Addiction Treatment in Ontario: Lakeside Living and Quality Care

What to Expect From Ontario’s Weather

Ontario has 4, distinct seasons. Because it’s such an enormous province, weather can vary drastically depending on the season and location. Winters in the north of the province can be notoriously harsh, but most rehabs are located in the south near Toronto, where temperatures are comparatively mild. Buffered by Lake Ontario, Toronto ranks among the cities with the mildest winter climate in Canada.¹ The lake’s insulation also helps the area stay cooler in the summer.

While summer and winter temperatures in Ontario can tend towards extremes, spring and fall are more temperate. In any season, a little planning can help you stay comfortable. Like anywhere with frequent fluctuations in weather, layering is key. Rehab admissions staff are usually happy to provide a packing list and answer any questions you may have about what to bring.

For more information, see our article on packing for rehab.

Seasonal weather changes aren’t just an inconvenience – they can also be a refreshing change for those who don’t get to experience them often. Some parts of the province receive snow up to 6 months of the year—a special treat for those who love white winter landscapes. Ontario is one of the few places in the world where you can enjoy skiing in the winter and beaches in the summer.

Sights Worth Seeing

Like the rest of Canada, Ontario is home to outstanding provincial and national parks, which makes for some truly inspiring sightseeing:

• Viewing Aboriginal rock carvings at Petroglyphs Provincial Park
• Diving in Georgian Bay Islands National Park and the Fathom Five National Marine Park
• Visiting lighthouses lining the coast of Lake Huron
• Hiking through the old-growth forests of Temagami
• Driving along historic Nipissing Road, part of the Trans Canada Trail
• Visiting small historic towns and farms in the countryside

Ontario offers outdoor activities for those who find inspiration in physical challenge, as well as peaceful natural beauty to calm the mind. Luxury rehabs here typically offer the best of both worlds, with lakeside locations fit for relaxation and introspection, and adventure outings to satisfy clients’ needs for excitement and fun.

Therapeutic Outdoor Activities in the Land of a Thousand Lakes

Ontario has no shortage of activities for any season. In summer, Ontarians enjoy fishing, canoeing and kayaking on glassy lakes and hiking through boreal forests. Winter is ideal for world-class skiing and snowboarding, snowmobiling, and outdoor ice skating. And any time of year, visitors can see some of Canada’s best museums and galleries, like Dundurn Castle and the Royal Ontario Museum.

Immersion in nature and culture doesn’t just make rehab more pleasant (though comfort can also be an important part of your treatment experience). It can also be therapeutic. Research shows that cultivating awe is good for mental health.² It helps us find humility, keep things in perspective, and take our problems less seriously by seeing ourselves as a small part of a much bigger picture. And connecting with nature – especially as grandiose as that of Ontario – is a great way to tap into that feeling.

A Culture Conducive to Healing

Home to lively, multicultural Toronto, Ontario is diverse and socially progressive. The province is known for its friendly people, love of the arts, and welcoming attitude towards immigrants which enriches its cultural tapestry. Canada in general also ranks high for its standard of living and general safety, and that sense of security can be hugely helpful for those in trauma recovery.

Ontario cities consistently rank among the best places to live and work³ in the world. This basis of well-being shows up in the way people here interact with each other – and care for those who come here for treatment.

Luxury Rehab Programs in Ontario

Centres for Health and Healing (Vaughan, Ontario)

Located on 110 acres of farmland just north of Toronto, Centres for Health and Healing offers a holistic, non-12-Step treatment approach and a variety of water activities. Delivered via personalized treatment plans, their wellness program places a strong focus on mindfulness—a philosophy they refer to as “Mindful Mental Health.” The center offers specialized treatments such as a sublocade medication-assisted therapy (MAT) program, as well as medical detox and a weekly family program.

Treatment takes place in a lakefront luxury home surrounded by sprawling lawns and woods, equipped with an indoor swimming pool and fireplaces. Guests can use recreational equipment on the lake and outdoor leisure areas.

Victoria Wellness (Gores Landing, Ontario)

Situated on Rice Lake an hour east of Toronto, Victoria Wellness offers evidence-based, trauma-informed addiction and mental health treatment, including treatment for co-occurring disorders. This center also offers ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) via a partnership with ketamine treatment provider Ketamine One. Clients are guided through an individual treatment plan by their primary therapist, and complementary therapies include holistic practices like yoga and Reiki. The program also emphasizes recovery-focused nutrition.

“At Victoria Wellness, we offer meal plans that reflect your personal values and are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, healthy fats and probiotics, which are linked to improved mental health. Our offerings are organically and locally sourced whenever possible.”

The center’s culinary team can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets.

Clients here enjoy boating, fishing, kayaking, and paddle boarding on the lake, as well as amenities like an outdoor pool and a labyrinth for meditative walks. Offsite activities include visiting animals on a working farm in the countryside, guided hikes, skiing, horseback riding, and golf.

Muskoka Recovery (King City, Ontario)

With a range of services from detox to residential care, Muskoka Recovery’s program is based on 6 core values of caring, excellence, respect, accessibility, innovation and integrity, and includes unlimited 1-on-1 counseling. The team pays special attention to helping clients plan for relapse prevention and reintegrate into their community.

“We believe community plays an important role in the recovery process. We can help clients with resume preparation, find housing and connect you with potential employers.”

Muskoka Recovery’s main center is located on over 100 acres of forested property outside Toronto. Clients can choose from locations in Muskoka, King City, Toronto, and Bracebridge.

Rehab Staff and Treatment Professionals

Canada has a highly educated population⁴ and a renowned healthcare system. Luxury rehabs in Ontario are staffed by a variety of addiction and mental health treatment professionals:

Clinical Professionals

• Psychiatrists
• Psychologists
• Social workers

Addiction Specialists

• Addiction counselors
• Recovery coaches
• Dual diagnosis specialists
• Interventionists

Complementary Therapists

• Eco-therapists
• Energy healers
• Massage therapists
• Yoga instructors

Support Staff

• Chefs
• Nutritionists
• General support workers

Rehabs—especially those with on-site medical detox—may also staff medical professionals such as addiction-specialized doctors and nurses.

Learn more: Rehab Staff Qualifications

Finding Your Community in Rehab

Recovery is a personal journey, but it’s also largely reliant on the support of those who see you through your challenges and encourage your new lifestyle. The bonds you form with your peers in residential treatment can form an important part of your support network. You’ll get to share your struggles, learn from those of others, and feel less alone in your struggles. Rehab is also a safe space to practice new ways of relating to others, which you can then apply to heal your relationships in your life outside of rehab.

Ontario rehabs can be a great place to connect with others on their healing journey who value open-mindedness and love the great outdoors. And if your facility’s program includes online aftercare or has an alumni network, you’ll have even more opportunities to stay connected when you return home.

Arriving in Ontario

Many of Ontario’s luxury rehabs are located near Toronto. While this makes it easy to get to treatment, the Toronto metro area still encompasses large swaths of wilderness, meaning you can enjoy access to the region’s lakes and forests without sacrificing the convenience of the city. Toronto’s international airport is a major hub, offering direct flights from around the country as well as connections to the U.S. and abroad. Rehab admissions team members are usually happy to help you arrange travel.

If you’re interested in looking further into treatment here, visit our collection of Ontario rehabs to see reviews, take virtual tours, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rehab in Ontario