My 17-year-old daughter and I have enjoyed some of our best bonding moments over a pedicure, facial or massage — even if we’re in different treatment rooms.

Granted, not all spas welcome children with open arms. We discovered this on several occasions when Vanessa was about nine. Many spas observe a strict adults-only policy that bans anyone younger than 16 years from setting foot on the premises.

Fortunately, that may soon be a thing of the past. According to the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC), spa health and wellness tourism is about to expand in a major way, opening its doors to more and more families.

Noting that teenage girls already love the glamour of a luxurious spa experience, the CTC predicts that spas soon will cater to ever-younger visitors, including boys. It also predicts the evolution of kids-only spa services.

Until such time, you may have to do a little more legwork to find spas that will welcome your whole family.

Here are three different spa experiences to get you started:

INN ON THE COVE & SPA

Saint John, N.B.

Perched on the shore of the majestic Bay of Fundy, next to the Irving Nature Park and just 10 minutes from the centre of historic Saint John, the Inn on the Cove and Spa offers a full menu of health, wellness and beauty treatments.

All of the rooms overlook the beach so you can watch the 28-foot rise and fall of the tides each day. “We have a lot of extended families that come and stay with us,” says owner Willa Mavis. “Our ocean-front efficiency suite, for instance, can accommodate a family of four and includes a full kitchen and its own private entrance leading directly to the beach.”

If you’re pregnant, a new mom or just plain harried, The Mother’s Moments (2.5 hours, $115 on weekdays, $129 on weekends) will provide you with some much-needed pampering. It includes an upper body massage, pedicure and lunch.

For the rest of the family, there’s lots to see and do in and around Saint John. Families love the “absolutely wild” jet boat rides at the Reversing Falls, notes Mavis. There’s also the Fundy Trail where you can hike and traverse a rope bridge. Or go whale watching, drive to St. Martin’s Caves or visit the New Brunswick Museum.

ISLAND LAKE LODGE

Fernie, B.C.

However you choose to spend your time at Island Lake Lodge , restoration of the soul is pretty much a slam dunk. Set amidst the magnificent wilderness of more than 7,000 acres of old growth forest in southeast British Columbia’s Cedar Valley, the resort is a 20-minute drive from the historic town of Fernie (population: 5,040).

“Our spa is open to all ages because we believe in wellness for everyone,” says Cathy Morris, spa manager. The couples’ wellness package (2 hour, $320; 1.5 hour, $240) is also popular with moms and daughters. As well as 30-minute massage that works well for younger children is available ($55). “Parents are welcome to stay in the treatment room or to come and go as they please,” says Morris. The couples’ wellness package (2 hour, $320; 1.5 hour, $240) is also popular with moms and daughters.

There aren’t any supervised programs for children per se, but it’s “easy to keep everyone entertained while parents take turns in the spa,” notes Morris. The rest of the family can join a guided discovery walk around Island Lake, or
a more challenging guided adventure hike up one of the many mountain trails that fan out from the resort.

There are also three outdoor hot tubs and several large fireplaces where you can play a game of Monopoly, checkers or chess.

THE RIMROCK RESORT HOTEL

Banff, Alta.

Overlooking the town of Banff in Banff National Park, Rimrock Resort Hotel is a good place to kick back and enjoy some luxurious spa services amidst the splendour of the Rocky Mountains.

There’s an extended menu of spa treatments including facials, body wraps and scrubs, hand and foot care, reflexology and Swedish or aromatherapy massages.

The spa takes children 15 years of age and up, or younger if accompanied by an adult. There’s a half-hour facial ($70) that’s particularly popular with teen girls who also tend to enjoy a manicure (1 hour, $65) and a pedicure (1 hour, $85).

For younger kids or those who aren’t interested in the spa, there’s an indoor pool and whirlpool and an outdoor pool deck with lounge chairs, tables and music. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult, as there is no lifeguard. The hotel can also put you in touch with a fully-accredited, certified babysitting service ($15/hour).

Of course, Banff itself is a veritable mountain playground for families. There’s horseback riding, fishing, hiking, tennis, white-water rafting, gondola rides and the famous outdoor hot springs pool at Sulphur Mountain. There are also several magnificent mountain golf courses.

Luxury for the little ones

The list of spas offering kids-only treatments
is growing. Here are some more spots that will absolutely spoil your children:

Along with a variety of adult treatments, the En Vogue Day Spa in Regina offers selections for teens (ages 11 ““ 16) and tweens (three ““ 10). The Teen Acne-Buster Facial (1 hour, $62) is for teens with problem skin, and little ones will love a Little Princess Sparkly Mani (30 minutes, $29), complete with cotton-candy scented hand soak!

Peaches & Cream Spa in Edmonton offers a Princess Spa Birthday Party for up to eight little beauty queens. Parties can include gentle pedicures with toenail gems, foot massages, play glitter makeup and mini polish to take home. Cost varies depending on treatment, and there is a three-guest minimum.

Bring the spa home with Coquitlam B.C.-based Princess Spa Package. For $35 per princess, a party of five to 10 girls (ages 7 ““ 12 for 1-2 hours) get their dainty little fingers and toes filed and polished, plus a “pampering gift package” to take home.