This is the second of three itineraries developed in partnership with our friends at The County of Prince Edward (www.visitpec.ca). Be sure to also check out our other itineraries at https://bayofquinte.ca/tourism/itineraries and consider checking out our neighbours to the south when visiting the region.
Meet Halliday
Halliday Reynolds is a Wellness professional based in Wellington. She specializes in pilates and yoga, and you'll find her conducting classes at The Drake Devonshire throughout the year. When she's not teaching you'll find her chasing after her daughter on the region’s world-class beaches.
This lovely little illustration of Halliday you see here was made especially for this blog by the artist Kelly Panacci.
Copyright kellypanacci.com
I love winters here, the lunar beauty of sand covered in ice and snow, the flocks of geese and swans that congregate on West Lake in PEC, the time and space for a deeper connection with others, with nature, and with myself. And one of my favourite ways to spend time in this season is to press pause on the ordinary rhythms of life and shift my focus to wellness. Prince Edward County and the Bay of Quinte are home to a burgeoning health and wellness scene made up of highly skilled practitioners and teachers offering a wide range of services, treatments and classes, making for an ideal wellness destination. And if I were to spend a long weekend focusing on rejuvenating my body, mind and spirit, here’s what my itinerary would look like.
Day One | A Float and a Lark
iFloat in The County | PEC
To make the most of your wellness weekend, I suggest leaving work early to squeeze in an activity or two before settling in for the night. When you arrive in Belleville, tired after the drive and a long work week, head straight to iFloat In The County. In this sensory deprivation spa, you’ll float on your back in a tank filled with saltwater, allowing you to lose track of where your body ends and the water begins. Without the distractions of sight, sound, or the need to hold your body up, your mind is free to truly relax. It’s the perfect way to start off your weekend with a clean slate.
The Lark | BoQ
After your float, head to The Lark restaurant in Belleville for a cozy meal before turning in for the night. This charming bistro, filled with soft lighting and botanical prints, not to mention delicious food and cocktails, will soothe any stress that might still be lingering. Try the truffled mushroom risotto, with the delectable Bengal Spice creme brulee for dessert.
Day Two | A Day of Mindfulness and Reflection
Morning Yoga | BoQ
After a deep, full night’s sleep, it’s time to start exploring. Start off your day with a class at the Yoga Hub or Mindful Movements in Belleville. Both studios have morning flow classes, but Mindful Movements’ class is in a hot room if that’s your thing!
Small Scale Bread + A Walk | BoQ
After an invigorating practice, head to nearby Small Scale Bread for coffee and a pastry to go (I could happily eat one of their cardamom buns every day for the rest of my life). Nourishment in hand, it’s time to wander the Kiwanis Bayshore Trail, a 2.75 km paved trail bordering the north shore of the Bay of Quinte. An easy walk complete with beautiful Bay views; feel the sun on your face; breathe the lake air.
The Brake Room | BOQ
For lunch, check out The Brake Room, a cafe and bike shop conveniently located in downtown Belleville. Grab a take out sandwich and an (excellent) Pilot coffee or matcha latte. While you wait for your drink, browse the bike gear, watch cyclists going in and out, and feel pleased with yourself for already having a yoga class under your belt. Be sure to grab one of their protein bites for the road.
Bloomfield Beauty Co. | PEC
In the afternoon, drive into the County for a visit to Bloomfield Beauty Co. and their gorgeous spa. They offer everything from medical aesthetics to mani/pedis, so take your pick! The professional and friendly staff are more than equipped to help with any of your skin care needs. I recommend one of their new HydraFacials, a patented treatment machine that deeply cleans and rejuvenates the skin. It gets amazing results! Be sure to check out their shop and cafe before you go.
Alternate Treatments
If you’re looking for a little more wellness-inspired retail therapy, be sure to check out Field Made Goods, Keep and Nourish the Soul in Picton, and ScandiSkin in Bloomfield.
Wisdom of the Universe Mural | PEC
Before dinner in Picton, take a walk by the Wisdom of the Universe mural, painted on St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. The congregation was granted permission to reproduce Christi Belcourt’s Art Gallery of Ontario commissioned piece, which pays tribute to Indigenous wisdom and invites people to treat the earth and all of its creatures as sacred. Spend some time in contemplation and conversation, maybe taking a stroll through the quiet hills of Glenwood Cemetery or enjoying a hot beverage at Picnic.
Bocado | PEC
Before long it’ll be time for dinner at the recently opened Bocado on Picton’s Main St. I highly recommend the tuna tartare and the patatas bravas. If there’s room in your lifestyle for indulgence, go for some out-of-this-world churros, you won’t regret it. (Hint: try to get a reservation for meals whenever possible. Even in winter, it’s a smart idea.)
County Fields and Forest | PEC
After dinner head to County Fields and Forest, 160 acres of off the grid land, full of fields and forest as might be expected, but also a four-season yurt where Lisa Marie Taylor (aka Spiritual Alchemy Wellness) offers powerful treatments which combine sound healing, reiki, meditation, and kundalini yoga. Lisa Marie will guide you expertly through poses to connect body and spirit while using gongs, chimes, and other instruments to take you on a journey of sound and spirit.
Day Three | Connect with the Elements
Yoga & Brunch @ The Drake | PEC
Since morning yoga felt so great yesterday, start the day with some Yoga with Halliday at the Drake Devonshire (yep, that's me!). My morning flow class is open to hotel guests and drop-ins of all levels, and you'll enjoy either lake or creek views throughout your practice. Just make sure you book through the Drake’s website to secure your spot. Classes run Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 9 am. I’ll be so happy to see you!
After yoga you don’t have far to go; the Drake has one of the best brunches around. Settle into the dining room at a table overlooking the water (most of them do!). You can’t go wrong with Eggs Benny, but for a healthier spin try the avocado toast with za’atar.
GOOD Place | PEC
On your way out of Wellington, stop at GOOD Place to pick up snacks for your trip home. They have a wide variety of vegan and gluten free products, as well as freshly made snacks from their cafe. Grab a green juice to go, and browse their selection of zero waste products, like reusable lunch bags, eco-friendly toothpaste in glass jars, beeswax food wraps, and more.
Wellington Rotary Beach | PEC
Just a short walk from The GOOD Place is Wellington Rotary Beach, where a brisk winter walk is just what is needed while you sip your coffee and enjoy whatever snack you chose. While you admire the ice formations, reflect on your weekend of wellness and all that you learned during your restful weekend away.
Alternate Treatments
If you find yourself with a bit more time on Sunday, delve into nature with herbalist Tamara Segal of Hawthorn Herbals. Here you will go on a winter walk and guided tour of some of the wild edible and medicinal trees and plants in our region. You'll learn to recognise winter flora and connect deeply to The County's wild ecosystems. This is also an especially immersive experience in the summer months when the world is in bloom.
Notwaste Russian Banya Experience | BOQ
Next up is your final wellness treatment of the weekend, after a short drive to Notwaste Russian Banya in Quinte West. This wood stove-fueled steam sauna will boost your immune system, help with exfoliation, and guarantee a good night’s rest once you arrive home.
Gogi Korean Grill | BOQ
Before you hit the road, stop for dinner at Trenton’s Gogi Korean Grill, a local gem with something for everyone. I loved the Korean pancakes with kimchi! Fully satisfied with your stay in PEC and BOQ, you make your way home, already planning your next wellness escape.
And just like that perfect weekend of wellness in PEC & BoQ is complete!
Looking for more inspiration for exploring the region? Read more about our itinerary ideas at www.bayofquinte.ca/tourism/itineraries and keep your eyes peeled for the next itinerary in this joint initiative with The County of Prince Edward.
Thanks to our friends at The County of Prince Edward and RTO9 for making these joint itineraries possible.
