The Ultimate Guide to Portland’s Wellness Scene
Updated: Oct. 10, 2018
This Pacific Northwest city has a rep for being quirky. Go for the whimsical attitude (and a doughnut or two) but stay for the wealth of healthy options for a unexpectedly well-balanced vacation itinerary.
Hike at Mount Tabor
This extinct volcano right in the city is a grassy escape from the city streets and this park is the ideal way to fit in some hiking without leaving the city. Book a hike with First Nature Tours so you can learn about the flora and city history while working up a sweat during an easy hike through this urban forest.
Stay at Hi-Lo Hotel, Autograph Collection
Location, location, location, they say. Boutique hotel Hi-Lo is well situated downtown, just a 10-minute walk to the waterfront (where you can complete your morning run). The modern rooms are spacious and bright (keeping your circadian rhythm on track) and the lobby’s forest-inspired design complements Oregon’s beautiful landscape.
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Eat at Tusk
Portlanders take brunch very seriously and one major contender for best brunch in the city is Tusk. The menu at this bright and airy resto is Middle Eastern-inspired and vegetable-driven; think vegetable plates of the most fresh and flavourful produce served with whipped feta and herb tehina and sandwiches made with a satisfyingly crunchy layer of cucumbers and cabbage.
View this post on InstagramGrilled corn, peppers, walnuts, coriander, feta || #tuskpdx #locallysourced
Spa at Löyly
When you need a take a vacation from your vacation (dashing from sight to sight can be exhausting), schedule a visit to Löyly, a communal Scandinavian-inspired spa, for a self-care break. Sweat out any stresses in a cedar sauna, and rejuvenate with a skin mask add-on. This Alberta-based Nordic spa is adding a hint of Canada to its Scandinavian tradition.
Support sustainability at The Nines
The rooftop bar of Departure Restaurant at The Nines, A Luxury Collection Hotel (which boasts a LEED Silver Certification) will feed your soul as you sip on a coconut water-based cocktail. Out of view to guests, The Nines hosts beehives just around the way from the rooftop patio, and also grows a number of herbs, veggies and runs a tilapia hydroponic system.
Shop for eco-friendly local souvenirs
Who needs another keychain or magnet? For souvenirs that you’ll get some use out of and are good to mother nature, invest in a toothbrush from The Goodwell Co. They’re made with a recycled aluminum handle and have bristles made of bad-breath-fighting activated charcoal (the brush heads are also replaceable for optimal sustainability). Top up your buy with some soap and shampoo from Maak Lab, which uses ingredients from local farms, and your bathroom routine is practically complete.
Find your zen in the Portland Japanese Garden
Join a tour to get an in-depth understanding of the five different types of garden styles at the Portland Japanese Garden, or just marvel on your own at the fresh air, immaculate landscaping, plant varieties and authentic tea house. Every component of the garden has purpose, whether to slow down your pace or to mimic a soothing flow of water. While you’re there, try forest bathing for some serious health benefits.
Get your retail therapy fix
With athletic giants like Nike, Columbia, Keen, Under Armour and Adidas all headquartered in Portland, with a little digging, surely you can score some deals or discover shoe or apparel finds unavailable back home. Besides, you can save room in your carry-on by shopping for fitness gear upon arrival.
Indulge your sweet tooth
For all of the recreational sports you can participate in here (paddling, running, biking and hiking, to name just a few), Portland offers just as many places to get your sweet-fix reward. Must-not misses include handmade ice cream from Salt & Straw (have fun tasting their inventive flavours including beet red velvet cake and peanut butter and pickles) and doughnuts from Voodoo Doughnut (insta-famous for its eclectic decor and kooky creations) and Blue Star Donuts, the go-to choice for gourmands (our pick: the Valrhona Chocolate Crunch).
Next, visit this desert country for an unforgettable wellness experience.
