Strom Spa Quebec Review: Joy On The River

A honest review of my first visit to Strom Spa Quebec City

The sign said, “Strom River.” I followed it. Away from the saunas and cold plunges, down a narrow corridor and some stairs leading into water, where I found one of the most fun and unique features of any spa I’ve been to in Canada.

Officially named Strøm Spa Nordique Vieux-Quebec, this day spa in Quebec City is one of a group of Strom Spas in the province. I had already visited Strom Montreal, and I was hoping that this one offered a similar experience of hot, cold, relax in a quiet, natural outdoor setting. It did. And more.

Strom Spa Quebec City offers a Nordic-style thermal waters circuit in a peaceful environment with panoramic water views inspired by the local landscape. I spent a lazy late afternoon/early evening there with one of my best friends—a chance to stop walking up and down the historic city and just chill out. Here’s what I learned on my first visit I think you should know in order to have the best experience.

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First Impressions

This Strom Spa Nordique is located right on the banks of the mighty St. Lawrence River, a short drive from the centre of Quebec City. Across the street is the backside of Battlefields Park, a whole lot of green space that make this area feel ever further away from urban life.

The building’s exterior is boxy and beige and pulling into the large parking lot out front it wasn’t exactly giving “spa.” But that’s why you go inside.

The lobby and check-in are what you’d expect at a day spa—key for your locker, directions to the change rooms, etc.— but nothing extra. We were encouraged to make a reservation for food or drinks but decided we wanted to maximize our soaking and sweat time without being tied down. There’s no tour, and I saw no map. So after a quick change into our suits and robes we went exploring on our own.

What services and facilities are at Quebec City’s Storm Spa Nordique?

The Scandinavian word Strøm means current, and the Strom Spa Quebec City design is based upon the flow of water and its connection to the riverbank. There are three levels, with lots of nooks to explore, and all leading down towards that lovely river view. The thermal experience facilities are:

• Infinity-style temperate/warm pool overlooking the St. Lawrence river
• Thermal hot pools (two, one with waterfall)
• Lazy River (warm)
• Finnish saunas (two)
• Eucalyptus and essential oil steam baths (two)
• Cold plunge pools (three)
• Salt scrub area
• Relaxation areas, some with fireplaces and one indoors
• Laga Floatation Bath (extra charge)

Is this a Quiet Spa or can you talk?

The official policy is that Strom is silent, with whispering in “designated areas.” I didn’t see any signage indicating what those areas are and we weren’t given any instructions from the staff. During our visit on a Friday afternoon is was not very crowded and the guests were all pretty quiet – no silence policing required.

I did see signage prohibiting cameras/phones in certain pools. For the most part, this was respected. The atmosphere was peaceful and relaxing, and my friend and I felt comfortable speaking in low volume.

Now Tell me about more about the Strom Spa Lazy River

OK, I teased you up above about the Strom River. This is…an adult lazy river. Like you find at amusement parks, where a gentle current carries you around a loop. Only this one is warm. And at a spa.

I didn’t know what to expect when I grabbed my foam floatie and waded into this pool. The only river ride I’ve been on has been an inner tube down a real river where I flipped over and swallowed a bunch of water and it made me miserable. Not here.

I leaned back onto the floatation device and let the “river” take over. It’s a small loop, and I quickly went around. And around. I couldn’t help but laugh out loud—this was so fun!

My friend, well, she loved it so much she didn’t want to get out. I wandered off to the steam room, sauna and cold plunge. And every time I passed by the Strom River there she was, happily going around and around. She told me later that this was the most relaxed she had been in years. I admit that I went back twice too!

Strom Spa’s Beautiful Views

Another feature of Strom Spa Quebec City is a large infinity pool. The views from here are just lovely. You can lean up against the edge with the spa grounds behind you and feel like you are alone with the river.

The largest of the two Finnish saunas also has a great views of the St. Lawrence through a full-size glass window.

Like the other Strom Spa I visited in Montreal, the grounds here are not overly manicured. It feels very natural, with wildflowers and native grasses. You can enjoy this from the pool, from a lounge chair, or even a swing.

After a few hours of grey skies, the clouds parted around dinner and we got a nice golden hour in a beautiful place. I made sure to try the complimentary salt scrub (which made my skin so soft) and all the cold plunges before one last loop around the lazy river.

Wait, there’s a float pool?

So before I write up reviews for this blog I double check my notes are accurate and that’s when I found out that Strom Spa Quebec City has a saltwater floatation pool. And it’s apparently “North America’s largest floatation bath.” I thought for sure this must have just opened because how could I miss it? But it’s true. Damn.

Access to the Laga floatation bath is an additional charge. And the entrance is separate from the rest of the spa. I can only guess that’s how we missed it while making our reservation to the thermal waters and also while we were on site. Even though this is one of my favourite things at spas, I can’t be too sad because that gave me more time in the lazy river.

If you do the Laga experience let me know what you thought!

Is Strom Spa Quebec City worth it?

There is a lot to do in Quebec City, at all times of the year. Is it worth taking a half-day to visit the Strom Spa? I say yes.

This is my second visit to a Strom Spa location and they do thermal waters relaxation very well. My one caveat is that the customer service isn’t particularly warm, and Strom is missing those little extras that make a spa day truly blissful. But the location is perfect. You would usually have to go far out from a city to experience this kind of Nordic spa space in a natural environment, so being able to access this with a 15-minute car ride was a treat. Also, lazy river!

Know Before You Go

My last visit was June 2025.. Always check their website for latest info and promotions.

Where: Strom Spa Nordique Vieux-Quebec is at 515 Bd Champlain, about 2 km from the heart of the old city. Depending on where you are staying, you may be able to grab public transit—a bus stop is very close. From our hotel we needed a taxi. There is plenty of free parking.

When: Open daily from 9am to 10pm. You can stay as long as you like but no re-entry. Reservations are recommended. Walk-ins are allowed if space permits.

What to bring? A swimsuit (mandatory) flip-flops or sandals (mandatory) and your water bottle. A plastic bag to put your wet suit in afterwards is handy as they don’t supply. There is no wi-fi.

Your entry fee includes a robe, unlimited towels and a locker. Change rooms are basic but clean and have shampoo, conditioner and body wash, hair dryers and straighteners. Some swimsuits, sandals and water bottles are sold on site, along with various beauty products including sunscreen. Note they do not accept cash.

How Much: There are a few tiers of price packages. Thermal Experience starts at $69 (for after 5pm) and rises to $104 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, on holidays, school breaks, or during high season (July to September).

A “comfort” package is $150-$200 depending on the day. It adds on the floatation pool, juice, something called “lumino meditation” and “bathrobe exchangeable once at no additional cost.” Honestly, Nordic spas need to make all the robes exchangeable with your admission fee. They get wet. They get cold. It feels like “hostile architecture” that’s designed to limit the time you will spend there. Adding this to a more expensive package makes it worse, like they know it’s a better experience and for $69-$104 that’s not included. (Rant over.)

Thermal waters are not included in the price of massages or treatments.

Ready to hit the spa? Read my Dos and Don’ts for Day Spa Etiquette before you go!