Finding balance amid Kananaskis’ gnarly peaks and Nordic pools.
Words :: Shandy Onishenko
As I pull off the crowded Trans-Canada Highway and pass the horses grazing in the wide open space of the Morley Flats, I catch myself exhaling an audible sigh of relief. The familiar twists and turns of the beautiful Kananaskis Trail and the mountains that watch over its narrow corridor are a sight for sore eyes.
Winding through the valley of green-gold trees, coasting past big horn sheep, I spot the sunrise glow over Pocaterra Ridge—my objective of the day. I manage to snag the last parking stall in the modest lot before beginning the steady grind up the mountain.
With the yellow turning of the famed larch trees, the trail is especially stunning this time of year. While the trail is difficult to navigate in some spots, the endless views, alpine meadows, and trickling creeks make it all worthwhile.
After taking in the expansive views from the summit, I head back down. Although the trail is well trafficked this time of year, my mind quiets; I hear only the sound of the wind blowing through the trees, a reminder of the importance of revelling in rare moments of divine solitude.
My mind quiets; I hear only the sound of the wind blowing through the trees, a reminder of the importance of revelling in rare moments of divine solitude.
Back in the car, my aching legs are grateful for my proactive planning as I head towards the Village and my 4 p.m. reservation at the Kananaskis Nordic Spa. Checking in, I am greeted by the comforts of complimentary towels, deck shoes, and a cozy robe. Having secured my belongings, I stroll outside to enjoy my aprés-hike reward.
It feels like I have the whole spa to myself on a Wednesday evening, allowing me to slip into an even deeper state of peace via the Enhanced Elements Pool. After a soothing session of much-needed stretching I brave the refreshing shock of the Cold Plunge where I challenge my willpower before moving on to the recommended rest phase in the large Gathering Pool.
And repeat…
Sitting in the brand-new Forest View Sauna, I watch a whitetail doe grazing with her young, seemingly fearless in the protection of the provincial park, their casual dinner alerting me to my now rumbling stomach. Leaving the Cold Plunge, I slip into the warmth of my robe and head to the Two Trees Bistro in the Relaxation Lodge where I enjoy a beautifully paired glass of Pinot Gris and a tart, yet buttery, warm apple and brie quesadilla.
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Satiated, I venture outdoors once again and head into the nearby Cabin Sauna. Properly cooked, I shock my system back into a state of clarity under the Cold Cascades before reflecting on my day in the fireside loungers, bathed in nature. Feeling the chill of the evening Rocky Mountain air, I head into the Banyan Sauna and fall into a trance as I slowly ladle water over the hot rocks, until I begin to feel the effects of the humidity in the compact cedar cabin. Feeling the need for a quick cool-down, I head back to the Cold Plunge before enjoying another glass of wine in the Reflections Pool.
Rested and ready to repeat the Hydrotherapy Cycle, I enter the Finnish Sauna, and like a cat lounging in the afternoon sun, lay out on the long communal benches before returning to the glacial Cold Cascades. Back in the locker room, I fetch my courtesy sugar scrub and head to the Exfoliation Cabin to massage my tender muscles with the aromatic granules before entering my favourite feature; the Alchemist Steam Cabin. Breathing the herbal steam deep into my lungs I am grateful to live so close to this magical place and the respite it provides.
After watching the sun set from the Hot Pool, I return to the locker room. Lathered in the local scents of peppermint and rosemary in my private shower stall, I soak up the last of my day, towel off, enjoy the luxurious amenities provided, and mentally prepare for the journey back into reality. Dropping my towels, robe, and slippers in the bin as I slowly depart, and returning my wristband to the glass bowl, I lazily make my way back to the parking lot and the tranquility of the scenic drive home.
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