When you plan a meeting or incentive in Banff and Lake Louise, the idea of wellness takes a whole new meaning as it is not just a program or activity that you participate in during your stay, but the deep sense of well-being that arises from immersion in its pristine natural landscape. While groups can find an abundance of wellness options, from high-end spa offerings to outdoor yoga classes amid stunning surroundings, it’s the natural setting of Banff National Park’s untouched forests, alpine lakes, and soaring mountain ranges that leaves an indelible imprint on your guests’ minds.
Set amid the rugged Canadian Rocky Mountains, mighty Victoria Glacier, and a glistening turquoise Lake Louise, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is an iconic 539-room luxury resort originally built as a base for outdoor enthusiasts and alpinists over 100 years ago. Located in Canada’s First National Park, Banff National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by 2,500 square miles of protected pine forest. The resort boasts a full-service spa with eight treatment rooms, and a range of traditional body therapies including massage, facials, wraps, and exfoliating treatments that employ pure and simple ingredients inspired by nature’s elements. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is building on the resort’s year-round health and wellness experience with a new state-of-the-art, eco-friendly Thermal Wellness Facility.
Attendees can find their inner serenity with a sunrise canoe on the turquoise waters of Lake Louise, or with a yoga session, overlooking the breathtaking scenery of this unique location. The resort also offers wellness retreats led by renowned thought leaders in the wellness industry who can assist groups to destress and unwind through a variety of immersive activities within nature. Options include the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or forest-bathing, which encourages participants to open their senses to the sights, sounds, and scents of the abundant trails. While more adventurous groups can challenge their perceived limitations and test their resolve with an ice-cold lake plunge led by a facilitator trained in the Wim Hof method. Participants will learn how to manage their exposure to cold temperatures using specialized breathing techniques for an invigorating experience. In addition to fully immersing yourself in nature, these experiences are said to have numerous health benefits such as reducing stress levels and lower blood pressure.
Banff Upper Hot Springs is located near the top of Sulphur Mountain that overlooks the Town of Banff at an elevation of 8000ft. The springs have been a tourist destination since 1883, when they were discovered by Canadian Pacific Railway workers, but have been frequented for centuries by Indigenous people as a source of healing. The waters begin their journey almost two miles below the earth’s crust where they undergo geothermal heating before bubbling up to the surface. The water temperature at any given time is between 98 to 104F. The historic spa and bathhouse feature a large hot pool that can accommodate up to 200 people at a time. Groups can even get into the period setting by renting 1920s-style swimsuits as they enjoy the heated waters.
Those seeking an immersive connection with nature can learn about the cultural history of the National Park by embarking on a transformative journey with a medicine walk. Led by an indigenous guide of Cree heritage, participants will embrace cultural traditions and learn about local remedies and medicines that have nurtured the Cree for countless generations. Attendees will come away with a deeper appreciation of nature and a shared sense of connection with the land.
Whatever the wellness goals of your group, Banff and Lake Louise can provide a bespoke experience that you won’t find anywhere else. Being amid the crisp mountain air and peaceful forest atmosphere will elevate any program and promote a holistic sense of well-being.
For more information, visit: banfflakelouise.com/business-events