Inside the new Forest View Sauna at the Kananaskis Nordic Spa, I feel like I’m sitting in the woods. A picture window faces a tableau of pine and spruce trees, and I watch a fat marmot gambol over sun-warmed boulders and fallen tree trunks without a care in the world. Though I’m sedentary in this baking sauna, I can relate. My brain feels as pliant as a puddle of wax; my worries have melted away as surely as the beads of sweat dripping off my body.
In a few minutes, I’ll leave this peaceful cedar diorama and rinse off in a freezing cascade shower as bracing as an alpine waterfall. Then I’ll relax in a breezy hammock with views of Mt. Kidd—one of the Canadian Rockies’ most imposing limestone peaks—before moving through the “hot-cold-rest” cycle once again. I’m not sure what’s more grounding at this outdoor spa an hour west of Calgary: the mountain scenery, or the thoughtful features that integrate nature into the therapy routine.
Nordic Spas Are a Hot Trend
When Kananaskis Nordic Spa opened in 2018, the thermotherapy cycle popular in Nordic countries was new to Alberta, but it was an instant hit. The spa has recently added two additional saunas, the cold cascade, and a relaxation cabin, with plans for more pools and calming spaces.
The concept is so popular, two new Nordic-style facilities are opening in the province this fall. In mid-September, Basin opens at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, overlooking Banff National Park’s most famous turquoise-hued lake, and in November, Everwild will welcome guests to the mountain town of Canmore.
“Sweat experiences are integrated into many different cultures, especially in Europe. It’s coming [to Alberta] now that there are so many moves toward wellness, and conversations around mental health and wellbeing are gaining momentum,” says Laura Cordon, rituals manager at Basecamp Resorts, which owns and operates Everwild. “People are being more mindful about wellness, and prioritizing mental and physical health, and these kinds of spas meet all of those needs.”
Bathers breathe in the fresh air and listen to the breeze and birdsong while wandering between pools, steam and sauna cabins, and cozy fireside seats.
In addition to the saunas, steams, cold plunges, hot pools, and relaxation spaces that are a hallmark of Nordic spas, Everwild will offer guided wellness rituals to enhance the thermal cycle experience, including breathwork, aromatherapy, and other sensory treatments. Beautiful mountain views will also be part of the wellness journey.
Nature is a Key Component
These spas are all located in natural settings that disconnect guests from technology while connecting them to the great outdoors. It’s a big part of the spa experience, and one that’s by design.
Indeed, the outdoor setting at the Kananaskis Nordic Spa sets it apart from indoor wellness centers—bathers breathe in the fresh air and listen to the breeze and birdsong while wandering between pools, steam and sauna cabins, and cozy fireside seats.
“The surrounding mountains and forest views are integral to the experience,” says Simmone Lyons, the director of Nordic Spa Operations for Pomeroy Lodging, which includes the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, where the spa is located. “The landscape helps guests reconnect with nature, and themselves.”
As I sit on a lounger in the Calm Cabin with a view of rocky peaks framed by blue sky, my body pleasantly tingling from the contrast between a eucalyptus steam followed by a frigid plunge, I feel at one with myself and the mountains. I can’t help but think that everything we want out of a spa—to relax, to de-stress, to heal—can be attained by immersing ourselves in nature. A spa that’s built into the environment delivers a wellness double whammy.
Health Benefits of Nordic Spas
Beyond the benefit of reduced stress as those worries melt away, and the subsequent mood-boosting response of doing something that’s both relaxing and indulgent, the hot-cold-rest routine delivers physical health benefits, too, from lowering blood pressure to relaxing tense muscles.
“This cycle enhances circulatory, respiratory, and nervous system function, improves sleep, alleviates muscle soreness and joint inflammation, and boosts immune response,” says Lyons, adding that it’s important not to skip the “rest” part, no matter how tempting it is to head straight into a hot pool after a cold dunk. “Relaxation is where the body stabilizes and endorphins are released, creating lasting wellness benefits.”
I can almost feel the stiffness from an afternoon trail ride galloping out of my abs, glutes, and adductors after three thermotherapy cycles. And I’m certain the combination of clean mountain air and my new hyper-calm, post-spa state will ensure that I sleep like a baby.
The only trick will be weaning myself from this somewhat habit-forming spa ritual when I return to reality. Otherwise, I’ll just have to book a return trip later this fall and cycle between all three of Alberta’s Nordic spas.
Lisa Kadane
Lisa Kadane is an award-winning travel and lifestyle journalist based in Kelowna, B.C. Her articles have appeared in AARP, American Way, BBC Travel, Best Health, CNN Travel, enRoute, Today’s Parent, Postmedia newspapers, and many others. When not traveling, Lisa skis and hikes with her family, sips wine in the Okanagan Valley, and makes time for self-care.