Bundle up, then Relax: 11 Best Winter Getaways in Ontario & Quebec

As fall’s fleeting beauty sees the days getting shorter and the air getting colder, thoughts of a cozy getaway where respite from the cold swim in the forefront of our minds. For travelers seeking a wellness-focused cold weather retreat this year, Ontario & Quebec are teeming with some of the best spas and accommodations that offer luxurious amenities like hot springs, saunas, and spa treatments specifically geared toward marrying relaxation and crisp air.

Here are our favourite spa getaway picks, each featuring unique amenities and offering a serene escape from the chill of winter:

1. Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain, Ontario

Drive time from Toronto: 2 hours

Nestled in the picturesque Blue Mountain region, Scandinave Spa offers an authentic hydrotherapy circuit. Spa goers can enjoy outdoor hot spring pools with views of snow-covered forests, traditional Finnish sauna, polar cold water plunge pools, steam baths, and outdoor fireplaces to comfortably soak in the winter’s beauty. The spa provides a perfect winter wellness experience with a suite of massages and other popular spa treatments.

What makes this place great: Hot springs, hydrotherapy, Finnish sauna, steam baths, outdoor fireplaces, vast massage offerings.

Accommodations: Scandinave Spa does not have its own on-site accommodations. Nonetheless, nearby hotels are plentiful, such as the Westin Trillium House (1.63 km away) and Blue Mountain Resort Village Suites (1.75 km away) offer overnight stays, and package deals with Scandinave Spa are available.

2. Thermëa Spa Village, Whitby, Ontario

Drive time from Toronto: 50 minutes

Inspired by Nordic rituals, Thermëa Spa Village offers a unique experience that combines hot and cold therapies. Lodgers can indulge in hot pools, cold plunges, saunas, and steam rooms, all while surrounded by nature. Aufguss rituals and body treatments such as lymphatic drainage massages are also available. The Biergarten is also a great touch, and an excellent spot to unwind with local brews after a relaxing day.

What makes this place great: Hot pools, cold plunge, saunas, steam rooms, lymphatic massages, Biergarten.

Accommodations: Thermëa Spa Village does not offer on-site accommodations, but its short distance from the GTA make it an ideal day visit spot. If you’re looking for an overnight experience, the Residence Inn by Marriott (5.86 km away) and Hilton Garden Inn (7.27 km away) are closeby.

3. Millcroft Inn & Spa, Alton, Ontario

Drive time from Toronto: 1.5 hours

The Millcroft Inn, set in the picturesque Caledon Hills, offers a soothing retreat with its outdoor hot springs and Finnish saunas. The spa features hydrotherapy treatments, an indoor pool, and a polar plunge pool. Guests can also enjoy massages, facials, and body wraps, making it a great choice for spa-focused guests.

What makes this place great: Outdoor hot springs, Finnish sauna, polar plunge pool, massages, facials.

Accommodations: The Millcroft Inn & Spa offers bookable accommodations on-site.

4. Sir Sam’s Inn & Spa, Haliburton, Ontario

Drive time from Toronto: 3 hours

Situated in the charming Haliburton Highlands, Sir Sam’s Inn offers both winter sports and spa relaxation. The spa boasts hydrotherapy pools to soak in, fireplaces to nestle up to, and outdoor heated pools with stunning views of Eagle Lake. Winter activities such as snowshoeing and snowmobiling are available, making it a winning combination of adventure and relaxation.

What makes this place great: Hydrotherapy pool, outdoor heated pool, fireplaces, snowshoeing, snowmobiling.

Accommodations: Sir Sam’s Inn & Spa offers premium accommodations on-site. Guests can stay in waterfront rooms and suites, some adorned with fireplaces.

5. Iwa Spa, Blue Mountain, Ontario

Drive time from Toronto: 2 hours

Known for its Japanese inspired theme, Iwa Spa specializes in traditional Japanese treatments, including the Ganban volcanic rock therapy. The spa also offers yoga classes and reflexology, providing a holistic approach to winter wellness.

What makes this place great: One-of-a-kind Japanese spa experience

Accommodations: Iwa Spa does not have its own accommodations, but it is located in the Blue Mountain Village. Nearby hotels are plentiful, such as the Westin Trillium House (1.63 km away) and Blue Mountain Resort Village Suites (1.75 km away) offer overnight stays.

6. Vettä Nordic Spa, Oro-Medonte, Ontario

Drive time from Toronto: 1.5 hours

Vettä Nordic Spa boasts a sprawling Nordic bath experience featuring multiple saunas, steam rooms, and plunge pools suited to any experienced spa-goer. The spa is designed for a complete disconnection from the world, with dedicated quiet zones and warm pools to unwind in between treatments. Guests can also enjoy a meal at the on-site Koivu restaurant, which specializes in healthy spa cuisine to enhance the spa treatments.

What makes this place great: On-site dining, saunas, steam rooms, hot and cold plunge pools, quiet zones.

Accommodations: Vettä Nordic Spa does not have its own on-site accommodations. However, Horseshoe Valley Resort is only 1 km away, and also offers their own suite of spa services.

7. Strøm Nordic Spa, Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Quebec

Drive time from Montreal: 40 minutes

Strøm Nordic Spa offers a serene escape with outdoor thermal baths set against the stunning backdrop of Mont-Saint-Hilaire in Quebec. The spa delivers a complete thermotherapy experience, combining hot and cold cycles with rest periods inbetween. Enjoy a wide range of spa treatments, including massages, body wraps, and facials, all while soaking in the beauty of Quebec’s winter landscape.

What makes this place great: Outdoor thermal baths, cold plunge, massages, body wraps, facials.

Accommodations: Strøm Nordic Spa does not have on-site accommodations. There are no shortages of hotels to choose from in Sherbooke, namely Delta Hotels by Mariott Sherbrooke (1.88 km away), and Grand Times Hotel Sherbrooke (1.84 km away)

8. Fairmont Le Château Montebello, Quebec

Drive time from Montreal: 1.5 hours

This historic lodge offers a plush spa experience with indoor hot tubs, saunas, and a wide range of winter activities; including ice skating, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. The spa features treatments that encompass local ingredients, ensuring a uniquely Canadian wellness experience in a cozy, winter wonderland environment.

What makes this place great: Indoor hot tubs, saunas, ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing.

Accommodations: Yes, Fairmont Le Château Montebello offers luxurious on-site accommodations.

9. Spa Eastman, Eastman, Quebec

Drive time from Montreal: 1 hour 15 minutes

Spa Eastman is one of Canada’s top wellness destinations, offering personalized health and wellness programs tailored to your exact wants and needs. In winter, guests can indulge in thermotherapy, outdoor hot tubs, and sauna treatments, all while enjoying a serene view of snow-covered mountains. The spa’s focus on health makes it a great retreat for those seeking a holistic wellness experience.

What makes this place great: Outdoor hot tubs, saunas, personalized wellness programs.

Accommodations: Yes, Spa Eastman offers accommodations on-site.

10. Le Baluchon Eco-Resort, Saint-Paulin, Quebec

Drive time from Montreal: 2 hours

Le Baluchon is an eco-friendly resort offering a range of wellness experiences, including outdoor Nordic baths, saunas, and spa treatments. The resort also has an expansive network of nature trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, making it a perfect destination for active winter travelers seeking both adventure and leisure.

What makes this place great: Nordic baths, saunas, nature trails, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing.

Accommodations: Yes, Le Baluchon Eco-Resort offers overnight accommodations.

11. Nordik Spa-Nature, Chelsea, Quebec

Drive time from Toronto: 4.5 hours
Drive time from Montreal: 2 hours

Nordik Spa-Nature is the largest spa in North America and offers a comprehensive thermal experience with a wide variety of saunas, hot baths, cold plunges, and steam rooms. Situated in the beautiful Gatineau Hills, this spa provides a perfect escape into nature with an authentic Scandinavian-inspired setting. Spa treatments include massages, body wraps, and their signature Källa treatment—floating in a saltwater pool, reminiscent of the Dead Sea.

What makes this place great: Hot baths, cold plunges, saunas, steam rooms, massages, Källa saltwater pool, body wraps.

Accommodations: Nordik Spa-Nature does not offer on-site accommodations, but is nestled in the quaint town of Chelsea, offering more than enough unique lodging. Chelsea also offers a uniquely local experience, with a slew of bars, restaurants, and even a gin distillery. Our recommended accommodations include Auberge Old Chelsea B&B (0.36 km away), and Lofts du Village (0.43 km away).

Our Thoughts

These noteworthy wellness retreats peppered throughout Ontario & Quebec offer a perfect combination of relaxation and winter adventure. Whether you prefer hot springs, saunas, or holistic spa treatments, these top-rated hotels provide the ideal winter escape for those seeking tranquility amidst the cold. Make sure to book in advance, as these wellness resorts are popular during the winter season and tend to increase in price as the busy season approaches.

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