Dip in the baths at Scandinave Spa
Indulge in some much-needed rest and relaxation at Scandinave Spa. Visit the eucalyptus steam room followed by a dip in the Nordic waterfall. Sweat it out in the Finnish sauna then head for a massage. End the day with a nap in a hammock. Whatever’s on the agenda, it’s time well spent.—Jennifer Patterson
Along with love, romance conjures up thrilling feelings of mystery, excitement and remoteness from everyday life. Discover Winnipeg’s memorable escapes that engage all five senses in simple, yet extraordinary ways.
Historical beauty
A stunning fixture in the city’s riverside skyline and an important piece of local history, St. Boniface Cathedral takes your breath away when lit up at night. Four spotlights brighten the cathedral’s beautiful French Romanesque façade and walls, which remain from the previous basilica ravaged by fire in 1968. Since 1832, four cathedrals have stood on this site in the heart of Winnipeg’s Francophone community. Whether taking a postcard-worthy photo or leaning in for a midnight kiss, this St. Boniface attraction is magical when the sun goes down.
St. Boniface Basilica. Photo courtesy of Travel Manitoba.
Dream Homes
The city’s historical character shines in the tucked away residential area of Armstrong’s Point, home to some of the city’s most stately real estate. The neighbourhood is located east of the Maryland Bridge off Cornish Avenue. Enter this secluded area by one of three streets: Westgate, Middlegate and Eastgate. It was developed as a retreat for wealthy families in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Strap on your best walking shoes and bring a camera to capture the eye candy. Imagine the grandeur lifestyle of yesteryear as striking wrap-around porches, half-circle driveways, stately columns and turrets are featured on these mega palaces. It’s a walk designed to inspire a picture of your own future dream home.
Sweet Scenery
On a hot summer day nothing beats the heat quite as sweetly as a luscious hot fudge sundae rolling over the tongue. The best spot in the city to devour one is the Bridge Drive-In, or as locals call it, BDI. Families with wee ones in tow, couples on dates and groups of hungry teens eagerly line up at this nostalgic ice cream stand that has been serving up creamy delights sprinkled with nuts, sticky sauces, fresh fruit and more since 1957. As you dive into your treat of choice, stroll across the Elm Park walking bridge crossing the banks of the Red River and take in the serenity of this quiet residential neighbourhood with the sounds of the river rushing and the wind rustling leaves on trees.
Bridge Drive-In. Photo by Chronic Creative.
Serenity Spas
Surrender your senses to luxurious pampering at the city’s top spas. Using the traditional Turkish hot air bathing ritual, Ten Spa’s hamam treatment is the ultimate for washing away daily stresses. Before stepping in, take advantage of the lounge where you can curl up on private leather seating, draw the sheer curtain and relax in your own secluded spot of bliss. After savouring fragrant mint tea and a cube of sweet Turkish delight, guests are whisked into a dim, tiled room with a twinkling ceiling and ambient music. Lay back on a heated slab of marble and prepare for a sensory explosion as attendants alternate between gently splashing warm and cool water in this heated bathing room.
Feet are one of the most sensitive areas of the body. There is no better way to pamper and prep your tootsies for sandal season with the “deserving thyme foot therapy treatment” at the newly renovated Riverstone Spa located at Inn at The Forks. Enjoy a sea salt soak and kick back with your feet up in a zero gravity chair. As you relax with a warm eye pillow and aromatherapy, estheticians polish, file and apply creamy moisturizers to bust the toughest calluses. Soak in the heat from hot towels and a peppermint foot and leg massage at the end—guaranteed to put a spring in your step.
Hamam treatment at Ten Spa.
In Bloom
Whether enjoying the fragrance of lavender, the silkiness of a rose petal, or the vibrancy of a tulip, a leisurely stroll through the indoor and outdoor gardens at Assiniboine Park is a feast for all senses. Visit the Conservatory year-round, where floral displays constantly change, featuring fragrant lilies and hydrangeas in May and June, along with other plant life. In these warmer months, browse the English gardens abloom with the first flowers of the season: tulips, daffodils, peonies, lilacs, snapdragons, poppies, lavender, pansies, viola and even early roses in late June if weather cooperates. Tulips and topiary decorate the enchanting new children’s garden opening mid-May.
Top Views
Spectacular 360-degree views of the city are found at the top of the six-storey glass observation tower at The Forks Market—it’s hard to know where to look first. Gazing west, downtown’s glass and steel landscape reflects the brilliant sunlight of Manitoba’s clear blue skies. The future home of the Canadian Museum For Human Rights sits north as construction crews work like busy bees on this anticipated landmark. Long strands of train cars go clickety clack on the winding rails surrounding The Forks and adjacent Union Station. Make your way down to the trails hand in hand with a loved one and feel the crunch of red gravel with each step. Take the pedestrian bridge over the rushing Red River and head to the opposite river bank for a unique perspective of the bustling Forks Market.
Winnipeg Dance Cooperative presents Friday Night Dance Hall. Photo courtesy of Enigma Dance Factory.
Move and Groove
As the pulsating rhythms of Latin music blare from the speakers, the mood is set for an upbeat eve of dancing. Winnipeg’s varied dance scene reflects current dance trends. Swing and sway your hips at several drop-in salsa dancing sessions around the city—no partner required. At the grand ballroom of Ted Motyka Dance Studio (460 Main St, 989-0704, $8 per lesson offered Tuesday and Wednesday), beginners learn the passionate steps of salsa and other Latin dances in this majestic space. Dancers in the know flock to Friday Night Dance Hall presented by the Winnipeg Dance Cooperative. Slink into the tango, shimmy to swing and kick your heels up to country among a wide range of different dance styles in a fun, sociable group setting (Nafro Dance Studio, 109 Pulford St, winnipegdancecoop.org for schedule, $7 cover). Two one-hour lessons precede an open practice to show off your new moves and twirl into the night.
Relaxing in the rock accented Spa Lounge
The history of Canada’s national parks began with a spa. But the luxurious, $6.7 million, 10,000 square foot Spa at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge bears little resemblance to Banff’s rustic Cave & Basin of the 1880s. Built to be an oasis of rejuvenation, the Fairmont spa includes water flowing over tiered rock reminiscent of Athabasca Falls, sculpted pine panels representing tree lined trails, and a fireside great room (shown) with rustic accents. Ten treatment rooms, two couples rooms, rain showers, hydrotherapy baths, steam rooms and saunas and myriad offerings of spa treatments entice those seeking relaxation.—JN
Enjoy a relaxing massage at Sabai Thai Spa.
Experience Thailand without leaving Vancouver: stepping into Sabai Thai Spa in Coal Harbour feels like visiting a far-flung continent. While dressed in loose-fitting clothing, breathing in the scents of Thai herbs and essential oils, and listening to traditional music, you will feel your mind, body and spirit come into balance as the practitioner uses everything from palms and thumbs to knees and feet to apply pressure and stretch your limbs during the lengthy treatment. It’s a massage unlike any you’ve ever experienced, both relaxing and invigorating at the same time—a massage that’s been perfected by the Thai people over the past 2,500 years. Cap off your globetrotting day with a visit to one of the city’s many Thai restaurants.—Sheri Radford
Relax and rejuvenate with a coconut refresh massage at Vida Spa
They taste good, they smell good, but who knew coconuts were helpful for relaxation, too? Turns out the tropical fruit is great for the body, both inside and out. The 30-minute coconut refresh massage at Vida Spa starts with a coconut water beverage, to hydrate from the inside (and deliver electrolytes, calcium, potassium and magnesium), followed by a coconut oil massage, to hydrate from the outside, relieve tired muscles and protect against damaging UV rays. It all adds up to a relaxing summertime experience.—Sheri Radford
The Victoria Day long weekend marks summer’s unofficial start in the picturesque Muskoka region. Take your pick amongst concerts, shopping, spas and dining events that are sure to make your stay memorable!
Friday: Jim Cuddy and his Blue Rodeo bandmates hit the Kee to Bala stage (photo by Alison Cathrae)
Friday, May 21
Fulfill your lifestyle goals while perusing the many health, food, fashion and home decorating products and services at the Muskoka Lifestyle Show, running all weekend long. Door prizes and free gifts for the first 50 visitors are offered every day.
Rush out to catch Blue Rodeo at the Kee to Bala concert hall and discover for yourself why they’re one of Canada’s most beloved bands.
Saturday, May 22
Breathe in the fragrance of fresh produce at the Bracebridge Farmers Market. Browse the various stands, speak with the local vendors and choose from a wide variety of tantalizing fruits, vegetables and local delights.
Make a return trip to the Kee to Bala as Xavier Rudd & Izintaba top off the Victoria Day weekend with a concert hosted by Jesse Penwright, and featuring special-guest opener Justin Nozuka.
Sunday: Relax on Lake Rosseau
Sunday, May 23
Re-create the cottage experience at the Cottage Waterfront Grill. Bask on the dockside patio while indulging in your choice of pizzas, pastas, steaks and fish dishes.
Feel like a queen at the Spa at the Rosseau. Enjoy a view of Lake Rosseau while indulging in a massage, manicure, pedicure, facial or hair treatment.
Monday, May 24
Celebrate Victoria Day with a plethora of activities at Deerhurst Resort: rent a fishing boat, participate in a family scavenger hunt, stroll a scenic trail, or play a round on one of two excellent golf courses. To end the day, several dining options offer sustenance, including upscale Eclipse with a view of Sunset Bay and the lobby bar with extensive martini options, wines and light entrées.
Enjoy the cozy cottage feel of Spencer’s Tall Trees. The restaurant offers a lovely view of Hunter’s Bay, plus regional delicacies and an award-winning wine list.
Travellers can slough off tired skin and spring into shape at these eight picks for top-to-toes relaxation.
Hammam Spa
HAMMAM SPA
SETTING This cavernous paradise exudes old-world opulence with lavish steam rooms and private suites.
SIGNATURE TREATMENT Signature Hammam Ritual ($40 per visit, complimentary with other treatments totalling $100 or more). Rejuvenate and detoxify your body with the traditional Turkish steam infused with refreshing essential oils.
PAMPERING PICK Pamper Package ($340 for 3.5 hours) includes a Hammam steam, body scrub, Swedish massage, manicure and pedicure.
OTHER SERVICES Facials, microdermabrasion, body exfoliating treatments, couples’ massages.
SWEETGRASS SPA
SETTING For women only, this haven offers a luxurious space with access to an ozonated swimming pool, whirlpool, infrared sauna, and spa dining from George Restaurant.
SIGNATURE TREATMENT Lomi Lomi massage ($125 for an hour). A stylized Hawaiian treatment that means “loving hands,” this intuitive massage uses gentle flowing strokes, coaxing the body to relax.
PAMPERING PICK The Rose Sweetgrass Pause Package ($334 for 3 hours and 15 minutes) includes an aromatherapy facial, massage, manicure and pedicure, and lunch with wine.
OTHER SERVICES BodySong massage, facials, manicures and pedicures.
Spa Products from Mountain Wellness Day Spa
Mountain Wellness Day Spa’s Kirsten Boisvert hand blends organic aromatherapy oils in 12 formulations. Some scents help with mental and physical ailments, while others promote harmony and balance. These fragrant oils are used during the spa’s massage and facial treatments, and can be purchased ($15.50, $18.50). At home, add drops to your bath, dab on the skin or mix with coconut oil ($18.50) to make a massage blend. You heat the oil in a diffuser ($21.50) to scent a room.
Leave behind your worries and relax in some of Calgary’s best spas—we did. With more than 30 spas on the market, the choices can be overwhelming. To help you out, we’ve combed the city trying new and different spa sessions and have come up with a list of our favourites. We’re sure you’ll enjoy the results.
ROYAL BAMBOO MASSAGE
The Spa Ritual
Begin this treatment at one of Calgary’s newest spas, by closing your eyes and allowing your senses to tell you what kind of aromatherapy your body needs: ginger helps with circulation and digestion, lavender for better relaxation and grapefruit/mint to refresh and energize. After this is chosen, the therapist glides, kneads and rolls warmed bamboo and rattan sticks along your entire body. This Asian-inspired massage is deeply therapeutic, and relieves built-up tension, improves circulation and lymphatic drainage. If you like a hot stone treatment, but wish you could get a deeper massage out of it, you’ll especially enjoy this. Top it off with a blueberry matcha smoothie, or one of their signature teas, and then relax on one of their heated limestone chaises.
Length: 1 hr to 1 hr, 30 min
Price: $150 – $210
SAUNA SESSION WITH COLOUR THERAPY
Inner Balance
De-stress at Inner Balance by soaking in warmth and sweating it out during a half hour treatment in an infrared sauna. Set at a lower temperature than a conventional sauna, an infrared sauna is a more comfortable experience. This type of environment also produces two to three times more sweat, which helps to rid the body of heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and fat-soluble toxins. It also has great effects for revitalizing the appearance of your skin, including helping to clear cellulite. Other health benefits include pain relief for muscles, arthritis, blood vessels and soft tissue injuries; a boosted immune system; and improved circulation. During your session you are able to choose which colour of light you’d like to be surrounded in: they vary in their benefits from creative stimulants (violet) to anxiety soothers (yellow). If you have a difficult time choosing, go for the colour rotating option.
Length: 30 min
Price: $25
AYURVEDIC TREATMENT
Riverside Spa
Before beginning this treatment, you’re asked to fill out a questionnaire to determine your elemental constitution, known as your dosha. Once this, and your current state of health and mind are known, a specially trained therapist will decide what type of Abhyanga massage you’ll receive (e.g. calming if you’re stressed, energized if you’re feeling lethargic). This method of massage varies slightly, in that the therapist uses steady, smooth movements to work warm, herb-infused oil deeply into the body. A Shirodhara is then set up to gently pour a continuous stream of warm herbal oil over the forehead—this is thought to integrate the mind with the body, and to create a deep sense of inner peace. Be aware: the oil does spread to your hair, but afterwards guests are encouraged to use their granite shower and eucalyptus steam room to further develop the effects from the treatment. Depending on your dosha, you should feel relaxed or energized for days after completing the session.
Length: 1 hr, 30 min to 2 hrs
Price: $185 – $235
JUNO PEDICURE
Spa Europa
Referred to as a “facial for the feet,” this pedicure is as luxurious as Spa Europa’s décor of Roman columns and classical-period statuary. It begins with a soothing, hydro-therapeutic foot treatment and a gentle exfoliation up to the knee. A built-in lower back massager relaxes the rest of your body while a therapist applies a facial mask to your feet and lower legs, then treats your hands to a paraffin treatment. Once this is finished, your feet are massaged with hot stones, given a warm paraffin bath to seal in moisture, and then are wrapped in algae. It ends with your choice of a colourful nail polish application.
Length: 1 hr, 30 min
Price: $89
WILD ROSE BODY WRAP
Sante Spa
The soothing scent of rosehips and calming cascades of water from a Vichy shower make the Wild Rose Body Wrap a truly sensory experience. The first step is a full-body exfoliation with rose seed scrub, followed by a lengthy rinse under the Vichy shower. Next, the skin is massaged with organic rosehip oil—an antioxidant oil high in vitamin C that hydrates and soothes the skin. In order to harness the oil’s full potential, the body is wrapped and warmed with a heating blanket, followed by a face and scalp massage. For the final 20 minutes, clients are left to relax in their warm cocoon, with low lighting and soothing ambient music. Afterwards, the skin is fragrant, refreshed and hydrated—a welcome change in the dry, high-altitude air of Calgary.
Length: 1 hr, 30 min
Price: $150
SIGNATURE MANICURE
Oasis Wellness Centre & Spa
At 16,000 square feet, Calgary’s largest spa has the space to really make you feel as if you’ve “gotten away from it all.” This classic manicure begins with a soak in warmed lavender cream and is followed with a hand massage. Next, their professional team of estheticians gently groom, shape and smooth the nails before applying a colourful polish. Add $10 to turn it into a hydrating paraffin manicure, which includes an application of lavender paraffin wax to your hands and wrists. If you’ve got the time, you can further unwind by doing a drop-in class at their yoga studio.
Length: 40 min
Price: $53 ($63 with paraffin)
CARIBBEAN RITUAL
Swizzlesticks SalonSpa
This full-body ritual begins with a warm, self-heating, red-and-brown algae wrap that gets massaged onto the body to detoxify, stimulate lymphatic drainage and increase circulation. It then gets washed away by a multi-jetted shower, and a fine fruit and floral mist is applied to your whole body through the use of a Lucca (a device designed to pulverize hydrosol into a fine mist). Next up is a mini-facial with a cleansing, toning and moisture application and a scalp massage done with essential oils. Finally, the body is re-hydrated with mango and cocoa butter and the treatment ends with a foot massage. The smells are fresh and colourful, and you leave with your skin feeling soft and moisturized.
Length: 1 hr, 30 min
Price: $159
SERENITY BODY TREATMENT
Stillwater Spa
This soothing treatment begins with an herbal foot soak, complete with warmed stones. You’re next treated to a full-body exfoliation using sea salt, and are then covered in a rose clay mud wrap that absorbs deep into the skin with the help of a heating blanket. While still wrapped up, enjoy a facial and scalp massage by your therapist, who also guides you through peaceful meditation. A Vichy shower gently washes away the clay and a pumpkin body butter is massaged into the body. This treatment is finished with a cup of calming herbal tea while you comfortably lounge in their tranquil Serenity Room.
Length: 1 hr, 30 min
Price: $210
DETOXIFYING MOOR MUD BATH
EvelineCharles Salons and Spas
Mud baths are an ancient treatment, harking back to a time when spas were located next to thermal hot springs. In those days, mud baths were often a mixture of volcanic ash and water; today, the ingredient of choice is moor mud. At EvelineCharles, the mud is mixed with water in a European hydro tub, where clients are left to relax for 20 minutes. Moor mud is known as a natural detoxifier, relaxing the muscles and opening pores to minerals and nutrients. As you soak, calming music and the scent of pine create a serene refuge from the outside world. After the bath, EvelineCharles offers showers and a moisture application. This treatment is particularly recommended for sufferers of arthritis or muscle fatigue. Southcentre and Market Mall locations only.
Length: 30 to 45 min
Price: $60
CHOCOLATE SUGAR SCRUB
Scentorini Spa & Wellness
If chocolate uplifts your mood, this treatment is sure to brighten your day. This decadent scrub is performed in a pre-steamed Vichy shower room to help open your pores to better absorb the treatment. A combination of cocoa and sugar is used to exfoliate dead skin cells and clogged pores, leaving your skin bright and healthy looking. The scrub then gets gently washed off in the form of a mini massage from a multi-jetted Vichy shower. It completes with a light application of sweetly scented Chocolate Whip Cream body lotion to nourish the skin with willow and aloe.
Length: 45 min to 1 hr
Price: $115
SPA FOR $50 OR LESS
If your bank account is feeling the pinch, here’s a list of spa treatments that will make you—and your wallet—feel better:
• Detox Foot Bath $50 at Inner Balance
• Classic Massage $40; make it a hot stone for $10 more, at Dharma Studios
• Pedicure including polish $45 at Oraoxygen
• Quickie Facial $35 at Skoah
• Avenue Manicure $50 at Stillwater Spa
• Milk Bath $49 at Spa Europa
• Relaxation Massage, 30 min for $45 at Swirl Day Spa
• French Manicure $45 at Esthetica Salon & Spa
• Intermezzo Petite Facial $40 at Jadestone Spa
• Cosmetic Application $50 at Diva Salon Spa or EvelineCharles Salons & Spas
— Laura Pellerine and Sally MacKinnon
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