Rest and relaxation is a short drive away with a day trip to the Kananaskis Nordic Spa. This unique Scandinavian hydrotherapy experience includes a collection of outdoor pools, saunas, and steam rooms that makes for a truly memorable day in the Canadian Rockies. From what to bring and the best time to visit to local tips and tricks, here’s everything you need to know for your first trip to the Kananaskis Nordic Spa.

What is the Kananaskis Nordic Spa? 

The Kananaskis Nordic Spa is a unique outdoor spa experience designed around the hydrotherapy cycle, a popular Scandinavian treatment that has been practiced for generations. Hydrotherapy uses movement through various water temperatures to increase blood flow, reduce heart rate, and relieve stress. This purpose built facility, with over 50,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenities, includes hot, warm, and cold pools, along with saunas and steam rooms.

Guests to the Kananaskis Nordic Spa are encouraged to start in the hot pool, sauna, or steam room for 15-20 minutes, before moving to the warm pool for 15-20 minutes, taking a polar plunge in the cold pool for as long as you can last, and taking time to rest before repeating the process. Guests can rest by the fire cauldrons, lay back in winterized hammocks, or grab a bite to eat at the onsite Two Trees Bistro. You can repeat this cycle as many times as you like during your visit.

The temperature of each pool, sauna, and steam room is unique to the experience. The hot pool and steam rooms are between 35-40 °C (95-104 °F). The warm pool is between 32-38 °C (90-100 °F) while the cold plunge pool can be between 5-10 °C (41-50 °F).

Is the Nordic Spa a hot spring?

The Kananaskis Nordic Spa is not a natural hot spring. The Kananaskis Nordic Spa is a purpose built facility designed around a hydrotherapy cycle that has been popular in Scandinavian cultures for generations. The facility was built to create this unique experience in Kananaskis Country, surrounded by the Canadian Rockies. Water temperatures, saunas, and steam rooms are carefully monitored and maintained for a one-of-a-kind spa experience.

Naturally occurring hot springs, like the Banff Upper Hot Springs, are soaking pools with a unique blend of minerals and gases that create temperatures between 37 °C and 40 °C. Find out everything you need to know about a day trip to the Banff Upper Hot Springs.

How do I get to the Kananaskis Nordic Spa?

Located in Kananaskis Country at the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, the Kananaskis Nordic Spa is approximately 100 kilometres (62 miles) west of Calgary. Travelling to the spa by car from downtown Calgary will take approximately 1 hour. Follow the Trans-Canada Highway and take exit 118 to access the Kananaskis Trail. Follow the Kananaskis Trail to Centennial Drive and look for signage directing you to both the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge and the Kananaskis Nordic Spa.

Visitor parking is free and available on-site at the main entrance to the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge. Valet parking is available at the main entrance of the hotel for an additional cost.

Address: 1 Centennial Drive, Kananaskis, AB

How much does the Kananaskis Nordic Spa cost and what does it include?

Admission to the Kananaskis Nordic Spa costs between $109 and $149 depending on the day you visit. Day passes are available for purchase online or at the Spa Lodge reception desk. This gives you full access to all amenities on site and everything you need to enjoy the experience. You do not have to be a guest of the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge to purchase a day pass to the Kananaskis Nordic Spa. It is important to note that the Kananaskis Nordic Spa is an adults-only facility for guests that are 18 or older.

Admission includes spa shoes, two towels, a robe, and a wristband that gives you access to a dedicated locker to store your personal belongings. Keep this wristband with you during your stay at the spa and you won’t have to remember a locker code. Staff will provide an overview of the experience when you check-in and answer any questions you may have.

Admission grants you access from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, provided space is available. Guests are asked to return their robe, slippers, and locker key when exiting.

What can I do at the Kananaskis Nordic Spa? 

Plan to spend the full day at the Kananaskis Nordic Spa and take advantage of the world class on-site amenities.

The hydrotherapy cycle, moving from hot to warm to cold pools, can be repeated as many times as you’d like. In addition to the temperature controlled pools, the spa includes a variety of steam cabins and saunas. Try the Banya, Finnish, or Barrel saunas, and step into the Alchemist and Eucalyptus steam cabin for a truly unique sensory experience. Finish your spa experience off with an exfoliating salt scrub. Most guests spend around 3 to 5 hours at the spa.

Need a break from the water? It is recommended to include a rest period between each hydrotherapy cycle. During your rest period you can warm up by the outdoor fire cauldrons, nap in a hammock, or enjoy a snack at the Two Trees Bistro. The bistro is a casual and cozy lounge that serves a menu of locally sourced sharing platters, wine, craft beer, tea, and espresso drinks. No need to change back into your clothes to enjoy the bistro. Just put on your robe, slip into your spa shoes, and take a seat.

The Kananaskis Nordic Spa also offers a simple collection of massage therapy treatments on the top floor of the Spa Lodge. Registered massage therapists provide solo, prenatal, and couples massages for 60 or 90 minutes. All massage therapy treatments include full access to the spa facilities so you can enjoy a full day of relaxation. Reservations are required to schedule these treatments and should be booked at least 3 weeks in advance of your visit.

What should I bring to the Kananaskis Nordic Spa? 

Admission to the spa includes spa shoes, two towels, a robe, and a wristband that gives you access to a dedicated locker to store your personal belongings. Bring a swimsuit and, if you prefer, your own robe. Swimsuits are available for purchase at the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge gift shops. A small collection of robes, toques, and athletic wear are also available at the reception desk for purchase if your forget something at home. Need an extra towel or a different size of spa shoes? Ask the friendly staff and they can provide you with everything you need to enjoy the experience.

To respect the privacy of all guests, leave your phone and camera at home or in the locker provided. It’s a great chance to take a break from social media and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and scenery of the Canadian Rockies. Guests are encouraged to enjoy the atmosphere but there are no strict quiet areas on the property.

Private shower facilities are available in both the men’s and women’s locker rooms for the end of your spa experience. You are welcome to bring your own toiletry kit but can also take advantage of a complete collection of complimentary soap, shower gel, shampoo, and conditioner. Shaving gel, disposable razors, moisturizer, and hair dryers are available for your use at no charge. Small plastic bags are even provided to store your wet swimsuit for the trip home.

Is the Kananaskis Nordic Spa safe and sanitary?

The Kananaskis Nordic Spa is a safe and sanitary experience. Water temperatures are carefully monitored throughout the day for the safety of all visitors. Guests are encouraged to shower with soap before entering the pool area to maintain the water quality for everyone.

Staying hydrated during the Nordic spa experience is important. Water stations are provided throughout the facility with disposable cups so you can stay hydrated in between cycles.

Guests are encouraged to take a rest period between cycles to regulate their temperature. It is important to note that this method of hot and cold therapy can increase blood pressure and circulation, so expectant mothers and individuals with health concerns should consult with their doctor before visiting.

Can kids go to the Nordic spa?

The Kananaskis Nordic Spa is an adults-only facility for guests 18 and older. Visiting with children? The Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge offers babysitting and childcare on-site for spa guests with children. A minimum of three hours’ notice is required to book these services and can be guaranteed when booked 48 hours in advance. Babysitting rates vary depending on the number of children and time of year.

What time of year should I go?

The Kananaskis Nordic Spa is a four-season experience, open 365 days a year, rain, snow, or shine. Open 9:00 am to 9:00 pm daily, you can enjoy the spa early in the morning or into the evening. Take in views of the Canadian Rockies or soak as the sun sets any time of the year.

What tips and tricks should I know?

It’s tempting to spend all your time in the hot pools but the hydrotherapy cycle is meant to be enjoyed with a combination of all temperatures. For maximum relaxation, move through each stage of the process and take frequent rest breaks before starting the cycle again. Want a real Canadian Rockies experience? Jump in a snowbank instead of taking a plunge in the cold pool to complete your hydrotherapy cycle.

Stay hydrated with a pit stop at water stations throughout the facility. Disposable cups are provided so you can quench your thirst in between cycles without carrying a water bottle with you.

Forgot your robe in your locker? Looking for an extra towel? Didn't pack a swimsuit? The friendly staff throughout the facility can guide you in the right direction and are happy to offer recommendations for how to have the best experience. A small collection of swimsuits, robes, toques, etc. are available for purchase at the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge gift shops.

The Kananaskis Nordic Spa can reach capacity by 10:00 am on weekends. Two Trees Bistro can also fill up quickly, so spend some more time in the pools and make lunch or snack plans before or after the main lunch rush.