Welcome to Saunaland, Le Nordic Spa, Ottawa, Canada

Guest post from Joseph, who recently road tripped to Ottawa, Canada.  Joseph stowed his skates under his seat, as he went to Ottawa on a pilgrimage to experience the Rideau Canal Skateway.  The trip out to Le Nordic Spa rounded out his winter vacation.

Enter Joseph:

Last Sunday, Seattle Seahawks Malcolm Smith was asked what he was going to do now that he won the Super Bowl MVP, instead of the obligatory “I am going to Disneyland” the star linebacker should have said “I am going to Saunaland”

After a long season of brutal hits and intense pressure, Mr. Smith’s battered body would be better served by the relaxing and restorative powers of thermal hydrotherapy or “The Sauna” than a photo op. with Mickey Mouse.

No place would better serve Mr. Smith’s purpose than Le Nordik Spa in Ottawa Ca. or Saunaland.  Last month I visited this little heaven on earth and wanted to alert Saunatimes readers to this amazing place.

Le Nordik by Nature bills itself as the largest spa in North America.

After looping around for what felt like an hour looking for a parking space I believed the claim.   350 people a day come here to enjoy the “restorative powers of the thermal cycle” There was a 30 min. wait just to get in the day I visited.

With 7 unique saunas, 7 baths ranging in temps from 64F to 102F, countless relaxation chalets and chill zones, two cocktail lounges and a high end restaurant; this place is a virtual sauna theme park.

They charge $39 for an all you can stand thermal experience.

The admission gets you a locker, two towels, and an electronic wrist band loaded with e-cash for all the treats between rounds .  The best news: no phones allowed and most of the grounds observe a strict silence policy.

Le Nordik requires swimsuits (while it is in French speaking Canada…it is not France) and most customers bring their own robes and flip flops.

While I visited on a very cold and snowy night, the experience could not be more heavenly.   

With heated walking paths, steam pouring out of classic looking nordic structures, and wood burning fires everywhere, the place felt and smelt like a Finlander’s heaven.  I did four cycles over the course of about 3 ½ hours, with snacks and drinks mixed in.  After driving  back to my hotel in a happy daze, I slept better than I ever had in my life.

These Nordic Spas are dotted all over Canada (Montreal has at least 8 within a 30 min drive from downtown) and seem to be a part of daily life for the people who live there.

Maybe this is why Canadians seem so happy.

I know I was when I left Le Nordik and happier I am sure than Malcolm Smith was at Disneyland.  If its a small world after all, let’s get some of that Canadian Loyly blowing our way.