. Old World Breads are baked fresh on-site in an outdoor brick oven.

Note that the site is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Step back in time and discover the fascinating history of the Sukanen Ship Pioneer Village & Museum!
Located just 8 km south of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, this unique & extensive collection of buildings offers an immersive experience into the pioneer life of the Canadian Prairies. 

Explore the collection of 53 vintage buildings, antique vehicles, and farm machinery that tell the stories of the early settlers. Don't miss the Sukanen Ship, a true testament to human ingenuity and determination. 

Highlights of our visit:

Diefenbaker House 
Grain Silo 
George Volman & Brothers Museum
1911 Baildon Railway Station & 1960 CPR Caboose 
1905 Mortlach Hall (Millinery, Masonic Lodge, and Doctor's Office) 
3-Star Service Station w/ 1929 Model AA Ford & 1947 Buick Roadmaster 
Fire Chief's House & Fire Collections Building 
Sukanen Ship

Whether you're a history buff, a family looking for an educational outing, or a tourist eager to learn about local heritage, Sukanen Ship Pioneer Village & Museum has something for everyone. 

The Canada Adventure Seekers kicked off our weekend meet-up with an exciting first stop here.

Village Map: https://www.sukanenshipmuseum.ca/village-map/