The Best Places To Relax Around Kootenay Lake

Are you seeking your next relaxing getaway that’ll leave you feeling revitalized? Or do you want to experience a new pampering treatment in the most idyllic of settings? Or are you looking to chill out after a long day exploring and tasting the delights of our region? Whatever intrigues you, Nelson and Kootenay Lake is just the place to soothe the mind, body and soul.

SOAK IN ANCIENT HEALING WATERS

First embraced by the Ktunaxa First Nations, Ainsworth Hot Springs has been welcoming guests since the 1930s. The warm mineral rich nupika wu’u, or spirit water, that fills the natural cave and pool is known for its powers of relaxation and rejuvenation. Centrally located, only 15 minutes from Balfour or Kaslo, it's well worth a visit - just remember to make a pool reservation in advance!

Spend the day at one of our region's many beaches around Kootenay Lake, such as Taghum Beach near Nelson. Why not get the mobile Backwoods Sauna delivered to you, for an unique heat session with wonderfully scenic views? It comes pre-heated and ready to go, so you’ll just need to pluck up the courage to make that cold dip into Kootenay Lake to cool down!

UNEARTH YOUR INNER ZEN

There’s nothing more nourishing than time spent amongst the Kootenay inland rainforest, one of the most magical and mysterious ecosystems on the planet. So head into one of our many forests, such as Kokanee Old Growth Forest near Balfour for forest bathing. Breathe deeply as you soak up the beautiful scenery and sounds around you, from a bird’s song to a babbling brook.

If you’re looking for an exclusive retreat, to hike and discover the Selkirk and Purcell mountain ranges, try the award winning Mountain Trek. This luxurious lodge promises to help your fitness, while rediscovering your energy and creativity. Through an intense program of hiking, yoga, nutritious cuisine and - of course - the spa, you’ll return home reset and refreshed.

Reconnect into the simplicity of nature at Kaslo's Mystic Mountain, surrounded by the idyllic forests, abundant gardens and clean mountain air. Led by the owners, try one of the retreats (like the Digital Detox) or a shamanic sound immersion during your stay. 

FEEL AS COOL AS A CUCUMBER

If you’re staying at the historic Hume Hotel & Spa in Nelson, look no further than the Aura Spa & Salon. Using only organic or all-natural ingredients, this sensuous spa offers all you could need from various massage styles, facials, hair, nails and more. Our top tip is to book a session in the infrared sauna, followed by a seaweed and glacial clay body wrap.

For true tranquillity, visit Falling Waters Spa at Wing Creek Resort just north of Kaslo. At this adult-only resort you can stay in quaint timber cabins, cottages or chalets with lake views from May to October. As a guest, you can supplement your stay with a massage, or a session of reiki or reflexology, alongside the soothing sounds of the creek.

After a round of golf at one of our many golf courses, such as Balfour Golf Course, spend the night at the nearby Kootenay Lakeview Resort and try their Glacier Outdoor Aqua Spa - it combines traditional hydrotherapy with the beautiful landscape.

FIND THE PEACE WITHIN

Choose the path less travelled with a sound healing ceremony at Kootenay Sound Healing Centre in Riondel. Set in secluded surroundings against the Purcell Mountains of the East Shore, you can also sample a gong journey and other ceremonies.

Relax and meditate in a cave made from 12,000 pounds of salt - at the Himalayan Salt Cave, only in Nelson. Treat your respiratory system with a halotherapy cave session, where tiny airborne salt particles clean the lungs and sinuses. Alternatively book a massage in this unique space, or in the adjacent Amethyst Room, on an infrared heated bed of crystals.

STRETCH YOUR BODY AND MIND

Take some time reinvigorating your body and soul with a retreat with the residential community at Yasodhara Ashram, on the East Shore. Focus on one of the yoga programs, or volunteer your time for a selfless service stay to give your travel a purpose. The Temple of Light must be seen to be believed!

Whether you're curious about plant-based medicine, yoga acupressure or breath ceremonies, one of the retreats at The Sentinel near Kaslo could be for you. This attractive retreat centre will help you escape the everyday, while taking in amazing views of Kootenay Lake from their cedar-lined hot tub. 

If you’re looking for something less structured, but just as relaxing, rent a cabin at Tara Shanti Accommodation & Retreats in Kootenay Bay. With twice weekly yoga sessions and views of the tranquil Kootenay Lake, it's a beautiful spot to escape everyday life.

At Vitality Nelson, you can receive multidisciplinary care for your body, from chiropractic care and physiotherapy, to Active Release Techniques (ART) and the Graston Technique. This bright and vaulted studio also hosts practitioners from the local community, who come together to offer classes for everyone. Our Vitality go to is Yoga with Melisa, an excellent teacher offering various yoga classes - it's definitely worth a visit. 

Find your awesome all year round, with our idyllic places to stay, nourishing food and drink, and many ways to chill and relax in the Nelson and Kootenay Lake region. 

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