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Self-Care and Cultural Connection
By Indigenous Tourism British Columbia
Indigenous wisdom meets modern wellness.
Self-care doesn’t happen overnight–wellness becomes a practice over time. Learning and sharing Indigenous wellness practices and healing knowledge is a process that has been established over millennia with a sustained connection to land, self, and others. Wellness is a reflection of good relationships with all–it is balance, self-reflection, and consistency. It is also the awareness and recognition of what works and doesn’t work–in ourselves and our environment.
Nature, family, and self are calling us to care–or letting us know how important care is to take on the challenge of what is happening right now, as has always been.
Indigenous Wellness Practices & New Health Trends
Looking for the latest beauty trend? Seek and embrace contemporary Indigenous-led health and beauty practices with diverse Indigenous spa and wellness services in BC.
Medicine is rooted in our connection to the land and each other. This knowledge continues to grow as we respond to changes in our environment, learn more about holistic and cross-cultural wellness practices, and make developments in science and technology that present us with new options for healing modalities.
The surge of interest in health and wellness as a reflection of balance for all supports the resurgence of Indigenous wellness practices. Self and family, science and story, forest-bathing and smudging, botanical skin products and medi-spa treatments, natural cold glacial and hot geothermal waters, sage and cedar are all elements of modern-day Indigenous health, beauty, and wellness options in BC.
Indigenous Plant Knowledge
The Root of Natural Skin Care and Wellness
Indigenous health and wellness businesses in British Columbia provide unique and authentic experiences. Invest in a future that respects, preserves, and celebrates Indigenous wellness practices and ensures a healthier and more balanced world.
Up the Hill at Loakin
Up the Hill at Loakin
Chase
Skincare | Bodycare
Up the Hill at Loakin is a leading Indigenous-female owned Natural Skin Care & Body Care brand designed to support all of your unique skin, body care, and wellness needs.With herbal plant materials are ethically and sustainably harvested in traditional Secwepemc territory, Up the Hill draws upon ancient Indigenous herbalist knowledge and culture to produce products that enrich your self-care routine. These products, infused with Indigenous wisdom, connect you to the healing power of nature while nurturing your skin and well-being.
Bear Essential Oils
Campbell River
Essential Oils | Aromatherapy | Bath Products
Bear Essential Oils is an Indigenous wellness brand specializing in 100% pure, organic, ethically sourced, and wildcrafted essential oils. Their product range extends beyond oils, encompassing bath bombs, soaps, body oils, and bath salts, all thoughtfully crafted to elevate your self-care routine and nurture your well-being.
Ravensong Soap and Candle
Campbell River
Soap | Bath Products | Wellness Products
Ravensong Soap and Candle draws inspiration from Haida Gwaii to create soaps, bath and shower products, candles, homeware, and gifts. Their products are lovingly handcrafted in small batches using premium natural ingredients and adhere to the cold process tradition. Choosing Ravensong means connecting with the natural world and immersing yourself in the Indigenous traditions that breathe life into their creations.
Satya Organic Skin Care
Skincare
Satya Organic Skin Care originated from a genuine necessity when founder Patrice Mousseau’s daughter was diagnosed with eczema. Concerned about the potential side effects of topical steroids, Patrice delved into traditional medicine, medical research, and the latest academic studies to find an alternative. After experimenting with organic ingredients in her kitchen, she successfully created a skin care balm that cleared her daughter’s eczema within two days. Since its creation, Satya Organic Skin Care has expanded into a complete range of products, delivering clean, effective, and steroid-free relief for those in search of skincare solutions.
Standing Spruce
Campbell River
Soaps | Salves & Balms | Bath Products | Wellness Products
Located in Campbell River, Standing Spruce is dedicated to enhancing your well-being through traditional Indigenous practices and therapies. Their focus is on the connection between mind, body, and spirit, making it a sanctuary for holistic wellness that respects and celebrates Indigenous traditions.
Totem Design House
Courtenay
Wellness Products | Teas | Soaps
Totem Design House offers Indigenous-made gifts that contribute to both personal wellness and home aesthetics. As a 100% Indigenous-owned and operated social enterprise, the brand prioritizes giving back by donating 10% of its annual profits to the Copper Legacy Indigenous Empowerment Society. By choosing Totem Design House, customers not only acquire unique products but also support a business dedicated to making a positive impact within Indigenous communities.
Ranger Tea
Teas
Ranger Tea is an Indigenous woman-owned brand specializing in organic loose leaf teas. Crafted with respect for ancestral wisdom and sustainably gathered mountain botanicals, the teas are a blend of Teacrafting steeped in cultural heritage. Ranger tea offers custom blends for cafes, bakeries, and collaborative co-brands, catering to the diverse tastes of tea enthusiasts.
Sisters Sage
Online | Vancouver
Soap | Bath Products | Salves and Balms | Wellness Products
Sisters Sage uses traditional Indigenous ingredients to create modern self-care and wellness products. This Indigenous brand is co-founded by sisters who are honoured to share their Gitxaala, Nisga’a, and Metis heritage and ancestral teachings through hand-crafted wellness and self-care products. Sisters Sage strives to create meaningful products worthy of the stories they tell, with handmade soaps, bath bombs, salves, and smokeless smudge sprays pay homage to the ancestral teachings of Sage, Cedar, Sweetgrass, and Tobacco.
Sisters Sage is committed to producing beautiful products that highlight Indigenous culture, promote environmental sustainability, and inspire future female and youth entrepreneurs. All products are vegan, vegetarian, palm oil and cruelty-free and come in reusable or recyclable packaging.
Spas, Med Spas, and Wellness Centres
Where Beauty and Culture Converge
For those seeking beauty and wellness treatments, Indigenous-owned spas and wellness centers offer a range of options–from contemporary med spa services to services that incorporate traditional Indigenous practices.
Rain Wellness
Vernon
Registered Massage Therapy | Wellness Treatments
Nestled in Vernon, Rain Wellness offers a unique combination of Indigenous heritage and modern well-being practices. Their Registered Massage Therapy (RMT) blends traditional Indigenous knowledge with professional techniques. The spa’s full spectrum sauna and colon hydrotherapy unite ancient wisdom with modern detoxification practices, creating a holistic experience that nurtures your well-being.
Glow Artistry Med Spa
White Rock
Medical Facials | Laser Hair Removal | Injectables
Indigenous owned Glow Artistry Med Spa offers an array of corrective and transformative skin and body care services. A member of the Coast Interior Salish community, global educator and skincare trainer Jayla Vanderhook dreamed of creating an urban haven for wellness and rejuvenation. Utilizing cutting-edge technology to achieve optimal results, the med spa serves as a tranquil retreat, providing a sanctuary to unwind from the pressures of daily life and embrace essential self-care.
Spirit Water Spa
Ainsworth Hot Springs
Facial Treatments | Body Treatments | Massage | Nail Care
Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort offers the Spirit Water Spa, where clay, medicinal plants, wraps, and massages provide a range of treatments that combine traditional healing practices with a tranquil atmosphere. The Spirit Water Spa supports local Indigenous-owned products and it’s a haven of relaxation. Immerse yourself in both Indigenous wisdom and the soothing power of nature on the lands of Ktunaxa First Nation.
Blush MediSpa
St. Eugene Resort
Facial Treatments | Body Treatments | Massage | Nail Care
Embracing the knowledge and wisdom of the Ktunaxa, Blush MediSpa invites you to discover the healing power of plants and Mother Earth. Indulge in a holistic approach to wellness and beauty incorporating only the highest quality natural ingredients for your ultimate well-being.
Le7ke Spa at Quaaout Lodge
Chase
Facial Treatments | Body Treatments | Massage
With each replenishing service Le7ke Spa at Quaaout Lodge & Spa at Talking Rock Golf Resort transports you on a journey to ultimate relaxation. Inspired by Indigenous design and décor traditions, the spa’s professional products and services allow for a totally customizable experience.
Choose from a diverse host of seasonal pampering services, beauty treatments, and relaxation rituals. Le7Ke Spa offers a true sense of the Shuswap to each guest that visits. Inspired by the natural beauty of the area, the spa has created a beautiful botanical massage oil blend using organic essential oils. Their hot stone massage includes rocks that have been carefully handpicked from the shorelines of the Little Shuswap.
In addition to five private treatment rooms, the spa uses Eminence Organics and Vichy products and features an infrared sauna and a Vichy shower room. Customized individual packages and group spa packages are available. Reservations are available Thursday-Saturday.
Hot Springs and Forest Bathing
Immersion in Nature for Mind, Body, and Spirit
For those who appreciate the therapeutic benefits of natural hot springs and bathing, Indigenous-run establishments offer a unique fusion of traditional healing practices and a serene atmosphere:
Talaysay Tours
Vancouver, Sunshine Coast, Squamish
Forest Bathing
Talaysay Tours offers a forest bathing experience, led by a forest guide and rooted in Indigenous traditions that promote well-being through immersion in nature. Explore the forests and natural landscapes guided by Indigenous wisdom and connect with the healing energy of the outdoors, rejuvenating your mind, body, and spirit. Schedule some time with the trees at a variety of locations or contact Talaysay to arrange a custom location for your forest medicine.
Ainsworth Hot Springs
Ainsworth
Natural Hot Springs
Discover centuries-old healing at the Indigenous-owned Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort. Located in the heart of the Kootenay Mountain range, the warm mineral waters of the hot springs are found within a natural cave and pool. The Ktunaxa First Nations were the first visitors to Ainsworth Hot Springs, valuing the soothing, warm waters for their restorative effects after days of fishing, hunting, and gathering roots and berries. Enjoy a natural, holistic relaxation experience reminiscent of modern spas and hot tubs, yet enriched with healing properties treasured since time immemorial
Sloquet Hot Springs
Skookumchuck
Natural Hot Springs
Sloquet Hot Springs, nestled in the traditional land of the Xa’xtsa people, is a natural wonder. It offers hot spring baths in a pristine wilderness setting and opportunities for Roman or Turkish-style bathing in the adjacent glacier-fed river. Here, you can experience Indigenous traditions while rejuvenating your body and soul in the lap of nature.
Ahous Adventures Hot Springs Eco-Tour
Tofino
Natural Hot Springs
The Hot Springs Eco-Tour with Ahous Adventures, is a journey guided by experts through the heart of Ahousaht haḥuułii (territorial lands, waters and culture). The tour begins traveling by boat through the waters of Clayoquot Sound followed by a leisurely 30 minute walk through ancient forests to Hot Springs Cove. Unwind with a 1.5-2 hour soak in the rejuvenating mineral waters of the hot springs, a tradition cherished by the Ahousaht Nation for centuries. Enhance your healing experience with ‘hot and cold’ water therapy, by taking a quick dip in the Pacific Ocean before relaxing in the soothing hot springs. Tours depart daily at 9 am, welcoming visitors year-round to indulge in this unique cultural and natural experience.
Hlgu Isgwit Hot Springs
Nisga’a Territory
Natural Hot Springs
Hlgu Isgwit Hot Springs (Aiyansh Hot Springs) is the dwelling place of the spirit of Sbi Naxnox, and the odour of sulphur in the air is the scent of this spirit. Visitors are required to contact NIsga’a Nation for booking–one week in advance during the busy season (May-September) and at least 24 hours in advance during the off-season. The easily accessible hot springs are a sacred place for the Nisga’a and guests are asked to enjoy them respectfully and observe Nisga’a law during their visit.