Take a few days for yourself to rest and recharge. Breathtaking landscapes and soothing spa and wellness treatments will rejuvenate body and mind.
This itinerary is great for lovers of the outdoors, spa and wellness aficionados, plus anyone who could use a refresh.
At a glance
- 4 day itinerary
- 527 km (328 mi) total distance
- 6 hrs 48 mins drive time
- Your starting point is in Calgary
Explore the East Village
Once a historic meeting point for Indigenous Peoples, Calgary’s East Village is an eclectic neighbourhood that lies between the Bow and Elbow Rivers. Begin your wellness journey by exploring the longest urban pathway network in North America with bikes rented from Bow Cycle E-Bikes.
Surrender to the saunas at Cedar & Steam
This boutique spa situated in South Calgary is just the spot to decompress. Begin by winding your way through a series of saunas from infrared to cedar to Himalayan salt, plus a steam room. Finish off with a bucket shower to release those feel good endorphins. Try to extend your stay with a massage.
Azuridge Estate Hotel
Check in at Azuridge Estate Hotel set in the rippling foothills south of Calgary. The focus here is on energy therapy, the healing power of crystals and elevated, nourishing cuisine. Crystal therapy can be incorporated into spa treatments to align your chakras at the on-site Flourish LIV Well Spa.
TIP FROM A LOCAL
When exploring the East Village, be sure to pop into Sidewalk Citizen for delectable baked goods.
Drive from Azuridge to Banff National Park
It’ll take you about an hour and half to drive from Azuridge Estate Hotel to Banff townsite. It’s an incredibly pretty drive, and you’ll want to be on the lookout for wildlife that may appear on the side of the road.
Fairmont Banff Springs Spa
Modelled after the grand spas of Europe, Fairmont Banff Springs Spa is a destination in its own right. Take a dip in the giant mineral pool or soothe sore shoulders under the plunge pools’ cascading waterfalls. Indulge in a spa treatment or get your steps in exploring the Castle in the Rockies.
Forest Bathing
Reconnect to nature and yourself with forest bathing, a Japanese-inspired way to manage stress and come to moments of clarity through walking meditation. After meeting certified guide Ronna Schneberger at the Banff Centre, you’ll learn the tools to quiet your mind and become fully present in nature.
Dinner at Banff Gondola Sky Bistro
Get swept up to the summit of Sulphur Mountain via the Banff Gondola. Take in a bird’s eye view of six mountain ranges as you stroll along the boardwalk. Continue feasting on the vistas, in addition to regional Canadian cuisine at Sky Bistro, where floor to ceiling windows reveal dazzling sunsets.
TIP FROM A LOCAL
Banff’s thermal waters were discovered in 1883. Enjoy a soothing soak at Banff Upper Hot Springs.
Medicine Walk with Mahikan Trails
Indigenous guide Brenda Holder shows curious seekers the abundance the natural world has to offer through tours of the forests and meadows surrounding Cascade Ponds. You’ll learn about the local plants and trees and how they can be used as medicine, a food source or fire starter.
Lake Louise Gondola
Lake Louise is one of Canada’s most iconic destinations. Quite possibly the best views are taken in from Lake Louise Ski Resort. Wildlife love the flower-studded meadows as much as hikers do. Be prepared to snag some spectacular shots of grizzly bears from the safety of your chairlift.
Lake Agnes Tea House
This hike to a charming tea house built in 1901 by the Canadian Pacific Railway rates high on the effort-reward ratio. The hour-long, 3.4-km (2-mi) trek gets you to an elevation of 2,135 m (7,005 ft). The elevation gain of 400 m (1,300 ft) makes you feel like you’ve really accomplished something.
Check into Fairmont Château Lake Louise
Finish off your invigorating day at this holistic hotspot which offers transformative multi-day wellness programs several times a year. Take a peaceful paddle across the turquoise lake or inhale the scent of evergreens as you stroll around its shores, admiring direct views of Victoria Glacier.
TIP FROM A LOCAL
Take a shuttle from Lake Louise Ski Resort to Moraine Lake for even more incredible views.
Drive to Kananaskis Country
It’s about an hour's drive through the mountains to get to what locals call K-Country. This incredible scenic region sports plenty of hiking and biking trails, plus a Nordic Spa. In Kananaskis Village, bicycles, boats and baby-carrying backpacks can be rented from Kananaskis Outfitters.
Kananaskis Nordic Spa
Alberta’s first Nordic spa is a modern alpine sanctuary based on ancient Nordic thermotherapy practices. There’s no set way to cycle your way through the wide variety of saunas, steam rooms and outdoor hot and cold pools, but you’ll want to alternate from hot to cold to get the most benefit.
Drive to Calgary
Finish off your wellness adventures by driving back to Calgary. If you're not in too much of a rush, consider floating down the Bow River. Calgary has many options for both guided tours and outfitters who have pre-inflated rafts and life jackets ready to go.
TIP FROM A LOCAL
If you get hungry in Canmore, head to Communitea Cafe for nourishing bowls and sandwiches.
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