Nordic Spas in Quebec: Soak In Relaxation
Contributor Hilary Nangle offers a fool-proof recipe for relaxation: A sybaritic soak in one of the Nordic spas in Quebec.
“Fifteen to 20 minutes hot, then 30 seconds to one minute cold, then 15-20 minutes relaxing. Repeat three times.”
I kept reminding myself of the instructions while visiting one of the Nordic spas in Quebec. Easy enough, I thought, immersing myself in a jetted outdoor heated pool. As I relaxed, soft snowflakes fell on my head, adding to the experience.
Convincing myself to get out of the warmth and plunge into a cold pool wasn’t easy, but I did it, bouncing up and down as I counted to 30. And then, the best part: resting on a chaise wrapped in a blanket. Ahhh! After about three cycles, I felt like over-cooked spaghetti.
That rare sense of complete relaxation made me a fan of Nordic spas. Most of these specialized spas, usually located along a lake or waterway, offer a variety of hot, cold, and rest options. These may include steam rooms, varied saunas and baths, jetted pools, cold waterfalls or showers, and the natural waters of the lake or stream.
Nordic spas are based on hydrotherapy and the premise that alternating hot and cold with rest promotes relaxation. The therapy, rooted in Scandinavia, gained traction in the province of Quebec about 20 years ago. Since then, it’s spread westward through Canada.
I’ve taken the plunge in every season, and here are some of my favorite Nordic spas in Quebec. Each is paired with an accommodation that encourages relaxation or has a spa.
My Favorite Nordic Spas in Quebec
Strøm Nordic Spa, Quebec City
When I’m itching to fly across The Pond for an immersion into one of Europe’s ancient cities, I often scratch it with a trip to Quebec City. Old Quebec, the city’s 400-year-old heart, can keep a history buff, foodie, or outdoor enthusiast content for days. I often spend a few days here whenever skiing nearby, which is why my visits usually are in winter.
Strøm Nordic Spa, situated on the banks of the St. Lawrence in Old Quebec, adds much-needed balance to any trip to Quebec City. It demands that you slow down, take in the natural beauty of the site, relax in its waters and what it bills as “North America’s largest flotation pool,” and indulge in local cuisine with a contemporary and healthful spin.
Soak in the sunset views from the heated outdoor infinity pool or the panoramic sauna. Float in the Strøm River’s cyclical current. Plunge into a cold bath. Cocoon in a hanging chair or relax by an outdoor fire or in a meditation room. And allow time to savor a plate of local cheese and charcuterie in the restaurant. Note: Strøm has a sister spa in Sherbrooke.
Call it a night at Le Monastère des Augustines, the former home of the Augustinian sisters, who are credited with creating what led to today’s healthcare system in the province. The renovated and updated building dates from the 17th century. The hotel offers a holistic approach, focusing on wellness and heritage.
I’ve stayed in both a traditional room with a sink, but sharing a hallway bath (robe provided), and a contemporary room with a full private bath. Honestly, I preferred the traditional one; it seemed cozier and more authentic. That said, both are lovely and each delivers simplified luxury. I loved the “phone cozy,” a hand-knitted pocket in each room designed to encourage guests to put cell phones away. Traditional rooms have quilts on the beds; contemporary ones have Hudson Bay blankets.
You won’t have to leave the property for meals. A silent breakfast is included in the rates, but consider having at least one dinner at Le Vivoir, the hotel’s restaurant. Most ingredients are sourced within 150 km of the hotel; organic fare is prioritized; and no processed foods are used.
Le Monastère also offers massages, health consultations, activities such as concerts and meditation sessions, and a museum.
Estello Suites & Spa, Frontenac
Sited in the Mont-Megantic International Dark Skies Reserve, on the eastern edge of Quebec’s fabulous Eastern Townships, and along the shores of Lac Megantic, Estello pairs a Nordic spa experience with a boutique inn.
The spa facilities spill out from the hotel’s garden level to the lakefront. That’s where you’ll find four hot pools, a cold pool with a waterfall, a heated saltwater pool, a panoramic dry sauna, and an eucalyptus steam room. Stone walkways and patios surround the spa area, giving way to a grassy lawn and the waterfront dock. After alternating hot and cold sessions, relax on the waterfront, perhaps by an outdoor fireplace, in a dock chaise, or in the yurt. Or step inside for more relaxation options, including an infrared light room and hammock chairs. Perhaps add a massage. And the best part? If you’ve booked a stay, when you’re done, you can toddle back to your room or suite.
Estello’s 11 guestrooms and suites are spread out on three floors (no elevator). Suites have full kitchens, while smaller rooms have kitchenettes. The nicest ones face the lake and have balconies. No need to cook, though. Estello offers restaurant-prepared meals delivered to your suite and sells wine and beer to accompany your feast. Breakfast and lunch are also available. (Note: the website is in French, but has a Google Translate option for English.)
Bora Boreal, Bury
If you opt for the Strøm Spa in Sherbrooke, consider staying at Bora Boreal, about 45 minutes away. I consider Bora Boreal a mini, Nordic spa-ish destination. It comprises small and large floating cabins on a lake, a main lodge, and barrel hot tubs. I spent an early April night at the one in the Eastern Township and loved soaking in the tubs and the lake’s tranquility.
The solar-powered cabins come in two sizes. Each has modular sofas that can be configured into beds, a fireplace, a well-equipped kitchen, an eco-friendly toilet, and an outdoor barbecue. The lodge features full bathrooms, a yoga room, and a relaxation area with hanging chairs. You can stock your cabin with items from a ready-to-eat menu (the duck confit mac and cheese is scrumptious).
Free paddleboards and kayaks are available, and you can swim from your deck in the summer. In winter, snowshoes are also included. Dogs are welcome for a fee.
Bora Boreal has a second, smaller location in Sainte-Brigitte-de-Laval, about 40 minutes northeast of Quebec City.
Spa Nordic Station, Magog
I finally understood the concept of forest bathing when I visited Spa Nordic Station, which is situated on a wooded hillside overlooking the Castle Brook River. This place is magical, with boardwalks, stairs, and decks connecting the various options (note: not a spa suitable for those with mobility challenges).
During my visit, I soaked in the heated and jetted California baths, sweated in the sauna-like Russian banya steam bath and Finnish saunas (one scented with eucalyptus, the other with balsam fir), and inhaled deeply in the eucalyptus stone steam crypt. Offsetting the heat were two cold plunges, both with waterfalls; brrrr!
Relaxation (a.k.a. nap) spots were plentiful, with indoor spaces and outdoor terraces. I finished by descending to the river, where the shallow water deepened into a pool. I had it to myself, floating to the background music of wind whispering through fir trees and water gurgling over rocks. Heaven!
Pair Spa Nordic Station with a stay at Manoir Hovey, fronting on Lac Massawippi in North Hatley, about 20 minutes away. This handsome Relais & Chateaux-member property pairs manor-style elegance with contemporary amenities. It also features a Nordic thermal circuit comprising an outdoor heated pool, a dry sauna, hot tubs, an aromatic steam room, a cold plunge, and, of course, the lake. The hotel’s Le Hatley restaurant offers a well-reviewed fine dining experience. For a less formal meal, opt for the cozier and charming Le Tap Room Bistro.
BALNEA spa + thermal reserve, Bromont
I never miss an opportunity to return to BALNEA spa + thermal reserve, which seems to grow each time I return. The multi-level main building contains the restaurant and lounge, spa services, and most of the thermal experiences. While you won’t get lost, it may take a while to figure out where everything is, given the wide range of hot, cold, and relaxation choices inside and outdoors.
Hot options include Finnish saunas, Turkish baths, and a serene infinity pool overlooking the lake. Drop your body temperature in one of the cold pools or under a waterfall.
Among relaxation choices, my favorite is the cozy Moroccan Lounge. Still, I’ve also enjoyed the intriguing Cinéspa theater and the more traditional rest areas. What I’ve yet to experience are the sound cones in the forest.
Balnea’s Lumami restaurant serves fresh, seasonal fare with many ingredients sourced from the spa’s organic micro-farm and winter greenhouse. Most of the wines, beers, and sweets are organic, biodynamic, natural, local, or sustainable.
Under the Balnea umbrella and adjacent to the spa, the Beatnik Hotel will reopen after renovations in mid-July. Breakfast is included at the hotel’s Coffee-Bar. Guests share access to common rooms, including a kitchen and dining room; there’s a seasonal outdoor pool; and miles of trails to explore in the Domaine naturel du lac Gale.
IF YOU GO
Nordic Spas in Quebec: What to Know
- Most Nordic spas will supply a bathrobe, locker, and at least one towel.
- Bring a swimsuit, sandals, sunscreen, a hat (in winter), and a water bottle. Also, consider bringing a waterproof bag for transporting your swimsuit and sandals afterward.
- Most Nordic spas request silence and don’t allow the use of cell phones or other electronic devices.
- Book your session and any additional services, such as massage or dining, in advance; most locations offer online reservations.
- Remember, you’re in Quebec, where French is the native language. I’ve found that usually at least one person on site speaks English.
- Quebec’s Eastern Townships provide plenty more to see and do than Nordic spas. The region is splashed with lakes, laced with bicycling trails, and home to numerous wineries, cheesemakers, and galleries. If you’re a fan of author Louise Penny’s mysteries, you’ll find Three Pines here. Other enticements include a lakeside abbey, alpine skiing resorts, and charming towns.
