Experiences
Canada's Top Nordic Spas: Where Wilderness Meets Wellness From Coast to Coast
Seeking deep relaxation? Canada’s Nordic spas embrace the healing power of thermotherapy, where hot saunas, cold plunges, and peaceful forest settings create the perfect escape. Whether nestled in the Rockies, perched on a lakeside retreat in the Maritimes, on situated in a natural hardwood forest in Ontario, these spas promise rejuvenation in nature’s embrace.
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Across Canada, from Nova Scotia to British Columbia, these five Nordic spas embrace Scandinavian traditions and provide a wellness experience focused on a guest’s goals to restore and revive.
SENSEA Nordic Spa
CHESTER, NOVA SCOTIA
Nestled on the shores of Stanford Lake, an hour from Halifax, immerse yourself in the trifecta of thermal and hydrotherapy cycles: hot, cold, and relax. Enjoy hot baths, barrel or tree saunas, a hammam, cold plunge, waterfall, or ice fountain. The extensive forest-surrounded site includes wellness options such as a salt ritual, forest yoga, facial hut, and fire pit, as well as massage and facial treatments. Coming soon – on-site accommodations.
Vetta Nordic Spa
ORO-MEDONTE, ONTARIO
Channeling the owners’ Finnish heritage, this outdoor spa showcases authentic Finnish art and architecture, using imported Finnish wood and stones in its saunas. Encouraging social interaction (but not technology—this is a mobile-free zone!), guests can sign up for a guided hydrotherapy session, sample Finnish cuisine at the bistro, or take part in complimentary wellness activities such as forest bathing, soundbathing, and equinox and solstice celebrations.
Nordik Spa-Nature
CHELSEA, QUÉBEC
As the largest spa in North America, this expansive outdoor wellness centre boasts nine pools, eight saunas, seven outdoor massage areas, and numerous quiet spaces. Guests follow the thermotherapy cycle, ideally completing three rounds of hot, cold, and rest. Be sure to include a Kalla treatment in a salt-water flotation pool or experience the Aufguss sauna ritual for maximum health benefits.
Kananaskis Nordic Spa
KANANASKIS VILLAGE, ALBERTA
Surrounded by the Rockies and pine forest in southwest Alberta, guests can stroll the spa pathways to choose between a Banya sauna or Eucalyptus & Alchemist steam cabin before a cold plunge. Relax in outdoor hammocks, the Calm Cabin, or the Finnish sauna. The Relaxation Lodge offers lounging, treatments, and dining at Two Trees Bistro. Make it a weekend getaway by booking next door at Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge.
RITUAL Nordic Spa
VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA
Influenced by Nordic family traditions, this urban spa on Vancouver Island guides guests through a circuit of sauna, steam, cold plunge, salt lounge, and outdoor patios. Choose from two massage styles or stop at Apres Café for tea macarons, kombucha, or a locally brewed Driftwood Cold Plunge pilsner—the perfect way to toast to self-care.
Waheeda Harris
Contributor
Freelance journalist Waheeda Harris happily roams the planet learning about our wonderful world, but always thrilled to learn the stories and history of Canada, the country she calls home. She's a contributor to Canadian newspaper, magazine and online publications.
