From steamy saunas to mountain views, renewal awaits at Kananaskis Nordic Spa
The trip down Highway 40 just west of Calgary is a scenic one that plants you firmly at the feet of the Kananaskis Nordic Spa. The spa, which opened in 2018, is a luxurious and indulgent mountain destination, offering ample spaces to relax, refresh and rejuvenate. The focal point is the hydrotherapy circuit specifically designed to reduce stress and inflammation, encourage the release of happy hormones, improve immune systems, and promote better sleep.
Guests arrive to a calm and relaxing environment, complete with a heated closed-in patio. Upstairs, massage treatments await for guests wanting to complement their hydrotherapy experience. Everything is provided in lockers stocked with thick towels, signature tartan robes, sandals, and a personal sized body scrub to use in the exfoliation cabin at the end of the session.
The hydrotherapy session starts with warmth either in a hot pool, inside the steam cabin, or in one of the many saunas on the property. If guests are looking for a traditional dry sauna experience, they have a range of choices, including a cedar-scented Finnish sauna, small sauna cabins, and a new forest-view sauna complete with unobstructed views of lodgepole pines and white spruce. For those who prefer a wet sauna, the banya sauna is stocked with a bucket of eucalyptus oil-infused water to pour over the rock stove to create a hot and humid experience. There are also two steam rooms—eucalyptus and alchemist—each with their own scent profile.
After the hot amenities, it’s time for a cold reset in the plunge pool or under the cascade shower. While many guests may want to skip this step in the name of comfort, the benefits of taking the dip are well worth it. Braving the cold invigorates the body—like a shot of strong espresso to the system. Deep breaths and a positive attitude help temper the shock of the cold water (usually around 10 to 15 degrees Celsius).
After the final stage of the hydrotherapy circuit, guests are encouraged to relax in the spa, rife with options. A large multi-level reflection pool that sits right around body temperature allows the body to relax without getting too hot or too cold. Firepits surrounded by adirondack chairs, hammocks placed in strategic spots, and a new Calm Cabin, complete with comfortable chaises and quiet music offer more meditative opportunities. The spa’s Two Trees Bistro offers delicious food as well as soothing drinks and alcoholic beverages.
Given the amount of amenities available, it is easy to see how guests could spend an entire day at the Kananaskis Nordic Spa. Being pampered in a setting that offers mountain and forest views from almost every angle is something that locals and visitors alike should put on their itinerary at least once.
The mountains are calling. Find the Kananaskis Nordic Spa at 1 Centennial Drive in Kananaskis Village.
Places To Be
See this month's local flavours, products, and services.
