The roads are icy and it seems like no one knows how to drive this morning? It rained yesterday and today the wind is blowing at 90 km/h straight from the Arctic? We lied to ourcrush, went skating on Beaver Lake, and now we can’t feel our feet? Winter in Montreal has many charming little ways of making our muscles ache and our necks stiff. Fortunately, in this northern country, a spa or health resort is never far away.
Our favorite spas are in Montreal or not far away, perfect for a weeknight (urgently, of course) or weekend getaway.
Our favorite spas to warm up this winter, in Montreal or nearby
1. Bota Bota, in the Old Port
@botabotamtl
The iconic floating spa in the Old Port has hot baths from which to watch people walking in the cold along the water’s edge, a three-hour hot-cold-relaxation circuit, and a restaurant for cocktails after your bath.
This winter, Bota Bota is adding a second barge to its fleet with new facilities for relaxing in the city but far, far away on the water.
Where? Old Port of Montreal, McGill Entrance and R. de la Commune O
When? Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. / Friday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
How? 4-hour access (until 6 p.m.) for $75 / 3-hour access (evening) between $70 and $90 / 2-hour access (evening) between $60 and $80 / to reserve, click here!
2.Recess Social Bath, in Griffintown
@recessthermalstation_
In the fall of 2025,Recess opened asocial bath in Montreal’spost-industrial Griffintown neighborhood in partnership with Aesop. Asocial bath islike a spa,but a little cooler. And the Recess spa is very, very cool.
With simple lines, soft lighting, and avibe reminiscent ofa 1970s experimental film, the relaxation brought on by the hot and cold temperatures of the social bath invites meditation.
Where?Recess Social Bath, 217 Young Street
When?
Monday – noon to 9:30 p.m.
Tuesday–Friday: noon–10:30 p.m.
Saturday – 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
How? Recesshas several introductory offers: two weeks for $99, two sessions for $90, one session for $50
3.Balnea, an hour’s drive from Montreal
@balneaspa
An hour’s drive from Montreal, our favorite spa is nestled on a mountainside, on the edge of a lake. It’s Balnea in Bromont, and it costs $55 for half a day—just enough time to sweat it out in all the spa’s saunas with a view of the lake and then enjoy a drink and a charcuterie board by the fire.
Balnea’s specialty is its relaxing thermal cycle: 15 minutes of heat, 15 seconds of cold, and 15 minutes of rest.
In addition to saunas, hot and cold baths, a yurt where you can sweat surrounded by the scent of burning cedar, and small hot baths on the lake shore,Balnea also offers treatments (cosmetic, therapeutic, specialized) and massages for those who have had a really stressful week. And for those who want to treat themselves without explanation, because you shouldn’t have to be at the end of your rope to enjoy a day at the spa.
Where? 319 Chemin du Lac-Gale, Bromont, Quebec
When? Open every day (opening hours vary depending on the season)
How?
Episode (2-3 hours in the morning) – between $45 and $55
Full day – between $95 and $100
Dusk (4.5 hours, at nightfall) – between $65 and $75
Evening (2-3 hours in the evening) – between $40 and $50
To book and find out more, click here!4. Scandinave Spa, in the Old Port
@scandinavemtl
This is the spa you can smell when you walk through the Old Port—it smells of eucalyptus, warm air, and mindful meditation. You can go there to regenerate your muscles and brain after (or before) a busy week and spend an afternoon with your partner or friends floating in hot and cold baths.
You can also get a massage —with oil, water, hot stones, etc.
Where? Scandinave Spa, 71 West Commune Street
When? Open every day from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
How? Thermalcircuit for $70-$83 Monday through Thursday, $75-$88 Friday through Sunday
5.Strøm Nordic Spa, on Île-des-Soeurs
@stromspa
Finnish saunas, Nordic showers, and indoor and outdoor relaxation areas around a large fire— it’s a bit like going to a spa in the countryside, but only a few minutes from downtown Montreal.
For those who are missing the sun, we love the Rød relaxation room, which has seats with infrared light.
Where? 1001 Boulevard de la Forêt, Verdun
When? Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. / Friday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
How? Thermal circuitadmission between $69 and $119
Have awonderful winter!