Wellness Travel in the Thompson Okanagan
While the Nordic circuit and the positive effects of the practice can be enjoyed year-round, the Thompson Okanagan winter creates the perfect picturesque landscape to enjoy these outdoor thermal spa experiences.
The chilly winter season in the Thompson Okanagan is the perfect time to explore the benefits and rituals of the warm (then cool) embrace of the Nordic circuit.
The Nordic circuit consists of enjoying the relaxing benefits of a warm sauna followed by plunging oneself into a cold or polar pool shortly after. This circuit has been practiced for generations and is reported to reduce inflammation, improve the immune system, and encourage better sleep. These physical benefits also come with several benefits to mental health.
While the Nordic circuit and the positive effects of the practice can be enjoyed year-round, the Thompson Okanagan winter creates the perfect picturesque landscape to enjoy these outdoor thermal spa experiences.
White Lake Cabins
Wood Burning Sauna at White Lake Cabins
White Lake Cabins is located in Sorrento, BC, and features a fully outdoor Nordic spa experience that offers views of the property, horses, goats, and White Lake itself. White Lake Cabins also offers the perfect retreat, in nature and away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, making it the perfect backdrop for corporate retreats, weddings, or family bonding. Grab your bathing suit and enjoy a quiet plunge at White Lake Cabins, and if you’re brave enough in the winter, experience the Nordic Circuit in White Lake itself!
Löyly Floating Sauna
Löyly Floating Sauna at the Downtown Kelowna Marina
Löyly Floating Sauna is Kelowna’s newest addition to the Nordic spa scene. Located and floating peacefully in Kelowna’s Downtown Marina, Löyly features a cedar spa and a plunge pool that utilizes the most natural cold plunge in the region - Okanagan Lake. The floating sauna is available for group bookings or community sessions. Take in the views of the lake and the surrounding mountains while working towards your wellness goals this winter.
Graystar Farms Nordic Spa
Wood Burning Sauna at Graystar Wellness Farm
Graystar Wellness Farm offers an outdoor Nordic Spa experience for their guests featuring a wood-fired hot tub, cold plunge area, and fire pit. This outdoor experience showcases stunning mountain, forest, and lake views. Take an unforgettable winter wellness road trip down to the Southern Okanagan.
Tin Poppy Forest Spa
Wood Burning Sauna at Tin Poppy Retreat
One way to spend winter in the Shuswap is to go off-grid and enjoy accommodation and forest wellness at Tin Poppy Retreat. This solar-powered nature retreat is nestled in Larch Hills and along with their peaceful cabin stays in the woods of the Thompson Okanagan, guests of Tin Poppy Retreat can enjoy and rejuvenate themselves by practicing the Nordic circuit in their woodfired saunas.
Spend a weekend away while enjoying the revitalizing benefits of sauna culture at Tin Poppy Retreat.
About the author
Nadia is a proud former Thompson Okanagan tourist who now lives in beautiful Kelowna, BC. She hopes to tell the stories of the region’s beauty and hidden treasures while rediscovering the destination she spent enjoying on family vacations.
Find Yourself at Quaaout Lodge
The Quaaout Lodge, located on the shores of Little Shuswap Lake just northeast of Chase BC, is a state-of-the-art resort owned and operated by the Little Shuswap Indian Band of the Secwepemc (Shuswap) Nation.
*Due to the fire last year, the Lodge is to re-open in 2025. The Spa is currently open and limited meeting space is available. The Golf Course and Restaurant will be open sometime between the end of March, beginning of April, 2023.
For more information please visit their website QuaaoutLodge.com.
The Quaaout Lodge, located on the shores of Little Shuswap Lake just northeast of Chase BC, is a state-of-the-art resort owned and operated by the Little Shuswap Indian Band of the Secwepemc (Shuswap) Nation. Boasting the Le7ke Spa, a beautiful Conference Centre and Lodge, an indoor pool, and the 18-hole Talking Rock Golf Course, Quaaout is the perfect place for a weekend getaway.
The Lodge overlooks 1800 feet of beachfront, perfect for summer swimming, canoeing, or toes-in-the-sand relaxing. The Lodge itself, which was completely redesigned and renovated in 2010, features 70 rooms offering patios or balconies set up to view the pristine lake.
Situated in the middle of the woods and surrounded by mountains, this experience offers a beautiful blend of pampered relaxation and reconnection with the outdoors. This getaway also features Jack Sam’s, a unique and delicious experience with a menu honouring the Indigenous traditions of the region and sticking to the 100 Mile Menu, meaning everything on the menu is grown or caught within 100 miles from the restaurant.
The Talking Rock Golf Course has gained a reputation as a unique and challenging course as it meanders through the landscape. The course blends well with the features of the land as little land alteration was required to build the course. From the first tee box just steps from the Lodge to the final green on the shores of Little Shuswap, the course offers beautiful views and immersion in nature unlike any other course in the region.
Quaaout Lodge
Photographer: Meghan Reading
In addition to the Golf Course, Quaaout offers numerous workshops and Arts and Culture sessions, and their Cultural Coordinator would be thrilled to take you on a tour of the grounds, which includes an authentic kekuli and answer your questions about the area. Whether you want to plan a conference, a family vacation, a couple’s getaway or a round of golf, Quaaout has everything you need and more located in the heart of the Shuswap.
Book your stay today at Quaaout Lodge today.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alastair Heinrichs is a Creative Writing student from UBC-Okanagan. Alastair loves encouraging people to discover more about our region, whether that’s a hole-in-the-wall restaurant, the local food and craft beer scene or secret campgrounds.