Everwild is a solid example of the province’s push toward higher-value, year-round visitor experiences. It combines an attraction-like spa experience with overnight accommodation and food and beverage, creating opportunities for both destination visitors and spa day guests. A second Alberta property, Everwild Harmony Nordic Spa & Hotel, is planned as a 5.5-acre lakefront wellness destination with a 26-room boutique hotel, approximately 80,500 square feet of spa site, indoor and outdoor wellness amenities, and a restaurant and lounge, with opening anticipated in 2028. LDP recently participated in DTJ DESIGN’s Experience Innovation forum, held in Breckenridge, Colorado. The focus, “Wellness is the Destination: Reimagining the Resort Experience” brought together designers, developers, builders and hospitality operators to explore how wellness is evolving beyond the traditional resort spa to become part of the entire
guest experience, from site planning and indoor- outdoor connections to programming and service. A central theme was how resorts can create wellness experiences that are meaningful and authentic for guests while also delivering long-term value for owners and operators. Attractions and retail in Edmonton The West Edmonton Mall continues to add new “retailtainment” tenants, joining the World Waterpark, Galaxyland Powered by Hasbro, DRIVE Go Karts, and others. The Museum of Illusions opened in May of this year, with the chain now operating more than 70 attractions globally across 5 continents. This interactive, perception-altering space features science- and art-based exhibits using mirrors and perspective tricks.
Everwild Canmore. Photo credit Pete O’Hara
Scotia Palace rendering, Opening fall 2027
combines a 99-room hotel with an extensive indoor and outdoor Nordic spa, restaurant and wellness programming. The spa encompasses nearly 40,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor facilities and centers on a Nordic-style thermal circuit incorporating hot, cold and tempered pools, saunas, steam and salt rooms, outdoor relaxation areas and fire gardens, complemented by treatments and guided wellness programming. From a destination-development perspective, Everwild Canmore is notable for combining wellness, accommodation, dining and the natural setting of the Canadian Rockies into a year-round visitor experience. The property is designed around its mountain location, with outdoor thermal areas and relaxation spaces overlooking the surrounding landscape, while its Nordic wellness offer provides another leisure product beyond the region’s traditional skiing, hiking and sightseeing experiences. The approximately C$27 million spa investment also represents the flagship of a broader Everwild expansion, with additional destinations underway in Banff, Fernie and Harmony, west of Calgary
retail and public spaces is designed to make the development an entertainment destination within the wider district. The value comes not only from the primary venue or event, but from creating multiple reasons to visit, stay longer and spend across a broader range of experiences. Wellness in Canmore Just west of Calgary and 20 minutes from Banff, the new Everwild Nordic Spa opened in fall 2025. Everwild is a Nordic-inspired spa and hotel destination that Scotia Place is a great example of the type of investment that supports the province’s broader visitor-value strategy.
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