Get away!

Imagine waking up to birdsong and the whisper of wind in the trees. Stepping out into a golden sunrise, you greet friends with a warm, silent smile. An unhurried meditation follows, a deep dipping into peace. This is a retreat, an oasis of calm in a hectic world.

To help you find a retreat that appeals to you -- answering your personal needs for peace, recharging, faith, healing or growth -- we've rounded up a sampling of spiritual and secular retreat centres across the country. You can find many more at www.retreatsonline.com/Canada.

Religious
Buddhist
From sea to sea, find your nearest retreat centre -- in Zen, Theravada, Mahayana, Chinese, Vietnamese, Tibetan and many more traditions -- at www.buddhismcanada.com

Christian
Join the Franciscan Friars at www.retreatsonline.net/stmichaels/default.htm in Lumsden, Saskatchewan for non-denominational private or conducted retreats. Call 306-731-3316 for more information.

The peace is tangible in the Guesthouse at the Trappist Abbaye Cistercienne d'Oka in Quebec. Call 514-479-8361 for more information.

Choose from a wealth of programs at the United Church's Tatamagouche Centre in Nova Scotia. Call 800-218-2220 for more information.

Islamic
Search for men's and women's retreats at the Muslim Association of Canada's website www.macnet.ca.

Jewish
Hillel Montreal organizes retreats for McGill University students at Camp B'Nai B'Rith in Quebec's Laurentian mountains. 819-458-2660

Other Religions
Visit Retreats Online to find retreats conducted in First Nations, Unity Church and Vedanta traditions, among others.

Spiritual
New Age
Find your inner Wise Woman through sharing, creativity and movement at Kryta Deere Retreat an hour north of Montreal. Call 450-226-3419 for more information.

Recovery
Manresa Jesuit Spiritual Renewal Centre in Pickering, Ontario offers several 12-step retreats each year for men and women recovering from addiction. Call 905-839-7289 for more information.

Yoga
Relax with yoga weekends at Yasodhara Ashram in Kootenay Bay, B.C. Call 800-661-8711 for more information.

Secular
Creative
The Flying Mermaids hold women's weekend writing workshops in Elora, Ontario. Call 888-464-4498 for more information.

Spa
Find a spa near you at www.spasincanada.ca and sign up for a weekend of relaxation and pampering.

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