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The newest signature treatment at the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel spa begins with a purifying sage and peppermint salt scrub created by Mother Earth Essentials, an Indigenous-owned Alberta company. As I lay on a massage table in a dimly lit treatment room experiencing the Nature’s Renewal body treatment, it felt like my stress was slowly washing away. For centuries, Indigenous People in Canada have used sage to cleanse the body, mind and spirit and it seems appropriate that the spa’s new Indigenous treatment begins with sage – one of the four sacred medicines.
There’s a tendency to think that wellness is a modern concept, but the idea of preventive and holistic health has ancient roots. For thousands of years, Indigenous Peoples have used medicinal plants to treat ailments and improve health. Those ancient medicines are now finding their way into modern spas – the latest being the spa at the Banff Springs resort through a partnership with Indigenous-owned Mother Earth Essentials.
Carrie Armstrong, the founder of Mother Earth Essentials, comes from a long line of Cree Medicine Women. Her knowledge and love of traditional medicines and medicinal plants began on forest walks with her grandmother. “Spending time with my grandmother was special,” she said. “It was a nurturing place. She had so much knowledge, but she only shared her knowledge in private.”
Armstrong explained that her grandmother had two daughters taken away to residential school and that’s why she didn’t feel she could openly share traditional knowledge. “To me, reconciliation is about learning, sharing and creating awareness,” she said. “This partnership is a step forward for healing and for reconciliation. It celebrates wellness and culture.”
The Fairmont Spa Banff Springs is one of the most impressive spa facilities in Canada with indoor and outdoor mineral pools, three waterfall whirlpools, steam rooms, relaxation areas and 27 treatment rooms in 40,000 square feet of space. Its ethos is “nourished by nature,” so a partnership with an Indigenous-owned company with natural products was a good fit. “We’re thrilled to have an opportunity to partner with Carrie and her team, and excited for guests to experience these new treatments and products,” said Ashley Ransome, director of Fairmont Spa, Fairmont Banff Springs.
After the cleansing sage and peppermint scrub, I enjoyed a therapeutic massage with wintergreen and black spruce infused oils. The treatment concluded with a berry seed facial oil application, which was my favourite part of the treatment. It smelled so good. I left feeling relaxed and invigorated.
Next time I visit, I’d like to try their other new Indigenous treatment, the 75-minute Woodland Walk Pedicure with birch and black spruce infused products. There’s something special about a spa treatment that combines ancient wisdom with modern science. It’s easy to feel disconnected with nature in our modern world. Feeling nourished by nature with ancient medicinal plants is a great way to heal the body and soul.
On my weekend wellness getaway, I also enjoyed several hikes, a forest bathing experience organized through the hotel’s concierge and some incredible dining experiences including brunch inside a private see-through dome.
My weekend wellness retreat left me rested, renewed and more connected with nature than I had been in a very long time. The mountains always seem to heal my soul, but Indigenous wellness treatments made it even better.
Christmas at the Castle
The holiday season is one of the best times to visit Banff National Park and Canada’s Castle in the Rockies, the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel. It’s always decked out for the holidays and from mid-November to early January, there are a variety of activities and special events to celebrate the festive season – many of which are also open to non-hotel guests. Here are a few of the festive happenings to enjoy this year.
- Festive decor: Renowned designer Cory Christopher’s elaborate holiday decor will turn the castle into a winter wonderland. The design was inspired by historic train journeys of the past.
- Holiday Magic in the Crown Suite: Queer Eye’s Bobby Berk has partnered with the Fairmont Banff Springs to create a signature holiday suite that can be reserved from Nov. 22 to early January.
- Tree Lighting Ceremony: A holiday party with food, drinks and special guest Bobby Berk will take place on Nov. 23. Advance reservations are essential, and proceeds go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
- Journey to the North Pole: With Santa Claus as a guide, guests will enjoy an immersive tour of the decorated castle, treats, and pictures with Santa on Dec. 15-17. Proceeds go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
- Christmas at the Castle activities: There is a vast schedule of special activities at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel during the holidays and many are free. They include things like holiday crafts, snowshoe tours, stargazing, cookie decorating, concerts and bedtime stories with Mrs. Claus. Visit the website for dates and details.
Debbie Olsen is an award-winning Métis writer and a national bestselling author. Follow her adventures at www.wanderwoman.ca.