Best Nordic Spas in Ontario for a winter vacation

Warm up in outdoor heated pools, saunas and steam rooms this winter.

15 minute read. Updated November 2024.

Thinking about visiting a Nordic Spa in Ontario in winter? You’re not alone.

More and more Canadians are learning about the health benefits of thermal waters and embracing Nordic spa visits as part of their self-care, and part of their travel plans. New Nordic spas in Ontario are popping up all the time and established spas are adding more facilities to expand their hydrotherapy offerings. They are open year-round, but heated pools surrounded by snow on the trees, Muskoka chairs by warm fire pits and the shock of a cold water plunge make them an especially blissful winter holiday idea.

So whether you’re a local or a visitor during the cold months of December to April, here’s a list of great Nordic spas near Toronto and all around Ontario.

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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 Ontario 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!

Many of the great Nordic Spas in Ontario are in the countryside, which helps with that transition from day-to-day stresses and obligations and into a more peaceful relaxing experience. For this list, I also look for thoughtful design and layouts so that guests can easily navigate the circuits without being too crowded. The best ones have figured out how to accommodate both guests who want quiet and those who want conversation. And of course, excellent customer service is a must.

What is the price of a Nordic Spa in Ontario?

Nordic Spas in Ontario come in different price ranges, from affordable to luxury.

Access to most of the day spas costs between $70-$100 per person and includes a robe and locker for a whole day unless otherwise noted. Weekdays often offer a slight discount.

Most of these spas also offer a variety of traditional treatments like massage, facials, manicures, etc. In some of these, the thermal water circuit is included with treatments, or treatments over a certain amount. But check because it can sometimes be ala carte and costs extra. Packages are often a great value.

One of the best ways to experience a Nordic Spa in Ontario is to book an overnight stay. Several fine hotels and resorts on this list have excellent facilities that are included with your room rate, or at a discounted rate. It’s perfect if you want to do the thermal waters circuit multiple times in a day, or early morning/evening.

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 most 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 a Nordic spa in Ontario 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 Ontario

Best Nordic Spas in Southern Ontario

Vetta Nordic Spa (Horseshoe Valley)

Finnish-inspired day spa fifteen minutes north of Barrie and two hours north of Toronto near the Horseshoe Valley ski resort. Read my in-depth Vetta spa review

This new Nordic spa near Toronto has four heated pools (one with waterfall), cold plunge pools and traditional ice water bucket (all outside) plus four saunas, two steam rooms, several relaxation rooms, a Hot Stone Room and salt scrub shower. Simple and airy wood design truly give this place a Scandinavian spa feel. There is a separate quiet zone, but respectful conversation and connection is encouraged and you should expect talking in the pools. Phones are not allowed anywhere on site. Food is somewhat limited in both menu and opening times—plan accordingly.

Ages 19 and up.

Hours: 9am to 9pm daily

Price: Vettta’s Thermal water access is $99 Monday to Friday and $109 on weekends and peak holidays such as Christmas and March break. Tuesdays and Thursdays after 5pm entry is discounted at $79. Monthly memberships available. Reservations recommended especially on weekends. They accept walk-ins subject to capacity but charge an extra $10 for some reason. Wednesdays at 6pm a meditation class is included with entry.

Budget Tip: Best deal is their Twilight Massage Combination. Monday to Friday book a massage after 5pm and get $30 off your combination ticket—you can enter at any time during the day. Or visit the Waters only after 5pm for $20 off.

Hotel Tip: Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott is a 25-minute drive away from Vetta in Orillia, Ontario. Rooms are big, breakfast bar exceeded my expectations, and service was great.

Scandinave Blue Mountain (Collingwood)

Scandinave has been helping Ontario bliss out since 2006. Located on a 50-acre site a short drive from the ski hills of Blue Mountain Village, it’s also a popular day trip from Toronto.

Amenities include three heated pools, a cold plunge, Finnish sauna, infrared sauna, steam room, and relaxation areas like firepits, Muskoka chairs, and hammocks. These facilities are fairly close together, but there’s also a 1km Forest Bathing trail open seasonally if you want some alone time. Reservations open four weeks in advance, for specific time slots, and weekends do fill up. They operate a Wait List for walk-ins when they are booked up.  Limited light lunch fare is available at the Bistro. You can’t sleep there but there are many local hotels and resorts in Collingwood.

 “Silence is Golden” is the Scandinave motto, and they take it seriously. Come for peace and quiet, not a pool party.

Ages 18 and up.

Hours: 9am to 9pm daily.

Price: Thermal Waters access is $98 or $108 during Peak Season (Christmas, March Break etc.). A special Guided Thermal experience with meditation for $138 includes a candle to take home. Memberships are available. These prices do not include robes (rent for additional fee) or slippers (only for sale not rent; pack your own).

Budget Tip: Discounted rate of $85 is available on Wednesdays (peak season excluded.)

Millcroft Inn and Spa (Caledon)

Less than an hour’s drive north from downtown Toronto is an elegant countryside escape with an intimate Nordic spa. Read my in-depth Millcroft spa review

A romantic hotel near Toronto with one of the best Nordic spas in Ontario that’s best experienced as a guest of the hotel, which also has fine dining and its own natural waterfall. Some cabins have their own private hot tubs and are located close to the spa, which is very handy on super cold days!

Outdoor amenities include two hot spring pools including one with a waterfall and one on a second level with great views over the property, polar plunge pool and outdoor heated pool. You’ll find an indoor pool, jacuzzi, dry sauna, steam room just inside.

Ages 16 and up.

Hours: 8am to 9pm for hotel guests and 9am to 6pm for Day Pass guests.

Price: Free for hotel guests and spa guests. Room rates vary depending on the date, and many packages are available, but start at around $300 per night. Non-guests can sometimes access the facility with a Day Pass for $65 on Tuesdays-Wednesdays or $75 on Thursday to Monday. These cannot be booked in advance and depend on capacity on the day. Call 519-941-8111×525357 to enquire before heading out. Bring your own sandals.

100 Fountain Spa (Niagara-on-the-Lake)

A long-time favourite for romantic getaways, and increasingly popular for bachelorette groups, the Pillar and Post hotel in picturesque Niagara-on-the-Lake has one of the largest spas in Niagara region. Most of it is indoors, but with their pretty outdoor hot spring pools you can DIY your own hydrotherapy circuit.

This is another one of those Nordic Spas in Ontario that’s best visited by staying at the hotel. (And part of the same chain as the Millcroft Inn above) Packages with fine dining options and deals during low season are a good value.

Ages 16 and up.

Hours: 9am to 8pm

Prices: Non-guests can sometimes access the facility with a Day Pass for $50 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays or $75 Friday-Sunday. These cannot be booked in advance and depend on capacity on the day. Call 905-468-2123×407399 to enquire before heading out. Bring your own sandals.

Burning Springs Spa (Niagara Falls)

A new addition to the Niagara Falls hospitality scene is this small Nordic Spa at the Marriott Fallsview.

Three outdoor thermal pools (hot, warm, cold) and a Finnish sauna are located outside in a small private space, with a Himalayan Salt Sauna, hot tub and relaxation area inside. I’ve read that some guests are disappointed that the pools and saunas don’t get that hot.

Ages 16 and up.

Hours: 9am to 7pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 9pm on Friday and Saturday.

Price: Hotel guests can access the Oasis spa area for $60, or as an add-on to any spa treatment for $35.  Passes are for three-hours and can be booked for morning, afternoon, or evening slots. Like most things in Niagara Falls, you’re paying more because of the location.

Wave Nordic Spa (Mount Elgin)

Best known for its golf courses, The Oxford Hills resort has a scenic Nordic spa near London that’s popular with locals in Southern Ontario.

You’ll find warm pools, hot tubs, cold plunge, steam rooms, hot stone bed and traditional ice water buckets, plus relaxation areas with hammocks and firepits.

Hours: 9am to 8pm Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Mondays.

Prices: Day pass costs $89. Or two people can go for $178. Memberships available.

Terra Nova (Woodstock)

This cozy spa and café is just outside of Woodstock, a small quiet city between Hamilton and London that’s also accessible from Toronto on Via Rail train. Outdoor hot pool, cold plunge, two saunas, steam room and relaxation areas, including an authentic teepee and geodome.

Monday nights are for family: children aged 5 to 16 years-old are welcome and cost $60. Otherwise, the spa is for ages 18 and up.

Hours: 10am to 8pm daily

Price: $95, including robe and towel. Sandals are mandatory but not provided, so bring your own or they have some for sale. Memberships available.

Best Nordic Spas in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)

Thermea Spa Village (Whitby)

Expansive day spa located 45-minutes east of Toronto in the town of Whitby, with six outdoor heated pools, five saunas, two steam rooms, a large saltwater floatation pool, and several dining options located on several levels. Read my in-depth Thermea Whitby spa review

Thermea Whitby has a “sauna village” area designated quiet and phone free, otherwise expect talking, groups, and plenty of amateur photography—it’s a popular place. Don’t miss the Aufguss sauna rituals in their large event sauna, which are included with entry. Extra-large robes on request, gender-neutral changing areas, elevator available. This is a Nordic spa you can really spend an entire day at and not get bored. Early morning timeslots are the best for peace.

Thermea is the most easily accessible Nordic Spa in Ontario from Toronto without a car—take Go Transit trains and local bus or short taxi ride to the spa. The flipside of that is that it’s because it’s located so close to civilization; you can sometimes hear sirens from emergency vehicles or traffic from nearby roads while relaxing in the pools.

Ages 19 and up.

Hours: 8am to 10pm daily

Price: Thermal Experience $119 anytime. Thermal waters are not included with treatments. Kalla saltwater pool is additional $59. (Worth it though!)

Budget tip: None. This is one of the most expensive Nordic day spas in Ontario, as there are no discounted timeslots and everything is a la carte. Note that on check-in you must present a credit card and let them pre-authorize $150 per person for any purchases. (Money not spent is refunded when you leave.) They also add %18 automatically to all food/drink, regardless of whether you serve yourself or not!

Best Nordic Spas in Northern Ontario

Hydrospa Muskoka

This Nordic Spa at JW Marriott Rosseau Muskoka offers an opportunity for overnight stays or weekend getaways with hydrotherapy in the heart of Ontario’s cottage country.

The outdoor Water Circuit features a large heated pool surrounded by lounge chairs, hot tub, two barrel saunas with aromatherapy (one electric and one wood burning), cold bath, and firepit overlooking the beautiful and rugged Lake Rousseau. The interior space has some unique amenities, including massage chairs and self-serve oxygen bar! Additional saunas and steam rooms are located in the (gendered) locker rooms. Complimentary refreshments are available in the spa with many food and drink options at the resort.

Hours: 9am to 5pm in winter (later in summer months)

Prices: An all-day pass to the waters circuit is $80.

Spa Grande Nature (Timmons)

Part of the Cedar Meadows resort, this smaller Nordic spa is surrounded by nature but just on the edge of the city and a 10-minute drive from the Timmons airport.

Bath circuit includes dry sauna, steam bath, tempered salt pool, hot pool, Nordic waterfall and cold shower, with indoor and outdoor relaxation areas.

Ages 18 and up.

Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 10pm. Sunday 10am to 6pm. Closed on Mondays.

Prices: $55 per session. Hotel guests pay $45. Robes and sandals are included with spa treatments; bring your own if you are just getting Bath Access. Locker, towel and 1 bottle of water included.

Best Nordic Spas in  Eastern Ontario

St. Anne’s Spa (Grafton)

Canada’s top-rated wellness retreat since the 1980s, St. Anne’s offers an upscale, all-inclusive spa experience in an idyllic country setting on 500 acres north of Cobourg.

Their hydrotherapy circuit includes what you expect: warm pools, hot pools, hot tub, cold plunge pool, fire pits, sauna, steam room, etc.  But of all the Nordic Spas in Ontario this is one where you can’t “just” do the waters. You sign up for a complete package including credits for spa treatment of your choice, full meals, all non-alcoholic beverages, etc.

You can visit St. Anne’s for just the day although my friend who is a happy regular insists it’s really best experienced for two or more nights so you can fully detox from everyday life. Rooms do not have TVs. They do not serve alcohol but you can bring your own.

All visits include access to the hydrotherapy amenities plus fitness and wellness classes and forest trails as well as lounge spaces. There are many different room types and packages so it’s best to call them directly to discuss: 1-888-346-6772. This place gets booked up often and requires a non-refundable deposit so it’s best to take this out of the group chat and commit in advance.

Ages 18 and up (or 16 when with an adult)

Hours: Hydrotherapy pools are open 8am to 10pm daily.

Prices: Rates vary depending on date and season, with weekdays being less expensive than weekends and holidays. Day Visits start at about $325 with Overnight Stays from $800 per person.

Budget Tip: This is more of a splurge place but if you can go at the last minute they sometimes give reduced rates on rooms that pop up due to cancellations that can save you $100 or more per person.

What about Ottawa?

Aha! Great question. The nation’s capital region does have some great Nordic spas. But they are over the border in the province of Quebec. So watch for my Best Nordic Spas in Quebec post, coming soon!

I hope you’ve found this list of Nordic Spas in Ontario 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!