FOR CROWD- AVOIDERS
Mount Engadine Lodge, Canmore, Alta.
The destination: A peaceful escape nestled in the Rocky Mountains, this all-inclusive property is about an hour’s drive from downtown Canmore and two hours from Calgary International Airport. Boasting a backcountry vibe but accessible by car, the lodge features rooms and suites free of telephones, televisions and computer cables (not to mention cellphone service) — though Wifi is available if you’re desperate to connect. Activities are non-motorized on purpose, ensuring a quiet getaway for all.
The must- dos: Located in the midst of Spray Valley Provincial Park, Mount Engadine is a nature-lover’s paradise any time of year. In winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are the biggest draws, with numerous routes to explore; you can also try your hand at ice fishing, dogsledding, or fat biking — riding a mountain bike kitted out with big soft tires across snow- covered trails — or slide down the hill on toboggans. Indoors, enjoy three meals a day ( including a DIY packed- lunch buffet for your day’s adventures) plus afternoon tea, perhaps while partaking in a game of cribbage in front of a roaring fire. Don’t miss a session in the wood-fired sauna, and be sure to head outdoors after dark on a clear night to get a glimpse of the stars far away from city lights. mountengadine.com