Spas in Banff

Jun 11, 2011

For centuries, Canada’s aboriginal people revered the Banff area of the Canadian Rockies as a special place to cure illness and maintain health. However, it wasn’t until the sacred smoking waters of the Banff hot springs were discovered by Canadian Pacific Railway workers in 1882 that the area began to be internationally recognized as a health-and-wellness retreat. It was this fascination with the Banff hot springs that led to the establishment of Banff as Canada’s first national park. The park was later expanded to include Lake Louise and other areas that extend north to the Columbia Icefield.

Today, Banff is still recognized as a health-and-wellness destination, but after a heart-pounding day of hiking, cycling or skiing in the Rockies, visitors can do more than just soak in the hot springs — they can rejuvenate their body and mind at an area spa. There are a variety of luxury spas in Banff that will take your clients’ minds and bodies to another dimension, so here’s a round-up of what some of the spas have to offer.

Body Concepts

A small day spa located in downtown Banff, Body Concepts offers aesthetic services, facials, manicures, pedicures and basic massage services. A couples’ massage is available as well as packages that provide combinations of the above treatments at a discount. A 60-minute massage costs $80. (www.bodyconcepts.ca)

Mountain Spa

This day spa in Harmony Lane on Banff’s main street has nine treatment rooms, two dual massage rooms, two steam rooms and a rooftop terrace lounge that provides a great spot to relax between treatments. Treatments include manicures, pedicures, aromatherapy and seven types of massage. Packages and couples’ treatments are also available. A 60-minute massage starts at $95. (www.mountainspa.ca)

Pleiades Massage and Spa

The name of this day spa (pronounced “play-at-eez”) is derived from the name the Greeks gave a cluster of stars that become prominent at spring solstice. The stars — said to usher in a new season of growth, regeneration and revitalization — are the inspiration behind the unique selection of treatments offered at Pleiades. Treatments include four types of massage, body scrubs, body wraps and facials. There is an on-site steam room and a plunge pool. A 60-minute massage starts at $85. (www.pleiadesmassage.com)

Red Earth Spa

This full-service luxury spa is located in the Banff Caribou Lodge, and spa guests have full access to the hotel’s hot pool, steam room and fitness facilities. The spa features two lounge areas and six treatment rooms, including one dedicated to hydrotherapy. There is also an aesthetics room with manicure stations and pedicure chairs. There is a full line-up of spa treatments available including massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, wraps and other body treatments. There are also couples’ treatments, customized men’s treatments and several unique packages on the menu. A 60-minute massage starts at $125. The hotel is a 15-minute walk from the downtown area of Banff. (www.bestofbanff.com/redearthspa)

Rimrock Resort Spa & Fitness Centre

Offering a complete mind and body retreat, this full-service spa is located in the Rimrock Resort Hotel at the base of Sulphur Mountain in Banff. The spa menu is extensive with hand and foot care, body treatments, facials, spa packages, couples’ treatments and a men’s spa menu. Spa guests can also access the hotel’s fitness facilities, which include squash courts and yoga classes. A 60-minute massage starts at $125. (www.rimrockresort.com)

Temple Mountain Spa

Located in the Post Hotel in Lake Louise, visitors to this full-service spa can also access the hotel’s steam room, fitness center, whirlpool and salt-water pool. The extensive offerings include a variety of massages, facials, hand and feet treatments, couples’ treatments, a men’s spa menu and make-up services. A 60-minute massage starts at $135. (www.posthotel.com)

The Spa at the

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

The spa menu is extensive at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and includes facials, manicures, pedicures, body treatments, a variety of massages, couples’ treatments, men’s treatments, make-up application and a full-service hair salon. The facilities are clean and elegant but very simple. A 60-minute massage starts at $129. (www.fairmont.com/lakelouise)

Willow Stream Spa at the

Fairmont Banff Springs

The 38,000-square-foot spa facility at the Banff Springs “Castle in the Rockies” defines world-class luxury. Facilities include a European mineral pool, three cascading waterfall pools at different temperatures, an outdoor hot tub and a co-ed lounge as well as men’s and women’s private spa areas with steam rooms, Jacuzzis, inhalation rooms, saunas and private lounges. The spa menu is extensive and includes a variety of massages, body treatments, facials, manicures, pedicures, make-up application and a full-service salon. It’s a bit pricey, so tell clients to spend at least several hours enjoying the facilities when they receive a treatment. A 60-minute massage starts at $175. (www.willowstream.com/banffsprings)