What it includes
6 days
6 breathing techniques
Free access to the Journey app for 14-days
What’s on the Journey app?
The Journey app features an ever-growing library to support your journey of transformation. From guided meditations to yoga sequences to wisdom series, lifestyle hacks, and more, it’s a digital ecosystem for all of your top health and wellness needs!
Download the Journey App
Sign up to our newsletter to receive simple, effective tools for well-being
Like guided breathwork, meditation tips, and insights from our teachers. Every now and then, we’ll also share upcoming retreat dates and special offers.
CASE STUDY
CASE STUDY
Reignite Your Joy.
As A Parent, And As A Family.
Art of living as seen in
"Like Fresh air to millions"
"Show promise in providing relief for depression"
"Life Changing"
"May be the fastest growing spiritual practice on the planet"
Reignite Your Joy. As a Parent, and as a Family.
Upcoming Retreats & Events
This March Break, step out of the rush and chaos of life, and step into the stillness of nature. Our March Break Family Retreat offers two distinct tracks: one for adults, and one for kids and teens (all on the same, large, serene campus!). With everyone supported in their age specific program, it's the perfect opportunity to spend restful time as a family.
For Adults:
Participate in the rejuvenating Art of Silence (Part 2) program knowing that your children are nearby, engaged and safe.
For Kids & Teens:
Outdoor adventures, creative workshops, and youth-focused SKY programs (SKY Kids & SKY Teens). Activities include snowshoeing, skating, bonfires, and nature games.
The Art of Living
Ancient Wisdom for Modern Life
The Art of Living Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people live with more ease, purpose, and connection. Founded in 1981 by humanitarian and spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, we've uplifted over 800 million lives in more than 180 countries through practical tools like breathwork, meditation, and stress reduction techniques.
© 2025 Art of Living. All rights reserved.
43 Years
of transforming lives
10,000+ Centers
established worldwide
182 Countries
where our programs made a difference
800M+ Lives
touched through our courses & events
43 Years
of transforming lives
10,000+ Centers
established worldwide
182 Countries
where our programs made a difference
touched through our courses & events
800M+ Lives
March Break Family Retreat
Peaceful Parents. Resilient Kids. Connected Families.
March 14-20, 2026
What makes this retreat truly special is the opportunity for entire families to reset - together. Parents gain the rare chance to reconnect with inner peace, while children explore independence, confidence, and joy through meaningful experiences.
What You'll Get
Special tracks for:
French (March 2-6) &
English (March 14-20)
Accommodation and self-arranged accommodation options available
Includes parenting programs like Know Your Child
Designed for all ages - from toddlers to grandparents
Peaceful Parents. Resilient Kids. Connected Families.
March Break Family Retreat
March 14-20, 2026
Reignite Your Joy. As a Parent, and as a Family.
“This retreat gave me a moment to breathe - really breathe - for the first time in years. And my kids had the time of their lives.”
– Parent, 2025 March Break Family Retreat
Featured Programs
In the heart of the breathtaking forests and waterways of La Mauricie, our retreat center provides a haven for stress relief and wellness with a rustic quiet that soothes the soul. We offer life-changing retreats alongside comfortable rooms, dedicated meditation spaces, and restorative Ayurvedic wellness treatments. Our commitment extends beyond your stay, with post-retreat support and research-backed practices designed to help you dive into a space of deep calm—and stay that way.
Just you. The trees. And your breath.
Parents rejuvenate through the Art of Silence (Part 2) Retreat, quieting mental chatter and experiencing deep inner rest. Expect meaningful silence, time in nature, forest trails, snowshoeing, and skating.
A full day of shared workshops and activities, including parenting sessions, yoga, outdoor winter fun, art, challenges, and races. Enjoy delicious vegetarian meals, including kid-friendly options. Connect, learn, and play together in a supportive natural setting.
A nurturing program where young children explore self-expression, kindness, and spiritual wisdom through creative play and nature-based learning. Outdoor exploration helps them build confidence, empathy, and a sense of belonging.
Children learn the research-supported SKY breathing technique, along with wisdom and life skills that boost happiness, creativity, resilience, and connection.
Teens learn SKY breathing and practical skills to reduce stress, improve focus and school performance, and strengthen relationships at home and with peers.
Youth head into the forest to build fires, construct shelters, and discover the secrets of trees, plants, and animals—deepening their connection to nature.
Infants and toddlers under 3 years are required to have an adult caregiver at all times. Caregivers can register at a specialized rate and are provided access to a designated space for restful and enriching activities such as Ayurvedic baby massage and interactive music sessions.
March Break
Info Session
We’ll be hosting online info sessions to help families learn more about our Family March Break Retreat. Come learn about the program, facilities and meet the team behind the program.
Jan 14, 8:30 PM ET & Feb 04, 8:30 PM ET
Want a sneak peak before you register?
Learn about the two tracks: Adult silence retreats and youth nature immersion programs
Preview family friendly accommodation offerings
Ask questions and connect with staff
Jan 14, 8:30 PM ET
Feb 04, 8:30 PM ET
March Break
Info Session
44 Years
of transforming lives
10,000+ Centers
established worldwide
182 Countries
where our programs made a difference
800M+ Lives
touched through our courses & events
43 Years
of transforming lives
10,000+ Centers
established worldwide
182 Countries
where our programs made a difference
touched through our courses & events
800M+ Lives
7:30-9 AM
9-10:30 AM
10:30-1 PM
1-2:30 PM
2:30-6 PM
6-7:00 PM
7-8:00 PM
Kids
Childcare
Breakfast
SKY Course Session
Lunch
Winter Outdoor Workshop
Dinner
Youth Games & Satsang
Parents
Morning Practice
Breakfast
Course Session
Lunch
Course Session
Dinner
Course Session
A Typical Day at the March Break Retreat
Arrive by 2 pm on Saturday, March 14, and begin with a joyful Family Day on Sunday, March 15. From March 16–19, parents dive into the transformative Art of Silence (Part 2) Retreat, while kids and teens enjoy a fun, enriching program of yoga, breathwork, creativity, and forest adventures led by our experienced team.
Reconnect with nature, unwind into meaningful silence, and enjoy winter activities like forest trails, snowshoeing, and skating.
March 14-20, 2026
"All the children’s activities centre on core human values—connection, love, compassion, and responsibility to nature, others, and oneself." - Parent
"This is different from any vacation you can ever take! It clears your mind, and you have fun! You feel so good afterwards." - Teen
"I felt I was the luckiest parent in the universe, being able to rest. I could just be, and trust that the kids are ok." - Parent
"I made new friends and we went ice skating and snow shoeing together."
- Teen
"It's fun, there are a lot of activities to do, and I love to jump in the snow!"
- 9 year old boy
A Week of Renewal For The Whole Family
Frequently Asked Questions
→ Our retreat is open to all families, including parents, children, and extended family members. Activities are tailored for families with children of all ages, and we offer programs in both French and English.
→ ● 5-day silent meditation retreat for parents with concurrent youth programs for all experience levels.
● 24 hours of Family Weekend activities, such as outdoor hikes, games, challenges, bonfires, and parenting workshops.
● Accommodation on-site and meals.
→ Yes, we do our best to accommodate dietary needs and preferences. Our kitchen can provide gluten-free, vegan, and nut-free options if selected during registration. If you have a severe allergy (such as celiac disease or a serious nut allergy), please email us at info@artofliving.ca in advance. While we strive to meet your needs, we do not operate a fully allergen-free kitchen and cannot guarantee zero cross-contamination.
→ Yes, free parking is available at the retreat centre.
→ Be sure to pack:
● Comfortable clothing for yoga.
● Outdoor clothing for cold and wet weather in Quebec in March - warm layers, waterproof jacket & pants, boots.
● For children and youth: Please include snow pants and two changes of waterproof mitts or gloves to stay comfortable in the snow and wet weather.
● A Pack N Play or other safe sleep device for children under age 2.
→ No worries at all! Many youth arrive without any experience. Our morning sessions include a few hours of age-appropriate yoga, breathwork, and guided meditation — all taught in a fun and engaging way by friendly instructors. The rest of the day is filled with games, outdoor adventures, and group activities..
→ We welcome families with babies and toddlers (ages 0–3 years). Some members of the family may do a silence course, while another family member registers as a caregiver at a special rate. You’ll also have access to a cozy family lounge for rest, play, and feeding, plus optional activities like Ayurvedic baby massage and music sessions. Please bring a safe sleep device for children under age 2 (eg. Pack n' Play).
We do not provide caregiving services. Children aged 0–3 must have one designated caregiver supervising them at all times during the retreat. A special caregiver rate is available for this purpose. For full details, please refer to the registration page or contact us at retreat@artofliving.ca for support with caregiver registration.
→ We are a 2 hour drive from the Montreal city centre. Due to limited cell service near the centre, it's best to download your route offline or get a printed copy. If you would like to request an Airport Shuttle or would like to carpool with another family please reach out to us at retreat@artofliving.ca.
→ The March Break Family Retreat Subsidy Program offers $1,000 off select retreat packages to help moderate-income families access wellness programs that support mental health and well-being. Subsidies are funded through donations, so availability is limited and not all applicants will receive support.
Eligible families are determined by household size and monthly after-tax income, with adjusted thresholds for the Greater Toronto Area to reflect the higher cost of living. Subsidies are awarded based on application time-stamp: when funds become available, the next eligible family on the waitlist will be notified and receive a special link to complete registration at the subsidized rate. Click here to learn more.
→ You can reach out to us at 819-532-3328 or retreat@artofliving.ca.
+1 819 532 3328
retreat@artofliving.ca