Winter’s long, dark days can bring on the winter blues, leaving us feeling sluggish, unmotivated, and longing for warmth and light. But hygge offers a solution—one rooted in simple comforts, deep connection, and mindful presence. At our winter retreat, campers experienced the magic of hygge firsthand, wrapping themselves in soft blankets by the fire, sipping warm drinks, and finding solace in candlelit hyggekrogs. Through snowy walks, nourishing meals, and quiet moments of reflection, they discovered that true warmth isn’t just about temperature — it’s about cultivating joy, comfort, and belonging. Science shows that embracing this kind of coziness can rewire the brain, easing stress and fostering resilience.
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Quebec seamlessly blends natural beauty with European charm, captivating visitors year-round. From serene forest trails and towering waterfalls to cobblestone streets and a vibrant food scene, it offers something for adventurers, foodies, and culture lovers alike. Skate through enchanting woods at Domaine Enchanteur, marvel at Montmorency Falls, or stroll Old Quebec’s historic streets. Whether tobogganing, indulging in maple taffy, or savoring gourmet cuisine, every experience feels magical.
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Welcome to Wander & Wonder, the first installment of my travel series celebrating magical destinations that invite us to reconnect with nature, ourselves and the joy of play. For this inaugural adventure, I couldn’t think of a better place than the enchanting Sibéria Spa in Notre-Dame-du-Carmel, Quebec, Canada — a haven where the wilderness cradles your soul and well-being takes center stage. This serene destination came highly recommended by Mike, the affable manager of Inox Brewery in Quebec City — one of our favorite stops during our New Year’s trip and a perfect spot to toast to new adventures!
Founded in 2005 by visionaries Julie Panneton and Michel Carrier, Sibéria Spa is more than a destination — it’s a heartfelt philosophy. Their guiding beliefs align beautifully with Come Play Outside: every person is unique, every day a miracle and nature a powerful healer. At Sibéria, the surrounding forest is both a sanctuary and a source of magic, offering profound care for every soul who visits.
My husband and I visited on a rainy day — a fitting choice since we were getting wet anyway! Upon arrival, we were greeted warmly, given a tour and the most luxious robe I have ever worn and introduced to their suggested routine: Hot, Cold, Rest.
- Hot: We melted into whirlpool tubs, dry saunas, wet steamroom and cozy glass huts with fireplaces and comfy chairs.
- Cold: Braving the cold pools and even the river (yes, THE RIVER!) was a heart-pounding highlight. Moving chunks of ice to dip into the frigid water was exhilarating. If you’ve never tried cold therapy, I highly recommend it (though check with your doctor first if you have health concerns). Initially, the icy plunge left us gasping, but emerging brought waves of pins and needles followed by an indescribable euphoria.
- Rest: Bundled in those heavenly robes, we nestled by the fire pit, basking in post-plunge bliss. The yurt, complete with a wood stove and swinging chairs, was a favorite retreat. The Sibéria Café also offered the perfect spot to rest and refuel. We savored Broccoli Parmesan Soup, toast and a glass of rosé — a simple but soul-nourishing meal that perfectly complemented the experience.
Pro Tips for Your Visit
- Bathing Suit & Flip Flops: Both are required, so don’t forget to pack them! However, if you happen to forget your flippies, there are some you can purchase.
- Zones: Choose between Whisper and Silence. We opted for Silence, and the freedom from conversation was surprisingly liberating, but know you can back and forth between both!
- Phones: If you choose to bring your phone with you to take some fun photos, put it on airplane mode. Trust me — you won’t have to embarrassingly remove yourself from one of the silent huts if it starts buzzing!
- Locker Rooms: Go minimal — it’s a snug space. They have showers, blow dryers and even bags to bring your wet suits home.
- Reservations: Highly recommended as they limit the number of guests. If they’re full, ask to get on the waiting list. Even over New Year’s, we got in!
Sibéria Spa isn’t just a place — it’s a practice in presence, a celebration of life and an invitation to play with the elements of nature. Stay tuned for more Wander & Wonder adventures, where we’ll uncover destinations that inspire the magic of Come Play Outside.
Would you try a cold plunge in the river? Let me know in the comments!
When I see leaves dancing merrily to the ground, I can literally feel their relief of a life well-lived. While I imagine their excitement in Spring to be born to such a beautiful world, their reaching up to the sun to fuel their growth, their glee in a summer rain shower after a hot day… I also imagine how much they wanted to feel the stillness of the earth and how they longed to experience the softness of the grass.
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