The Nordic region, or Norden, encompasses five countries: Finland, Iceland, and Scandinavia, i.e., Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. They share many characteristics, such as a strong focus on social welfare, a high quality of life, and rejuvenation and relaxation rituals, from outdoor hot and cold hydrotherapy to steam rooms. Soul-searching retreats around the world for a healing vacation don’t come cheap, though.
Fortunately, there are a few destinations in North America that offer these popular wellness services too, such as the Kananaskis Nordic Spa. Established in 2018, this little piece of heaven is the first of its kind in Alberta, one of Canada’s unique provinces.
Let’s delve into why this adults-only spa complex is considered the “Norway of Canada.”
The prices on the spa’s website are in CAD and have been converted to USD in this article in accordance with the conversion rates at the time of writing.
Kananaskis Nordic Spa Embodies The Norwegian Vibe
Its motto is “Your Alpine Sanctuary”
Known for its eye-watering fjords just waiting to be explored, dramatic mountain ranges, and vast forests, Norway boasts many unmissable scenic tourist attractions. Similarly, the Kananaskis Nordic Spa is nestled in an idyllic alpine forest with rugged peak views, behind the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge.
This 50,000-square-foor indoor and outdoor space boasts a relaxation lodge, an exfoliation cabin, fireside lounges, massage treatments, five outdoor pools, steam and sauna cabins, and the Two Trees Bistro. That’s everything you’ll need to indulge all your senses and soothe both your body and mind. Plus, it’s a work in progress and will later include even more amenities, such as an indoor relaxation space and an outdoor Nordic shower.
Cell phones and cameras are not allowed and will be stored in lockers.
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Address |
Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, Autograph Collection: 1 Centennial Drive, Kananaskis Village, Alberta |
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Hours of Operation |
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Hydrotherapy: Full-Day Access |
From $87.61 |
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Hydrotherapy: Twilight Soak (5 p.m. to close) |
From $80.24 |
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Ultimate Spa Experience for Individuals |
From $183.31 |
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Ultimate Spa Experience for Couples |
From $366.62 |
Pricing varies based on the day of the week and time of year. Peak rates are in effect in early August, mid-October, and around the Christmas holiday. Check the spa’s website for more details.
Though walk-ins are welcome, booking at least 3 weeks in advance for mid-week appointments and 12 weeks in advance for weekends and holidays is highly encouraged. Bookings open up 3 months in advance.
60-Minute Massages
The massage services at the Kananaskis Nordic Spa include access to the hydrotherapy facilities. They’re all conducted by registered therapists and last 60 minutes. Plus, they can be customized as per individual preferences. Here are the five options offered: Relaxation, Time Together, Deep Tissue, Aromatherapy, and Prenatal.
Guests are requested to arrive 20 minutes early.
The Benefits Of Hydrotherapy At The Kananaskis Nordic Spa
The invigorating and soothing cycle of “hot, cold, rest, and repeat”
Aquatic therapy has been used to help invigorate the body and reduce the symptoms of various ailments for centuries, and Scandinavian tradition, in particular, focuses on alternating high and low temperatures. Kananaskis Nordic Spa’s circuit follows the “hot, cold, rest, and repeat” ritual to maximize the benefits.
The initial hot stage reduces blood pressure while stimulating blood flow to the skin and muscles. You can experience this in the hot pools, steam rooms, and sauna facilities.
Rest is an essential phase to help stabilize the body. Visitors to this Nordic spa in Canada can relax in the hammocks and exfoliation cabin (which removes dead skin cells and unclogs pores; guests are given a body scrub in each locker).
The cold stage stimulates blood pressure, forcing the production of more white blood cells. Once flushed of toxins, your muscles relax, and you feel rejuvenated, according to the spa’s website.
Re-entries aren’t allowed in order not to compromise the sanitized environment.
Nearby Activities In Kananaskis
Make the most of your trip, besides indulging in hydrotherapy and massages
Kananaskis Country lies west and southwest of Calgary, and borders Canmore, the most beautiful town in Alberta, and Banff National Park, best visited in the fall. Therefore, a stay at the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge provides easy access to all of these places and their wide array of activities, from fine dining to scenic driving, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, boating, golfing, fishing, snowshoeing, and skiing.
There’s a misconception that
“Kananaskis” means
the “meeting of the waters” in Cree. It’s more likely derived from a word that translates to “one who is grateful.”
If you live in North America, the Kananaskis Nordic Spa is a soothing (and closer) alternative to the famous wellness destinations of Iceland, Finland, and the Scandinavian states; so, why not book a session or stay in that scenic resort for a fully therapeutic experience?