A wood-fired hot tub with a glass of vino and a pristine mountain view is my idea of bliss. If I’m in need of a little self-care, I think retreat—not salon. Then again, I never thought I’d enjoy—no, make that revel—in being stretched like a pretzel and scrubbed down with salt. Such are the perils of the wellness scene in Canada’s Yukon, a place where berry picking and whitewater rafting share top billing with restorative activities.

To my delight, I found that custom itineraries and flexible programs seem to be the norm, not the exception. The healthy lifestyle gurus at Health Holidays Yukon promise a refreshing kind of boot camp. Journal making, fused-glass workshops and quiet reflection are part of the program at the Dunroamin’ Retreat B&B. The team at Sila Sojourns hosts creative journeys and workshops in the wilderness that incorporate yoga, music, sound and meditation, and include women-only departures.

Whitehorse, YT, has more than its share of bodywork practitioners, alternative therapists and yoga studios, and Aroma Borealis Herb Shop is a hub for the local wellness scene. Spa and wellness packages at Omaha Wholistic Spa run the gamut from stone therapy and mud wraps to Shiatsu, Reiki and Thai Yoga massage.

Twenty minutes from downtown, I slipped into the steaming, natural mineral waters of Takhini Hot Springs. Talk about an all-in-one wellness destination: its neighbours include a wilderness retreat centre, adventure learning centre, wildlife preserve and trendsetting coffee roaster and café.

http://travelyukon.com/