From Ship to Spa: Review and guide to Bota Bota’s Floating Spa Experience. 

Situated on the beautiful St Lawrence River in the Old Port of Montreal lies Bota Bota, a unique floating spa. Originally a ferry, and converted into a spa, Bota Bota specializes in Nordic bathing, which emphasizes the age-old practice of alternating between hot and cold experiences to promote positive physical and mental well-being. Nordic spas have gained popularity in Canada (particularly in Quebec which draws the greatest concentration of Nordic spas in Canada) and Bota Bota has carved its place as one of Montreal’s top choices. With four decks, a floating terrace, a restaurant, and stunning river views from its saunas and spas, it’s clear why Bota Bota stands out. During my first visit in February 2024, I opted for the ‘Layover’ 3-hour water circuit access, which provides access to Bota Bota’s hot and cold installations as well as relaxation areas for three hours during your chosen time slot. Here is my ultimate review and guide to the Bota floating spa experience.

Contents/ Jump Ahead:

1) Unique History
2) Check In Process
3) Water Circuit
4) My Experience
5) Dining at Bota Bota
6) Massages & Treatments
7) Pricing and Packages
8) Reservations
9) Location and Access
10) Openings Hours
11) Know Before You Go
12) Final Thoughts

Bota Bota’s Unique History

One of the unique things about Bota Bota is its fascinating history. It was originally a ferry named Arthur-Cardin in the 1950s and 10 years later transitioned into the Bateau-Théâtre l’Escale, the world’s first floating arts center. For many decades, the Bateau-Théâtre l’Escale put on plays, exhibitions and shows traveling around the St Lawrence River. In 2008 the then- abandoned boat was discovered by the Bota Bota team who were searching for a place to set up a spa and “couldn’t find the perfect spot in downtown Montreal, so we decided to create the location … on the water”. L’Escale was conceptualized into Bota Bota by Jean Pelland (Sid Lee Architecture) and for 30 months the boat was converted into a floating spa along with a team of 100+ architects, designers, naval architects, plumbers, carpenters, electricians and more. Today their mission is to provide well-being through the increasingly scientifically proven benefits of thermal bathing.

Check In Process 

I had purchased tickets for Bota Bota 1 week prior, opting for the Water Circuit ‘Layover’ which includes three hours access to the water circuit for a specific time slot. We strategically selected the 2pm time slot so that we could enjoy the sunset. Upon arriving at Bota Bota, there is a kiosk outside of the spa, where we were guided to complete a client intake form via user-friendly tablets. Our tickets were then printed, and we were ready to make our way to the Main Deck of Bota Bota. 

Once inside, we formally checked in and were provided our wristbands, bathrobes, towel and locker key, which are included with the cost of admission. To streamline our check-out process, we chose to link our credit card to our wristbands. A nominal pre-authorization charge of $50 was applied, allowing us the convenience of making purchases at the restaurant without the need for a physical card. We were directed to the changing rooms, which were well appointed with lockers, showers, hair dryers, shampoo, conditioner and more. The changing rooms are located where the old engines on the ferry used to be, adding to the historic allure of Bota Bota. We showered, changed into our bathing suits and fluffy robes and were ready to explore the rest of the spa. Overall, the check in process was seamless and a fantastic start to our spa experience.

Bota Bota Floating Spa Experience: The Water Circuit

The Water Circuit at Bota Bota is an immersive experience through the boat’s four distinct decks: the Sun Deck, Boardwalk Deck, Intermediary Deck, and the Main Deck, along with an exterior Garden. Each deck offers a unique blend of hot, cold, and relaxation installations, all while providing breathtaking views of the St Lawrence river and Old Port. The hot installations include saunas, eucalyptus steam baths, heated pools, jet baths, and spas, with the cold installations ranging from cold plunge pools, cold showers, and for the daring, there’s even access to the river for a polar plunge during winter! There are also various relaxation areas and terraces complete with hammocks, day beds, and recliners that invite you to unwind and soak in the serenity. 

Bota Bota encourages Nordic bathing philosophy, guiding visitors through three stages of the water circuit: hot, cold, and relaxation. In the initial heat exposure stage (recommended for 10-15 minutes), spas, saunas, and steam rooms work their magic, promoting muscle relaxation and easing tension. The subsequent 15-60 second cold plunge is a quick sensory wake-up, tightening pores and triggering endorphin production. The circuit concludes in one of the numerous relaxation areas for 20-30 minutes, adorned with sun loungers and hammocks, providing a peaceful setting to stabilize your heart rate after the invigorating thermal journey. This therapeutic water circuit is designed to be repeated 3-4 times, unlocking a multitude of health and well-being benefits.

My Bota Bota Experience

During my visit, we kicked off our experience on the Sun Deck and systematically worked our way through each level of the boat, completing one round of the water circuit on every deck to fully appreciate the distinctive installations. We found ourselves feeling more and more zen with each water circuit and were able to extend our time in each cold plunge – although admittedly, my endurance never stretched beyond 45 seconds!

On the Boardwalk Deck, we participated in a guided meditation within the River Sauna, providing stunning views of the frozen St Lawrence River. One of my personal favorite moments was experiencing a polar plunge in the River. Accessible from the main deck, this unique opportunity allows visitors the extraordinary experience to swim in a frozen lake. The polar plunge left me feeling incredibly invigorated (and immediately running to the closest sauna to warm up)! As the evening unfolded, we enjoyed the sunset from the garden, home to two expansive heated pools. It served as the perfect conclusion to our day as we were able to watch the sunset and end our amazing experience at Bota Bota. 

Our visit to Bota Bota exceeded all expectations and was a truly fantastic experience. From unwinding in the garden heated pools, taking polar plunges, and reading within the cozy nooks, we departed feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. The experience at Bota Bota was complemented by the effortlessly efficient express check-out process. All we had to do was change in the well-appointed changing rooms and drop off our robes and key, as our on-board purchases were automatically charged to the credit card on file, making the departure as stress-free as the rest of our visit.

Dining at Bota Bota

One of my favorite things about Bota Bota spa is their unique on-site restaurant, La Traversée. This floating dining room provides stunning views of the Old Port of Montreal and the St Lawrence River. Whether it’s before, during, or after your spa experience, you have the luxury of dining in the comfort of your plush robe. La Traversée offers a seasonal menu with reasonably priced, healthy meals and lighter snacks, crafted from fresh produce sourced from Quebec. The menu also includes both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. During my visit, we chose the Charcuterie Platter and two cocktails. The charcuterie was delicious while the cocktails certainly helped us to relax even more once we returned to the spa! La Traversée operates daily from 11 am to 8 pm.

Massages and Treatments

To enhance your experience, Bota Bota offers a variety of massages and treatments for an additional fee. Choose from classic options such as Swedish, relaxation, and lymphatic drainage massages, or opt for contemporary ‘Discovery’ Massages designed to awaken your senses. These include the Yoga-Thai Massage, inspired by yoga principles, and the Hot Shell Massage, which utilizes shells to relax muscles and improve circulation. Prenatal massages are also available. All massages are performed by registered massage therapists (RMT) and come with an insurance receipt for reimbursement, if desired.

You can also indulge in face and body treatments such as the ‘Polaris’ facial, a 90-minute Cryo-Sculpt Facial by Babor. This treatment combines the benefits of cold therapy and sculpting gua sha to reduce puffiness, signs of fatigue, and firm the skin’s appearance. Another option is the luxurious ‘Seaside’ body treatment that offers a unique, hydrating and relaxing experience for both face and feet, performed with four hands to double the relaxation for your ultimate pleasure.

Pricing and Packages

Bota Bota’s rates are structured according to different periods which correspond to the time of the week or season you choose to visit. The cost for a 3-hour water circuit access ranges between $70 and $90. During our Saturday visit, classified as a high-peak time, we paid the maximum rate of $90 per person.

If you’re considering an evening visit after 5 PM, you can take advantage of reduced rates varying from $75 to $80—an ideal choice for those planning a post-work relaxation session or seeking a more budget-friendly option. Alternatively, you can opt for a tranquil dusk visit with the 2-hour ‘Layover’ rate, where prices range between $60 and $70.

The pricing for massages and beauty treatments follows a similar structure. A 60-minute treatment starts at $125, with costs adjusting based on the day of the week and your chosen treatment duration. Bota Bota also offers diverse packages combining water circuit access, treatments, and even dining options. Explore these packages here.

For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing details, we recommend checking Bota Bota’s official website here.

Reservations

To secure your spot, I highly recommend making an advance online booking through their official website at https://botabota.ca/en/book/. While walk-in visits are also welcomed during non-peak periods, availability is not guaranteed. Therefore, if possible, it’s advisable to book online for a confirmed reservation.

Location and Access

Bota Bota is located at Old Port of Montreal at the corner of De la Commune and McGill (click here for the exact location). Once you arrive at the Old Port of Montreal, you will find signs to Bota Bota, directing you to cross to the riverside promenade, and a wooden footbridge will lead you to Bota Bota’s garden. Due to the central location, I walked there on my visit, however it can be accessed by public transport, Bixi or driving: 

Getting to Bota Bota by Metro: The closest Metro station is Square Victoria-OACI metro. From there, it is a 12 minute walk to Bota Bota. Plan your trip here https://www.stm.info/en.

Getting to Bota Bota by Bus: There are several bus options stop nearby, including:
-Bus 715 (De la Commune and McGill)
-Bus 35 (McGill and William)
-Bus 61 (Soeurs Grises and Wellington)
-Bus 75 (McGill and Wellington)

Getting to Bota Bota by Bixi Bike: There are many Bixi docking stations nearby, with the closest being se la Commune West street and King street. Plan your trip here: https://bixi.com/fr/

Getting to Bota Bota by car: Due to its riverside location, Bota Bota does not have on-site parking. There are two parking stations close by: Grand Quai (200 rue de la Commune Ouest) and Quai King Edward (2 rue de la Commune Ouest). There is also street parking and other paid parking lots scattered around the area. 

Opening Hours

Bota Bota is open every day of the year, with the exception of Christmas Day on December 25th. Their water circuit hours are as follows:

Monday – Thursday: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Friday – Sunday: 8:40 am – 10:00 pm

Find out more up to date information on their website here: https://botabota.ca/en/contact/

Know Before You Go

• Plan ahead: Before heading to the Scandinave Spa, take some time to plan your trip wisely. If you have flexibility, consider avoiding peak times to enhance your experience. I visited on a busy Saturday afternoon to catch the sunset, but keep in mind that it can get quite crowded during these times.
• Essentials to Pack: Make sure you’re well-prepared for your spa day. Bring along your bathing suit, flip flops, a reusable (non-glass) water bottle, and a good book to fully enjoy your time at the spa. Convenient water stations are scattered throughout the facility, allowing you to easily refill your bottle and stay hydrated.
• Digital Detox Experience: Once you enter the Scandinave Spa, leave electronic devices behind as they’re not allowed beyond the changing rooms. Embrace a Digital Detox and disconnect from technology to fully immerse yourself in the serene environment.
• Tranquil Environment: Maintain a peaceful atmosphere by observing silence throughout the spa premises. The only exceptions are the Garden and their special reconnexion Thursdays, where chatting is allowed.
• Kid-Free Zone: The Scandinave Spa is designated as a Kid-Free Zone due to their liquor license regulations. However, there are exceptions such as their Pirates Layover events. Check their events page for more details on any exceptions.

In conclusion, the Bota Bota floating spa experience seamlessly weaves together relaxation, rich history, and rejuvenation. Whether you’re a Montreal local or a visiting tourist, I highly recommend visiting Bota Bota spa.The diverse pricing options accommodate various budgets, and the extensive range of massages, treatments, and dining add-ons solidify Bota Bota’s position as one of Montreal’s best wellness retreats. Book your Bota Bota visit today and embark on an experience that will leave you refreshed and revitalized!