Last Updated: January 1, 2026
From the 10 outdoor baths at Nordik Spa-Nature Chelsea—North America’s largest spa—to the intimate 16-person Nordic circuit at Uppliva in Hintonburg, Ottawa’s spa scene delivers everything from world-class thermotherapy experiences to full-service day spas with holistic treatments and medi-spa services.
Finding the right spa in Ottawa depends on what you’re seeking. Do you want a full day of thermotherapy with outdoor baths, saunas, and infinity pools? A quick urban escape with sauna and cold plunge? A comprehensive day spa with massage, facials, and body treatments? Or specialized services like halotherapy, float therapy, or medical aesthetics? The Ottawa region offers genuine variety across every category, from destination-worthy thermal spas to neighbourhood wellness havens.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Nordik Spa-Nature Chelsea is North America’s largest spa with $99 admission covering 10 outdoor baths and 9 saunas. Kōena Spa offers a closer option with thermotherapy and Himalayan salt rooms. Holtz Spa in ByWard Market provides full-service day spa treatments. Uppliva offers an intimate urban Nordic experience in Hintonburg.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏔️ Largest Spa | Nordik Spa-Nature Chelsea |
| 💰 Day Pass Range | $70-99 (thermal spas) |
| 💆 Day Spa Facials | $100-175 |
| 🧖 Sauna Circuit | $40-70 (urban spas) |
| 📍 Top Areas | Chelsea (QC), ByWard Market, Hintonburg, Manotick |
| 🚗 Nordik Distance | 15 min from downtown Ottawa |
Nordik Spa-Nature Chelsea - North America’s Largest
Nordik Spa-Nature Chelsea features 10 outdoor baths and 9 saunas
Address: 16 Chemin Nordik, Chelsea, QC J9B 2P7 Phone: (819) 827-1111 Website: chelsea.lenordik.com
Hours:
- Daily: 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Nordik Spa-Nature Chelsea isn’t just Ottawa’s best spa—it’s the largest spa in North America. Located just 15 minutes from downtown Ottawa at the entrance to Gatineau Park, this destination-worthy wellness centre has been pioneering thermotherapy since 2005, offering an experience that draws visitors from across the country.
What Makes It Special
Thermotherapy Circuit: The spa’s foundation is the traditional Nordic hot-cold-rest cycle based on a 2,000-year-old Scandinavian tradition. Alternate between heat and cold with periods of relaxation to improve mental and physical health, sleep quality, and mood.
10 Outdoor Baths: From hot pools to cold plunges, the variety of outdoor baths lets you customize your thermotherapy journey regardless of season. Winter visits, with snow falling around steaming pools, create particularly memorable experiences.
9 Saunas: Each sauna offers a different experience—from traditional Finnish saunas to aromatic steam rooms with eucalyptus and other therapeutic scents.
Källa Saltwater Float Pool: Carved 5 metres into the rock and containing 10 tons of Epsom salt, this underground sanctuary mimics the Dead Sea for effortless floating in body-temperature water. It’s only the second floating pool of its kind in the world. The Källa experience costs an additional $58 beyond regular admission.
Pricing
| Experience | Price |
|---|---|
| Spa Village Access | $99 |
| Källa Float Experience | $58 |
| Relaxation Massage | $138 |
| In Nature Massage | $148-165 |
| Body Treatments | $132 |
| Facial Treatments | $132-162 |
Dining & Accommodation
Four on-site restaurants serve everything from healthy cold-pressed juices and salads to gourmet bistro fare and craft cocktails at the Biërgarden. You can enjoy meals in your robe between thermal cycles.
The Nordik Lodge offers overnight accommodation for groups up to 10, perfect for wellness getaway weekends.
Best For: Those seeking a full-day destination experience, couples retreats, girls’ getaways, winter wellness, and anyone wanting North America’s most comprehensive thermal spa.
Kōena Spa - Thermotherapy Near Downtown
Kōena Spa offers thermotherapy just minutes from downtown Ottawa
Location: Gatineau (5 minutes from downtown Ottawa) Website: koenaspa.com
Founded on the principles of balance, wellness, relaxation, and Hawaiian hospitality, Kōena Spa provides a closer alternative to Nordik for Ottawa residents seeking thermotherapy without the drive to Chelsea.
The Experience
Nordic-Style Thermal Circuit: Alternate between hot baths, cold plunges, and relaxation areas following the traditional thermotherapy approach that has proven health benefits.
Pa’akai Himalayan Salt Room: The entire room is covered in colourful Himalayan salt for halotherapy—the therapeutic use of salt for respiratory and skin benefits. This unique space offers both visual beauty and wellness properties.
Multiple Zones: The spa divides into quiet, whisper, and social zones. Enjoy tranquil silence for solo meditation, or chat freely with friends in designated social areas.
Treatments
Kōena offers massage treatments ranging from traditional therapeutic Swedish massages to specialized options like lymphatic drainage, lomi lomi (Hawaiian massage), Thai massage, and a unique seashell massage. Body treatments include volcanic purity treatments using hot stones and charcoal scrub, gua sha facials, and granite body treatments.
Dining
Two on-site restaurants keep you fueled throughout your visit. Kōena Bistro serves healthy cold-pressed juices, smoothies, salads, sandwiches, and pastries. Lounge Onō features a full-service menu with burgers, tartars, cheese boards, and specialty cocktails in a cozy setting with fireplaces and a living green wall.
Best For: Those wanting thermotherapy closer to downtown, groups who want social and quiet zones, and visitors seeking Hawaiian-inspired hospitality.
For more wellness options, see our massage therapy Ottawa guide.
Holtz Spa - Full-Service Downtown Experience
Holtz Spa offers over 10,000 sq ft of wellness space in ByWard Market
Address: 151 Dalhousie Street, Ottawa, ON K1N 7C8 Phone: (613) 241-7770 Website: holtzspa.com
Located in the heart of Ottawa’s historic ByWard Market, Holtz Spa is a 10,000+ square foot full-service day spa that combines massage therapy, facials, body treatments, esthetics, a hair salon, and on-site gourmet food services under one roof.
What Sets It Apart
Comprehensive Services: Unlike thermal spas focused on baths and saunas, Holtz Spa delivers traditional day spa services including registered massage therapy, advanced skincare, medical aesthetics, and esthetic services.
Holistic Philosophy: The spa emphasizes whole body health and wellness, balancing body, mind, and spirit through botanical products, the latest spa technology, and highly trained specialists.
Japanese Head Spa Therapy: A signature 105-minute treatment ($175) blending ancient Japanese techniques with modern innovations for a multi-sensory experience of renewal.
Treatment Categories
Body Treatments: Swiss goat butter cream cocooning wrap, maple luscious body scrub and wrap, white chocolate truffle wrap, and the signature Holtz body treatment.
Forest Therapy: A unique treatment combining specialty forest therapy essential oils with massage, mud mask, facial treatment, and scalp massage to help you reconnect with nature and detox from modern stresses.
Holistic Renewal: Reiki energy work, craniosacral therapy, chakra balancing, access bars, shirodhara, Thai herbal compress, and lymphatic drainage massage.
Medical Aesthetics: State-of-the-art technology and advanced skincare for anti-aging and skin rejuvenation concerns.
Perfect Location
Steps from Parliament Hill, the Rideau Centre, and ByWard Market restaurants and hotels, Holtz Spa works perfectly for tourists wanting a spa day during their Ottawa visit or locals seeking convenient downtown pampering.
Best For: Those wanting full-service day spa treatments downtown, couples hotel and spa packages, groups seeking variety (massage, facials, hair), and visitors exploring ByWard Market.
For more ByWard Market experiences, see our ByWard Market complete guide.
Uppliva Nordic Spa - Intimate Urban Escape
Uppliva offers an intimate Nordic circuit in Hintonburg
Address: 1140 Wellington Street West, Suite C100, Ottawa, ON Website: uppliva.ca
Tucked into the trendy Hintonburg neighbourhood, Uppliva Sauna and Steam is an intimate, modern Nordic-style spa providing authentic hot-cold-rest experiences without leaving the city.
The Nordic Circuit
Cedar Sauna: Begin your experience warming up with löyly (steam created by pouring water lightly scented with citrus essential oils over hot stones).
Eucalyptus Steam Room: Relax your body, cleanse your skin, and uplift your senses in fragrant steam.
Cold Plunge Pool: After heating up, plunge into 15°C cold water following centuries of Scandinavian tradition. This hot-cold therapy relieves stress, soothes sore muscles, removes toxins, improves heart health and immunity, and boosts mood.
Fire-lit Relaxation Space: Rest in silence beside the warm fireplace, stretch out on comfortable lounge chairs, or drift away in woven hammocks. This essential rest period slows your heart rate and stabilizes your cardiovascular system.
Intimate Atmosphere
Uppliva limits capacity to just 16 guests at any time, guaranteeing a relaxing experience whether alone, with a partner, or a small group. Your visit includes a waffle spa robe, two organic bath towels, sandals, personal locker, change room access with showers, organic body products, and unlimited herbal tea and citrus water.
Pricing
| Experience | Price |
|---|---|
| Nordic Circuit (standalone) | ~$70 |
| Nordic Circuit + Massage or Facial Package | $40 |
| Massage Packages | Contact for pricing |
| Holistic Facial | Contact for pricing |
Wildcrafted Treatments
Uppliva’s spa treatments use products handmade on-site with botanicals, natural oils, clays, sea salts, and honey. Options include aromatherapy foot soaks, facial masks, and exfoliating sea salt scrubs that can be self-applied during your circuit.
The holistic facial combines traditional Chinese medicine techniques with organic plant-based skincare, including massage, jade rolling, facial cupping, and gua sha for restored qi flow and circulation.
Best For: Urban dwellers seeking a quick Nordic escape, couples wanting intimate experiences, and those who prefer smaller, quieter environments.
Renu Massage Therapy and Spa - Multiple Locations
Renu Spa has multiple convenient locations across Ottawa
Locations:
- 1432 Wellington Street West, Ottawa
- Multiple locations across Ottawa
Phone: (613) 722-2929 Website: renuspaottawa.com
Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Saturday & Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Renu Massage Therapy and Spa has established itself as a go-to destination for pamper days in Ottawa, with multiple convenient locations making wellness accessible throughout the city.
What They Offer
Registered Massage Therapy: Licensed RMTs provide therapeutic massage that addresses specific muscle pains and tensions—not just relaxation, but genuine therapeutic benefit.
Full Spa Services: Facials, manicures and pedicures, foot spas, laser hair removal, and cupping round out their offerings.
Men’s Services: Dedicated services for men including fitness facials, manicures, and pedicures make this welcoming for all clients.
Value Focus
Renu maintains reasonable pricing considering the quality of services and holds regular promotions throughout the year for even better deals.
Best For: Those seeking RMT services, clients wanting neighbourhood convenience, and anyone looking for value-focused spa treatments.
Peppermint Organic Spa + Medi Spa - Manotick
Peppermint Organic Spa combines traditional spa with medi spa services
Address: 1131 Mill Street, Manotick, ON K4M 1B1 Phone: (613) 692-0918 Website: peppermintorganicspa.com
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Friday to Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Located in the charming village of Manotick, Peppermint Organic Spa + Medi Spa uniquely combines traditional spa services with medical aesthetic treatments—a rare pairing that lets you address both relaxation and skincare goals in one visit.
Dual Approach
Traditional Spa: Manicures and pedicures, facial treatments, waxing and sugaring, and various massage therapies.
Medi Spa Services: Micro-needling, laser skin rejuvenation, and red light therapy address more advanced skincare concerns beyond what traditional facials can achieve.
Organic Focus
As the name suggests, Peppermint emphasizes organic products and eco-friendly approaches, appealing to health-conscious clients who want to know what’s going on their skin.
Best For: South Ottawa and Manotick residents, those wanting combined spa and medi-spa services, and clients preferring organic products.
For more in Manotick, see our Manotick day trip guide.
exhālō spa - Nepean Hybrid
exhālō spa combines spa services with halotherapy
Address: 130 Riocan Avenue, Suite 4, Nepean, ON K2J 5G4 Phone: (613) 825-2226 Website: exhalospa.ca
Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
exhālō spa operates as a hybrid between spa and salon, making it a true one-stop shop for full pamper sessions. Get a facial and a blowout in the same visit—something few spas can offer.
Unique Offerings
Halotherapy: Salt therapy for respiratory and skin benefits.
Massage Variety: Beyond Swedish massage, exhālō offers chakra balancing, Indian head massage, scalp treatment, and salt stone massage treatment.
Salon Integration: Expert hair stylists mean you can leave looking as good as you feel.
Added Value: Many services include complimentary massage additions—pedicures, for instance, can be extended with foot and leg massage.
Best For: Nepean residents, those wanting spa and salon services combined, and clients interested in halotherapy.
Comparing Ottawa Spas
Ottawa offers spas for every preference and budget
By Experience Type
| Experience | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Thermotherapy/Thermal Baths | Nordik Spa, Kōena Spa |
| Urban Nordic Circuit | Uppliva |
| Full-Service Day Spa | Holtz Spa |
| RMT Massage Focus | Renu Spa |
| Organic/Medi Spa | Peppermint Organic Spa |
| Spa + Salon Combo | exhālō spa |
| Float Therapy | Nordik Spa (Källa) |
By Location
| Area | Best Options |
|---|---|
| Chelsea (15 min from downtown) | Nordik Spa-Nature |
| Gatineau (5 min from downtown) | Kōena Spa |
| ByWard Market | Holtz Spa |
| Hintonburg | Uppliva Nordic Spa |
| West Ottawa | Renu Spa |
| Manotick | Peppermint Organic Spa |
| Nepean | exhālō spa |
By Budget
| Budget | Venue | Expected Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Premium Experience | Nordik Spa | $99+ admission |
| Mid-Range Thermal | Kōena Spa | $70-90 admission |
| Urban Nordic | Uppliva | $40-70 circuit |
| Day Spa Services | Holtz Spa | $100-200 treatments |
| Value Focus | Renu Spa | Competitive pricing |
Tips for Spa Visits
A few preparations maximize your spa experience
Before Your Visit
Book Ahead: Especially for weekends and holidays, thermal spas can fill up. Nordik and Kōena often require reservations.
Know the Dress Code: Thermal spas require bathing suits. Day spas typically provide robes. Check specific requirements.
Arrive Early: Most spas recommend arriving 15-30 minutes before your appointment or thermal access time.
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your spa visit—especially for thermotherapy.
During Your Visit
Follow the Circuit: For thermal spas, the hot-cold-rest cycle provides maximum benefit. Spend 10-15 minutes in heat, then cold exposure, then equal rest time.
Respect Quiet Zones: Many spas have silent areas. Honour the atmosphere others are seeking.
Go at Your Pace: There’s no rush. Whether you spend 2 hours or 8 hours, the goal is relaxation.
Maximizing Value
Package Deals: Massage or facial packages at thermal spas often include discounted circuit access.
Weekday Visits: Spas are typically less crowded Monday through Thursday.
Off-Peak Hours: Mornings and late evenings tend to be quieter than afternoon peaks.
Health Considerations
Medical Conditions: Consult your doctor before thermotherapy if you have heart conditions, high blood pressure, or are pregnant.
Heat Tolerance: Start with shorter heat sessions and build up. Leave immediately if you feel dizzy or unwell.
Alcohol: Avoid alcohol before and during thermotherapy—it impairs your body’s temperature regulation.
FAQ
What’s the best spa near Ottawa?
Nordik Spa-Nature Chelsea is North America’s largest spa, located just 15 minutes from downtown Ottawa. For those wanting to stay closer, Kōena Spa in Gatineau is 5 minutes from downtown, while Holtz Spa is right in ByWard Market.
How much does Nordik Spa cost?
Spa Village access at Nordik Spa costs $99, which includes unlimited access to 10 outdoor baths, 9 saunas, and rest areas. The Källa saltwater float pool costs an additional $58. Massages and treatments range from $132-165.
Are there thermal spas in Ottawa?
Yes. Nordik Spa-Nature Chelsea and Kōena Spa both offer full thermotherapy experiences with outdoor baths, saunas, steam rooms, and cold plunges. Uppliva in Hintonburg offers an intimate urban Nordic sauna and steam circuit.
What’s the difference between a day spa and a thermal spa?
Day spas like Holtz Spa focus on individual treatments—massages, facials, body wraps—in private rooms. Thermal spas like Nordik focus on communal hot-cold-rest circuits with baths, saunas, and relaxation areas. Many thermal spas also offer treatments.
Where can I get a couples massage in Ottawa?
Holtz Spa in ByWard Market offers couples packages. Nordik Spa has “In Nature” massage cabins for couples. Most day spas can accommodate two people with advance booking.
Is there a spa with a salt room in Ottawa?
Kōena Spa features the Pa’akai Himalayan Salt Room for halotherapy. exhālō spa in Nepean also offers halotherapy treatments.
What should I bring to a thermal spa?
Bring a bathing suit (required at all thermal spas), flip-flops or sandals, and a reusable water bottle. Most spas provide robes, towels, and lockers. Leave valuables at home.
Can I visit Nordik Spa for just a few hours?
Yes. While the $99 admission allows all-day access, there’s no minimum stay requirement. Many visitors spend 2-4 hours, though the full experience benefits from 4-6 hours.
Are Ottawa spas open in winter?
Yes—winter is actually peak season for thermal spas. Soaking in hot outdoor pools while snow falls around you creates a memorable experience. All indoor day spas operate year-round.
Do I need to book ahead for Ottawa spas?
Highly recommended, especially for weekends and holidays. Nordik and Kōena can reach capacity. Day spas like Holtz and Renu require appointments for specific treatments.
Final Thoughts
Ottawa’s spa landscape offers genuine variety for every wellness goal. For the ultimate thermal experience, Nordik Spa-Nature Chelsea delivers North America’s largest and most comprehensive spa with endless baths, saunas, and the unique Källa float pool. Those wanting thermotherapy closer to downtown will find Kōena Spa just minutes away across the river.
Urban dwellers seeking a quick escape can head to Uppliva’s intimate Nordic circuit in Hintonburg, while downtown visitors and ByWard Market explorers find full-service pampering at Holtz Spa. Neighbourhood options like Renu, Peppermint, and exhālō ensure quality spa services reach every corner of the city.
Whether you have a full day to dedicate to wellness or just an hour to escape, Ottawa’s spas deliver experiences that leave you relaxed, restored, and ready to face whatever comes next.
Sources: Ottawa Tourism, Nordik Spa, Kōena Spa, Holtz Spa, Uppliva, Project Local Love, Das Lokal Ottawa.
