When it comes to incentive travel, the focus on wellness-centered experiences continues to take the industry by – calming – storm. And there’s no shortage of destinations looking to attract groups to relax, recharge and reinvigorate in their most tranquil properties. Few, however, have the same appeal as Canada for these types of experiences. This famously beautiful country promises a treasure trove of both traditional and new wellness practices, creating a harmonious blend that will cater to any group’s preferences.
A Unique Appeal
Canada is a country that defies description. From the pristine peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the picturesque charm of coastal provinces, this vast land boasts an astonishing array of landscapes and cultures. Whether it's the historical richness of Québec City, the untamed wilderness of British Columbia, or the sophisticated charm of Niagara’s wine region, there’s something for everyone in Canada.
Photo Credit: Bianca Des Jardins for StromEmbracing Tradition: Classic Wellness Experiences
For those who find solace in time-honored wellness practices, Canada offers a variety of elevated traditional experiences that are designed to rejuvenate mind, body and soul. One such avenue is the world of spa retreats where, in Canada, expert care and fabulous facilities are enhanced by serene surroundings.
Québec City's Strøm Spa and the Fairmont Banff Springs Spa offer glimpses into this world of tranquility. Strøm Spa, nestled within the heart of Old Québec, provides an oasis of calm amidst the city's lively cobblestone streets. With its outdoor thermal pools, relaxing saunas, and breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River, it presents an ideal escape for those seeking serenity in an urban setting. In winter, your team can reconnect to the flow of their lives as they watch steady movement of ice sheets downriver, guided by the currents of the St. Lawrence.
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Meanwhile in the mountains, the Fairmont Banff Springs Spa, situated in the heart of Canada’s oldest national park, offers a fusion of European elegance and natural splendor. This alpine wellness sanctuary provides the perfect place for your peak performers to commune with nature, connect with one another and reawaken a sense of internal balance. Your team can bask in the healing waters of the outdoor whirlpool while taking in the breathtaking panorama of mountain vistas, unwind in a eucalyptus inhalation room or find stillness in the quiet of a meditation lounge.
Multisensory Incentives
Canada offers a vast range of incentive experiences, for those passionate about wellness, gastronomy, culture and more.
Click here to learn about Canada's impactful incentive experiences.
Elsewhere, for a taste of the finer things in life, incentive groups can delve into the world of wine tasting, an experience that combines luxury with sensory exploration.
Peller Estates, renowned for its icewine, stands as a testament to Canada's prowess in winemaking. Positioned in the epicenter of one of Canada’s largest wine growing regions, Peller Estates offers more than your typical wine tasting experiences and invites visitors to indulge in the opulent flavors of icewine, a nectar born from the area's frigid winters. A wine tour here is not just an outing; it's a journey into the artistry of winemaking and the lusciousness of Canadian terroir. Not only will your team be taken on a taste-filled journey together, this experience provides ample time for them to nurture their camaraderie and reconnect as a team.
Photo Credit: Peller EstatesForging Ahead: New Wellness Frontiers
As the concept of wellness continues to evolve, so do the experiences that groups are looking to enjoy. Canada takes innovation to heart, presenting incentive travelers with novel wellness avenues that promise to invigorate both body and soul. A “polar plunge,” for instance, is a – literally – breathtaking endeavor that redefines the boundaries of personal courage and team spirit.
At Clayoquot Wilderness Resort in British Columbia, following a helicopter tour of the mountains surrounding this remote retreat, participants can challenge themselves to take the plunge into the crisp waters of a mountaintop, alpine lake. Not only will your team never forget the beauty of their surroundings, they’ll always remember the collective sense of accomplishment and the bonds they forged as they conquered these icy waters. This experience is guided by a trained wellness professional who teaches participants how to use breathwork and mental resilience to push their limits and redefine what’s possible.
If cold water isn’t an option for your team, why not try a different type of natural rejuvenation? Forest bathing. Among other stunning destinations in Canada, Trout Point Lodge in Nova Scotia offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature on a profound level. This practice involves immersing oneself in the tranquility of the woods, allowing the sights, sounds, and scents of the forest to wash over your senses.
The lodge's isolated location in the Tobeatic Wilderness Area sets the stage for this therapeutic event, guiding participants towards a renewed sense of well-being. Walking through dense Acadian forest of spruce, birch and maple, your team will shake off the stresses of city life and find nothing but natural renewal. Following their time of woodland wandering, your team can share their experience with one another in the lodge’s wood-fired hot tubs – right on the Tusket River – or while looking for shooting stars in the unpolluted skies above this refreshing retreat.
Photo Credit: Travel Alberta
If fostering connections through nature is a must-do for your team, then look no further than those who have been in tune with this land for millennia. Undertaking an Indigenous-led medicinal walk will give your team the opportunity to delve into the world of traditional healing practices and the natural wonders of the Earth.
With Mahikan Trails in Alberta, a Cree guide leads participants on a journey through Banff’s forests and mountain landscapes, unveiling the secrets of traditional plant medicine used by Indigenous Peoples for centuries. This immersive experience not only imparts generational knowledge to your team but also fosters a profound appreciation for the natural world and the deep-rooted wisdom of Indigenous cultures.
Your team will leave with refreshed perspectives and a renewed sense of place in the world.
Photo Credit: Lake LouiseBegin Your Incentive Wellness Journey
The experiences and destinations mentioned in this article merely scratch the surface of what awaits in Canada. The country has an awe-inspiring array of options and its unique blend of traditional and new wellness offerings cater to a wide spectrum of group preferences, ensuring that every individual can find an avenue that resonates with their desires.
Its diverse destinations and experiences truly make this country a canvas upon which incentive planners and decision makers can paint unforgettable memories for their teams. Whether your focus is on wellness, learning about unique heritages and cultures, or thrilling your guests with wilderness adventures and wildlife, Canada’s diverse offerings represent the perfect opportunity to reward, reconnect and revitalize your team.
For impartial insights and advice, and to learn more about the incredible unique experiences available here, reach out to the team at Destination Canada. They can help you personalize an unforgettable incentive program that will exceed your team’s expectations.
Contact: Jennifer Attersall, Acting Senior Director, Business Events, Destination Canada
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: +1 403-923-5972
For more information: businesseventscanada.ca