Think you need palm trees and a wristband for an all-inclusive escape? Think again. Forget predictable beach vacations and buffet lines. Canada’s all-inclusive resorts trade swim-up bars for wilderness adventures and cookie-cutter resorts for intimate eco-lodges.

Here’s a look at the best all-inclusive resorts in Canada that prove paradise doesn’t require a passport stamp.

Trout Point Lodge, Nova Scotia 

Tucked deep in Nova Scotia’s Tobeatic Wilderness, Trout Point Lodge turns the all-inclusive concept into an adventure in refined forest living. This adults-only retreat serves up wilderness luxury without the hassle of planning daily activities. Your hardest decision might be choosing between stargazing with an expert and relaxing in the wood-fired hot tub.

Every stay includes gourmet meals celebrating local flavours and guided activities like meditation and birdwatching. Nature enthusiasts can stay in Beaver Hall with its pet-friendly suites and prime sunset views. For those seeking extra indulgence, the three-night Wellness in the Wilderness package adds in-suite massages and private forest bathing sessions, proving that roughing it can be remarkably refined. 

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Stress has become a pervasive aspect of daily life for many, especially in an era where fast-paced living and constant connectivity dominate. A 2023 survey states that in America alone, three-quarters of adults report significantly increased stress levels over the past year. Many factors contribute to this escalating stress epidemic, such as the global pandemic, economic uncertainties, and the numerous demands of modern life.
Following this, many seek innovative ways to alleviate stress to prioritize their mental health and overall well-being. This instance prompted the rise of wellness tourism. Travelers are becoming more intentional about their trips and drawn to activities that align with their mental wellness goals, such as spending more time in nature. For wellness travelers opting for destinations that provide a haven from urban chaos, Trout Point Lodge offers an extraordinary retreat experience with its serene environment that encourages relaxation and rejuvenation.
Located in the Southwest Nova Scotia Biosphere Reserve, Trout Point Lodge is a hideaway that promises to combine luxury, elevated cuisines, and immersive activities for the ultimate wilderness experience. Aside from its jaw-dropping landscape, the Tobeatic Wilderness, the largest protected area in Maritimes Canada, serves as a crucial habitat for wildlife as it protects wetlands, features old-growth pine and hemlock forests, and is a source of nine major river systems. In other words, its strategic location makes Trout Point Lodge a unique destination for those seeking an authentic wilderness experience.
The premier wilderness lodge is renowned for its stargazing excursions led by a team of experienced guides. A Stargazing Platform is set up in a riverside meadow away from the surrounding forest to ensure an unobstructed 360-degree view of the night sky. Under the darkest skies in North America, guests can even witness frequent meteor showers. With this, Trout Point Lodge has received a Stargazing Resort certification and the accolade of being the world's first Starlight Hotel from the Starlight Foundation, supported by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

One of the primary offerings that contribute to the prestige of Trout Point Lodge is Forest Bathing, a Japanese therapeutic practice for holistic wellness. A study reports that this practice, known as "Shinrinyoku," significantly lowers cortisol levels, relieving stress and depression. It is perfect for those who desire to engage in slow, mindful walks along the Acadian Forest, where they can contemplate nature with all their senses and rejuvenate. With its commitment to promoting mental wellness with its unique offerings, the lodge has been recognized by media outlets like the Associated Press.
Trout Point Lodge owners Patrick and Pamela Wallace shared, "We're excited to announce the addition of yoga sessions led by a certified instructor who is also a valued team member. This would complement our existing offerings, which include various guided activities throughout the day." Guests can explore the waters with the lodge's available canoes, stand-up paddleboards, and single or double kayaks. For those drawn to terra firma, the lodge offers access to the expansive Tobeatic Wilderness area.
"Guests can join guided excursions where our excellent team shares educational information about the different aspects of the natural environment. We also have stargazing activities for those interested in the cosmos. Basically, with the Trout Point Lodge experience, it's fascinating when you look up and see the expanse of the Milky Way. It's equally amazing when you look down and see the biodiversity right at your feet," Patrick added.

Essentially, Trout Point Lodge recognizes individuals' need for a sanctuary where they can truly unplug. The intentional absence of televisions and electronics in the rooms creates an environment conducive to unwinding. Couples, for instance, can find the opportunity to reconnect with each other and bask in the solemnity of the place.
Aside from its unique offerings, Trout Point Lodge boasts of its exceptional team of dedicated individuals who have been with the lodge for many years. "Our team plays a pivotal role in creating an unforgettable experience for our guests. They are energized by getting to know every single one of our guests, many of whom visit us every season," the owners underscored.

Trout Point Lodge remains dedicated to providing a haven for those seeking to unwind and enjoy an unparalleled natural experience. It earns its place among the most innovative and sustainable travel programs worldwide, as acknowledged by the National Geographic Society.

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A popular concept in East Asia, many people know that it is good for your health to walk in a forest and be exposed to the phytoncides they give off.   "Phyton" means "plant" in Latin, and "cide" refers to the natural substance that a plant gives off to kill microorganisms. Research in Taiwan has shown that limonene phytoncide promotes sleep, and helps fight anxiety and ease pain.

In Japan, a forest bathing experience, called Shinrinyoku in Japanese, is regarded as being similar to natural aromatherapy. A forest bathing trip involves visiting a forest for relaxation and recreation while breathing in phytoncides, whose antimicrobial volatile organic compounds derive from trees, such as  a-pinene and  limonene. Incorporating forest bathing trips into a good lifestyle was first proposed in 1982 by the Forest Agency of Japan.  It has now become a recognized relaxation and/or stress management activity there. 

The New York Times reported that one scientific study " included data on 280 healthy people in Japan, where visiting nature parks for therapeutic effect has become a popular practice called ' Shinrin-yoku,' or 'forest bathing.' On one day, some people were instructed to walk through a forest or wooded area for a few hours, while others walked through a city area. On the second day, they traded places. The scientists found that    being among plants produced 'lower concentrations of cortisol, lower pulse rate, and lower blood pressure,' among other things."


Governor-General Award winning author Marq DeVilliers described the forest at Trout Point for the Globe & Mail: