There are a ton of spas in the GTA, but if you’re really looking to unwind and treat yourself, you may as well make a day of it. The largest spa in North America is just 4.5 hours away from Toronto, and is well worth the commute.
Nordik Spa-Nature is a gorgeous outdoor spa, that opened in 2005, and has been expanding ever since.
They are open all-year-round, in Chelsea, Quebec, and are dedicated to providing an incredibly relaxing, healing, and rejuvenating experience for all of their guests. Here’s everything you need to know:
When You Arrive:
Once you get to Nordik, you’ll be given a rubber bracelet that resembles a screen-less Fitbit. Essentially, this is going to be your wallet for the rest of your stay. The receptionist will load up the balance you’d like to spend on food and drinks while you’re there onto the bracelet. So, for the rest of the day, you can pay for your tabs with just the scan of your bracelet.
You’re welcome to bring your own sandals and robe, but if you don’t, they offer $8 robe rentals, and they sell flip-flops at their gift shop.
Next, you’ll be given a locker, where you can store all your personal items, including your cell phone. Nordik prides itself on being a quiet, phone-free zone. Your bracelet is going to be the key to get into your locker, so be sure not to lose it!
Thermotherapy:
Nordik’s thermotherapy is basically their general admission. You’ll be able to roam freely, try out all of the different outdoor pools, saunas, steam rooms, restaurants, and bar areas. This is a great package if you’re going with your significant other, or a group of friends.
The reason it’s called thermotherapy, is because guests are encouraged to follow a thermal cycle during their visit. This would mean, going from hot pool, to cold pool, resting, and repeating, to achieve the ultimate feeling of wellness and relaxation. Although— you don’t have to do things in that order if you don’t want to.
Rituals:
Rituals are held periodically throughout the day according to their in-house schedule. You enter the sauna at the designated time, and are greeted by the ritual leader. While relaxing music plays in the background, the ritual leader uses a towel to wisp hot, steamy air at all of the participants for a few rounds. Then, they go around the room with a bucket of cold water, and gently splash everyone as a cool-down method.
Massages:
Massages are not included with the general thermal admission. But are definitely worth adding on to your experience. You’ll have the ability to customize your massage by choosing your own essential oil, that contains properties to better suit your needs.
Body Treatments:
Similarly to the massages, body treatments are considered to be an add-on, and are not included in the thermal package. Nordik offers six different body treatments: Himalayan salt treatment, vivifying treatment, face care, face care for men, foot care, and Lumëa.
Källa Treatment:
The Källa treatment is a very popular one, and rightfully so. It’s a giant, floating, salt water pool, dug 5 meters deep into the rock which contains 10 tons of Epsom salt. For $45 extra, you can have unlimited access to this pool for the entire duration of your stay. If you’re a fan of the Dead Sea, you’ll definitely love this treatment.
Restaurants:
Most people who visit Nordik, tend to stay from morning to night, since the spa is open from 9am until 11pm. After all that time, and after sweating out all of your toxins, you are bound to work up an appetite. Luckily, there are four restaurant options for you to choose from, all of which serve healthy snacks, and alcoholic beverages.
Featured image: Instagram/ @nordikspanature_chelsea
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