Nordik Spa-Nature
Where: 16, chem. Nordik, Chelsea, QC
Cost: $94 all-day access
Nordik Spa-Nature Chelsea may be the most popular spa on the list as it's the largest spa in North America. The facility features 10 outdoor baths, nine saunas, an infinity pool, a saltwater flotation pool, several resting areas, a yoga and meditation room, and an exfoliation room. Guests don't have a set departure time and are welcome to stay as long as they’d like with a day pass.
The massive property is broken up into three distinct sections: Kaskad for silence, Panorama where socializing is allowed, and Borëa where guests can talk quietly. Each section of the spa has thermal experiences with a hot pool at the centre and rustic wood and rock exteriors creating a natural and relaxing ambiance.
The spa offers a variety of ritualistic sauna experiences, or aufguss, where for no extra cost spa-goers can partake. Guides assist guests through different sensory experiences that feature fluctuation in temperature, aromatherapy, meditation, and vapour towel-waving techniques.
However, bigger is not always better. Nordik Spa is extremely popular, meaning there are often long lines for check-in and overcrowding. Even with the quiet zones, you may still struggle to find a quiet space to relax.
Only one towel is given to guests and a one-size fits all robe. Many people have recommended bringing your own from home. Because it is a popular tourist spot and borders Ontario, you may struggle to find the relaxation you were looking for and get caught in line-ups.
Scandinave Spa
Where: 4280, mnt Ryan, Mont-Tremblant, QC
Cost: $110-$150 all-day access
The most expensive of the spas featured, Scandinave Spa in Mont-Tremblant has all the essentials like cold plunges, hot baths, and wet and dry saunas. It is not as large of a spa facility as others but there is one unique feature that sets it apart. Absolutely no talking.
On one-hand many people appreciate the commitment to relaxation, while others have mentioned that even whispering is not allowed and they were shushed by employees.
Alcohol is not served at the spa which takes away the risk of a “party atmosphere” that many people don’t enjoy when looking to unwind.
The amenities are beautiful, working to compliment the natural scenery of Mont-Tremblant. In the busy season however the spa can be extremely crowded due to being such a popular tourist destination.
Although this is the most expensive spa on the list and there is no set time limit for departure, guests have to pay an additional $10 to rent a robe. It may be worth saving the added cost of being in a tourist destination and heading to a more reasonably priced, larger facility.
Spa le Finlāndāis
Where: 124, boul Labelle, Rosemère, QC
Cost: $54 to $64 for four hours
Spa le Finlāndāis offers a variety of dry and wet saunas, vapour rooms, hot pools, cold plunges, and relaxation zones, allowing their guests to spread out and choose saunas that suit their preferences. In total this spa features 8 baths, 9 saunas, and 8 relaxation zones. Spa le Finlāndāis features saunas from around the world, obeying temperatures and styles from the sauna's country of origin.
A fan favourite of Spa le Finlāndāis is the salt exfoliation shower room where guests are invited to fill a bucket with large grains of salt rock and exfoliate their skin.
Two large outdoor hot baths are featured in the center of the spa’s courtyard with blazing outdoor fires guests can lounge near. As to Andreas' point, there are quiet lounging areas out of the cold as well, but not as many as would be expected to accommodate all of the guests that visit. In the winter months, this spa can feel quite crowded due to some of the saunas and pools being small. Guests can rent a towel and robe for an additional cost so consider bringing one from home.
Förena Cité Thermale
Where: 25, rang des Vingt Cinq Est, Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, QC
Cost: $80 for 6 hours
This intimate and brand-new spa opened in 2020 and has gained a reputation for offering beautiful modern facilities and notable cleanliness. Smallest of the spas reviewed, the facility features three “universes”: Iceland, Germany, and Russia with distinct thermotherapy experiences. In total this spa includes 3 hot baths, 2 cold baths, 2 saunas, 1 steam bath, and 6 relaxation areas.
Included for free with your pass are yoga sessions and aufguss sessions. Activities like yoga are rarely offered without additional charge so if that is your thing, Förena might be right for you.
A bathrobe and towel are included with your reservation for no extra cost and with the added benefit of free activities, this is a great choice for those looking to relax and have guided meditations.
Finally, drum roll please for our favourite spa…
Strøm Spa Nordique
Where: 930, boul. des Laurentides, Piedmont, QC
Cost: $64 to $94 for all-day access
Strøm Spa Nordique has five locations, including one in the heart of Old Montreal, but the top spot goes to Strøm Spa St-Sauveur. The massive complex sits on the Simon River which is accessible to guests. The spa features five hot pools, two temperate pools, one outdoor cold shower, one steam bath, two dry saunas, one indoor relaxation area, one outdoor relaxation area, and river access.
There's no allotted time limit for guests to use the spa. Towels are self-serve and each guest gets a free robe to use while visiting. That means you can grab a new towel whenever you’d like. No one wants to be wrapped in a wet towel in the middle of winter.
The size of the facility is what really sets it apart. It can accommodate a large number of guests without any area feeling overcrowded and hectic. Guests don’t have to worry about walking large distances between the amenities as they are fairly close together and the facility is easy to navigate. The added ambiance of the river running through the grounds invites spa-goers in to experience the natural beauty and go for a swim in the river.
