Winter’s not quite over—but that’s no reason to hibernate inside, even if all you want to do is hang out in your bathing suit. Don’t believe us? These amazing Canadian spas are not only indulgent, they’re also winter-friendly.
Northern Lights Resort and Spa (Whitehorse, Yukon)
There’s nothing better than sitting outside in the winter, surrounded by the swirling waters of a hot tub—unless it’s sitting outside in a hot tub in winter watching the northern lights. (Seriously—does it get any more Canadian than that?) Feeling chilly outside? You can warm up in their Finnish or infrared sauna as well—then head back outside for more of the aurora borealis. When that’s not lighting up the sky, you can go dog sledding, skiing, or snowmobiling.
Nakusp Hot Springs (Nakusp, B.C.)
Located in the foothills of the Selkirk Mountains in southern B.C.’s interior, Nakusp Hot Springs. Stay in the A-frame cedar chalets, ski during the day (they’re only 90 minutes from Revelstoke), then return from the slopes to luxuriate in Naskup’s pristine, mineral-laden hot springs. Don’t feel like staying, or staying somewhere else? You can still soak winter’s chill away with a $15.50 day pass. And if you’ve packed away your bathing suit and beach towels? Those are available to rent.
Miette Hot Springs (Jasper, Alberta)
Nestled in Jasper National Park, the Miette Hot Springs may look basic, but their surroundings are pure luxury. With a backdrop of mountains, the hot springs are the hottest in Canada, and have been used by Alberta’s indigenous people and settlers for centuries. Once only accessible by a pack trail, the springs now boast a full range of amenities, such as a cafe, gift shop, parking for trailers and RVs, and picnic sites. Touring around the Rockies? Check out the other Parks Canada hot springs sites at Banff Upper Hot Springs and Radium Hot Springs.
Millcroft Inn and Spa (Caledon, Ontario)
Millcroft has recently added outdoor hot springs, a cooling plunge pool and a heated, year-round outdoor swimming pool—just to make sure you don’t spend your entire winter indoors. Once you’ve gotten your dose of outdoor warmth, relax in the indoor cedar sauna, steam room, or whirlpool—or indulge in a spa treatment. If you feel so inclined, the inn has an exercise room—but everyone would understand if you elected just to laze the day away.
KiNipi (Trois Rivières, Quebec)
Thermal baths, a gourmet restaurant and a selection of spa services—including 21 massage rooms, body treatments, and facials—makes KiNipi, close to downtown Trois Rivières, an ideal winter getaway. While KiNipi does offer a full range of thermal baths, from hot tubs to steam rooms or saunas, to a cold plunge pool, you’ll be forgiven if all you choose to do is luxuriate in the warmth. (Really, though, you should try the cool pool at least once, just to say you did it.) Be aware that the website is in French—but it’s easy to use, even if you’re not fluent.
La Source Bains Nordiques (Rawdon, Quebec)
Located in southwest Quebec about 60 kilometres north of Montreal, La Source Bains Nordiques gives you the opportunity—encourages it, in fact—to make the most of any type of weather by soaking away your troubles in their collection of geothermal-heated hot pools, sauna, steam rooms, and waterfalls. You can alternate between hot and cold therapies—go ahead and roll in the snow if you like—then finish up your experience with a relaxing massage. Hungry after all that relaxing? La Source has a restaurant on-site that serves healthy food with a gorgeous view.
Polar Bear’s Club (Piedmont, Quebec)
The first Scandinavian-style spa in Quebec, Polar bear’s Club makes the most of winter with outdoor hot tubs, saunas and, if you’re very adventurous, a dip in the Rivière du Simon, just like a real polar bear—well, if polar bears lived in the Laurentians, that is. The on-site hotel features well-appointed rooms (some with fireplaces) so you can keep the cosy going even after you dry off.
Chance Harbour Nature Spa (Chance Harbour, New Brunswick)
A wood-fired spa, an outdoor hot pool with a view of a roaring waterfall, and a chance to take a polar bear dip in the Bay of Fundy—getting back to nature has never been so relaxing. You can book a massage or mani/pedi (call in advance) or stay in the spa’s indoor “glamping” accommodations. The spa is open every weekend.
Want even more winter spa recommendations? Check out our post for more destinations.
