Built in 1926 on the shores of one of Canada’s most-adored natural marvels, the original outdoor pool at the Chateau Lake Louise attracted visitors from near and far to experience what was considered luxury at the time. This summer, Basin Glacial Waters, Fairmont’s first thermal wellness facility, will open in the same spot as the original pool, reflecting a modern take on lakeside wellness.
Wellness Under the Open Sky
Chateau Lake Louise today holds the same appeal it always has: a breathtaking location on the shores of turquoise waters nestled amongst incredible mountain peaks. In the late 1800s, the then-humble chalet attracted outdoor enthusiasts and alpinists and quickly became a hub for mountaineering.
The thermal wellness facility stays true to the original vision of soaking in the epic views of Lake Louise. It’s embedded into the landscape and its amenities are on offer under the sky and among the trees. There’s a circular massage pool, a series of varying-temperature pools, an outdoor cold plunge pool and a cold bucket drop to complete the hydrotherapy circuit. The thoughtful design uses natural elements: native plants cover the rooftop, and the outdoor terrace features a relaxation area and an infinity pool, which sprawls from inside the facility. The facility’s architecture incorporates stone, wood and natural tile to create an atmosphere that reflects its environment.
The facility has a resting lounge, as well as food and beverage options that speak to the luxury wellness-seekers.
A Fairmont First
Until now, wellness in Banff National Park has been shaped by outdoor activities, hotel spas and wellness retreats. The new facility features Nordic-style contrast bathing, where you alternate between immersion in intense hot and cold pools, which is believed to help increase blood circulation and lessen any muscle soreness. This spa style is not only new to the national park, but it’s also a Fairmont first.
The intersection of wellness and luxury has long been alive and evolving within the Fairmont brand: the original 1920s pool at Lake Louise was Canada’s second-largest outdoor pool at the time it was built. Basin Glacial Waters is a testament to Fairmont’s evolving commitment to offer state-of-the-art hospitality.
Although the thermal wellness facility is new to the Fairmont brand, the new space doesn’t stray too far from its roots. The arched windows mirror the Chateau’s design, and it still sources all of its water from Victoria Glacier. Visitors can still expect to experience the resort’s century-old reputation for outstanding hospitality.
The idea of revitalizing the former location of the pool has been in the making for decades. Due to its protected environment in Canada’s oldest national park, a high level of detail went into bringing this idea to fruition. As the facility will soon welcome and attract more people to one of Canada’s great treasures, visitors will be able to enjoy a new experience, where wellness, luxury and breath-taking natural landscapes come together.
111 Lake Louise Dr., Lake Louise, chateau-lake-louise.com/wellness/basin-glacial-waters