Itinerary: Four Days of Summer Wellness

There’s no better place to reconnect with yourself than in the quiet beauty of the Canadian Rockies. In Canmore and Kananaskis, nature is an invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and embark on a wellness journey. This itinerary is your guide to finding connection, gentle movement, and a little mountain magic to nourish your soul.

Accommodation: Lady MacDonald Country Inn

Make yourself at home at the Lady MacDonald Country Inn, a true mountain retreat in the heart of Canmore. This family-owned and operated lodge is the pinnacle of elegance and warm hospitality. Each uniquely designed room offers the perfect blend of comfort and charm, creating your wellness basecamp while you explore Canmore and Kananaskis. start each day with a complimentary breakfast, rejuvenate in the rooftop hot tub with panoramic mountain views, and unwind in the wood-burning sauna. Lady MacDonald is the ultimate base for a restorative wellness getaway in the Canadian Rockies.

Ground yourself

Begin your wellness journey with a forest bathing session led by Original Path Guiding. Forest bathing has gained popularity around the world as a method for emerging yourself in nature to enhance mental wellbeing and reduce stress. Your meditative walk through the trees will help you to connect with your senses and foster a deeper appreciation for the healing power of nature.

Happy, healthy meals

After a mindful morning, nourish your body with a vibrant lunch at Communitea Cafe. This local favourite offers a variety of health-forward options including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes, all made with fresh, wholesome ingredients. Communitea also partners with TreeEra to plant a tree for every order placed at the cafe, so you can feel good giving back to the earth as you enjoy a healthy meal.

An afternoon on the water

Spend the afternoon floating peacefully on gentle currents. Rent a stand-up paddleboard from Bow Valley SUP and Surf, Green Tongue Adventures, or BeHappy Adventours and head out to one the many stunning places to paddle in Canmore and Kananaskis. Alternatively, you can opt for a scenic guided raft float down the Bow River with Canmore Raft Tours. No matter your route, the sounds of the water trickling by and the serene Rocky Mountain backdrop promise a soul-soothing experience.

Unwind at Lady MacDonald

Ease into the evening back at the Lady MacDonald Country Inn for a transformative massage or hypnotherapy appointment to unwind, followed by a session in the sauna or soak in the rooftop hot tub. Allow any remaining tension to melt away as you indulge in some well-deserved pampering and relaxation.

Morning yoga class

Stretch your morning muscles with a yoga class at WildHeart Canmore. Each session takes a holistic approach to movement and mindfulness, aligning breath to body and calming the nervous system. You can also take a barre class to build strength, flexibility, and concentration while cleansing the body and activating your senses.

Take a stroll through Canmore

Join Canmore Walking Tours on a guided stroll around Canmore’s main attractions. Connect with the local culture, gain a deeper understanding about the history of the town, and learn about the mountain peaks that surround us, straight from a local expert. This is the best way to discover all the hidden gems in Canmore at a gentle pace.

Retail therapy

Once you’ve discovered all the local secrets, take some time to circle back to the shops in downtown Canmore. Here are some mindful ways to commemorate your wellness journey:

• Pick up all-natural products from Rocky Mountain Soap Co. to nourish your body.
• Stop by Stonewaters to pick up trendy home goods and attire – while you’re here, see if you can find a copy of An Ecology of Gratitude or Gratitude Ignition Guide by Lorraine of Grassroots Gratitude. These books are great tools for energizing and inspiring the reader with mindful, nature-focused practices.
• Soak in the mountain views on one of the many outdoor patios on Main Street:
  • Visit The Grizzly Paw Pub for local beer or handcrafted soda.
  • Sip an iced latte at Eclipse Coffee Roasters and find your new favourite roasted beans to bring home.
  • Experience a slice of Italy at Bella Crusta and satisfy your hunger with gelato, sandwiches, or pizza.
  • Treat yourself to a sweet snack from The Maple Station.
  • Shop for mountain-inspired souvenirs at The Tin Box, Big Bear Trading Co., Alberta’s Own Marketplace, and Mountain Mercantile.

Happy hours and happier nights

Cap off the day with a family-style dinner at Bridgette Bar. Known for its modern rustic decor and lively ambience, it’s the perfect place to share a few plates and toast to the good kind of tired. Bridgette Bar is the place to be during happy hour – from 2 to 5 p.m., you can splurge on pizza and alcoholic beverages for 50 per cent off.

Find your path

Explore the great outdoors and take to the trails of Kananaskis Country. Pick a hike that calls to you, whether it’s a steep ridge climb or a lakeside stroll, and let the unfiltered wilderness nourish your spirit. We have plenty of options to choose from – make sure to do your own research when selecting a trail to find what’s best for you or contact [email protected] for personalized recommendations. Learn how to prepare for your adventure and consider packing a journal to reflect on how your experiences have transformed the way you live in our world.

Spa day

After your escape to nature, surrender to the healing hands of a massage therapist at One Wellness or Bodhi Wellness.

• Drop in to One Wellness’s Recovery Zone to care for your body and stimulate the recovery process from your mountain activities. From amenities like polar plunges, compression therapy, and aromatherapy steam rooms, you’re sure to leave feeling your best. Not to mention, you can receive personalized attention from a massage therapist, acupuncturist, or physiotherapist to get the care you need.
• At Bodhi Wellness, you can choose from a variety of spa packages designed to relax, restore, and revitalize your mind, body, and soul. Try a full body wrap, indulge in a hot stone massage, or refresh your senses in the hot tub and steam rooms.

A Culinary Adventure

Sauvage offers a sustainable menu that celebrates locally foraged foods. Their menu changes with the seasons, featuring fresh, ingredients straight from Mother Nature. Be present with your taste buds and let the servers guide you through either the “Hunter” or plant-based “Gatherer” menu for an immersive dining experience.

Breakfast at The Bro’kin Yolk

The Bro’kin Yolk is Canmore’s hottest new breakfast diner. The Filipino-inspired twists on brunch staples make for a deeply satisfying start to the day. Eggs are the shining star of the menu – try their popular eggs benny bar, a flavourful breakfast sandwich, or a comforting breakfast poutine made from fresh, local ingredients.

Let your troubles float away

Step into a sensory deprivation tank at Float Canmore for the ultimate relaxation experience. These silent, zero-gravity pods provide space for deep relaxation where your body and mind can recalibrate. Float tanks can help reduce stress, improve sleep, and promote overall well-being – the perfect way to soak in all the benefits of your wellness retreat to Canmore and Kananaskis.

Walk with Wolves

Before heading home, stop by the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary. A gentle walk through the sanctuary offers insight into the lives of the rescued part-wolf, part-dog and reminds us of the untamed beauty that surrounds us. It’s a memorable way to connect with nature one last time before your journey in Canmore and Kananaskis comes to an end.

In Canmore and Kananaskis, our natural ecosystems and stunning landscapes are the heart and soul of our local mountain culture. Before your visit, we encourage you to sign the Pledge to the Peaks, committing to mindful exploration to ensure the safety of all inhabitants of the region and preserve the beauty of our unfiltered wilderness for generations to come.