Adventurous Relaxation
Story by Brigitte Mah
Image Courtesy CWA
Trekking to Relaxation
For the adventure-hearted who enjoy a bit of a workout to warm the body up before offering respite, Canadian Wilderness Adventures (CWA) has launched an evening snowshoe-and-sauna experience, where guests don snowshoes and headlamps and set out into the mystical old-growth forest of the Callaghan Valley.
“People come to Whistler to rejuvenate and recharge, and this is a fun way to get together, socialize, reset, and feel a sense of peace,” said CWA’s president and founder, Allan Crawford. “It’s very grounding. Instead of feeling like you’re walking on the earth, you feel like you’re part of the earth.”
Adventurers snowshoe alongside a river, then merge into the old-growth forest on a trail that guides have named the Medicine Trail, as members of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations blessed it for its healing energy. Following a half-hour snowshoe trek, you’ll arrive at the wood-fired barrel saunas, change into swimsuits, and soak up the forest energy. “The wood fire is the element that really grounds you,” said Crawford. “It’s magical. You go into the sauna, and you come out feeling better.” And if the full moon is out, it’s even more powerful. Tours start at 5:30 p.m., and there is a shuttle from the Village. The entire experience takes about three hours.
canadianwilderness.com
Image Courtesy CWA
The Serenity of Silence
If you revel in water and thrive on soaking your body for restoration, visiting the Scandinave Spa is a must. Here, you can surrender to the natural world in a thermal spa experience that offers a sanctuary from the everyday bustle of an active and technology-driven world. Tucked into the forest, this is a respite from the busy hustle of life, where its tranquil atmosphere echoes the serenity of the woods. “Everyone needs time to relax and unwind,” said Natasha Thouas, sales and marketing coordinator. “Scandinave Spa is the perfect place to do just that, whether you need to relax your muscles after a day on the mountain or enjoy some peace and quiet after a busy day shopping in town.”
The spa’s “devices stay in lockers” policy allows everyone to completely detox from the digital world and let the stillness of the forest counter the overstimulation of life.
A Thermal Journey experience encourages visitors to experience hot, cold, and relaxation cycles. Soak in a hot pool or venture into a steam room or dry sauna for 10 to 15 minutes, increasing body temperature, reducing blood pressure and improving blood flow to the skin and muscles. Then refresh for 30 seconds in an exhilarating cold plunge pool, Nordic waterfall or shower to close the pores and increase blood pressure to help your body eliminate toxins. Then, follow with 15 to 20 minutes of mindful relaxation in various outdoor and indoor areas. Your spa visit can last a couple of hours or be stretched to most of the day as you repeat multiple cycles of Thermotherapy; allowing time for a nap amid the fresh forest air is a welcome bonus.
scandinave.com/whistler
Image Courtesy Scandinave Spa
Yoga Meets Art
Stretching before any activity is always the best way to prime the body and mind for the day’s activities, and a unique way to improve both is at the Audain Art Museum (AAM). Every Thursday at 9:30 a.m., hatha yoga is offered in the dramatic space of Cressey Hall, where the grand windows allow for a near-immersive forest experience as guests ease in and out of yoga poses, emphasizing breathing and alignment to strengthen the body and mind to start your day.
“It’s a way to move your body and relax, [to also] come into the museum and experience the art,” said Elyse Feaver, AAM engagement and volunteer manager. “Sometimes people need a down day off the mountain, and this is a wonderful way to add to their experience in Whistler and see the museum.”
The yoga sessions run for an hour before the museum opens, allowing guests to experience true calm and restoration before taking in the exhibits and continuing their day. Alternatively, you can choose to tour the museum later that same day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Advance registration is required for yoga at audainartmuseum.com/upcoming-events-engagement.
Enjoy one or all of all these wellness activities during your visit. Regardless of your choice, the experience may connect you to the forests and return you to a calmer, grounded, and more settled state.
