I have about 5 days in October to get away and recharge - solo. Am not too crazy about long flights (live near Phila) so am looking for east coast of US or Canada. I love the mountains and woods for hiking and wildlife. I guess it would be best for me to park at a resort where there are others around but plenty of places around to see by myself. Suggestions?? thanks.

There are lots of Provincial Parks in Eastern Canada that would fit the bill. They're easy to find online (just do a search for Canada Provincial Park) - I don't have the link on this computer to include. I'll try to post it this evening. Algonquin Park is a nice one.

I really enjoyed Ottawa. There's the Ottawa River Parkway that runs along the river and is very nice. Then there is Vincent Massey Park which includes manicured park areas with natural areas with pathways. It connects to Hogs Back Falls and Mooney Bay and makes a nice day out with nature. If you head over river, you can spend several days exploring Gatineau Park in Gatineau/Hull, Quebec. It's less than a 1/2 hour drive from Ottawa. There are several lakes, lots of hiking trails, and formal gardens, etc. If you want some people time, you have downtown Ottawa with the Parliament buildings, ByWard Market, museums, etc. Even though it's the nation's capitol, it is much slower paced than you'd expect, very green and easy to drive. You can also take a steam train from Hull to Wakefield - it's a pleasant ride through the countryside with a 2 hour stop in Wakefield for lunch or shopping.

PA mom -- If you'd consider a spa, you might well enjoy the Spa Eastman in Quebec, about 1 hour outside of Montreal. The setting is lovely in the woods and foothills of the Laurentians, it's a great place to unwind and relax, and the prices are very reasonable. When I stayed there, there were lots of people there on their own, as well as various couples and groups.

The web site is www.spa-eastman.com/accueil.php?lang=en

How about small town Ontario, Canada ?? Meaford on Georgian Bay...near the Collingwood resorts but with the real small town feel...the Georgian Trail (hiking) runs through town...take a small self-catering cottage in town and just have some "no-agenda" time...sleep when tired,eat when hungry, go out & about as you please...no TV& no telephone=no stress... we live in Meaford & it is a super place...runs on Meaford Time !!

How about southern Vermont?

Or Cape Cod?