{"id":7525,"date":"2020-10-20T16:00:43","date_gmt":"2020-10-20T16:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/expedia.blog.ca.local\/best-outdoor-spas-to-soak-in-falls-colours\/"},"modified":"2020-10-20T16:00:43","modified_gmt":"2020-10-20T16:00:43","slug":"best-outdoor-spas-to-soak-in-falls-colours","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.expedia.ca\/stories\/best-outdoor-spas-to-soak-in-falls-colours\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Outdoor Spas to Soak in Fall’s Colours"},"content":{"rendered":"

While blanket scarves, apple-picking, and pumpkin-spice lattes generate all the fall buzz, I\u2019d like to add another item to your autumn it<\/i> list. It\u2019s outdoors. It\u2019s soothing. It\u2019s gorgeous. And, I promise: Once you experience it, you may even put apple pie-baking and pumpkin patch visits on hold in lieu of this fall indulgence.<\/p>\n

Blending self-care, forest bathing, and leaf-peeping into one colourful experience, the \u201cfall soak\u201d is the act of checking yourself into an outdoor spa when the leaves are in peak form, and soaking under a canopy of brilliant autumn hues.<\/p>\n

Because we could all benefit from an extra dose of physically-distanced self-care right now,\u00a0<\/span>let\u2019s dip our toes into Canada\u2019s best outdoor spas to peep fall\u2019s kaleidoscope of colours.<\/p>\n

Please check provincial and federal guidance for safe travel as protocols continue to evolve. Find out what to expect and how to find flexible travel on the\u00a0Expedia COVID-19 travel guide<\/a>.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

British Columbia<\/b><\/h3>\n
\"Scandinave
Scandinave Spa<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Located 90 minutes from Vancouver in Whistler Resort<\/a>, find Scandinave Spa<\/a>, a hydrotherapy haven, including massage therapy, a farm-to-table bistro, and a healthy dose of mountain views. Framed by a rainbow of deciduous and evergreen trees currently in peak fall form, British Columbia\u2019s premier outdoor spa is t-h-e spot to sink into the season with their hot-cold-relax pools, plunges, and waterfalls promoting skin detoxification, improved circulation, and tension-relief. For optimal health benefit, the outdoor spa recommends repeating the circuit of heating, cooling, and relaxing your body at least three times during your visit. In other words: Stay awhile!<\/p>\n

As someone who has indulged in water therapy circuits around the world for several years, I\u2019ve been visiting Scandinave\u2014my nearest and dearest outdoor spa\u2014regularly since 2010 when it first opened. My body and mind never tire of the experience and jaw-dropping location set in Canada\u2019s West Coast Alpine. The juxtaposition of intense relaxation-come-invigorating buzz you feel during and after the circuit is a testament to the healing properties of the spa\u2019s well-rooted therapies, which have been in practice for more than 2,000 years.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Alberta<\/b><\/h3>\n
\"Kananaskis
Kananaskis Nordic Spa<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nestled into the Canadian Rockies<\/a> between Calgary and Banff, Kananaskis Nordic Spa<\/a> celebrates the outdoors in every season with the understanding that its location is as healing as its treatments. Fall enthusiasts will especially relish in the nature-centric refuge during leaf-peeping season as pops of yellow and crimson create an intricate Bob Ross-style backdrop.<\/p>\n

Here, soak into 50,000-square-feet of wellness at this modern mountain getaway complete with five pools, barrel saunas, a hammam, steam rooms, outdoor gathering spots, and a wholesome bistro. To make the most of your fall spa-cation, book either either a morning (9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.) or afternoon (3:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.) hydrotherapy session, and arrive early.<\/p>\n

For those wanting to spa and sneak away for a night, book the spa package at the on-site hotel: the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge<\/a> so you can linger in your spa moment.<\/p>\n

Manitoba<\/b><\/h3>\n
\"Thermea
Therm\u00eba by Nordik Spa-Nature<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Perched on a hill atop Winnipeg<\/a>\u2019s urban core, Therm\u00eba by Nordik Spa-Nature<\/a> woos those in need of intense of a physical and mental reset with all soothing things: thermotherapy, body care, facials, massages, a gourmet restaurant-lounge, and a natural setting complete with log structures and red-hued autumn leaves making you say, \u201cOh Canada!\u201d<\/p>\n

Boasting the full thermal cycle\u2014including saunas\u2014offered by many Canadian outdoor spas, Therm\u00eba digs deeper into the wellness experience focusing on a roster of clever treatments beyond hydrotherapy and massage. From detoxifying salt scrubs, to aromatherapy, to plant-based facials, this tranquil escape celebrating Manitoba\u2019s natural assets takes a day at the spa to new heights.<\/p>\n

Bonus: At Rest\u00f6\u2014the spa\u2019s restaurant and lounge\u2014you can actually imbibe\u2026 in your robe. Mic drop.<\/p>\n

Ontario<\/b><\/h3>\n
\"Scandinave
Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Surrounded by 25 acres of birch, maple, and pine trees showing their richest pigments in fall, Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain<\/a> takes the act of rejuvenating in nature into another realm with its unique forested location<\/a> overlooking the UNESCO Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve.<\/p>\n

Honing in on the centuries-old practice of hydrotherapy, Scandinave\u2019s specialty is thermal spa therapy. Think: cleansing hot pools; invigorating nordic waterfalls and cold plunges; and tranquil resting areas that invite the body into full relaxation-mode. What elevates this experience to an even higher vibration, is its code of silence allowing guests to fully tune into nature, and navigate the art of total escape.<\/p>\n

Serious fans of body work will not want to miss the onsite massage pavilion completely devoted to registered massage therapy. Hint: Book an RMT massage and bath access is complementary.<\/p>\n

Note: Due to local health regulations, the steam and sauna are currently closed.<\/em><\/p>\n

Quebec<\/b><\/h3>\n
\"Balnea
BALNEA Spa and Thermal Reserve<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A symbiosis with nature is the raison d\u2019\u00eatre<\/em> behind BALNEA Spa and Thermal Reserve<\/a> in Quebec\u2019s Eastern Townships<\/a> region. Created as a place to commune with the outdoors, this sustainable retreat with minimal-footprint buildings and award-winning modern design is a treat for the body and soul.<\/p>\n

Set in a 400-acre natural reserve gently sloping into Gale Lake, this curated health resort is graced an exquisite network of mountain trails; a full roster of massage techniques, body care therapies, and facial treatments; and a chic restaurant serving seasonal fare. Complementing this already impressive spa scene is its thermal reserve, inspired by ancient Scandinavian and Asian health traditions.<\/p>\n

Here, heat up your core in the Finnish saunas, the forest-side Turkish bath, or in one of the seven hot tubs dotting the landscape. Cool down by stepping into the cascading waterfall, forest pond, or cold water basins. For the rest portion of the thermal trifecta, chill in the Moroccan lounge, aquarium space, or outdoors on a lounge chair (when weather permits).<\/p>\n

At this serene retreat (as well as every other outdoor spa I\u2019ve highlighted), plan the entire day around your fall soak to take in the beauty and temperate nature of the season\u2014often touted as ideal outdoor spa weather because it\u2019s not too hot and not too cold.<\/p>\n

So, grab your blanket scarf and bathing suit, and hit the road. Canada\u2019s outdoor spa season awaits. Ahhhh.<\/p>\n

Best Practices and Protocols for Outdoor Spas (During COVID-19)<\/b><\/h3>\n