Your Cozy Season Bucket List: How to Embrace Slowing Down

The chaos of another Canadian summer has passed. Now, we find ourselves in the midst of a calmer fall season. Crisp leaves, cooler days, and leisurely weekends are here.

Fall serves as the perfect transition into a quieter, more restful pace of life. As the weather turns colder and the rain sets in, it’s time to seek out cozier adventures to replenish your soul. There is perhaps no better place to find it than in the Southern Gulf Islands. A slower pace of life is our modus operandi.

Here are just a few cozy season bucket list items you’ll want to tick off as you slowly and cozily recover from the summer.

Where to Find Rest, Recovery, and Relaxation

After back-to-back weekends of summer activity, you deserve a few moments to recover. With a steamy sauna session, a long hot tub soak, or a deep tissue massage.

Solace Organic Spa

At the Solace Organic Spa, you’ll find a rejuvenating Nordic circuit featuring an infrared sauna, hot tub, cold plunge, and calming rest area. Set in a forest in a quiet area of the island, this is a one-of-a-kind island experience.

Salty Pear Sauna

Another thermal option on Salt Spring is the Salty Pear Sauna, nestled in a secluded property just outside Ganges. This is a rugged Scandinavian experience in a barrel sauna with a wood-burning stove. Book a private time, and be prepared for a little bit of mud and a quick wood-chopping session before stepping inside. 

A host of other spas are scattered across the Gulf Islands for a more traditional spa session, complete with facials, hot stone massages, and other guided experiences. On Galiano, there is Madrona del Mar at the Galiano Inn and on Pender, you’ll find Poets Cove Resort and Spa.

Where To Find Old-Fashioned Entertainment

Turn off the phone. Shut down the work emails. Fall is the time to refuel your soul with friends and family, making memories that will last forever. 

We take the slow season seriously here. There are gloriously far fewer distractions on Mayne, Saturna, or Salt Spring than you’d encounter in the city. Quality time with loved ones comes naturally. Spending an evening inside, screens off, playing a board game or puzzle feels just right.

Before you head to your accommodations, we highly recommend stocking up on these old-fashioned activities. They pair perfectly with a cozy weekend, rainy weather, and a warm fireplace. With a game or two packed, even if the power goes off, you’ll be prepared to weather the storm — and keep everyone entertained.

Foxes at Play

Salt Spring’s own Foxes at Play is an outstanding local board game shop that carries all the classics plus a ton of hot new games. Here, you’ll find something perfect for every age.

Pacific Puzzle Co

Pacific Puzzle Co, also based on Salt Spring, is yet another island business helping us all lean into the slower pace of life. Their mission is: “To start a retro revolution. To bring back quality time away from technology, one piece at a time.” You can find them at the Salt Spring Farmers Market, Vancouver-area craft shows, and no matter where you live — you can also order online.

The Montrose Local

If you are staying on Mayne Island, get your fill of game night and have a genuinely good time at The Montrose Local. Self-described as “your friendly hole-in-the-wall” chock full of craft cocktails, board games, and great food. This is casual dining at its finest!

Where To Find Inner Peace

For some, the fall and winter seasons are driven by a desire to turn inwards. To create space for reflection and recovery. Whether you are focused on the mind, body, or spirit, the Gulf Islands have always been a great place to get into a more meaningful journey.

Yoga & Massage Relaxation

When it comes to nourishing your body, this might include a yoga class or retreat. On Salt Spring, you’ll find Salt Spring Centre of Yoga and Ganges Yoga, among several other highly regarded studios. On Galiano, book a session with Angela Thompson, resident massage therapist and yoga instructor. 

Then, Pender Island has yoga with Kelly-Ann La Sirena in her home studio (and on paddleboards for the warmer months). On Mayne and Saturna, regular community classes and private teachers are also often available.

Mayne Retreat

Other ways to travel inwards and nurture the soul include The Mayne Haven, where you could schedule a full immersion retreat day, which includes a therapeutic bodywork session, integration session, salt water hot tub, cold plunge, Finnish sauna, and far-infrared biomats.

For more inner-work inspiration, check out the current Gulf Island Events schedule for upcoming retreats, workshops and activities that have your mind in mind. You never know when a sound bath, tarot reading, or breathwork session may pop up.

Embrace the Cozy Season on the Southern Gulf Islands

This fall and winter, let the Southern Gulf Islands be your sanctuary, a place where you can find rest, relaxation, and reflection after the craziness of summer. Whether you find yourself on Salt Spring, Galiano, Mayne, Pender, or Saturna, learn how to lean into puzzling, nature-infused spa sessions and profoundly restorative yoga classes.

So pack your bags, unplug from the world, and experience a cozy season in the Gulf Islands this fall. Your perfect escape is waiting.

Written by Jessica McKeil