Wellness Wander - Kootenays 6-Day Road Trip

Spend a restful night within one of Fernie’s more secluded properties. Settle in at Elk View Lodge, located in a woodland setting with expansive views of the Elk River and Lizard Range, or snuggle up within a Snow Creek Cabin nestled among the tall timbers. The road to Island Lake Lodge travels through 100-year-old growth giant cedars and culminates at their stunning mountain lodges backdropped by the Lizard Range in the Canadian Rockies.

Dine on the expansive deck of the Bayleaf Indian Fusion, located at the Fernie Golf Club, while taking in the stunning surrounding mountain views. Or head to the riverside patio at The Bridge Bistro, featuring a modern European-inspired menu and enjoy a post-dinner walk along the Elk River on the gentle community trail.

For more about Fernie visit www.tourismfernie.com.

Begin your day with a yoga class at Mantra Spirit Studio, then visit Historic Downtown Fernie and enjoy a hearty natural lunch at The Lunchbox. Explore the many galleries, attractions and boutiques and pick up sustainably sourced goods and wellness products at Drift + Sonder. Stop in at The Green Petal to browse their selection of floral arrangements, pottery, kitchenware, beauty supplies, and fine gifts.

Book a Spa treatment at Spa 901 and relax in the 6,600 sq ft of custom-designed treatment and relaxation rooms and outdoor hot pool with massaging jets.

Feeling relaxed and energised, take an afternoon drive through rock canyons and across the Bull River floodplain to check in for two nights at St Eugene Resort, approx. 1 hr from Fernie.

Feast on locally inspired and sourced cuisine at Numa Restaurant and then settle in for a peaceful night in one of the 125 rooms and suites. The Deluxe Mission rooms feature original brickwork, hand-hewn beams and vaulted ceilings.

For more about Cranbrook, visit www.cranbrooktourism.com

After a relaxing breakfast featuring local produce, explore the Ktunaxa Interpretive Centre. Discover the unique history of the mission and learn about Indigenous heritage, crafts and traditions. Additional insights are available through guided interpretive tours of the buildings and a film presentation featuring personal stories from past students of the residential school.

For a morning of pampering, the Silver Water Spa offers a range of revitalizing treatment options and the Health Club includes a heated outdoor pool for relaxation in beautiful surroundings..

In the afternoon, take a short drive into Cranbrook and experience Mountain Life Hot Yoga. Offering multiple types of yoga that not only strengthen, tone and stretch your muscles, but also quiets the mind and leaves you feeling relaxed and rested, a perfect fit for both the adventure seeker and movement newbie! For dinner, try Allegra Restaurant and savour the light flavours of the Mediterranean before returning to St Eugene for your second night.

For more about Cranbrook, visit – www.cranbrooktourism.com

After a light breakfast take a short drive to Kimberley, stopping in St Mary’s to for a gentle hike to St Mary’s Waterfall. Follow the mostly boardwalk-trail for approximately 10 minutes to reach the 30-metre waterfall.

In Kimberley, explore the Lois Creek Trails which are easily accessible trailheads within the community. Popular for hiking and biking, the single and double track trails wind through mature forest, rock outcroppings, and alongside Lois Creek. Afterwards head to downtown Kimberley and enjoy a homemade lunch in the tranquil setting of Nina’s Hillside Garden.

From Kimberley drive north for two nights at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort.

Along the way, stop off at Lussier Hot Springs located in White Swan Provincial Park, 17.5km off Highway #95 on Whiteswan Lake Forest Service Road. The collection of undeveloped hot pools are accessed via a short trail from the road down into the canyon. The pools are naturally occurring, with a gravel base and large boulders to cool off on – or take a dip in the adjacent river for a truly refreshing experience!

Another unique option is to book a private sauna experience with Kamu Sauna in an outdoor location surrounded by nature.

Upon arrival at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort there are several on-site dining options for a hearty meal or light snack.

For more about Kimberley, visit www.tourismkimberley.com

For more about Fairmont Hot Springs, visit www.fairmonthotsprings.com

Fairmont is located on Lake Windermere, where the avian wildlife on the river and in the wetlands can be explored by Canoe and Kayak. Book a morning tour and relax amongst the sights and sounds of nature.

For a slower pace, Invermere has a wealth of unique working art studios to explore, including Artym Gallery and Pynelogs Gallery & Cultural Centre, which offers regular classes and workshops for all artistic interests throughout the year. Café Allium, located at Pynelogs, is a great lunch stop with a focus on fresh and organic ingredients.

Return to Fairmont Hot Springs Resort to experience the formal natural Hot Pools and specialty mineral treatments at Natural Springs Spa followed by dinner in the Antlers at the Lodge Restaurant.

For more about Invermere, visit www.invermerepanorama.com

After a relaxing morning in the Radium Hot Springs pools, travel north to the village of Radium and enjoy lunch at the Big Horn Café to indulge in fresh food and great coffee.

Revive your spirit at Elevation Massage & Spa, offering a full-service experience of massage, esthetic, waxing and hairstyling options.

For a final night of tranquility, check in to Radium Elk Park Bed and Breakfast located 5 minutes north of the village. Enjoy the outdoor fireplace where you can watch the local wildlife and contemplate your week of relaxation and wellness.

For more about Radium, visit www.radiumhotsprings.com