A place to plunge into winter with open arms, mind
New Nordic-style spa in Kananaskis to include more than a touch of Canadiana
Deep in the snowy mountains west of Calgary, a new Nordic spa is set to open in February.
But while the Kananaskis Nordic Spa was inspired by centuries-old Scandinavian wellness practices, it’s adding a modern Canadian vibe to the operation with campfires, heated hammocks and maple leaf tartan robes.
“We wanted the spa to feel Canadian from its core,” said Jennifer Buckler, vice-president of spa and development.
“We’ve taken the philosophy and practices of Nordic wellness, and created an original design of it. This is a space that reflects not only our location, but the Canadian way of life.”
Currently undergoing construction behind the Delta Lodge in Kananaskis — a partner in its operation — the spa is slated to open mid-February. Hopefully in time for Valentine’s Day.
“To be in the pools in the dark, having the stars out and a light dusting of snow, and relaxing with the person beside you, nothing beats that,” said Hank Van Weelden, managing partner of the spa, and CEO of Nisku-based Alta-Fab.
The 50,000-square-foot indooroutdoor spa features a three-storey lodge with reception, lounge, bistro, massage treatment rooms and locker rooms. A second large cabin will sport heated stone tables and tiered platforms in what’s being called the napping room.
Scattered across the treed property will be different saunas: small four-to-six person barrel saunas, a banya sauna, a Finnish sauna and an aromatherapy cabin. A separate exfoliation cabin, inspired by Turkish Hammams, will have a selection of salts for self-scrubbing. Outside, and eventually connected by heated pathways, are a series of hot, saltwater and cold plunge pools.
“The Nordic way is to move from hot to cold to stimulate the body and senses,” said Buckler.
“We’re in the heart of Alberta, and throughout our winter months our spa guests will be braving the elements and facing cold temperatures and snow on the ground — which only enhances the experience. Plus, what’s more Canadian than taking on the outdoors head on?”
Deemed equal parts stimulation, recuperation and balance, the spa aims to help guests unwind and de-stress, but also rejuvenate in a beautiful alpine environment. As Van Weelden says, he’s hoping it will inspire people to make friends with winter again.
“The trend in society is we need to disconnect. With the spa, meditation flows right into it. Another big thing for me is really embracing winter. We tolerate winter, but we don’t embrace it.
“Here, we wanted to embrace Canadiana and highlight this is a four-season place.”
Cheerful and enthusiastic, Van Weelden could be the poster child for outdoor adventure. A year ago, he attempted a solo 1,200-kilometre bike ride from the South Pole to Hercules Inlet on the Antarctic coast. He’s taken part in Mount Everest climbs and teaches survival skills. But it was a 36-hour endurance race in Minnesota where temperatures dipped to -50 C that gave him the push he needed to get serious about constructing a Nordic spa.
“I never really warmed up until I got into the city of Winnipeg. I went to the Thermea spa there and that kind of solidified it for me.”
The Kananaskis Nordic Spa day rates for non-hotel guests will be $70, while those staying in the Delta Kananaskis Lodge will pay $45 Monday through Thursday, and $55 on weekends.
Use of the spa is included for those booking massage treatments, which will range from $149 for a 60-minute relaxation massage to $479 for a 90-minute couples massage.
Another big thing for me is really embracing winter. We tolerate winter, but we don’t embrace it.