This was our first time here but the girl at reception did not explain anything like how to use the locker key and how many saunas and hot tubs, etc. We had so much trouble with the system here for an hour. I have been to other spa like Scandinave spa and they would explain everything for the first comers. They should work on this since there are so many saunas hidden somewhere.
It's quite nice but be aware of holiday price. Night view was absolutely stunning and staffs were friendly. But spa itself was basic. i'm not too sure if it was what i expected for over $70 spa....
Book a reservation and go early! Had a great time but it got really busy later on.
A perfect way to spend the afternoon or evening to relax and completely unplug from the day-to-day hustle and bustle of the city. Only 10 minutes drive from Ottawa.
Our massage with Pierre and maika perfect. Resto too expensive a little and the plate of cold meat ham untasteful
Went with my friend and another couple. We are responsible professionals in our early and late 30's but were treated like children. I've only been to the principal's office once in high school, but it felt like I was a bad troublemaker here.
A point for improvement for the spa: I think they should offer an etiquette guide at check-in for new visitors. Knowing our expectations right away would have alleviated most of the issues we experienced, but we learned the hard way by being scolded for doing seemingly innocent things.
We first went into the hottub and one of the staff walked by and asked my friend to talk more quietly. Apparently this was a "whisper" only section, which we then learned about by the signs. I have never heard of a quiet zone in a public space like that in my life, except for a public library, so was quite surprised.
After being in the hottub for a while, we were getting a little warm so we sat on the edge to cool off. A staff member came by and said we could stand on the edge, but couldn't sit. Bizarre, come on...
We were in one of the sauna rooms and admiring the decoration and beauty of the place and the staff told us this was a silence only zone. My friend was laying on my lap relaxing, and the staff also told her she wasn't allowed to lay like that, she had to sit. I don't think I saw a sauna there where you were allowed to talk.
We brought our own food to save money, and were told that we were not allowed to eat it. There were no signs anywhere. Call me cheap, but I'd rather bring a couple slices of homemade pizza that cost me $2 instead of paying inflated restaurant prices and tips, especially since we paid $71 + tax, and also $12 robe rental. Those robes were not very soft, and for sure would have cost them less to buy in bulk than the rental price.
It felt like Big Brother was around every corner waiting for someone to make a whisper or a word in the wrong zone and jump out and lay down the law. Speaking of law, there was a police car circling the parking lot when we arrived and were trying to find a spot. I see in the comments that many Ontario people got tickets mailed to them after for expired plates. I checked my plate and my tickets did expire in July, so I'll be expecting a $500 ticket in the mail. Sure it's my fault for not renewing the plate, but to allow cops on private property to pick low hanging fruit like that doesn't feel like you are visiting a place that cares. It feels like a trap.
The place is beautiful, the pools were clean, and great temperatures. Nice scenery and lights at night. I would give it 5 stars if they got rid of the silly rules. I really think they should just get rid of all but maybe one whisper and silence zones and just turn the rest into a normal talking zone so people can actually socialize and enjoy themselves instead of sitting in silence. If i wanted silence, I could just sit in my bedroom or bathtub and light some candles, not go to a public place with a thousand people around.
One of the best spas I have ever been to. I prefer Nordik over the Scandinave Spas. Lots
of seating/relaxing options. I personally loved the handmade scrub they offered outside the sauna room. (I was there pre-covid)
The game is not worth the candle! Two and a half hours waiting to enter, too many people which is detrimental to relaxation, nothing special apart from a high price compared to other spas. Perhaps it would be a good idea to post on-line on-site traffic status to prevent people from traveling and waiting for hours unnecessarily (for the price!), Considering that do not always answer the phone. This was a first and last time, several other spas offer you the same comfort if not more for a lower cost and better relaxation.
While it might sound a bit girly, the Nordic Spa in Chelsea is actually a great place for guys to go.
It has a half dozen spas, every kind of sauna you can imagine, a beach, and most importantly, beer and tapas. Did I mention beer?
If thats doesn't manly enough for you, may I suggest a 20km hike with a 40lb backpack to start your day?
The Nordic Spa is located in Chelsea which is just 15 mins from downtown Ottawa. It's also adjacent to Gatineau Park, where you can do that 20km hike I mentioned.
Have fun!
Best spa you can go to. I like that they are constantly expanding and improving the place. It's a great way to relax and enjoy some good food and drinks.
5 star service when I had an issue with a voucher from 2016. Mehdi from their customer service could not have been nicer hearing me out and figured out a great solution.
Loooove this place! Granted it can be a little pricey, but in my opinion is totally worth it. Always leave feeling refreshed and happy
Always a good place to go and relax. Great for couples who want a day away from it all.
The attendant at the front desk was very hard to understand and she spoke way too fast. I can understand it was a busy Sunday morning, however, I think the front desk attendants need to take the time so that customers know where they are going and that they aren't rushed out. Its clear there is a system and they have a checklist to follow to ensure people have everything they need but its a SPA, for relaxation. I don't want to be made to feel like I am at a theme park or resort.
In addition, I was very excited for my body treatment. However, the bed that was used was far too small. It seemed like a portable table. It was super wobbly and I felt like I was on a slant. My arms almost felt like they were going to fall and my feet hung over the end (and I am only 5'8''). It was very distracting from the treatment. The bed was also set up so I couldn't put my face through, so then I had to put my face on the leather without a cover. Even the therapist said that this wasn't the regular table.
Great atmosphere for catching up with friends or just having me time. Great food for a healthy lunch.
One of the most peaceful, relaxing places I've ever been. The protocols in place for their reopening was well done. I can truly appreciate the spa with less people. You are able to hear the ambiance music and enjoy each area. From the moment you turn on to the grounds you feel like you are some new and you become instantly relaxed.
Great massage and great experience as a whole. Next time I must try the hot pool treatment.
Incredible layout that changes every year, for a varied experience of sauna, baths or hot or cold waterfalls. There is also the Khalla, a place for total relaxation in a floating bath. Fine dining with local products.
Love going to Le Nordik ... just a little too crowded each time
Epic spa experience. Beautiful setting and lovely details for a relaxing day. Bring patience - though well organized it does draw crowds on weekends (Saturdays especially)
New Urban Detox facial treatment is amazing and the saunas are always relaxing. Thanks Nordik for the great gift!
Excetional. Very relaxing. Great couple experience. Lots of variety.
This is exactly what heaven would be like except for free. Quite pricey but you definitely get what you pay for and more. Such an elegant place with a lot to offer.
Love this place! We ve been to Hamams in Turkey, Thermes in Germany and spas all around the world. This is truly an amazing place. It is worth a visit. The Aufgause ritual is super well done too!
The line to just get in took 25mins. It slightly was overcrowded and people would talk regardless of silent zones. Make sure to bring an extra pair of flip flops. Mine were stolen and no one was at the gift shop to buy another pair.
The first time I went to Nordik I thought I had found heaven on earth tucked away in Chelsea. I was so impressed with all the details they had thought of, it was pleasing to all senses! There were staff in and out of the spa's regulating people's use of the spa and ensuring the environment was a calm and peaceful one.
Sadly though, I since have had differing experiences in my return to the Nordik Spa. My last visit, which was about 2 weeks ago was on a Sunday. (Big mistake). The sauna's which are meant to be a relaxing, quiet and a warm place, were not. People were talking, laughing loudly in each sauna I went into. Far too many people were walking in and out of the sauna's too frequently which meant the sauna's were not holding heat. This was my experience for the majority of the day, until the evening when the place calmed down. The entire day I did not see staff regulating people's use of the spa. The hot tubs were packed and it wasn't possible to find a place to sit for a few minutes. The spa ran out of robes and the staff at the front desk were quite unapologetic about it. In the evening when I was leaving there were 3 girls who were quite young who were obliterated drunk and yelling at me and a staff memeber, this was super shocking. I have been around lots of drunk people yelling at me before but not when I am retreating somewhere to relax and recoop. The poor staff who was left to deal with her was taking abuse from this drunk girl, it was a sad scene.
There are more experiences that were disappointing but this is not a review to 'rant'. I want the management at Nordik to hear my point, **PLEASE put a capacity limit to the amount of people you let in**, or else people are wasting their money on an experience they aren't encountering. I would rather wait a few weeks to go than waste my money on a mediocre experience. From what I see by the attention to detail put into this business, Nordik Spa is a spa that is intended to deliver an EXCELLENT experience and that isn't happening lately.
For future clients here are some tips:
-Avoid going on the weekend unless you are okay with excessive crowds and a mediocre experience
-Expect the Reception/administration staff to not be courteous. Some are kind but most are not.
-Book massages in advance and online, calling reception is pointless and frustrating.
-Bring your own flip flops that are recognizable as they are often stolen, as well as own robe incase they run out.
-Food is expensive and mediocre, plan accordingly.
-The spa is still worth going to if you go during the week!
Amazing place..nice to chill out and re-energize...lots of pools/saunas...massages were perfect....
My second favorite place in the Ottawa area to relax, after the Ottawa Art Gallery. The food is not fantastic but still good - and this has never factored in to how much I want to go. I need to get pampered, so this is where I do it. PSA: don't bring your phone.
Was given as a gift. Realized afterwards we were doing it all wrong (hot, cold, rest repeat). But we went where we wanted when we wanted.
Very important tip is don't go on a Monday. It's their busiest day because it's cheaper than on weekends. We needed a nice relaxating day after waiting in the line for over an hour and a half. Had we not driven so far and made arrangements I would have preferred to come back another day.
Nordik is likely the best spa in Canada, if not North America. It is a beautiful outdoor spa in a serene nature setting. However, it had unfortunately gotten very crowded and it became not as relaxing as a retreat should be, so much that I avoided going on weekends.
The most recent implementations is the ability to book your time of admission online, regardless of whether you are getting a service or not. This change is much to be applauded for. I went on a beautiful hot Sunday and braced myself for long wait times. I was pleasantly surprised that there were minimal lines and that the check in process was faster than it had been in the past years. I felt that this implementation really put the well being of customers first. It was the first time in a long time, that I didn't have to wait in long lines, that I didn't have to wait for a table to eat, or felt that that a sauna or pool was overly crowded.
I was also impressed that the Aufguss ritual is once again, offered hourly instead of every 2 hours as this helped reduce the number of people that used to be crammed into the sauna for the unique experience. I was also impressed with the Eucalyptus Steam room because the aromas were strong. Some days the aromas do not seem adequate enough. I tried a Tonic massage for the first time, with Sylvain and it was absolutely wonderful. I learned that it was a massage that was created by Nordik that includes Hawaiian and traditional techniques. I hope to book again with him. I feel that the quality of massages have really improved in the last few years. I have always enjoyed the food at Nordik and any drink they can make with lavender syrup.
I would love to see a Himalayan salt room, a hydrotherapy pool and a cold-featured room at Nordik in the future.
Thank you so much for being in the Ottawa-Gatineau region. I look forward to visiting your Whitby location when it opens.
Fantastic way to spend the day... Amazing facilities built beautifully in harmony and intertwined with nature.. Truly spectacular.. Clean.. Great service.. A day that will always be remembered!
This place is so amazing for date night fun get away to relax
Fantastic spa. Will be going back for sure..most relaxing day I have spent in years. Beautiful place.
waited 1.5 hour to get in. very noisy in the baths
I felt like I was n heaven....I am from Nova Scotia and never experienced anything like it. I will certainly be back when I visit Ottawa again.
This was a fun experience. Went for the day with the wife. You basically pay to get in and once you're in you have unlimited access to the various types of saunas, hot tubs, freezing cold tubs, and rest areas. The idea is that you sweat in a sauna for 15mins, then you dip into a cold tub for a few seconds, then rest for a bit and enjoy a drink before doing it again. There's three sections clearly labeled Silence, Whisper, and Social today are scattered up and down steps and pathways, waterfalls, and various landscape items. Some saunas have eucalyptus or orange effervescents, some are hotter than others; some pools are colder than others, all clearly marked. Food and drinks are expensive. You get there, park, check in with reception whom will give you a RFID wristband that will open your locker and you can load with money to busy drinks/food, and a bath robe, and a towel. Follow the markers on the floor to the change room/locker, then out to roam around the grounds freely. About $200 for my wife and I to get in the door and unlim access to all the saunas and pools, you can pay extra for massages and other services, we paid an extra $40 for the Khalil salt water soak. Walk to a shallow, salt pool underground and you can float for a recommended time of 30mins. Was kinda cool to float since I never float in other pools but it was awkward and my neck was hurting by the end and other clueless morons splash around and bump into you. My skin feels great but not sure if I'd do it again, if I did I'd be sure to rinse off before going home as the salt dries on you and comes off in your bed. Would go again!
So well maintained, decorated and they know how to keep up to date. It is expensive, but the quality of service is there. For baths and spas, it is 5 stars. However, the massage service seems a bit amateurish, but it varies from one masseur to another.
Overrated. Quite expensive. Don't go on weekends, too many people. There's bachelorette parties at the spa! Someone took my bathrobe and someone else stole my sandals!
Exceptional ... my opinion remains the same after my 3rd visit to different seasons
I always have a good time when I go. The staff is very friendly. I go there every chance I get. The pools are very big and there is a lot to do there.
Relaxing areas and social areas were great, as was the hot stone towel ritual, which
required ritual cool water refreshing soak!
The relaxation in this place is worth the price! It's so beautiful, the different facilities allow you to relax on all aspects and for all tastes!
Totally worth every penny! My wife and I went and had so much fun relaxing (sounds wrong doesn't it, but its true!) I would recommend it to everybody!
Beautiful scenery, fantastic pools and saunas and generally a great place to spend the day.
A great place to go and relax. It's still my favorite place, however, it's not as small as it used to be, so now it's usually crowded. They used to walk around with quiet signs you limit taking, but the noise levels are much louder now. They also sell more alcohol, so there is lots more drinking and socialization then there is relaxing. But still, I love the steam rooms and hot tubs, and the afagus is the best!
The most amazing and relaxing experience. Beautiful in the winter!
Great spa to spend the day and relax. Always great service and a very original remote location. I recommend this place for any guy that wants to take his significant other on a day retreat.
So, I've been to Nordik a few times and overall I really enjoy the vibe and everything about it. Last time I went (Jan. 2020), I was charged twice for the food I paid for - as a mistake because of the "Smart" bracelet they give you at the reception to which you can add money. I've been following up for the past few weeks and yet nothing was refunded to me. This is very disappointing and frustrating. I will never go back to Nordik and I recommend if you do, either keep the receipt for EVERYTHING, even when you're in the pool or ask for the detail receipt of the expenses at the end of your visit :|
I don't know where to start.
Pros:
The spa itself is beautiful and the kalla pool is awesome, would highly recommend.
Manager Shayne was very nice and accommodating. I'll explain in the cons section why we dealt with him.
Cons:
The robe rental truck was apparently stuck so we had to wait 30 minutes for robes. Which wasn't a big deal, just an inconvenience.
The main reason we came to Nordik was for the massage treatment. The worst part of our experience was this couples massage that we had booked 3 months in advance and were looking forward to. We showed up an hour early because those are the spas guidelines to fill out a medical form. As we waited for our appointment they called our names and then said "Sorry the massage therapist just didn't show up, and we don't have anyone to fill in, so at least one of you can have a massage today." We stood there completely shocked, then another employee says "If you want a face treatment instead we can do that and one of you can have a massage." Imagine booking something 3 months in advance, travelling accross the province to get there (we are from Toronto), confirming the day before only to have that happen. That's where speaking with the manager Shayne came in. He calmed us down and made the rest of the day bearable. He waived all the fees, returned everything we paid for and salvaged the trip for us.
Facility: 5 stars
Management: 5 stars
Employees: 3 Stars.. except the one that didn't show up. She gets a 0!
Expirence: 3.5 stars
Awesome experience.
Excellent place to relax. Facilities are well maintained.
Customer service too long loss of time between payment and massage and access to the bath to make the wire twice to pay cloakroom for woman too small for number of customers present
It's a beautiful place to relax and enjoy. Nice variety of hot/cold/relaxing areas. We had a wonderful day there.
A wonderful way to spend a day with friends. Wish we lived closer, I'd visit more often.
I loved the place.
One hour of outdoor massage, 5 * service, 5 * venue, 5 * welcome, impeccable cleanliness. A pure wonder !!!!!
This is the best spa I've been to in Quebec (I haven't been to them all though!). Although it is pricey, Nordik is huge with many pools and 3 different areas with "volume levels" so there are places where you can chat with friends and other areas where you can go if you just want quiet time. We spent over 8 hours here as a group of girlfriends and enjoyed hanging out together, having lunch (the food was very good with a great wine and drink selection) and then some of us split up in the afternoon to do our own thing. The feature that sold this place to me was the nap zones (my favourite thing to do at spas) where you can lie down with headphones that play a few different channels of relaxing music in a dimly lit room. Amazing. Don't forget a refillable water bottle, they have filling stations around the spa so you don't get too dehydrated from the many saunas, steam rooms and hot pools. Truly worth the drive from Montreal!
The only con, in my opinion, was the 12$ bathrobe rental fee. This is the first spa I have even gone to where I had to pay to rent a bathrobe.
If you re looking for a relaxing spa experience don t go here.
The staff don t explain anything except where the lockers are. They tell you to look online if you have any questions about how it works (they don t ask you if it s your first time).
There was one staffer that finally showed us a map found only in the entrance.
The hot tub was lukewarm. The cold water was so cold that it didn t make sense with how cold the tub was.
There were so many people packed together that no one was quiet.
We finally got into the sauna only to have everyone come in at once, the staff barged in leaving the doors open (we were wondering why it wasn t hot at all prior) making cold air from outside come in as 40 were directed into the spa over 10 min. After 10 mins of this we decided to leave and let them know that maybe they should let people know. They responded that there s a sign in the front and they re doing some german ritual. I looked at the sign it said some German name and every hour . Sorry but that doesn t explain anything.
Needless to say at his point we were anything but relaxed.
The reason I gave two stars was because the massage was good. I do recommend having an area for HOT tea. They had a freezing water option.
After the massage we decided to head out. When I tried to take a hot shower (the only hot experience I was going to get at this point), I was surprised by the fact that they had run out of hot water in their no-pressure shower.
This place has potential but it is mis managed. At the prices they charge (oh yeah they charge you for a bathrobe and their gift shop only sells size 13/14 flip flops), $400 per couple for two 60 min massages , water circuit and bathrobe rental, they should have the bathrobes included (or warn you), hot tea everywhere, friendly and zen staff, flip flops in proper sizes to rent, hot baths, control of all the people so that everyone is not grouped in one area, more information etc etc
It s very expensive for what you get.
Went with my sister and daughter. Spent 6 hours there and I could have stayed longer if I didn't have another engagement.
Love all the new pools ect since my last visit.
The food at both restaurants were very good and the service was prompt and friendly with decent prices.
I did find the quiet areas noisy, people not respecting the silence please or murmuring only notices even though there is a whole new section for chatter.
It would be nice if you handed out brochures of the layout.
Absolutely loved the suspended beds.
Had a wonderful day and plan on coming back soon with friends.
Show up at nine and eat at eleven. Had a really nice day but it gets very busy.
Great location close to Ottawa go when ever you get a chance
They keep adding new features and improving old ones. The Finnish sauna has been completely redone. I enjoy spending time with my wife there.
Wow wow wow thats all i can say... what a beautiful place oh my god i vould leave there.
Worth the wait in line. Beautiful scenery and tons of different options to relax. The food at the restaurant is delicious but pricey.
The best place to relax as a couple in Chelsea in the Outaouais region. I recommend it to everyone.
Fantastic spas. Massage is great. Restaurants are a bonus. Great view of the valley looking into Ottawa. Highly recommend the cabin massage, maybe a couple's massage! Prices at restaurants are quite reasonable too. If you've never been, do!
My wife and I loved this place. It was great to stay all day long. But, I would like to suggest that all staff be trained in better CUSTOMER SERVICE. In the grill bar they recommended to pay at least 15% of tip and other one asked to leave if you don't wear swim bath appropriate to the place. We really did not know, because it was the first time. There are ways to speak to the client in a professional manner. It is a suggestion to improve even more your service.
Spent a relaxing morning/afternoon doing hot/cold plunges. The eucalyptus steam room and the Kalla treatment were excellent. Highly advise booking a massage to skip the long line though!
Toronto dweller- Nordik Spa-Nature was absolutely worth the trip. Friendly service, beautifully kept facilities. Pro Tip: experience the Banya, make sure to be present for the Aufgus Ritual (happens hourly). No phones allowed once you enter and you have the options of silent, whisper, or social areas. To highten your level of relaxation. Will definitely be back.
Awesome. Few glitches today but overall a great day.
chelsea.lenordik.com
