Taking the plunge into a new approach to incentive travel
In Canada, wellness-based employee rewards are being reimagined.
Credit: Finn Beales
Credit: Devaan Ingraham
Picture this: you’re standing at the edge of one of the most vibrant emerald lakes in the world, surrounded by towering snow-capped mountains and vast old-growth forests. Suddenly, you’re immersed in the frigid glacial water, experiencing an adrenaline rush like never before until the cold gives way to a moment of relaxation and rejuvenation. You’ve just experienced your first polar dip — a transformative incentive activity with profound benefits.
Incentive winners work tirelessly all year long to achieve remarkable results. So, when it comes to motivating and inspiring employees to aim higher, organisations are increasingly opting for rewards that promote their wellbeing. But if this conjures up images of spas or golf courses for you, you may want to think again: Wellness is undergoing a major evolution in incentive travel.
“People are no longer content with taking part in the same incentive activities to enhance their personal wellbeing,” explained Jennifer Attersall, Director of Incentive Travel at Destination Canada. “Today’s incentive winners want something transformational, authentic — and ultimately, one they can’t find anywhere else.”
So, if you’re looking for a place that ticks all the boxes, head to the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in Canada. A stay at this castle-like property in the Rocky Mountains in Alberta is certain to recharge those who need it most. Here, the fresh air renews, and the natural beauty inspires, creating the perfect setting to enrich high achievers.
The hotel is also at the forefront of infusing mindfulness into its unique incentive programming. Take their polar dip experience for example. Incentive groups aren’t just told to submerge themselves in the ice-cold water; instead, the Fairmont’s Wellness Director guides them on their own mindfulness journey, leading them through a breathing exercise to help their bodies prepare for the cold before they take the plunge.
“People think they are going to feel this initial shock,” explains “Craig Hudspith, Director of Group Sales at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. “The mindful breathing exercise really allows them to control how they feel during the experience.”
What’s more, corporate social responsibility initiatives can be integrated into experiences like these, which leads us to another form of wellness: giving back. Attendees at the 2022 Incentive Research Foundation and Destination Canada Business Events whitepaper roundtable, for instance, used the polar dip as a way to raise funds for a local charity, Camp fYrefly.
Of course, that’s only one of the many incentive possibilities in the Canadian Rockies. No matter the time of year, incentive groups will find an array of activities centred around wellness. During the winter, they can inhale the crisp mountain air and practice mindful breathing while on a guided snowshoeing excursion in the protected pine forest. At night, they’ll find equally exhilarating activities — like ice skating or taking a sleigh ride around the lake. Stargazing and viewing the northern lights are also popular choices, thanks to total night-time darkness and scant light pollution in the area.
In the summer, high performers can make the two-hour hike up to the historic Lake Agnes Teahouse, marvelling at the awe-inspiring views and sampling an assortment of premium loose-leaf teas. Here they can find solitude in a mindful sunrise canoe trip as they enjoy the pristine waters of Lake Louise undisturbed by other visitors or head to a yoga class on the terrace overlooking the glistening water.
“Lake Louise encourages visitors to focus on the simple things,” Craig says. “Our greatest advantage is that we have no townsite. We have natural beauty — which forces you to stop and be in the moment. That’s when people are most able to regenerate and refocus.”
The benefits to incentive winners who take part in transformative experiences are significant. After a few days, employees return home feeling invigorated like never before, which can translate into powerful business outcomes. Activities like these also promote greater camaraderie among teams by encouraging them to take part together in something they didn’t think was possible.
“Many people say this place makes them believe they can do something bigger than themselves,” Craig adds. “Like the polar dip — people often tell me that they never thought they could do that. That’s really how it goes here in Lake Louise. The nature encourages people to think differently and build the courage to take part in these transformational activities.”
Canada’s rich diversity of incentive destinations offer unique experiences that will inspire and revitalize teams, reigniting their creativity and promoting collaboration to fuel future success. With over 250 unique legendary experiences available, Canada is a top choice for recognizing and rewarding high achievers. Destination Canada’s Business Events team can help design a program that’s specifically tailored to your group’s interests and needs.
For more information, connect with Jennifer Attersall, Director of Incentive Travel, Destination Canada Business Events at attersall.jennifer@destinationcanada.com or +1 403-923-5972