Why are Nordic Spas suddenly popular in Canada?

Nordic spas were a relatively obscure experience to most Canadians up until a decade ago, the popularity of this style of spa has exploded. Time in a luxurious pools and sauna sweating is certainly appealing, mostly in the winter, but why has this particular spa style suddenly become so popular in Canada? Having gone myself, I can say: they’re fun, they’re relaxing, beautiful, and they’re best experienced in cold weather countries.

The belief is that taking your body from extremely hot to extremely cold temperatures can strengthen your immune system, purify your body. Every Spa looks a bit different, but they all operate on the same basic system of hot, cold & rest. Participants start with a soak in a hot tub or stay in a steam room or dry sauna before plunging into an incredibly cold pool. Even with a dunk under a cold waterfall, for the brave ones.

Why Canada?

Canada is indeed one of the coldest countries, with winter lasting a very long time. Canada doesn’t have a particularly overwhelming Scandinavian population, but the Nordic spa industry in this country is booming, for which we can collectively thank Quebec. The province is home to dozens of Nordic spas.

Since Quebec has no shortage of amazing natural sceneries, there are countless spots perfect for spa set-ups. Few things beat sitting in a Nordic spa tub and gazing out at rolling hills, lush forests, and mountains.

Where to go?

Again, the Quebec province has by far the greatest concentration of Nordic spas in Canada. The same company behind the massive Nordik Spa-Nature in Chelsea has also a location called “Thermea” in Winnipeg.

Having just spend the night at the Nordik Spa-Nature in Chelsea, I can vouch that it’s an incredible experience.

It’s never too late to start-off on the path to wellness and relaxation at the Nordik Spa-Nature. The huge spa is filled with all sorts of services that let you forget the business of everyday life. I learned that the relaxation and wellness centre focuses on thermotherapy and relaxation techniques, offering a memorable experience in a natural setting. We’re talking about four restaurants, ten outdoor baths, an infinity pool and even saltwater flotation pool. It’s quite the experience!

The seven outdoor pools are available in three temperatures — hot, cold, and temperate. At night, the pools are lit with colourful lights that will make you feel at peace.

The saltwater floatation pool will make you believe you’ve dropped into the circle club scene from the John Wick movie. But in reality, its a mineral-rich waters offer benefits like tension relief and healing. What if I told you there was a spa treatment that mimicked getting four hours of sleep? At Nordik Spa-Nature, they now offer what is called a Källa treatment. The water, filled Epsom salts, makes you float and is full of magnesium to help your muscles relax.

What is thermotherapy? Thermotherapy is a treatment that involves alternating between hot and cold temperatures. This process has a lot of benefits to the body, just like chronic pain, rheumatism, or arthritis. And overall mental health.

The Banyä treatment is typically a balance of dry heat and humid steam in a Banyä sauna. This process is known to help you improve blood circulation, deep-clean the skin, eliminate toxins and boost the immune system. The whipping ritual relaxes the skin, witch involves striking participants gently, firmly, and deftly with birch veniks.

Did you know le Nordik Spa also rents cottages? Surrounded by nature, you’ll discover cottages perched atop Nordik Road in Chelsea. They are perfectly designed to welcome groups with a capacity limit of 10 people. Just steps away from Nordik Spa-Nature, they are a perfect way to completely immerse yourself in a stress-free environment if you choose to stay at the Spa for more than a day.

If you truly want to escape from the stressors of life, head to a spa. You haven’t really relaxed until you’ve experienced the health benefits of a Nordic spa treatment along Quebec’s natural beauty.

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For more information about the Nordik Spa-Nature, click here.

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