Molly Ringwald will headline a girls’ getaway weekend in Jasper, Alberta this spring. (Photo courtesy of Fairmont Hotels)
Story by Jenn Smith Nelson
Vacay.ca Contributor
JASPER, ALBERTA — When you think of a female movie icon from the 1980s, Molly Ringwald should easily come to mind. Starring in scads of hits from “Pretty in Pink” to “Sixteen Candles” to “The Breakfast Club” pretty much solidified her status these days as a retro ’80s goddess. AmIright? That is why it is so cool that she will be making a guest appearance at an annual ultimate girls’ getaway weekend in Jasper.
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge has pulled out all the stops this year by inviting Ringwald to its mid-March ’80s-themed PJ Party.
As winter winds down and spring approaches, March is a great time for a weekend escape away with the girls. It’s even better when a celebrity – especially one you adored through the years — joins in.
The Ultimate Slumber Party
Fun is pretty much guaranteed at the retro-themed affair. Kicking the event off is a “Sixteen Candles” welcome reception and slumber party where ladies are invited to sport their favourite pair of jammies, meet firefighters from the “Turn up the Heat” calendar, and enjoy a Vodka Candy Bar.
If you go, don’t forget to pack your hairspray, headbands and legwarmers for themed ’80s classes like aerobics and breakdancing. And if ever there was a time to break out your big hair and prom attire, the “Pretty in Pink” gala dinner is it — it’s also when you can get a pic snapped with Ringwald. The night winds up after a four-course meal with an ’80’s Karaoke Dance Party.
Taking place March 13-15 and hosted by Kari Skelton (morning radio host of “The Wake Up Show” on up! 99.3 FM Edmonton), other activities include cooking alongside Julie Van Rosendaal, Calgary-based author and a judge for the Vacay.ca Top 50 Restaurants in Canada Guide, and a farewell “Breakfast Club” brunch.
A silent auction featuring vintage ’80s toys will also be held to raise money for the Edmonton Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation. This is an ideal weekend getaway for girlfriends, moms and daughters, bridal parties or those looking for a unique and fun experience.
Two-night packages start at $689 per person and include oodles of extras (welcome gift, some meals and beverages, classes, entertainment, gratuities and more).
Can’t make it to Jasper? Not to worry. Here are some suggestions for other fabulous girls’ getaways in Canada:
Point-Verte, New Brunswick — Relax and reconnect with the girls at the Three Pyjama Getaway at Gite Toutes Saisons B&B. Amenities include two nights in a seaside room, meals including fireside-supper raclette style, massages and more ($250 per person).
Montréal — Say bonjour to cosmopolitan Quebec and enjoy downtime at notable on-the-water spa Bota-Bota, a visit to the Montreal Museum of Fine arts, a four-course meal at La Cuvée, service of the sommelier, evening snacks, breakfast and a one-night stay at the Hôtellerie Champêtre. ($368 for two adults).
Ottawa — Retreat to the Capital, where you will find highly customizable getaways to match your budget, with different price points and add-on options such as spa treatments and museum tickets. Select your own hotel and choose between hot spots such as Nordik Spa Nature, C’est Bon Epicurean Adventures and the National Gallery of Canada. Prices vary, depending on hotel and add-on options.
Muskoka — Ontario‘s favourite cottage region offers a March getaway with the girls (and the family, too). At the splendid Deerhurst Resort, you can try some freshly tapped maple syrup, head out skiing or snowboarding at Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area, then spend the afternoon rejuvenating at the spa (from $175 per night – prices based on double occupancy).
Winnipeg — Fort Garry, Ten Spa and Yoga Public work together to offer several spa and wellness getaways, including: the Ultimate Wellness Pajama Party (starting at $1,328 for four), Two-night Wellness Escape (starting at $618 for two) and the Hamam + Yoga Overnight Package (starting at $398 for two), just to name a few.
Whistler, British Columbia — If it’s all luxury all the way that you are after, consider Nita Lake Lodge. This Girls’ Getaway package includes accommodation, breakfast, welcome cocktails, a four-hour spa package for two (massage, facial, mani and pedi), yoga, an outdoor adventure of your choice (i.e. dogsledding, hiking, snowshoeing), dinner with a wine pairing and more ($2,709.20 for two adults).
Vernon, British Columbia — The Okanagan region is also an ideal choice for a ladies weekend retreat. Head to the largest spa in Canada, Sparkling Hill Resort’s KurSpa, where a Girls’ Wellness Getaway includes: two nights in a deluxe room, $100 spa credit, spa access, hot buffet breakfast, a two-course dinner and more ($485 per night for two, with a minimum two-night stay required).
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MORE ABOUT FAIRMONT JASPER PARK LODGE
Website: www.fairmont.com/jasper/
Address: Old Lodge Road, Jasper Alberta, Canada
Phone: Toll Free (Room Reservations only): 1-866-540-4454
Email: jasperparklodge@fairmont.com
Book PJ Party Package: Click here
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