Resort Paradise in Nelson BC and Kootenay Lake

Already known as North America’s Best Ski Town and Canada’s Best Small Arts Town, the Nelson and Kootenay Lake region can add Top Resort in Canada to its bookshelf.

Mountain Trek Fitness Retreat & Health Spa recently took home top prize in Condé Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice Awards for the Top Resort in Canada.

Nestled just above Ainsworth Hot Springs and overlooking fjord-like Kootenay Lake, the Mountain Trek resort has been steadily attracting worldwide acclaim. Travel & Leisure named Mountain Trek the #1 Destination Spa in the World, and it consistently ranks in the Top 3 of Canadian Resorts.

Mountain Trek takes the pride in stride. “This is big for the whole community. We’re just a little place in the middle of the mountains, and to be awarded this designation among esteemed company of resorts in places like Banff, Lake Louise and Whistler is an honour” says General Manager Kirkland Shave.

Started in 2000, the resort helped to pioneer a growing movement of weight loss retreats in North America. But it’s more than just a diet. Mountain Trek focuses on a holistic approach that includes de-stressing, digital detox, fitness, hormonal balancing, re-alignment, yoga, stress lectures, and sleep hygiene.

A naturopathic doctor, fitness trainers, massage therapists and guides help to deliver the experience, complemented by a team of cooks, housekeepers and maintenance crew that all share the same values.

“We’re proud of the authentic care of our staff and comprehensiveness of our program,” says Shave. “These are true Kootenay people that work at Mountain Trek. They live this alternative lifestyle, growing their own gardens, and being active during their days off. Guests see they’re living a lifestyle with balance and groundedness.”

Guests stay for a minimum of one week, immersing themselves in a program that draws from the region’s pristine wilderness and nature. The respite from urban living attracts guests from all corners of the world.

The health and wellness experience at Mountain Trek is complemented by the natural healing waters of nearby Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort. Open year-round, the resort is a great base for discovering other nearby attractions. For example, Cody Caves is a spelunker’s delight, offering guests the opportunity to discover a magical subterranean experience. A short drive to the north, near Kaslo, is little known Fletcher Falls, a towering waterfall and short walking trail that also leads to breathtaking views of Kootenay Lake. Add in a variety of nearby hiking options, some cozy accommodations, and it’s hard not to feel rejuvenated and re-connected with nature.

Whether you’re looking for an immersive wellness retreat or a short respite, a trip to Kootenay Lake is about as good as it gets.

by John Bowden