I’ve just returned from the 4th annual Sea, Sand & Soul fitness retreat in stunning Prince Edward Island, and I’m still buzzing with memories from six wonderful days. Each year brings its own magic, and this year was no exception.
My colleague, Nina LePage, and I spend months planning every detail—sourcing speakers, shaping the schedule, and connecting with participants.
This year’s group came mostly from Toronto and Ottawa, though in past years we’ve welcomed people from Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Northern Ontario.
Each group is different, but it’s always the participants’ energy that makes our retreats so special.
In previous years, we’ve explored tiny seaside villages, taken walking tours of Charlottetown, and enjoyed theatre productions such as Alan Doyle’s Tell Tale Harbour at the Confederation Centre.
This year, however, we stayed closer to home immersing ourselves in the natural beauty surrounding our cottages at Shaw’s Hotel, located in the heart of Prince Edward Island National Park.
Shaw’s employees extraordinaire—Jeannie, Easton, and Yvan—provided the best and friendliest service ever. Yvan and his golf cart were especially helpful, coming to the rescue of Nordic walkers with blisters and sore joints after a long day on the walking trail.
Each morning we set out Nordic walking to a new and beautiful destination, and each afternoon we gathered for yoga on the lawn beneath swaying trees. Some participants began the day with a bracing swim in the sea, while others preferred to wait for the warmer afternoon sun.
We ate lobster, fresh fish, and seafood. (The vegetarians in the group had equally exquisite meals.)
Our Nordic walks along the coast were enriched by the knowledge and passion of our guest speakers and guides:
Kate MacQuarrie, local biologist, naturalist, and author, introduced us to native trees, plants, and berries, and even showed us how to identify different types of scat.
Parks Canada interpreters Aiden and Rilla shared their expertise on coastal grasses, dunes, the endangered piping plover, and the environmental impacts of Hurricane Fiona.
Chef Darius inspired us with stories of his unconventional island upbringing with hippy parents, no running water or electricity, and his journey to becoming a chef.
Robbie Shaw, owner of Shaw’s, brought the island to life with tales of the hotel’s history and his experiences as a fourth-generation Islander. (Did you know that Shaw’s is the oldest family-run business on Prince Edward Island and the oldest continually family-operated inn in Canada?)
But what truly made this year extraordinary was the participants themselves—a smart, fun, and easygoing group who immediately gelled. Their energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm made the retreat especially memorable.
If you’ve ever dreamed of combining fitness, nature, and new friendships in one unforgettable retreat, we’d love to welcome you next year.
