Best Nordic Spas in Quebec for a winter vacation

Quebec Nordic Spas to get you through the winter

Estimated reading time: 15 minutes

If you’re seeking Nordic Spas in Quebec you have so much choice, from urban spas in Montreal and Quebec City to more remote spots in the forest. I don’t know if it’s because the province has a more European culture, or just more ski hills needing hot tubs, but the whole concept of hot+cold+relax seems to have been established there before other places in this country. Quebec is like the capital of Nordic spas in Canada.

To make things easier for you, in this post I’ve selected spas that offer a truly Nordic experience outdoors, or have special, unique features, arranged by region. Let’s find you the perfect spot for your best spa day ever!

Table of Contents:

What is a Nordic Spa?

What is the price of a Nordic Spa in Quebec?

Best Nordic Spas in Quebec City region

Best Nordic Spas in Montreal region

Best Nordic Spas in Trois-Rivieres

Best Nordic Spas in Sherbourne and Eastern Townships

Nordic Spas near Ottawa/ Gatineau

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Nordic Spas in Quebec are open year-round, but are especially lovely in winter, when treetops glisten with snow and frost and icy cold makes a sauna the best idea. And take advantage of many rivers for your cold plunge!

Quebec does winter right, overall, with its world-famous carnivals and festivals and outdoor activities beyond skiing and snowboard—think ice skating and snowshoeing and dog sledding. They know that it’s much easier to get through the cold, dark months with bonfires and firepits. So their Nordic spas are well-thought out for winter. Some have accommodations on site, such as rustic Swiss-style chalets or modern apartments, to make it a real wellness getaway.

Remember that Quebec is a French-speaking province and the further you go from the main cities the more likely you’ll be in an all-French environment. “Bonjour” and “Merci” go a long way. All the businesses below have bilingual websites so you can get info in English.

What is a Nordic Spa?

A Nordic Spa, which can also be called a Scandinavian spa or hydrotherapy spa, is a facility where you can move between hot (a sauna or heated pool, e.g.) and cold (ice water bucket, or even rolling in the snow!), relax, then repeat the circuit.

This list of Nordic Spas in Quebec is dedicated to outdoor experiences. This is different from spas which may have similar amenities but are exclusively or mostly inside. Because anyone can add a cold plunge—at a great Nordic Spa you can see, smell, hear and feel nature!

What is the price of a Nordic Spa in Quebec?

Nordic Spas in Quebec are generally less expensive than spas in the rest of Canada, with most offering day passes for less than $100.

Most of these spas also offer traditional treatments like massage, facials, manicures, etc. In some cases, the thermal water circuit is included with treatments, or treatments over a certain amount. But check because it’s usually ala carte and costs extra.

One thing to double check when you book is if your robe, towel and sandals are included. A lot of these places charge extra to rent that – presumably so that locals can BYO and save money? Not sure the logic there otherwise….

This list solo travel friendly: I would feel comfortable going to these spas as a single woman. But if you haven’t been yet, note that Nordic spas are often used by couples for a romantic getaway or groups of women celebrating a birthday/bachelorette, etc. Whatever way you like to spa, I hope there’s one on this list here for you.

Health disclaimer: Benefits of hydrotherapy can include improved circulation and reduced soreness. But don’t take my word for it—or the spas’ actually. If you’re new to hydrotherapy, please discuss with a medical professional as not all treatments are safe for all people. (Pregnant women especially should know the risks.)

Now, on to my list of the Best Nordic Spas in Quebec!

Best Nordic Spas in Quebec City region

Strøm Spa Québec City

If you’re looking for a Nordic spa in Quebec City, this is my first choice. There are five locations of Strom Nordic spas in Quebec. This one is perfectly located just a few minutes’ drive from the historic centre of Quebec City, on the banks of the St. Lawrence River. It has everything you expect – Finnish saunas, steam rooms, thermal hot pools, cold plunges and cozy relaxation areas. Strom Spa Quebec also has some unique features that elevate the experience: soaking in the warm infinity pool overlooking the river makes it feel like a luxury nature getaway, and a lazy river is carefree fun. A salt floatation bath is available at an extra charge.

📆 Reservations? Yes, recommended.
🤫 Talking? Quiet environment, with whispering in designated areas.
💰 Price? Starts at $69 (after 5pm) and rises to $104 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, on holidays, school breaks, or during high season. Includes one robe, unlimited towels and a locker, but no sandals which are mandatory so BYO or purchase on site.

Read my in-depth review of Strom Spa Quebec

Sibéria Spa

A family-friendly spa in nature about 17km north of Quebec City that offers special access on Sunday mornings for children aged 5 to 15 to accompany an adult for the thermal waters. (Otherwise, it’s 16 and up.) Circuit includes warm pools, dry sauna, steam bath, cold pools with waterfall and a river to plunge into. Relax in hammocks inside their Siberian yurt. Accessible by public transit.

📆 Reservations? No. Walk-in only.
🤫 Talking? One silent zone, one whisper zone.
💰 Price? Regular entry $60 includes towel and locker. Robe rental is an extra $10. Sandals are mandatory and not provided; buy for $15.

Le Nordique Spa Stoneham

Keep going north from Quebec City about 40km until you reach the Jacques-Cartier River and find Spa Stoneham. It’s a place to truly disconnect—no wifi and spotty cell service around here. Visit for the day or book a stayover in one of their mini-chalets with kitchen and fireplace, which includes access to the spa and its Finnish saunas, Turkish steam baths, cold pools, hot tubs and relaxation rooms. Note that they have a policy that if it’s not busy from Monday to Thursday, they may close off certain pools or saunas (like, if they have two, they will close one) to save energy. They also boast clean energy sources such as using wood pellets, to reduce emissions.
Price: Tality operates on a membership/pass system, but you can book a single drop in for $45.

📆 Reservations? No. Walk-in only unless you have a massage appointment or chalet reservation.
🤫 Talking? Not specified.
💰 Price? From $54 to $69 depending on time slot. Includes two towels and locker. Must rent or purchase robe and sandals, or BYO.

Le Versant Mont-Sainte-Anne

Near ski hills and hiking trails about 50km east of Quebec City is an affordable Nordic Spa where you can stay on-site in a Scandinavian-style chalet. Several hot pools, Finnish dry sauna, steam hammam, cold plunge pool, and rest areas including a heated solarium. Sunday is Family Day when children are welcome until 1pm. In summer, they also offer van parking spots, making this a lovely place to stop on road trips through the province. Sometimes offers yoga classes.

📆 Reservations? Yes, recommended.
🤫 Talking? Not specified.
💰 Price? Full day access for $49, or $35 after 5pm. Includes towels and locker; robe rental costs $8.

Best Nordic Spas in Montreal region

Bota Bota Spa

The boat! Yes, it’s a converted boat permanently docked at the Montreal waterfront offering a Nordic circuit in a unique environment. Gorgeous views of the city from the hot tub or riverview sauna. Expect smaller rooms and narrow walkways – it’s a boat. There’s a beautiful garden area so escape to for more pools, saunas, etc.

📆 Reservations? Recommended, but walk-ins accepted.
🤫 Talking? This is a social spa. Expect talking at all times, but especially Thursdays which is promoted as a time to connect, where photos are also allowed.
💰 Price? Due to intimate size, they price in blocks of time: four hours costs $75 in low season, three hours for $70 to $90 on Saturdays or high season, or two hours in the evening is $60 to $80.

Read my full in-depth review of Bota Bota

Strom Spa Nun’s Island

This small Nordic spa offers thermal waters, saunas and treatments in a very peaceful setting a short drive (or longer transit ride) from downtown Montreal.  I loved the location by the river and the lazy cottage vibes relaxing in their lounge chairs and hammocks. Expect the usual saunas and stream rooms, and a small hot pools, one with waterfall.

📆 Reservations? Yes, recommended.
🤫 Talking? Designated areas for silence (no phones) and whispering (phones “tolerated”, but no calls).
💰 Price? Starts at $69 (after 5pm) and rises to $104 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, on holidays, school breaks, or during high season. Includes one robe, unlimited towels and a locker, but no sandals which are mandatory so BYO or purchase on site.

Read my full in-depth review of Strom Spa Nun’s Island

Scandinave Spa Mont Tremblant

The biggest name in Nordic Spas in Canada, Scandinave is what most people imagine when they picture a perfect spa day, quiet bliss in a gorgeous setting in the Laurentian Forest near world-class Mont Tremblant skiing. This location has everything you need: eucalyptus steam baths, Finnish dry saunas, waterfalls, cold plunges in pools or perhaps Diable (“devil) River, large heated pools and many hammocks and heated relaxation rooms. Note that to book a massage you must add on thermal waters, they only do packages.

📆 Reservations? Up to you. To secure a reservation you pay $15 more, or you can save by walking in but may need to wait if they are at capacity.
🤫 Talking? Absolutely not. Shhhhhhh.
💰 Price? For advance booking, rates start at $95 in regular season up to $120 in high season. Includes robe, towels and locker. Sandals are not mandatory, but you can bring or buy a pair on site if you like.

Spa & Hôtel Le Finlandais

A world of wellness in one place. No, really, this riverside spa on a small island north of Laval takes a unique approach, combining the different public bathing rituals from different countries and cultures: Turkish bath, Japanese and Russian saunas, Iceland thermal baths, etc. It’s a bit like Disneyland for spas. The “world of teas” room certainly captured my attention!

📆 Reservations? Recommended, but walk-ins available.
🤫 Talking? Not specified.
💰 Price? A four-hour access to the thermal waters is $54 during the week and $108 Friday to Sunday. If you want to stay the whole day, you must book a treatment. Robes and towels not included, you can rent for $10.

Best Nordic Spas in Trois-Rivieres

KiNipi Health & Spa Center

If you ask me, there aren’t enough Nordic Spas in Canada attached to accommodations, so you can float blissfully back to your room in a robe and sleep the best sleep. Between Montreal and Quebec City in Trois Rivieres is just the place, where you can rent a modern room, enjoy fine dining, and spend the whole day or evening circulating between hot tubs, cold pools, waterfalls, hammam, Finnish saunas, and relaxation zones. And in the winter you’ll love the underground tunnel from the suites to the spa. Check room rates for KiNipi here.

📆 Reservations? Yes, required.
🤫 Talking? Silent policy except for one conversation room.
💰 Price? From Sunday to Thursday $89; $99 on Friday and Saturday. After 5pm, $10 off. Includes unlimited towels, robe rental and locker.

Best Nordic Spas in Sherbooke and Eastern Townships

Strøm Nordic Spa Sherbrooke

Yet another Strøm Nordic Spa in a city but surrounded by nature. On the shores the Magog River, their compact thermal spa includes hot pools, Finnish barrel saunas, eucalyptus steam rooms, hot and cold waterfalls, relaxation areas with hammocks and fireplaces. A unique night room lets you destress in near total darkness. In summer, take advantage of the dock right over the water and an actual beach!

📆 Reservations? Yes, recommended.
🤫 Talking? Quiet environment, with whispering in designated areas.
💰 Price? Starts at $54 (after 5pm during the week) and rises to $104 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, on holidays, school breaks, or during high season. Includes one robe, unlimited towels and a locker, but no sandals which are mandatory so BYO or purchase on site.

Euro-Spa Health Centre (Saint-Ignace-de-Stanbridge)

One of Quebec’s original wellness spas, this place specializes in therapeutic bathing using essential oils in the waters. Located 45 minutes southeast of Montreal and an hour from Sherbrooke in a country setting, it’s a more European spa experience than some of the other Nordic Spas in Quebec, and includes lunch. Hot and cold pools, four saunas, stream room, Kneipp tanks and a chromotherapy room with “robot” massage chairs. Accommodation packages available. Note that it’s not a late-night place: 10am to 5pm and on Sundays it closes at 2:30pm.

📆 Reservations? Yes, required.
🤫 Talking? Not specified.
💰 Price? Starting at $70 for half-day access with lunch buffet during the week, to a full day getaway with lunch and a one-hour treatment. Robes and towels are not included; rent for $5.

Spa Eastman

A full wellness centre located on 300 acres near with picturesque views of Mount Orford, Spa Eastman is unique on this list of Nordic Spas in Quebec. You can’t just pay to use the thermal waters circuit, you go there for a complete package experience including meals and treatment. All include access to infrared sauna, Finnish sauna, hammam, hot pools, and relaxation rooms. Their cold circuit is a bit different from the standard plunge pool: Kneipp basins (one designed for arms, another for legs) and an “igloo shower” with essential oil mist. Note their outdoor pool is only open in summer.

They also have accommodations on site, and offer several different 3-night packages—consult with a naturopath or take a cooking class, e.g.  Important to note that all accommodation packages are based on “double occupancy”—even their remote work package which makes zero sense to me — so unfortunately I do not consider this place friendly to solo travellers.

📆 Reservations? Yes, required. You can’t book day packages on-line, only by calling 450-297-3009.
🤫 Talking? Not specified.
💰 Price? Evening packages from $109, up to full three-day retreats for $300-$400 per person per night.

Balnea Spa (Bromont)

Location, location, location. This spa is perched on a mountainside, with sweeping views of a private nature reserve, and 22km of trails to explore when you’re not soaking. Apart from the usual Nordic Spa circuit, they built a new 70-foot-wide infinity whirlpool bath, and a relaxation room with massive windows.

📆 Reservations? Your choice, walk-ins accepted but….they use dynamic pricing for this based on how busy it is so you don’t know what you’ll pay until you get there.
🤫 Talking? Silence required in most spaces.
💰 Price? Reserve full access from $95 weekdays, morning and evening slots from $45. Robe included but they charge $5 to exchange it for a new one if it’s wet; sandals not required or provided.

Where to stay in Bromont? The Hotel Beatnik is steps from the hotel, offering rooms and suites and access to a kitchen.

Nordic Spas near Ottawa/ Gatineau

Nordik Spa Village (Chelsea)

Conveniently close to Ottawa but located across the border in Quebec is one of Canada’s biggest Nordic Spas – a whole village, in a way. They take saunas seriously, offering six, with different temperatures, plus the Aufguss sauna ritual. Yes, there are hot pools and cold plunges, salt scrub showers and relaxation rooms all across the large grounds. Their saltwater flotation pool is worth the add-on. Also it’s one of the few spas that actually allows photos and cameras, in certain areas only. It’s popular with groups of young women as a result. For a quieter mood, try an evening hang — they are open until midnight on weekends.

📆 Reservations? Yes, required.
🤫 Talking? Silence in most spaces, including all saunas and the saltwater pool.
💰 Price? One of the most expensive Nordic Spas in Quebec. Thermal access is $99 at all times; saltwater pool an extra $58. Includes robe and unlimited towels. Bring your own sandals, they are mandatory or purchase on site. Note you must give a preauthorization on your credit card at check in for any onsite food/beverage purchases through your digital wristband; unused monies are refunded.

I hope you’ve found this list of Nordic Spas in Quebec helpful for planning your next winter getaway. I’m aiming to make this list as comprehensive as possible, so if you have a favourite spot, or own a spa, that I’ve missed, please let me know!

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

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