Relaxation and Rejuvenation: Discovering the Tranquility of the Scandinave Spa Montreal

Looking for the perfect escape to unwind and revitalize? Look no further than the Scandinave Spa Montreal —an exquisite haven where relaxation and rejuvenation intertwine. Immerse yourself in the soothing ambiance of this urban retreat, where you can indulge in saunas, spa pools, icy plunges, and serene relaxation areas. Read on to discover why Scandinave Spa Montreal is the perfect escape!

A First Time Guide to Nordic Bathing

The Scandinave Spa Montreal is a wellness retreat nestled in the heart of Old Montreal which focuses on the century-old practice of Nordic bathing. What exactly is Nordic Bathing you might ask yourself? The activity embraces the practices of Scandinavian countries, such as Sweden, Norway, and Finland, and is rooted in the belief that alternating between hot and cold experiences can promote physical and mental well-being. Alternating between these contrasting temperatures offers a myriad of benefits for the body and mind; the heat from saunas, spa & steam rooms promotes relaxation, reduces stress and soothes tired muscles & joints, while the invigorating cold plunges or showers help to detoxify the body, stimulate circulation & boosts the immune system. Coupled with relaxation, nordic bathing provides a holistic experience that leaves the individual feeling refreshed, revitalized & restored. Fortunately for us, they are becoming increasingly popular in Canada, particularly in Quebec which draws the greatest concentration of Nordic spas in Canada.

Serenity from the Moment You Arrive: The Check In Process

Nestled in the lively Vieux-Montreal, Scandinave Spa Montreal at 71 De la Commune St W, Montreal, Quebec H2Y 2C6, pleasantly surprises visitors with its modest and discreet exterior facade, concealing a tranquil oasis that entirely contrasts the hustle & bustle of the city. The serene environment is immediately set upon entering the lobby, with a eucalyptus candle filling the air (which seems to be their signature scent) and ice-cold, complimentary water ready to drink. The helpful staff will check you in & take your payment (more on that later). You’ll be provided with an overview of how the Thermal Process works & shown a map of the venue. Finally, you’ll receive a locker key & sandals and be guided to the change rooms.

Immersive Relaxation: Fully Equipped Changing Rooms at the Spa

Lockers are conveniently accessed using a comfortable and waterproof bracelet, featuring a magnetic key attachment. Inside the lockers, you’ll discover a luxurious Scandinave Spa Robe and a pair of fresh towels. These medium-sized lockers offer ample space to store your bag & personal belongings and are thoughtfully equipped with a hanger, allowing you to hang your clothes & coats. The Scandinave Spa encourages a digital detox, so leave your phone in your locker (trust me, you’ll cherish this aspect of your spa journey). You start your experience with a shower (mandatory before access), which are stocked with nourishing Oneka products including shower gel, shampoo & conditioner. Now refreshed & starting to relax, you’ll slip into your bathing suit & robe and embark on a blissful Thermal Journey.

Setting the Stage for Bliss

Once you step through the Scandinave Spa changing room doors and into the spacious Relaxation Area, you’ll feel the weight of the world melt away. The area is adored with an array of plush bean bags & cozy day beds & the serene tone is set with tranquil music, the sound of trickling water and ambient lighting. To your left, you’ll find the heat & cold installations, which is where your thermal experience begins.

Embark on a Thermal Journey: Experiencing the 3 Stages of the Scandinave Spa Montreal

Rejuvenating Heat Stage; 15 minutes
The Scandinave Spa encourages you to start your relaxation journey with 15 minutes of heat exposure. You can have the option to indulge in one of 3 invigorating hot installations; The Hydrojet Hot Pool featuring a Thermal Waterfall, The Finish Dry Sauna or The Eucalyptus Steam Bath, renowned as the hottest installation of the thermal journey. Accomplishing the challenge of staying in for the full duration is a breeze as you gradually unwind and detach from the outside world, all while the therapeutic hydrojets work their magic, soothing & massaging your shoulders. By elevating your body temperature in this manner, the blood vessels on the surface of your skin dilate, leading to a reduction in blood pressure and an enhanced blood flow to your muscles and skin. All areas of the Scandinave Spa are a quiet zone, so you’re easily be able to focus on controlling your breathing & allow a state of tranquility to wash over you.

Invigorating Cold Stage: 30 Seconds
Once you have reached a state of blissful relaxation, brace yourself for an exhilarating 30-second cold plunge, either in the ice-cold shower or the Cold Plunge Pool, which is the coldest installation in the Thermal Journey. This action causes the pores of the skin to close, effectively trapping previously absorbed heat, and increasing blood pressure. As a result, your body is primed to eliminate toxins, while your muscles release tension. The initial shock of the extreme cold may momentarily take your breath away, but by summoning your inner strength & focusing on breathing consciously for 30 seconds (or even a few minutes), you’ll feel the rejuvenating mind & body benefits of hydrotherapy.

Relax & Unwind: Enjoy 15 Minutes of pure bliss
Having braved the hot & cold challenge, it’s now time to relax in the comfort of your fluffy robe! You can do so in the spacious, Relaxation Area with no shortage of heated seats, recliners & day beds fitted with cozy blankets & pillows. There are books & magazines available to read, however I strongly urge you to try meditating after your first circuit in the Thermal Journey, as it truly enhances relaxation. There is also a separate Zero-Stress room, which is dimly lit, playing spa music and is the perfect place for a nap after your Thermal Journey. Resting after the cold & heat stages helps the body resume normal blood circulation and heart rate & enables the body to focus on recovery. The attentive staff will walk around with complimentary Immunity Booster Drinks & Smoothies & there are dispensers of Camellia Sinensis organic herbal teas & fruit-infused water stations available around the Relaxation Area to help you hydrate.

Now Rinse & Repeat the Thermal Circuit (quite literally)!

Elevate Your Experience: Spa Treatments for Ultimate Relaxation

Scandinave Spa Montreal also offers a range of massage services that you can add on to enhance your day of relaxation. They offer the following services for 60 or 120 minutes:

• Swedish Relaxation Massage: a therapeutic massage involving long, gentle strokes to improve circulation and promote relaxation  – perfect if it’s your first time getting a massage.
• Therapeutic Massage: focuses on a specific area of pain using light to firm pressure (tailored to your needs) to alleviate muscle pain & promote relaxation
• Deep Tissue Massage: targets deeper muscle layers, employing slow, deep linear pressure to alleviate tension & provide targeted relief to specific areas of pain or tension, typically with minimal use of massage oil.
• Thai with Oil: works with energy lines (Sen) & pressure on specific points incorporating movement & stretches to create more muscle and peri-articular space in the body
• Lomi-Atsu: combines the relaxing Lomi-lomi from Hawaii with the reharmonizing Japanese Shiatsu, utilizing forearm, elbow, and thumb pressure for a truly invigorating experience.
• Prenatal Massage: Aimed at easing the tensions and other symptoms related to pregnancy (must be more than 13 weeks pregnant). Note the Scandinave baths are not recommended for pregnant women.

Find out more on what the best type of massage for you is here. All Scandinave Spa Massage Therapists are members of a recognized association in QC, so you can request a receipt for reimbursement from your eligible health insurance provider!

Personal Bliss: My Massage Experience at the Scandinavian Spa Montreal

My boyfriend and I opted for a Couples Swedish Massage prior to using the Thermal Journey Installations. Our masseuses greeted us in the Relaxation Room where we filled in our client intake forms and were then guided to the treatment room. The soft, melodic music, dim lighting & minimalistic decor all created a zen-like environment. My masseuse discussed specific pain areas I wanted to target and the technique she was going to use, and we soon began the 1 hour massage. The massage table was very comfortable & with crisp linen and was even heated, helping soothe my tired muscles. My masseuse was incredibly skilled and expertly worked out some upper back pain I was experiencing. I found myself completely relaxed after just 10 minutes, when usually it takes me 45 minutes to be able to completely shut off the outside noise! I was so sad when it eventually ended but felt entirely rejuvenated, nearly having dozed off multiple times! I can honestly say it was the best Swedish Massage I have ever experienced, and sharing the luxurious treatment with my boyfriend in the same room made it even more special. The couples massage option is perfect for an anniversary or celebration with a loved one, just make sure you phone ahead to request the duo massage (which incurs an additional charge of $5 per person for 60 minutes or $10 per person for 120 minutes). Purchasing a massage includes access to the Thermal Experience, which you can use before or after your treatment.

Convenient Opening Hours: Plan Your Visit to the Spa

The Scandinave Spa Old Montreal is open everyday from 10am – 9pm.
The first massage appointment is at 9am and the last one is 8pm

Additional Facilities and Transport: Enhancing Your Spa Experience

The Scandinave Spa offers complimentary, nourishing smoothies, organic Camellia Sinensis tea, infused water and fruit in the Relaxation Area, and while there is no on-site restaurant, there are countless excellent restaurants in the nearby Old Montreal area to explore before or after your Thermal Therapy session. The changing rooms are conveniently equipped with hair dryers, flat irons and hair accessories, so you can freshen up and transition seamlessly to your dining plans or continue with the rest of your day after your spa experience. While the spa does not provide parking facilities, there is paid parking close by on King Edward Quay & parking on De la Commune Street is free on Saturdays and Sundays. If you prefer public transport, the spa is conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from the Place d’armes station, accessible by metro, bike or Bixi. Please note that according to their FAQ, the installations at Scandinave Spa are not wheelchair accessible.

Exceptional Customer Service: Ensuring a Memorable Visit

All the staff at the Scandinave Spa were exceptionally friendly, professional and went out of their way to ensure that guests had a fantastic time. I had a few questions prior to booking, and their phone support staff were very helpful and even provided an overview of what to expect prior to arriving, already setting the relaxing scene for us. We booked our massages online and shortly after their reservation team called us to see if we wanted to upgrade to a couples massage, which we of course did and were so grateful to have done so. At the spa, the attentive staff continuously refreshed blankets & pillows ready for the next person to use, so there was always an available place to relax. One of my favorite aspects was the staff offering visitors freshly-made smoothies right to your seat, which added to the luxurious resort-like ambience. The facilities, including the changing rooms, were immaculately clean, further enhancing the overall experience.

Pricing and Reservations: Details for Your Thermal Journey

There are different rates based on what time of year you visit and if you reserve or not.

• As of July 1, 2023 Thermal Journey Rates without a reservation is $65 Monday through Thursday and $70 Friday through Sunday. While the Thermal Journey is always available to walk-in guests, it is subject to a waitlist when the spa is at capacity, so try and time you visit during non-peak hours or during the week if you can.

• As of July 1, 2023 Thermal Journey Rates with a reservation is $75 Monday through Thursday and $80 Friday through Sunday. Your reservation guarantees you access to the spa at a secured check-in time the day of your choice.

Both rates include two rowels, robe rental, sandals, a smoothie serve and locker. There is also no time limit to enjoy your experience – I stayed for 5 hours! Prices for massages start from $115 and include access to the Thermal Journey. You can see all rates & start your reservation here. You can also book directly online or make a phone reservation directly at 1-844-220-2009.

Please note that the prices mentioned in this blog are subject to change without prior notice. We strive to keep the information up to date; however, we recommend visiting the official website or for the most accurate and current pricing details.

Beyond Montreal: Exploring Other Scandinavian Spa Locations

For those not in Montreal, fret not, as The Scandinave Spa has three additional locations across Canada; The Blue Mountains in Ontario, Mont Tremblant in Quebec and Whistler in British Columbia, each offering a unique experience. I have personally visited the Whistler location and it is truly stunning, nestled amidst Whistler’s old-growth rainforest, providing a distinct outdoor ambience compared to the indoor setting of the Old Montreal location. Regardless of the location, both are guaranteed to leave you feeling rejuvenated & refreshed.

Know Before You Go

• No electronic devices are permitted beyond the changing rooms at the Scandinave Spa, as they encourage guests to embrace a Digital Detox experience and disconnect from technology
• The Scandinave Spa is a Kid-Free Zone, exclusively for individuals aged 18 and over
• Make sure to bring your bathing suit, a reusable water bottle, and a book for your spa visit. Water stations are conveniently available throughout the spa for refilling your water bottle to stay hydrated. In the event that you forget a book, the spa provides magazines and other reading materials for your enjoyment.
• There is no restaurant/ cafe on site, so plan accordingly. There are endless dining options around the spa, please click here for my recommendations.
• Let go of the notion that day spas are only for couples and girls’ trips. The Scandinave Spa is a perfect destination for a day of solo self-care and is rated one of the best day spas for solo travelers, offering an exceptional experience for individuals seeking relaxation and rejuvenation on their own.
• Silence is mandatory within the spa premises to maintain a tranquil atmosphere

Experience the ultimate Digital Detox at Scandinave Spa Montreal – Book your tranquil & getaway at one of Montreal’s best day spas today