Ontario Nordic Spas You Won’t Want to Miss

Can you imagine yourself stepping into a world where time slows down? I know that’s what I crave during these crazy times that we’re living in! Welcome to the magic of Ontario’s Nordic spas! A place to go where time stands still! In this post we’ll take a look at some of the Nordic spas that are popping up around Ontario.

I love writing content for my fellow Ontario road trippers. However, there is a cost to run a website. There may be affiliate links scattered throughout the website. If you click on a link, don’t worry, there is no cost to you.

As the world continues to become messed up, people are searching for ways to escape from these tumultuous times. While Nordic spas have been popular in Europe for many years, they are now becoming more popular in North America, and specifically in Ontario.

In addition to seeking simple relaxation, Nordic Spas also provide many other health benefits, which we’ll get into later. In this post we’ll take a look at some popular Nordic Spas in Ontario, and hopefully some not-so-popular Nordic Spas.

Let’s explore Ontario’s must-visit Nordic Spas, all of which are a day road trip from Toronto. Before we begin, it’s important to note that the majority of Ontario Nordic Spa’s have a strict no photo policy. It’s for this reason that you won’t see many pictures of the actual spa areas in this post.

Scandinave Spa

Location: 152 Grey Road 21, The Blue Mountains

I’ll be honest, the Scandinave Spa is not exactly a hidden gem as far as Ontario Nordic Spas go. The Scandinave Spa is the most well-known Nordic spa in Ontario. It’s located in Blue Mountains, an Ontario year-round resort town and is busy throughout the year.

The Scandinave is a year-round Nordic Spa which offers a variety of hot and cold stations. I personally love the hot pool on a cold Winter evening. There’s something magical about relaxing while the snow falls and watching the skiers in the distance.

JUST ONE TIP: Reserve your spot for a Wednesday for discounted rates.

Along with the Nordic spa, there are also other services that can be booked at the Scandinave Nordic Spa:

• Guided Nordic Spa: This service can be booked if you aren’t sure how a Nordic Spa works, or you just want to get the most out of your visit
• Massages: You can reserve a spot for a massage with a licensed massage therapist. Scandinave offers various types of massages:
  • swedish
  • therapeutic
  • relaxation
  • prenatal
  • couples massage
• Forest Bathing: More on that subject on another post 🙂 . Suffice it to say that Forest Bathing encourages you to use all of your senses and is a form of meditation done in nature.

Both the outdoor spa area and inside lounge are quite large, but to me it still feels crowded. If crowds don’t bother you, then this Nordic Spa is ideal. You won’t find a better outdoor atmosphere.

Reservations are highly recommended! Reservation changes, cancellations, and refunds are permitted up to 24 hours before your appointment/reservation time. Same day reservations cannot be changed, cancelled or refunded.

Living Shore Spa

Location: 9 Harbour Street East, Collingwood

Unlike most other Ontario Nordic Spas, the Living Shore Spa is a hydrotherapy spa which offers the Nordic cycle of hot, cold, and rest. Like the concept behind Nordic Spas, hydrotherapy is necessary in stimulating the immune system, assisting in detoxification and promoting overall well-being.

The Living Shore Spa is located inside the Living Water Resort, and offers 8 rejuvenating water stations, alternating between hot and cold. If the Scandinave Spa is booked, then you might want to try the Living Shore Spa. Better yet, I highly recommend making a weekend of it, and stay overnight at the Living Water Resort.

The hydrotherapy session offered at the Living Shore Spa is ideal for a group of friends, a couple, or even a solo traveller.

You will be guided from one station to the next by your own personal guide. Not to worry, the guide does not stay with you throughout the session. She will return after the time limit to guide you to and explain the next session:

• detoxifying mineral bath
• 4 stage waterfall benches
• eucalyptus steam sauna
• glacier shower
• river walk (this was my favourite station)
• replenishing mineral bath
• exfoliation tub
• rain-head shower

As you or your group will be the only people at each station, you will experience the ultimate in privacy and relaxation.

Reservations are required. All guests must be a minimum of 18 years of age OR children 16-17 when accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in the aquapath service. You will be refused services if you arrive appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs or believed to be endangering the safety of yourself or others.

Wave Nordic Spa

Location: 324183 Mt Elgin Rd, Mount Elgin

I sure am glad that my daughter-in-law told me about this hidden gem. Wave Nordic Spa is a hidden gem located in Oxford County, in southern Ontario.

The spa has only been in operation for about a year and a half, but already has so much to offer – with more to come! Watch for the opening of a salt cave!

Guests are highly encouraged to reserve their spot, as the maximum capacity is 100 people. Your pass will allow you to spend as long as you like, relaxing in the tranquility that surrounds you.

Currently, the spa offers a “warm” pool, which is approximately 98 degrees, 1 large hot tub, heated stone beds, 1 cold plunge pool, a massive sauna, and 2 steam rooms: 1 citrus and 1 eucalyptus. Massages are also offered, but must be booked in advance.

When chatting with the owner during my visit, he said that they would be adding another hot tub, which will be amazing. They are also on the cusp of opening a salt room, which will provide more area for relaxation. If there is anything lacking with this Nordic Spa, it’s the number of rest areas, so the salt cave will be a welcome addition.

As this Nordic Spa is located on a golf course, there is a large restaurant which you can use. Reservations for lunch and/or dinner are required, but these can be made upon your arrival.

The restaurant also offers charcuterie and unlimited mimosa’s for 2 people, for 2 hours for $90.00 plus tax. Reservations are not required for this.

If you opt to visit the restaurant during your visit to the spa, robes are allowed.

If you want to stay to explore the area of Oxford County, or drive the Oxford County Cheese Trail, the best place to spend the night is the Elmhurst Inn.

Reservations are required. Only visitors 16 years of age will be allowed in the Nordic Spa.

Terra Nova Nordic Spa & Cafe

Location: 596145 Oxford 59, Woodstock

The Terra Nova Nordic Spa is definitely an Ontario hidden gem. When visiting this spa, you will feel like you’re one with nature.

Terra Nova is a family owned Nordic spa, which has been in operation for around 5 years. The owner’s love for this facility is evident in every nook and cranny. While this spa is much smaller than the other spa’s mentioned in this post, I feel that it’s also the most cozy and intimate of them all.

When visiting Terra Nova, you will have the option of 2 warm pools, 1 large hot tub, 1 sauna, a eucalyptus steam room, and 2 cold plunge pools. Massages are also available, but must be reserved in advance.

What I loved most about the Terra Nova Nordic Spa, is the number and intamacy of the rest areas. There are several dome tents which have lounge chairs, a firepit, a teepee which has a firepit inside, as well as a large (and I mean large) area with lounge chairs and beds.

The downside to this Ontario Nordic Spa is that reservations are only for 3 hours. I found this spot so relaxing, that I could have easily spent the day.

There is a restaurant on site which can also be visiting wearing robes. The restaurant serves light meals, such as sandwiches and salads. There is quite an extensive specialty coffee and tea menu.

Reservations are required. Please note that a cancellation policy applies to all bookings, regardless of circumstances. If you cancel within 24 hours of your appointment, 100% of the service fee will be charged. For cancellations made more than 24 hours in advance, a 50% fee will be applied. This policy is in effect for all spa packages and services booked.

Vetta Nordic Spa

Location: 3210 Line 3, Oro-Medonte

There has been much chatter about the Vetta Nordic Spa. As I haven’t yet visited, I’m unable to provide my feedback. Hopefully soon!

What to Bring to an Ontario Nordic Spa?

There’s not much you have to bring when visiting an Nordic Spa in Ontario, just the basics:

• swimsuit
• flip flops
• waterbottle (there are refillable water stations at the spa’s). This is one Nordic Spa necessity that you won’t want to leave home without!

What the Spa’s Provide

• lockers for your valuables
• either 1 or 2 towels (depending on the spa)
• robes
• showers with shampoo, conditioner, and soap
• hair dryers

Benefits of a Nordic Spa

As mentioned earlier, Nordic Spa’s are extremely popular in Europe – and for good reason. They aren’t just all about relaxation. Nordic Spa’s also offer a range of health benefits which is what makes them the perfect way to recharge your mind and body. Let’s take a look…..

✔️ Boosts Circulation: moving between hot and cold temperatures helps to stimulate the blood flow which improves circulation and helps oxygen to reach muscles more efficiently.

✔️ Relieves Muscle Stiffness & Joint Pain: the heat from the saunas and hot pools relax muscles and alleviate joint stiffness. This makes for a better recovery after exercising or long days full of adventure.

✔️ Reduces Stress & Enhances Sleep: the deep relaxation experienced at a Nordic Spa lowers cortisol (known as the stress hormone), which will promote better sleep by calming the nervous system.

✔️ Strengthens the Immune System: the cold-water plunge stimulates white blood cell production, which helps the body to fight off illness and inflamation.

✔️ Detoxifies the Body: sweating it out in saunas and steam rooms helps to flush out toxins.

✔️ Boosts Mental Clarity: the alternating heat and cold improves focus, energy levels, and overall mood. This makes you feel mentally sharper and more refreshed.

History of Nordic Spas

Nordic spas are rooted in the ancient Scandinavian tradition of thermal therapy, which is a practice that dates back thousands of years. The concept revolves around hot, cold, and rest. This concept is believed to rejuvenate both body and mind.

Origins in Scandinavia

Saunas have been a staple of Finnish culture for over 2,000 years. In the beginning, pits were dug in hillsides. Moreover, in addition to being used for relaxation, the heated pits were also used for bathing, healing and even childbirth.

In Sweden, Norway, and Iceland, natural hot springs were commonly used for both social and therapeutic purposes.

The Birth of the Thermal Cycle

Nordic countries developed the tradition of alternating between extreme heat (saunas, steam baths, hot pools) and cold exposure (ice baths, snow rolls – who didn’t do this as a child, cold plunges).

It was believed that this tradition would boost circulation, cleanse the body, and strengthen the immune system. However, this practice was later enhanced with designated relaxation periods, creating the hot-cold-rest cycle that defines modern Nordic spas.

Ontario Nordic Spas: In Conclusion

Ontario’s Nordic spas offer visitors the ultimate in relaxation. I hope you’re able to embrace the hot-cold-rest cycle, and let the stress melt away during your visit to Ontario.

New hidden gems and Nordic spa experiences pop up all the time. Make sure you check back for updates. I’m always on the lookout for the next must-visit Nordic spa. Did I miss your favourite Ontario Nordic spa? Let me know so I can check it out!

SAVE FOR YOUR VISIT TO ONTARIO NORDIC SPAS