Winter has come. For many Canadians, summer feels too short and adjusting to early sunsets with freezing temperatures isn’t always easy. Planning activities or trips to look forward to tends to be helpful for me. We ventured out to Kananaskis Country for a couple of days this week, getting out of the city and enjoying the Rocky Mountains. The Nordic spa was a real treat!
Do you like anticipation? I tend to enjoy the months and weeks leading up to Christmas more than the day itself (but, for the record, I also love Christmas day!). If you’re like me, planning activities or day trips here and there is almost always enjoyable—and especially so in the winter.
A few months ago, we planned a short trip to Kananaskis to get away from the city. The days are colder and darker, and COVID-19 numbers are ramping up, but thankfully we could still enjoy this trip. It felt very safe. Much of our time was spent outdoors, and the Kananaskis Lodge has strict procedures in place for the hotel and spa. I’m glad we went.
If you’re feeling the winter blues (and even if you’re not), I highly recommend spending time outdoors and perhaps even planning a little local trip if possible. One night in Kananaskis left me feeling very refreshed. Can’t wait to do it again.
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Skiing at Elk Pass in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
After leaving Bella at South Bark Dog Boarding (more below), we ventured out to Peter Lougheed Provincial Park for some cross-country skiing on Wednesday morning.
Elk Pass was one of the only trails with enough snow, and it was a beautiful day to be outside. There were a number of skiers enjoying the -10 degree day. We spent a couple of hours on the trail, which was exactly what I needed. Elk Pass has sense been track set according to my go-to resource for XC skiing report, SkierBob.
Read more: The Breathtaking Pocaterra Ridge Hike in Kananaskis Country
Staying at Kananaskis Mountain Lodge
The Kananaskis Mountain Lodge is located in the heart of Kananaskis Village. This is a great home-base for hiking and skiing fun in the winter time, and is right next to Mount Kidd and Nikiska Ski Area. We’ve been to the Kananaskis Nordic Spa a few times, but have never stayed at the Kananaskis Lodge. Back in September, there was a fantastic mid-week deal which gave us one night at the lodge and two spa entrances for under $300. Uhhh… sold!
After some skiing, we arrived at the Kananaskis Lodge for supper at Forte. I can still taste my delicious seafood carbonara with the view of Mount Kidd out the restaurant window. There are several restaurant options inside the hotel, but some are closed or have reduced hours due to the pandemic. Nevertheless, Forte is a great option. Masks are required in public areas, and hand sanitizer was available as well. If you choose to stay here, I’m sure you’ll have a good experience.
Read more: 5 Easy Hikes for Rocky Mountain Rookies (Plus a Bonus!)
Relaxing at the Kananaskis Nordic Spa
The morning session at the Kananaskis Nordic Spa is from 9 am until 2:30 pm. What’s better than hanging out in outdoor hot tubs and saunas all day? These opportunities to unplug and relax are priceless.
Thermal therapy spas seem to be growing in popularity in Canada. There’s a really nice one called Nordik Spa in Chelsea, Quebec (near Ottawa), and Chance Harbour Nature Spa in New Brunswick where you dunk in the Bay of Fundy (!). I’m sure there are many others. Here’s an idea: a cross-Canada road trip featuring all the Nordic spas! How does that sound to you?
If you haven’t tried thermal therapy or Nordic spas, I would highly recommend it. Once in a while, you just gotta treat yourself. We’re headed back to Kananaskis Nordic in January for a massage and spa day. Little tip: If you’re insurance covers massage therapy, you can book an RMT and gain entrance to the spa, too! You gotta book ahead, though.
Bella’s Night Away at South Bark Dog Boarding
Since we spent the day at the spa, we couldn’t bring Bella with us to Kananaskis. But she enjoyed her night away in the countryside with Leane at South Bark Dog Boarding.
South Bark is my favourite place near Calgary to leave our pup. We’ve taken Bella to several kennels in the city, and she’s never had a great experience (not eating and coming home stressed and exhausted). South Bark has ample space for her to roam. They also share tonnes of photos on the South Bark Facebook page. We’re lucky to have such a great place to leave Belle when we need to.
If you need a kennel near Calgary, I wouldn’t suggest any other place. Highly recommend South Bark!
What are you doing to stay sane and healthy this winter? Do you have a favourite getaway spot in the Rockies? Leave a comment below.
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Thomas Coldwell has always been fond of the outdoors. He loves hiking, paddling, and camping, and thoroughly enjoys creating outdoor adventure resources for people like you. Originally from Nova Scotia, Thomas has lived in four Canadian provinces (NS, NB, ON, AB) and has travelled in 20 countries and counting.
