Spas
Whether you’re looking for a Canadian Rockies resort spa or simply an hour or two of pampering at a city day spa, Alberta spoils you for choice. Experience the bliss of a natural hot spring (the original spa), a European-style facial or a restorative reflexology treatment. Your options are endless.
Alberta’s Natural Hot Springs in Banff & Jasper
Many Canadians know the story of the establishment of Banff National Park, Canada’s first. In the fall of 1883 three Canadian Pacific Railway workers spotted a plume of steam curling out of some rocks and discovered a cave bubbling with hot springs. Today, you can slip into those historic pools at Upper Hot Springs in Banff or at Jasper's Miette Hot Springs. Both attract thousands of visitors each year.
The Modern-day Spa Experience
Spas have come a long way from the opportunity to soak in healing mineral waters—although hydrotherapy is still a popular spa option, and many spas feature whirlpools and steam baths. Spa services have also gone way beyond the traditional European fare of facials, manicures and massages. How about trying a salt scrub or a Wild Rose beauty wrap? Do you have the urge to achieve inner harmony? Perhaps Reiki or reflexology would do the trick.
Therapeutic treatments run the gamut from acupressure to ear candling. Many spas offer cosmetic treatments to combat such afflictions as wrinkles, age spots, spider veins and unwanted hair. Botox, retinol, collagen, laser, dermabrasion—the list goes on and on.
Alberta’s spas have highly trained staff, including physicians, from a variety of traditions. With new spas springing up like wildflowers, if you can dream a spa experience, you can find it here.
Destination Spas and Packages
Many spas are attached to resorts that also boast fitness facilities, tennis courts, golf courses and horseback riding. Resort spas offer luxury spa vacation packages such as the Girlfriends Spa Getaway at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Or you can just have the treatment of your choice at your convenience. Whether you have a weekend to spare or are planning a longer holiday, you’ll be able to find a spa vacation package that suits your needs.
Urban Day Spas
Alberta's two main urban centres, Calgary and Edmonton, have scores of facilities—both stand-alone and hotel based. And most of our smaller towns also have at least one day spa. At a day spa, you can book an individual treatment as well as half- or full-day package. Although the majority of clients are women, this is fast changing as more men discover the health and cosmetic benefits of spa treatments. Both Calgary and Edmonton have men-only facilities.
More Info...
For a comprehensive list of spa facilities and packages around the province, use our Search engine in the top right corner of this page: click on Advanced, choose the Category tab, select Activities & Adventures and scroll down to select spa/wellness.
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