There are few activities better than rest, relaxation and self-care. Travelling is one of them, but nothing compares to hopping in the car for a weekend of massages, thermal pools and silence. Luckily, for those who live in the Great North – a magnificent destination is probably just a few hours away, no matter where you live.
Not sure where to treat yourself next? Here are some of the best spas in Canada.
BRITISH COLUMBIA
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ANCIENT CEDARS SPA
Literally sitting on the ocean, Ancient Cedars Spa is a great choice for those who want to take a Tofino trip to new heights. The treatments here include hydrotherapy, skincare, and classic massage options. And with any luck, their signature ‘Steam Cave’ will reopen sooner rather than later.
Where: 500 Osprey Lane, Tofino
Cost: $125+
GROTTO SPA
Another spot on Vancouver Island, the Grotto Spa’s main attraction is its incredible mineral pool. The pool features a two-storey-tall waterfall and apparently helps to rejuvenate the body. Pair that with a soothing treatment or spa package, and you’ll be floating.
Where: 1155 Resort Dr, Parksville
Cost: $80+
NIMMO BAY RESORT SPA
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At Nimmo Bay, not only can you spend time exploring the area via safari, kayak or by going on hikes, you can spend time in a waterfall-adjacent hot tub, in wood-fired saunas and getting a massage. There’s really nothing like it!
Where: 1978 Broughton Blvd Port McNeill, BC, Canada
Cost: $1,299 for 3 days
KURSPA
Of course, we shouldn’t pass up a true destination pick in the province. Perched above Okanagan Lake, KurSpa offers 7 unique steam rooms and saunas to relax in, alongside other amenities like a gorgeous infinity pool and individual treatments. The catch? You need to stay at the resort to access it.
Where: 888 Sparkling Place, Vernon
Cost: $249+ per night
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ALBERTA
WILLOW STREAM SPA
A sprawling luxury spa that features more traditional services and amenities. The focuses here are packages and experiences, ranging from facials to full-body scrubs. This spot is definitely worth the price, but best experienced as part of a larger weekend retreat.
Where: 405 Spray Ave, Banff
Cost: $89+
KANANASKIS NORDIC SPA
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All the stops have been pulled out for the Kananaskis Nordic Spa. This spa focuses on incredible hydrotherapy amenities and encourages you to complete a circuit of pools as much as you’d like to while you’re there. They offer massages as well, but we think the pools are where it’s at.
Where: 1 Centennial Drive, Turner Valley
Cost: $119+
SPA JASPER
Of course, those looking to take a trip to Jasper should keep this in mind. A more traditional experience focusing on treatments and massages, the spa has been a staple in the area for decades, but a recent change of ownership has brought a whole new level of quality.
Where: 76 Connaught Drive, Jasper
Cost: $65+
ONTARIO
STE. ANNE’S SPA
Consistently ranked as the best spa in Canada, and for good reason. They have everything you could ask for when it comes to a spa experience, and the prices are super reasonable. This is one of those places where you can start by making a day trip out here, but will soon be looking for an excuse to spend a weekend.
Where: 1009 Massey Road, Grafton
Cost: $250+
VETTA NORDIC SPA
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Of course, Ontario also has a couple of must-visit Nordic spas. This brand-new option, sitting on the banks of Lake Simcoe, features a wide variety of amenities and is easily accessible as a day trip from Toronto. Plus, they claim to have the world’s largest wood-burning sauna.
Where: 3210 3 Line N, Oro-Medonte
Cost: $89+
SCANDINAVE SPA BLUE MOUNTAIN
The crown jewel of a spa chain that has 4 stunning locations across Canada. Focusing on Scandinavian hydrotherapy, Scandinave is the perfect place to unwind with a few friends. Take a dip in their many pools, then hop in a sauna or try out a eucalyptus steam bath.
Where: 152 Grey County Road 21, The Blue Mountains
Cost: $65+
QUEBEC
BOTA BOTA
We’re going to say that Bota Bota is the most well-known spa in the country. One of the few floating spas in the world, the main focus is one hot-cold Nordic circuit, but there are also a wide variety of personalized treatments to enjoy during your visit, too.
Where: Old Port of Montreal
Cost: $70+
STRØM SPA OLD QUEBEC
Meanwhile, this might be our top pick for the coolest destination spas in Canada. Situated on the water in Old Quebec, Strøm marks a new era of the modern spa experience. They’ve got every kind of treatment you could ask for, at incredible prices. There are actually four Strøm spas in Quebec, but this is our top pick.
Where: 515 Boulevard Champlain, Québec
Cost: $64+
LE NORDIK
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Located just a few minutes from Gatineau, Le Nordik has several hot and cold pools, bistros, a silent area and a resort-like bar area. Here, guests can wind down, swim in waterfalls, grab a drink or get a massage.
Where: 16 Chemin Nordik, Chelsea Québec
Cost: $90+
BALNEA SPA
A gorgeous thermal spa set in the heart of southern Quebec. It’s only an hour outside of Montreal, making it the perfect option for a day trip while you’re in the city. Trust us, this one is more than worth it.
Where: 319 Chemin du Lac Gale, Bromont
Cost: $40+
NOVA SCOTIA
FOX HARB’R GOLF RESORT AND SPA
This one is definitely best experienced as a legitimate getaway destination. Sitting right on the ocean, Fox Harb’r offers a truly unique spa experience in a secluded setting. Given the prestige of the golf course, you’ll probably want to hop in on that, as well.
Where: 1337 Fox Harbour Road, Wallace
Cost: $150+
YUKON
NORTHERN LIGHTS RESORT AND SPA
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Something to keep in your back pocket for that special someone, especially in the winter. Northern Lights offers the opportunity to experience the Aurora Borealis in the best possible way. The spa is great, but if we’re talking rejuvenation, it’s hard to beat one of the coolest natural phenomena on earth.
Where: 41 Gentian Lane, Whitehorse
Cost: $750+ (3 nights accommodation)
And there you have it. The best destination spas in Canada! Now get out there and enjoy a little rest and relaxation. See you in the hot tub.
Cassandra Stefanic
Regional Editor, Prairies – Cassandra is a Calgary-based journalist with a deep appreciation for music, film, food, travelling and story-telling. When she’s not chasing a story, writing or editing, you’ll likely find her binge-watching a new TV series, at a speakeasy with friends, cooking, or getting lost in a Taylor Swift re-record.
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