Anne-Charlotte PasseraGoing to a spa in Montreal is a rite of passage for any newcomer.
It’s a zen place with usually a eucalyptus scent that immediately relaxes you.
Whether it’s a trend or inspired by a Nordic way of life, going to the spa has become a popular pastime in Montreal.
Open to adults only, with a few exceptions, a spa is the perfect place to unwind and recharge.
Let’s face it, the experience isn’t cheap, especially with the ridiculous increase in prices this past year.
However, having the experience offered to you or to someone else makes the pill go down a lot easier. Also, there are spas that offer lower prices in the evening or during the week.
Some people go on a regular basis and others for special occasions, like me.
A day spa offers several services such as massages or facials, but people mainly settle for the water circuit, as everything else is extra.
Below are 4 spas that I have tried since we arrived in Montreal.
Förena Cité Thermale (Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville)
I recently discovered the Förena spa with my mom for my birthday. It’s been 2 years that I wanted to test this spa inspired by the thermotherapy rituals of Iceland, Germany and Russia.
It is precisely because of its Icelandic pool that I was intrigued by this spa. After our thermal experience in Iceland over the holidays a few years ago, I’ve never looked at hot pools the same way again. (read 3 reasons to spend New Year’s Eve in Iceland)
We loved our experience which lasted more than 6 hours and without care.
This spa is located in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville in Montérégie. It seems far said like that, but in fact not at all. It’s only 30 minutes from Montreal.
The facilities
I was expecting something bigger. At first, I was afraid that it would get overcrowded. In fact not at all. There was plenty of room for everyone.
You will find a large hot pool, 2 very hot pools and 2 cold pools. The style of the pools surrounded by rocks reminded me of the Blue Lagoon next to Reykjavik, but smaller.
Of course there is also a steam room and two saunas and places to shower.
When you are not doing the water circuit, you can relax outside on loungers or cocoon chairs. There are also indoor relaxation areas.
One of the largest spas in Canada, according to Évasion Québec.
If you want to experience Russian-inspired thermotherapy, after the sauna or hammam and the cold waterfall, you can go recuperate in the night lounge. There are double cubicles with two floors in two rows. It reminded me of a backpackers’ dormitory and it was quite comfortable.
The German spa experience is almost the same. This time it consists of just the sauna, the cold water pool and an open relaxation room located right above the sauna. You will have a bright and panoramic view of the site. Mats and large cushions are available for you to relax on.
Finally, there are two fire pits to choose from. One is outside and the other is in a bubble. We spent a lot of time reading and relaxing in this indoor seating area. The wooden chairs are comfortable and warm with their animal skins and blankets available to wrap up in. A pure happiness of relaxation.
Activities
Massages and various treatments are of course offered, but at an extra cost.
However, you can participate in two activities in the saunas for free. The Aufguss and sensory meditation.
The Aufguss is a ritual of German origin. The term means infusion. Through a harmonious dance of orange flavoured heat and choreographed movements with the help of a towel by the Aufguss Master, you will achieve maximum relaxation.
The session lasts 15 minutes. Before the end, you will be offered some pineapple or berry juice with a blueberry to relieve the heat. I particularly liked the fireball at the end.
The sensory meditation takes place in the German sauna which is dark. You can relax your body and mind. The experience also lasts 15 minutes.
These two activities take place alternately throughout the day on the hour and begin at 11:00 am.
Finally, before heading back to the changing room, stop by the showers in front of the Buran sauna. You will be able to participate in an exfoliation ritual. A sensory mix based on essential oils, Epsom salt and salt from the Dead Sea is made available to you (for free). It is recommended to spend 10 to 15 minutes in the sauna beforehand to open your pores.
Food & Drinks
Once inside, you will not be able to leave at will. If you feel hungry, you will have no choice but to go to the restaurant.
It is highly recommended, especially on weekends, to book a table. You can do so online in advance or when you arrive. On our visit, we noticed that it started to get very busy around 12:45.
While the main dishes are hearty, they are still expensive. It’s about $21 for pasta and $30 for a guinea fowl ballotine. However, the prices are quite similar in all the spas.
Despite the cost, the service and the meal were good. We enjoyed the venison tartare and the halibut gravlax.
However, my mother was disappointed with her sparkling wine-based kir royal and I was disappointed with my non-alcoholic Bee Boost Spritz cocktail. Personally, I found the taste mix weird and too bitter.
The cost
I found the value for money really good. You get unlimited access to the site, plus free activities. The staff is really warm and welcoming. The facilities are great and clean.
Access is allowed to people aged 16 and over. You have to be 18 years old for the treatments.
Parking is free.
Cost: $80 for the full day spa experience.
For now, Förena is just in phase 1. This spa will expand and there will even be a hotel. I hope that the expansion will not cause it to lose its calm and inviting essence.
This spa is located near the Parc Saint-Bruno and the ski slopes.
It is open every day from 10am to 10pm.
Book your experience HERE.
Bota Bota, Spa on the water (Old Montreal)
Opened in 2010, this spa is my favorite in Montreal.
Located in Old Montreal on an old ferry, you will have a breathtaking view of the old city.
Unfortunately, victim of its success, there are often too many people. It can sometimes feel a little too crowded in the hammam or jacuzzi. However, there is also an outdoor garden with the same facilities as on the ship if you need more space.
A ship designed to transport you without moving
BOTA BOTA
The former engine room has been converted into a changing room. The portholes serve as a place to relax, rocking to the movement of the waves of the St. Lawrence River.
The net chairs used as swings are very popular.
The treatments
I have been to the Bota-Bota several times for a massage. It was always enjoyable as a duo or solo. Other than the Swedish massage, I tested the Lomi-Lomi which is a kind of a Hawaiian massage that I really like. Don’t ask me to describe it to you, I don’t know much about massages. Let’s just say that I find it more spiritual.
Restaurant
The restaurant at Bota-Bota seems to float on water. You won’t find a better place in Montreal to eat on the banks of the St. Lawrence River.
The prices are quite reasonable (for a spa) and for the small budgets, they offer a soup.
It’s a nice place to have a glass of wine at the end of the day.
The cost
Access and treatments are for 18 years old and up.
The spa is easily accessible by subway (Victoria Square OACI Station) + 10 minutes walk.
Cost: 85$ on weekends, high season, for 3 hours.
This spa is open every day from 10am to 10pm.
Phones are not allowed on board. You will have to leave yours in the changing room.
Book your stop HERE.
Strom Spa (Nuns’ Island, Montreal)
The Strom Spa is located on Nuns’ Island in Montreal. You’ll have to drive there, but parking is free.
This spa is not particularly large. However, it offers a good experience at a more reasonable cost when not considered high season and on weekdays.
It is ideal if you want to have a massage with your child (4 to 15 years old).
Also, sometimes they give access to the baths to children on certain weekends before 10am. It is best to contact them directly to find out more.
Cost: $79 on weekends, high season, unlimited time.
This spa is open from 9am to 10pm.
Minimum age is 16 years old.
Book your experience HERE.
Scandinave Spa is another place in Old Montreal where you can relax.
It’s the first one I went to and it was with my mom. We went there mainly to get a massage. It was nice.
I found this spa disappointing because there is no outdoor part and no views of the outside. However the setting is still warm and cozy.
Cost: $75 on weekends, high season, unlimited time.
This spa is open from 10am to 9pm.
Access and treatments are for 18 years old and up.
It’s better to come by public transportation unless you’re lucky enough to find a place on rue de la Commune (free on Saturday and Sunday).
Reserve your experience HERE.
- There is another Scandinave Spa in Mont-Tremblant which is very popular in the heart of a forest. Of course, it’s a little more expensive.
Cost: $100 on Saturday and $90 the rest of the week, high season.
Book your experience HERE.
Before going to a spa
Spas are generally open all year round. Yes, even in winter.
- They all offer more or less the same massage therapy and beauty treatments.
When you book a massage, you may still have to pay for the water circuit, depending on when you go.
However, if you have group insurance, you may be reimbursed for a portion of your massage. Simply request a receipt and send it to your insurance company.
- You will need to bring a bathing suit, waterproof sandals, a reusable water bottle, and perhaps a book.
Generally, the loan of a bathrobe, towel and access to a locker are included in the price.
- There is no need to bring shower products, as the changing room has everything you need, including a hair dryer and flat iron.
Unlike in Iceland, the shower rooms are closed. You don’t have to worry about being seen naked. However, for hygiene reasons, it is better to shower before starting your water circuit.
- As a general rule, telephones are not allowed in a spa.
The benefits of the Spa
By doing hot and cold circuits with a relaxation break, you will improve your blood circulation.
You can alternate the pools with the sauna or steam bath for a complete relaxation effect.
By sweating hard, you will detoxify your body.
Toxins, get out of my body!
In addition, a day at the spa has a toning and rejuvenating effect on the skin. You’ll leave feeling totally relaxed, as the experience will make you leave your stress in the changing room.
A spa is the perfect place to get away from the seemingly endless winter blues in Montreal.
For another relaxing activity without taking your clothes off, I invite you to discover Espace Tonik.
What about you? Have you ever been to a spa? Tell me about your experience below.
