It’s almost here. The newest addition to Banff and Lake Louise National Park is BASIN Glacial Waters, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise’s highly anticipated thermal bathing destination. The debut of the world class, indoor-outdoor BASIN Lake Louise will officially open on September 15, 2025, and is set to revolutionize wellness in the Canadian Rockies with its contemporary interpretation of a traditional bathhouse – embedded within the landscape of Banff National Park’s high alpine.
What is BASIN Glacial Waters
A concept two decades in the making and realized by acclaimed AD100 Matteo Thun, BASIN Glacial Waters is inspired by the healing benefits of natural springs, thermal waters, and long-established wellness practices of Nordic sauna culture, yet reimagined through a luxury lens.
Resting at an elevation of 1600m (5,200ft) with an uninterrupted vista of Canada’s iconic Lake Louise and the impressive Victoria Glacier – the facility’s mineral-rich, natural water source – BASIN is presented in minimalistic grandeur, with organic textures and a strong sensibility towards conscious sourcing and sustainability.
“Capturing the spirit of Lake Louise was at the heart of the architectural intention, to respect the richness of the landscape with a design that represents simplicity, purity, and the uniqueness of the location. Nature and the beautiful surroundings of the lake and the forest become the protagonist – architecture and interior the stage,” says Matteo Thun.
Elements of water – from crushed ice to steam mists – are the basis – an invitation to immerse into self-guided circuits flowing between varying heat and humidity states of the traditional Finnish and Bio Saunas, Aufguss Sauna, Steam Rooms, Hot Stone Massage Room, and Silent Salt Relax Room – with its gently warm glow from the Himalayan salt wall naturally ionizing the air.
In addition, a series of diverse temperature pools, including the Reflexology Pool, Infinity Pool – spanning onto the outdoor terrace – and Kneipp Walk, for standing contrast bathing. Two wet treatment rooms further enhance the thermotherapy cycle, one of which modelled on a traditional Hammam for full-body exfoliation.
Guests can also opt to follow one of five thoughtfully curated wellness journeys – named “Trails” – for a preferred wellness outcome. The ‘Stillness Trail’ is a gentle sequence to soothe the nervous system and set the body into the perfect state for a deep rest, the “Presence Trail” for grounding and awareness – to counteract jet lag and calm an anxious mind.
Designed to be experienced to an individual’s preferred pace and circuit sequence, BASIN allows for moments of introspective pause and solo reflection combined with spaces for quiet social gathering. The ‘Glacier Lounge’ is an open, communal space to rehydrate and restore indoors, with a menu of simple, light, freshly prepared dishes. A selection of elixirs, tonics, nootropics and adaptogens will also be on hand – and for a sense of occasion, premium Champagne and craft beverages will complement the experience.
The ‘Aufguss Ceremony’, its roots in European sauna practices, will be a BASIN signature. Led by world-renowned “sauna masters” performing traditional oil-infused steam rituals to an intimate group of guests within the outdoor Aufguss, ceremonies will take place throughout the day.
As a “Fairmont first”, poised to become a flagship for the Group’s latest wellbeing platform, BASIN Glacial Waters sets the stage for an entirely new, and elevated, response to wellness travel within Canada.
How to book BASIN Glacial Waters
From opening, BASIN will be accessible daily and year-round, the indoor-outdoor nature of the thermotherapy experience shifting with Lake Louise’s dramatic seasonal changes. The ‘BASIN Signature Retreat’ has been designed for guests seeking a wellness-inspired resort stay, featuring BASIN access, a ‘Glacier Lounge’ tasting, and guided wellness-in-nature experience.
For the initial opening phase and until further notice, BASIN will be an experience open exclusively to guests of Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, and proof of an overnight hotel stay will be required. Access passes for non-hotel guests are to be introduced at a later date.
Guests can partake in the resort’s diverse program of wellness-focused outdoor activities, such as small-group Forest Bathing, a Silent Meditation Walk to find presence within the alpine, or a natural cold plunge with guided breathwork in the glacial waters of Lake Louise itself.
Claudia Laroye is the founder and publisher of ClaudiaTravels. An award-winning writer, content creator and author, Claudia is a recognized and trusted travel expert with decades of experience in adventure, family and sustainable travel. Her family book, a Gelato a Day, was published in fall 2022.
