Alberta Poised to Become Premier Wellness Destination with Major Spa Expansion
Following the remarkable success of its Everwild Nordic Spa in Canmore, Basecamp Resorts is embarking on an ambitious expansion plan that will establish three additional wellness centers across Alberta and British Columbia. This strategic move positions Alberta as an emerging hub for luxury wellness tourism in Western Canada.
Three New Nordic-Inspired Destinations
The Banff-based hospitality company, which currently operates twelve hotels throughout the Bow Valley and British Columbia, has identified three prime locations for its new wellness developments. The expansion includes sites in the lake community of Harmony just outside Calgary, in downtown Banff, and in the popular ski town of Fernie, British Columbia.
"With Canmore performing strongly, these three new destinations allow us to thoughtfully grow the Everwild experience across Western Canada," explains Sky Mitchell, founder and CEO of Basecamp Resorts. "We'll be adding approximately 350 employees across these three spa locations. It's going to be an exciting but demanding undertaking."
Flagship Harmony Development
The most substantial project in this expansion is the Harmony spa and hotel complex, scheduled to open in winter 2028. At 138,000 square feet, this development is projected to become one of Canada's largest wellness facilities upon completion.
The 5.5-acre lakeshore property in Harmony Village, Springbank will feature:
- Outdoor thermal pools and floating sauna docks
- Lakefront relaxation areas with scenic views
- A 26-room boutique hotel
- A full-service restaurant accommodating 225 guests
Basecamp Resorts anticipates welcoming approximately 200,000 visitors during the Harmony spa's inaugural year of operation.
Banff and Fernie Developments
In Banff, the company plans to add a 34,000-square-foot, two-level spa facility to their existing Basecamp Banff Suites property, which will undergo a comprehensive renovation. This development will include:
- A rooftop thermal circuit with mountain views
- Multiple treatment rooms and 60 lounge seats
- An open-air rooftop bar and grill for 50 guests
The Everwild Banff spa is expected to open in fall 2027 and attract roughly 100,000 annual visitors.
The Fernie project represents a completely new development featuring a 70-room hotel alongside a 37,000-square-foot indoor-outdoor spa complex. Scheduled for a summer 2027 opening, this location is projected to welcome 55,000 visitors each year.
European-Inspired Wellness Philosophy
Mitchell emphasizes that extensive research informed the spa designs and treatment offerings. "We conducted thorough research, consulting with dedicated spa enthusiasts about their preferences while studying emerging trends in European wellness culture," Mitchell notes. "European Nordic spas have a significant historical advantage, having been established much longer than North American counterparts."
The company has focused particularly on developing distinctive wellness rituals. "We wanted to create experiences that would encourage repeat visits through evolving programming while providing engaging elements during the sauna experience," Mitchell adds.
Year-Round Wellness Appeal
All three properties are designed as year-round wellness destinations catering to both local residents and tourists. The strong performance of the Canmore location has validated Mitchell's approach to wellness tourism.
"I believe the popularity stems from how these experiences make people feel better," Mitchell observes. "Our guiding principle is that regardless of how visitors feel upon arrival, they will always depart feeling improved. The beauty of this approach is that you don't need to be an elite athlete or experienced mountaineer to enjoy the spa or derive significant health benefits."
Culinary Excellence Integration
Adding to the premium experience, Michelin-starred chef Quinton Bennett will oversee all food and beverage programming across the three new developments. His responsibilities will encompass spa lounge menus, après-sauna offerings, and full-service restaurant concepts tailored to reflect each destination's unique character.
This comprehensive expansion represents a significant investment in Western Canada's wellness tourism infrastructure, potentially transforming Alberta's reputation as a destination for holistic health and relaxation experiences.
