From coast to coast we’ve compiled a list of six must-visit Canadian spas guaranteed to detoxify and distress your body from head to toe. These are the country’s best and most renowned sanctuaries from east to west, known for wrapping guests in the lap of luxury.
Ancient Cedars Spa At The Wickaninnish Inn (Tofino, Vancouver Island)
We start our spa journey on our nation’s west coast at Ancient Cedars Spa in Tofino, Vancouver Island. This stunning wilderness getaway offers guests panoramic ocean views from their rooms and, most importantly, from the spa. Ancient Cedars Spa is a small but quaint facility, known for using nutrient-rich seaweed hand-harvested off the coast of the island.
Try out: the spa offers seasonal treatments and from April-June 2014 the Organic Elixir Express Facial is available for an affordable $95. However, we’re totally intrigued with trying out the Hishuk Ish Tsawalk Awakening Treatment which uses Vancouver Island seaweed to exfoliate the body, finished with a warm stone massage. Heaven!
Infinima (Qué©bec City, QC)
Infinima is a wellness and beauty spa located in Qué©bec City and is certified by the Leading SPAS of Canada. This three-floor facility is known for its rich dé©cor, inspired by Italian thermal baths and Indian temples, and its Hammam treatments which include a steam bath and Finnish sauna.
Try out: visitors rave about Infinima’s massage services, we suggest getting the Desert Massage which uses paraffin-based vegetable oils infused with 11 vitamins that nourishes and hydrates the skin.
The Spa At Fox Harb'r Golf Resort (Wallace, Nova Scotia)
Heading to Canada’s east coast may not be on your list of must-visit spa destinations but one you see Fox Harb’r’s beautiful location on Nova Scotia’s Northumberland rugged shoreline, you’ll quickly change your mind. A five-time recipient of the Canadian Automobile Association/American Automobile Association's Four Diamond Award, this facility is highly ranked for providing refined, stylish and luxurious setting. It makes the perfect romantic couples getaway not only with its recognized spa services but championship golf course, should your man want to occupy himself for a while.
Try out: just because it sounds fun and unique try the Laval Shell Massage; as long as you’re not allergic to shell fish. The 60 minute treatment is a type of hot stone massage, but instead uses heated clam shells (aka: lava shells) to massage the body.
Ste. Anne’s Spa (Grafton, Ontario)
When a spa is ranked as the #9 Top Hotel in Eastern Canada by Condé© Nast Readers' Choice 2013 and has 800+ reviews on TripAdvisor with a 95 per cent approval rating, then you know you’ve found a spa worth a pot of gold. Established in 1985, Ste. Anne’s Spa sits on a 400 acre country property offering more than 35 treatments to pamper you from head to toe. The team here prides itself on offering old world charm and personalized services whether it’s for a weekend getaway with your girls or a romantic escape.
Try out: Ste. Anne’s Spa offers seasonal treatments to guests and for the months of April and May 2014 you should take advantage of its Maple Showers body treatment for an affordable $90. Other popular treatments include the Caribbean therapy, contouring mudstone wrap and Swedish massage.
Rodd Spa Boutique At Crowbush (Charlottetown, PEI)
We take you back out east to experience the charms of Rodd Hotels & Resorts in Charlottetown, PEI. Founded by Wally and Sally Rodd in 1935, Rodd is Atlantic Canada's largest privately-owned hotel chain with eight properties scattered along the country’s east coast. The spa at Crowbush offers a relaxing and tranquil atmosphere, and uses Aveda products in its treatments.
Try out: because we can’t resist anything chocolate we jump at the chance to try the spa’s Chocolate Body Wrap; a 75 minute treatment where you’re covered in a cocoa body mask, rinsed and then finished with cocoa butter body. This is the only way to enjoy chocolate guilt free and calorie free!
Temple Gardens Mineral Spa (Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan)
Situated in downtown Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Temple Gardens Mineral Spa provides an urban escape. Here, guests can soak in Canada’s largest therapeutic geothermal mineral water pool which is maintained (give or take a degree or two) at around 45°C. The water’s chemistry is similar to the historic mineral pools in Bath, England, and contains elements such as Epsom Salts and Glauber's Salt.
Try out: Temple Gardens offers a range of spa services but it goes without saying that you have to try its geothermal pools. Water is pump from more than 1,350 meters below the earth’s surface. Its mineral properties are said to help relax muscles, ease joint pain and hydrate the skin. Your body will thank you.
