World Class Mountain Resorts Near Spring Lake Ranch

As we’ve shared in this blog and on SLR’s Instagram, we’re all about embracing the winter season! Luckily SLR is located within a 1/2 day’s driving distance to several fantastic Mountain Resorts.

Spending a weekend at one of these stunning destinations is so revitalizing, whether it’s a couples’ getaway or a trip with the kids. (Or: Gather the ladies for a super fun girls-only escape.)

Here are our Top 5 Mountain Resorts to visit. While now is not the time to travel, hopefully this gives you inspiration for a future trip.

Marmot Basin (Jasper National Park)

Just 3.75 hours from SLR and 20 minutes south of Jasper, this alpine ski area boasts the highest base elevation of the Canadian Rockies. With seven lifts servicing 86 runs, there’s plenty to choose from whether you’re a novice, amateur or somewhere in between.

To refuel after a day on the hill, relax at the Caribou Chalet (located at the base), which features gorgeous views of the Athabasca Valley.

Banff Sunshine Village

Three mountains of diverse terrain make up this resort, located 4.5 hours from SLR. Affectionately described as having “Canada’s best snow,” Banff Sunshine Village is situated on the Continental Divide of the Rockies within Banff National Park in Alberta and Mt. Assiniboine Provincial Park in B.C. 120 trails are serviced by 9 chairlifts, with beginner, intermediate and expert slopes.

Treat yourself to a stay at the boutique hotel Sunshine Mountain Lodge, a ski-in, ski-out oasis.

Mt. Norquay (Banff National Park)

Just five minutes from the townsite of Banff (four hours from SLR) is Mt. Norquay Ski Resort, a smaller resort with 60 runs that’s great for families. With a fully lit terrain park, it features the only night skiing in the Alberta Rockies as well as Alberta’s largest tube park.

Fun fact: Norquay is the Rockies’ original ski resort, opened in 1926.

Lake Louise Ski Resort

Also within Banff National Park, Lake Louise is one of the largest ski resorts in North America,. With more than 145 runs spanning four mountain faces. it features a wide variety of terrain and phenomenal views of lakes, glaciers, forests and, of course, mountains.

In 2019, Lake Louise was voted the #1 Ski Resort in Canada at the World Ski Awards.

Nakiska Ski Area

Four hours from SLR in the Kananaskis Valley, Nakiska is another excellent choice for families, with 70% of its terrain rated as intermediate and a range of Learn to Ski programs offered.

The mountain was home to the Calgary 88 Olympic Alpine Events, and has easy access to Kananaskis Village with great dining, accommodation and spa options. Check out the upscale Kananaskis Mountain Lodge for a luxe getaway and the amazing Nordic Spa for hydrotherapy and massage.

Closer to home, we have several ski resorts within an hour or two from SLR, including Rabbit Hill Snow Resort (15 mins east of Devon), Snow Valley, (30 mins east of Spruce Grove), Sunridge (20 mins east of Edmonton), and Silver Summit (50 mins north of Edson).

Do you have a favourite ski spot in the area? Let us know in the comments!

We’re so thankful to have access to these incredible places. This list will stay up on the blog, so you can refer to it anytime you’re planning a trip.

Let’s Go Local ~ Our Favourite Restaurants Near SLR

One of the questions we often hear from people considering a move to Spring Lake Ranch is “What sort of restaurants are nearby?” It’s a question we love, because there are so many great options within a 15 minute drive!

Whether you’re looking for family-friendly dining or the perfect date-night spot, we’ve got you covered. Each of these 6 restaurants are in Spruce Grove and offer fantastic food. If you’d like to visit SLR to check out the community and/or available properties, consider making a day of it and grabbing lunch or dinner nearby!

Porta Romana

This family-style eatery features authentic Italian food made with fresh, local ingredients. Co-owner Pepeo grew up in Milan, where his father ran two successful restaurants. Together with Pepeo’s wife Karren and chef Aaron Smentek, the team at Porta Romano creates not only delicious food but a really beautiful, inviting ambience.

Recent Yelp review:

“Service is the best. Food is amazing . . . best place for a date or special occasion in Spruce Grove hands down.” ~ Joel A.

Tandoori Grill

If you like Indian cuisine, don’t miss this spot! The lunch buffet is amazing, with so many dishes to sample. If you’re coming to Tandoor Grill for dinner, allow extra time to peruse the extensive menu ~ and be sure to share with your fellow diners so you can all try a few things. Every single dish has so much flavour.

Recent Trip Advisor review:

“Spruce Grove, I hope you know what a gem you have! Tandoori Grill is amazing! Delicious, authentic Indian food which is well priced and always enough to take home some leftovers. They will adjust the spice level for you (mild, medium, hot). The beef vindaloo is absolutely divine.” ~Lara S.

Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria

Pizza lovers, look no further. Famoso knows what to do when it comes to cheesy, delicious pies of the savoury kind. All the pizzas are hand tossed and feature an airy Neapolitan crust that we can’t get enough of. Also on the menu is everything from soups, salads and sandwiches to charcuterie to pastas. Famoso is always a crowd pleaser and their Spruce Grove location is bright and welcoming with cozy seating.

Recent Trip Advisor review:

Famoso is my go to pizza place! Although there are many pizza outlets in the Parkland County area, there are none that can accommodate my allergen needs like Famoso does.
Although they cannot claim to be safe for celiacs, they are very accommodating in preparing my pizza in a separate space with careful service due to my gluten and nut allergies. I have never had a problem after eating what they serve me.
The food is delicious and the staff are very friendly. It’s great food for a decent price if you want a local treat!”
~Canadi-Lynn

Sakai Sushi Bar

Sushi is one of our favourite things to eat, and when it’s done well, there’s nothing more satisfying. So we were so happy to discover Sakai Sushi Bar, which offers a phenomenal variety with fantastic presentation. (One Facebook reviewer calls it “artwork on your plate.”) The restaurant’s sleek, modern decor and friendly service makes for an all-around awesome dining experience.

Recent Trip Advisor review:

“We have been here many times since they first opened. It is always excellent. Super, SUPER fresh ingredients and the service has always been excellent . . . if you love sushi this is THE place to go. So glad we no longer have to travel into Edmonton for great Japanese food.” ~Deidre K.

Something Else Restaurant

Featured as a “Worth the Drive’ eatery in Edmonton’s 2018 City Guide, Something Else offers contemporary Greek dishes, pasta and seafood. Which means it has something for everyone! Bring the kids, bring the grandparents, and enjoy delicious family recipes inspired by Chef Louie Balomenos.

Recent Facebook review:

The food was amazing and cooked to perfection. The flavours were on point! I had the calamari, mousakka + hummus, and the lamb souvlaki… sooo delicious. Great service! Can’t say enough about this place.” ~Anneluzelia Hernandez

Red Chili Leaf

Serving authentic Vietnamese and Thai food, Red Chili Leaf has a ton of tasty vegetarian, meat and seafood options to choose from. We love all the soups and noodle dishes, with rich, deep flavours that are especially perfect on a winter day.

Recent Trip Advisor review:

“Always amazing. Excellent service, fast, and the price was right! ~Tammy S.

Do you have any other favourite places to dine in Stony Plain or Spruce Grove? Let us know in the comments ~ we’d love to hear!

Lashes, Skin Care + Soups: 3 Fantastic Businesses at Spring Lake Ranch

Spring Lake Ranch is known for its beautiful custom homes, friendly residents, and natural surroundings. But did you know that it’s also home to the owners of some fantastic local businesses?

These three Spring Lake women have transformed their passions into their careers. We’re excited to share their stories, and welcome you to check out their wonderful products and services. Supporting local businesses is so important to keep our communities thriving–we’re proud to spread the word!

Lash & Co. ~ Eyelash Extensions

How cozy and relaxing is this space? Welcome to the treatment room of Lash & Co. at Spring Lake Ranch.

Owner Kristen Baker-Lepp is a PremierLash certified Lash Extentionist and Educator. She has been doing lashes for the last four years, and offers classic, volume, or mega volume looks customized for each client. Lash & Co. uses premium quality faux mink (100% silk) lashes and applies them 1-1 (1 faux lash to every natural lash), the best method for protecting your natural lashes. Kristen creates a spa-like experience for her clients with a heated bed and wonderful ambient music.

And as you can see, the lashes speak for themselves!

Follow Lash & Co. on instagram @lash.co

Spring Lake Naturals

Back in 2009, Terry Caron, a nurse, was researching natural ingredients to create a skin aid for a friend with psoriasis. Thus, the Healing Salve was born. The product worked for her friend’s flare-up, inspiring Terry to continue on this path. Soon she created herb-infused soaps and a lip balm, and began selling her products at local farmers markets. She quickly gained a loyal following!

Today Spring Lake Naturals is run by a team of three (with Denise Fortowsky and Raven King), and based in Stony Plain. All three women create products for the company, and you can find everything at the shop from bath bombs (they have more than 50 scents) and loofah bars to Relax Wax Candles and Melts. The products are also available on the Spring Lake Naturals site, and you can follow them on facebook here.

We love their focus on natural ingredients, and the products smell AMAZING.

The Jalapeno Mama

SLR resident Andrea Kosolofski runs a local business called “The Jalapeno Mama.” Most of the year, you can find her at the Stony Plain Farmers’ Market serving up her homemade soup and salsa creations–some spicy and some savory!

She LOVES food and this winter started teaching Meal Prepping Classes and how to cook in an Instant Pot to save time and money.  As a busy Mom of 2 kids, Andrea took her love of food and turned it into a small business helping other families make healthy meal choices. You can find her on facebook as The Jalapeno Mama, where she shares details on the latest products she’s been cooking (you can pre-order!) and upcoming cooking classes.

Thank you for supporting these wonderful women, and stay tuned for more posts on local independent businesses. You can stay up to date with SLR by subscribing to our newsletter (scroll down for sign up) or following us on facebook here and instagram @springlakeranch.

Let’s Go Local: Top Spots For Wellness Near SLR

Hello! We’re back with our second post in the Let’s Go Local series, where we feature fantastic local businesses — most located within minutes of Spring Lake Ranch. Our first post showcased 5 Home Decor shops, and we were thrilled with your response! 

In honor of February being the month of LOVE as well as Heart month (bringing awareness to cardiovascular health), this Let’s Go Local post is all about Wellness and Self Love. 

Sometimes the days and weeks go by so fast we don’t stop to check in on our own wellbeing. Having a regular practice of self care — whether it’s exercise, massage, nutrition based, or something else — can help you feel more present and joyful, even during challenging days.

These five businesses in the Stony Plain and Spruce Grove areas are invaluable to our residents, giving them opportunities to take care of themselves while supporting the local community. We hope it helps you discover a new favourite spot for some “me” time!

That Yoga Place

Located in Spruce Grove, That Yoga Place is a wonderful yoga studio offering daily drop-in hot and warm classes, from flow to yin to strength classes and even gentle candlelit sessions. Special pre-registered classes for youth and children are also available, as well as pre and post-natal sessions and a variety of workshops. (Acro for Beginners, Spring Detox Hot Flow, Learn to Fly and more are all coming up!) It really is a gem.

Says Josie Aleatha Willson: “Great variety of classes, all teachers are awesome and have unique personalities that shine through in their teachings.”

Bonus: Phoenix Physical Therapy is located in the same facility.

Bloom Therapy

Massage, acupuncture and holistic nutrition are all offered at Bloom Therapy, a wellness centre with two locations in Spruce Grove (in the Tri Village and Perpetual Fitness). Bloom’s team of practitioners help clients feel a sense of balance and healing in mind AND body. If you’re in need of relaxation, recovering from an injury, or have another concern suitable for holistic treatment, we highly recommend reaching out to Bloom!

Says Teigan McDermid: “Kristy [Bloom Therapy owner] is by far the best massage therapist I have ever had! She is very friendly, receptive, and professional; the atmosphere she has created makes me feel comfortable and relaxed throughout my massage. I always look forward to my next appointment as she goes above and beyond my expectations.”

Bonus: Bloom does direct billing!

Anytime Fitness

As its name suggests, Anytime Fitness — a global gym with locations around the world, including Stony Plain — is open 24/7, making it easier to fit a workout into your busy schedule. It’s super clean, has state-of-the-art equipment (and fresh towel service) and offers classes and personal training for all fitness levels. 

Says Megan Malloy: “Excellent variety of equipment. Lots of classes to choose from and staff is friendly and helpful!”

Bonus: Every Anytime Fitness member gets a free, personalized Get Started Plan when they join. 

Glow Salon Spa Nail

You didn’t think we’d leave out good old-fashioned pampering, did you? At Glow Salon Spa Nail in Spruce Grove, you can leave your worries at the door and settle in for services like a hair cut and colour, facial, massage, manicure, and more. The salon and spa’s hairstylists and spa therapists are highly trained and offer, professional, personalized service throughout your appointment. 

Says Ashley Hollett:  “I highly recommend Glow because of the talented staff, the wonderful atmosphere and the overall experience of being treated like a queen.”

Bonus: The Glow team is so friendly and welcoming!

Simply Health

Simply Health is your one-stop Spruce Grove shop for supplements: they offer everything from vitamins and minerals to herbs and protein powders. The staff prides itself on their customer service, product knowledge and experience — all part of what makes this an award-winning business. They have an excellent selection and take the time to help determine what you truly need.

Says Katie Orr: “Their focus is on customer service and education instead of just selling. I’ve recommended this store to people who aren’t sure where to start as I know they’ll be in good hands.”

Bonus: Membership is free, and members earn one point for every dollar spent on regular priced supplements. Once you get 100 points you can trade them in for $10 off your purchase!

Those are our top five picks for Wellness businesses close to SLR. If you any to add, let us know in the comments on our facebook post. And stay tuned for more Let’s Go Local posts coming this spring and summer!

p.s. Are you following us on instagram? Design trends, SLR homes, beautiful nature shots from the community…find us at @springlakeranch.