Are wellness weekends infinitely better when you’re surrounded by fresh alpine air? We think so! Encircled by craggy mountains, forested valleys and sparkling lakes, the Kootenay Rockies region provides a rejuvenating escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Whether you’re looking for gentle walks and soothing spa treatments or taking it up a notch, feeling the wind rush through your hair as you barrel down bike trails, it’s a picture-perfect environment to unwind and recharge.
Follow this itinerary, and you’ll emerge from your three-day getaway with spirits nourished and vitality restored.
Day 1: Local Elixirs & Sauna with a Cold Plunge
Start your wellness journey in Kimberley, where your first order of business ought to be getting supplies plus a decadent latte or an elixir at Kimberley’s CENTEX gas station. (Yes, you read that right!) Inside the gas station lies Stoke Market, a gourmet grocer, natural foods store, bakery and home to Stoke Cold Pressed Juice.
This is the spot to stalk up on fresh BC produce, healthy snacks, and perhaps a few organic bars of chocolate to fuel the adventures to come.
Next, you’ll want to soak up some fresh alpine air. If there’s snow on the ground, you can go on a snowshoeing excursion at Trickle Creek Golf Course. They’ll lead the way through pretty pine forests on a mostly flat trail with a short (5 minutes or so) uphill section. You’ll get about 7,000 steps in, so you’ll feel pretty virtuous and shouldn’t hesitate to tuck into the s’mores and hot chocolate provided.
Plenty of easy trails can also be tackled around Kimberley Alpine Resort, and the Kimberley Nordic Club also delivers fantastic views of the Purcell Mountains, Rocky Mountain Trench and Kootenay River Valley.
Feeling adventurous? Hop on a fat bike and cruise through the stunning scenery. Score bike rentals at Kimberley Alpine Resort, Black Dog Cycle & Ski, Bootleg Bike Co and Northstar Bicycle Company in Cranbrook.
Take it down a notch at Ilomaa Forest Farm, home to Kamu Sauna, a 30-minute drive from Kimberley. At this 40-acre well-being oasis, you’ll have a sauna all to yourself for two hours. There are camp chairs, a hammock and a wood-burning fire set up for you, plus two plunge pools to cool off in. For the ultimate wellness weekend, rent the portable sauna for a day or two, and they’ll set it up at your accommodation.
Cocktail hour is surely approaching, and one of the smartest places in Kimberley to imbibe is The Hourglass. This swish lounge offers cocktails and mocktails in cut crystal glasses. For nibbles, there’s a variety of healthy yet satisfying dips, a salad and veggie board, plus desserts with lots of vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options for everyone.
Another option for cocktails is found at Bohemian Spirits. This fun distillery sports a tasting room, cocktail lounge and outdoor patio. You’ll definitely want to try some samples of their fun gins, vodka and whisky.
If you’re a beer drinker, there are plenty of options at Overtime Brewery (plus local mulled wine!) and local brews plus cocktails are also on tap at Grist & Mash.
Day 2: Self-Care & Platzl Retail Therapy
Cleanse those chakras by dropping into a flow class at Kula Yoga. If you’re not overly bendy, their yin class will leave you feeling restored.
For a decadent brunch, Deer Park Diner offers all the classics, plus lunch and takeaway options. Their jugs of mimosas and boozy milkshakes are also worth noting if you’re so inclined.
Now it’s time to browse Kimberley’s delightful Platzl in the heart of downtown. This pedestrian-friendly zone has a lovely mixture of coffee shops, pubs, restaurants, and independent boutiques. Pop into The Grater Good for kitchenwares, hunt for treasure inside the Old Crow Emporium and check out Moody Bee for fantastic lip balm.
For lunch, there are plenty of options in downtown Kimberley. You shouldn’t have any trouble polishing off a thin-crust Napolean-style pie at Stonefire Pizzeria. For happy hour or dinner, the Pedal & Tap offers comfort food, while Biscuit sports a wine bar vibe with shareable plates. Both dinner spots also offer late-night happy hour specials, too!
Need a jolt of caffeine? Of course, you do! The Koffee Kan in Marysville is known to serve up incredible chai and lattes - even when they’re made with plant-based milk.
For spa treatments, from massages to pedicures, look to Blush MediSpa inside St. Eugene Resort. They use Eminence Organic Skincare products, so you know they know their stuff. If there are any gamblers in your squad, you’ll find a gaming floor at the Casino of the Rockies.
Day 3: Retro Bowling & Breweries
For your final day, we’ll explore Cranbrook, the ultimate basecamp for exploring the Kootenay Rockies. Before tackling the pine-clad peaks, get a foothold upon the climbing walls at Arq Mountain Centre, where drop-ins are welcome. Drop-in fitness can also be had at The Studio with barre, spin and yoga classes.
If you want to kick back, head to Encore Brewing, an adult playground cum craft brewery.
Grab a lunch in the tasting room or have cocktails, brews and bites delivered to your bowling lane. There are 8 bowling lanes to strike out on, plus old-school arcade games.
Then, wander through Cranbrook’s historic downtown, stopping at its many independent bookshops.
For dinner, do you feel like Indian, Mexican, German, Korean or North American cuisine? All options are plated up at Heid Out by Red Seal chefs. For something slightly more casual, you won’t regret going for the Caesar salad, burger or (worth it!) $35 nachos at the Fire Hall Kitchen and Tap.
Where to Stay
Within bag-carrying distance of Kimberley's Platzl lies The Larix. Take advantage of their wood-burning sauna, snack room (filled with goodies and a large fridge to hold your wine and leftovers), and the most extensive continental breakfast spread you've ever seen.
A few minutes' drive from Cranbrook, St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino offers spa services, a sauna, a casino, and an Indigenous interpretive center. Head outdoors to take advantage of their heated pool, two hot tubs, and riverside 18-hole golf course.
If you want to make your friends jealous on 'the gram, bed down in the railway cars at Prestige Rocky Mountain Resort in Cranbrook. These luxe quarters feature interiors to die for. The Crystal Suite is pure elegance with chandeliers and ornate detailing, while the Sante Fe Suite has a western theme with cowhide rugs and plenty of leather.
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