ONTARIO SPAS & WELLNESS TRAVEL
Home to Canada’s capital city (Ottawa), the country’s largest metropolis (Toronto) and such internationally recognized icons as Niagara Falls and the CN Tower, Ontario is an eclectic destination that can easily take visitors from one wellness experience to another. You could, for instance, be paddling or hiking the wilds of Algonquin Park in the morning, lounging in a luxurious spa in the afternoon, fine dining in the evening, then the next day cycling around the wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Read more...
Things you should know before you go.
SPAS IN ONTARIO
Toronto
Spa at Windsor Arms, Elizabeth Milan Spa, Body Blitz Spa, The Hammam Spa, Stillwater Spa, Elmwood Spa, Axi Spa
Other spas within the Greater Toronto Area
Spas within a 90-minute drive of Toronto
Full-service stay spas within one to two-hour drive of Toronto
Ottawa
Holtz Spa
Niagara
Spa on the Twenty, OSpa at Opan Inn, 100 Fountain Spa at Pillar and Post, Secret Garden Spa at Prince of Wales,
Northumberland Country Ste. Anne's Spa, Elemental Embrace
Prince Edward County
Claramount Inn & Spa, Serenity Spa at Caruso's
Haliburton
Wind in the Willows at Wig-a-Mog Inn, Sir Sam Inn & Spa
Articles:
Grail Springs Bancroft
Elmwood Spa Toronto
Spa at Windsor Arms Toronto
Make my day at Hillcrest Port Hope
Claramount Inn & Spa Port Hope
More about Ontario:
Within a 90-minute drive of downtown Toronto the areas of Muskoka, Haliburton and the Kawarthas are known locally as “cottage country.” The sprawling regions are splattered with lakes, waterfalls and provincial parks and sprinkled with a number of luxury resorts many with spa facilities.
Due to its prime gateway status, what happens in Toronto often has a ripple effect in other parts of the province and the country. A sophisticated, multi-cultural city with vibrant arts, restaurant and nightlife scenes, Toronto is within easy access of northern Ontario’s vast wilderness, the lakes and luxury resorts of cottage country and the Niagara area – the major wine region and food basket of the province.
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Things you should know before you go:
• Ontario probably has the most number of resort spas of any province in Canada.
• Toronto, the capital of the province and the largest city, is the prime gateway for visitors flying into Canada.
• The second largest city in Ontario is Ottawa, the country's capital.
• Ontario is home to one of Canada's great natural wonders: Niagara Falls.
• It's also home to Niagara-on-the-Lake, one of the two prime wine regions in Canada. The other is the Okanogan in British Columbia.
• Trails for hiking, cycling and cross-country skiing are abundant, and, in summer and fall, Ontario lakes are beautiful for paddling.
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HALIBURTON
The region of Haliburton, Ontario is often refered to by Torontonians as "cottage country." It's where you'll find a collection of fresh water lakes, Algonquin Park (the province's largest wilderness park), a thriving arts community and great cycling. It's also home to the unique attraction called A Walk in the Clouds, Fleming College's Haliburton School of the Arts and the Haliburton Sculpture Forest. The area even has it's own winery - Moon Shadows Estate Winery, Ontario's first maple syrup winery. From downtown Toronto, on a really good traffic day, Haliburton is about a two-and-a-half hour drive. Three hours is the average drive time.
Wind in the Willows
A good selection of alternative therapies is the distinquishing feature of this pleasant, lakefront spa. On the menu you'll find treatments such as Iridology,Thai Herbal Stem Massage, Acupuncture and Hypnosis for pain release, stress, weight loss and smoking cessation. Standard mani, pedi, facials and massages are also available. The Wind in the Willows Spa is located in the historic Wig-a-Mog-Inn a short drive from the village of Haliburton.
Water Spa at Sir Sams Inn
Unlike Quebec where you'll find spas featuring hot and cold water therapies in abundance, the concept is still relatively new to Ontario. At Sir Sams Inn, just a short drive from the town of Haliburton, the indoor water circuit gives this two-treatment-room spa its unique feel. A selection of pools and water features allows both hotel and spa guests to go from hot to warm and cold waters while comfy beach-style lounge chairs offer a spot to relax to bring body temperatures back to normal. The water circuit is indoors but a wall of glass allows for a view to the lake. Sir Sams is a traditional-style country inn on the shores of lovely Eagle Lake.
Other spas in the area:
Angel Spa, Delta Pinestone Resort & Spa
NIAGARA
About a 90-minute drive from downtown Toronto, the Niagara Region is, of course, best known for "world wonder" Niagara Falls, but the area is also one of Canada's prime wine region and Ontario's "green belt."
Thanks to a year-round micro-climate, fruit orchards, acres of vineyards and traditional harvest festivals are a few of the things that define the region. It's known as the "fruit garden" of Ontario. In season (that can be anywhere from spring to fall depending on the crop) it's wonderful to spend a day or two driving around buying from road-side stands or stopping to pick-your-own fruit from local farms.
Spa on the Twenty, Inn on the Twenty
Travellers looking for a little “upscale country” in the heart of the Niagara Region will find it at the Spa on the Twenty at the Inn on the Twenty. The lovely, historic inn is nestled on the tiny, perfect main street of the teeny town of Jordan. Situated just a few steps from the lobby of the inn, the spa is located right next door in its own historically-designated building dating back to the 1830s. Spa Manager Becky Doyle says the owner wanted a “country cottage feel” and that is exactly what you experience when you walk through the doors. The country theme is omnipresent. For instance, there are beautifully-preserved original, golden pine floors, one of the two private change rooms in the small locker area has an old pine door converted into a mirror, there’s an iron fireplace in the lounge, country-style cupboards filled with retail products in the reception area, and quilts used on the treatment beds.
From a refreshment station in the lounge, guests help themselves to herbal teas, infused waters and the inn’s own biscotti displayed in a glass cookie jar. Lunch, which includes items such as Spinach & Pecan Salad, Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad, Salade Nicoise with Ahi Tuna and Seared Sea Scallops courtesy of the Inn on the Twenty restaurant, is served in the lounge on linen-covered tables or, weather permitting, in a small, private patio. In addition to the lounge/dining area and the reception/retail area, the spa houses five treatment rooms, two private pedicure rooms, a room for manicures and a cozy Quiet Zone offers a perfect spot for post-treatment relaxation. There is no designated wet area, but two of the treatment rooms have steam showers for body treatments. A Couples Room is located in the inn itself.
There is a full spa menu of services and the signature treatments are vino-therapy based - no surprise since this is the heart of the Niagara wine region. We recommend the 75-minute Wine Country Wrap with products from Vine Secrets from France.
OSpa at Oban Inn
"As you believe, so you become." Those words are carved into the wall of the lobby of this lovely, 26-room designer-style inn in downtown Niagara-on-the-Lake. It sets a mood that inspires. Located just off the comfortable "living room" area, OSpa offers a comfortable lounge area with lots of daylight streaming in and just four treatment rooms including a mani-pedi room for two and one where twosomes can enjoy side-be-side massages. We like the intimacy of the spa and the caring staff all hand-picked by the owner to work in this family-run inn. A beautiful little mosaic-tiled hammam acts as a steamy buffer between the mens and ladies locker rooms. Offering a sense-of-place(this is wine country), the spa lounge is topped by a vaulted ceiling made of varying shades of coral brick and reminiscent of a wine cellar. Oversized lounge chairs are big enough to curl up in with a magazine and an herbal tea.
No need to venture far to dine. Inside the hotel and just steps away from the spa is Tony DeLuca's (the former chef at Hilldebrand Estate Winery) Restaurant where fresh and local is the focus and continental breakfast is included in the room rate. It's a two-minute walk to the main street and nearby cycling options. Read more about this spa
Article: Spa & Cycling, Perfect Pairing in Niagara
100 Fountain Spa at Pillar and Post
No, there are not 100 fountains at this spa but there is a lovely co-ed lounge and a romantic outdoor hotspring pool available to both spa guests and hotel guests. The signature treatments here are "vino-therapy" using ingredients from near-by vineyards. Try the Purple Foot treatment in the pretty pedicure area. This is a family-oriented resort so expect to find the pool area busy with families especially during the summer, March break and the Holiday season. 100 Fountain Spa
Secret Garden Spa at Prince of Wales Hotel
This spa has been upgraded since our last visit so a new review is pending
In keeping with the historic feel and theme of this downtown hotel, the spa is decorated with dark wood, fabric-covered chairs and a leather seatee. A ceramic-tiled water feature lightens the feel of this lower level space. On the day we visited there was fresh fruit and a selection of tea but no water. Strange. Body treatment was nice and so was the therapist but robes and slippers look a little worn. Nice downtown location but the Secret Garden Spa could you a fresh new look. Secret Garden Spa.
Other spas in Niagara-on-the-Lake:
Spa at White Oaks Great for those interested in working fitness programs into a vacation.
NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTRY
Located about one-hour's drive east of Toronto, the rolling hills of Northumberland nestles around a number of communities including Port Hope, Cobourg, Grafton and Brighton. The area has spas, 20 plus trails (including access to the renowned Trans-Canada Trail) for hiking and cycling, and at least two waterways for paddling activities.
Ste. Anne's Spa
Ste Anne's Spa in the town of Grafton, is one of Ontario's original full-service stay spas and one of the province's most well-known spa facilities. It's a beautiful country setting with lots of open space over the region's rolling countryside, lovely outdoor pool and gardens and a rambling castle-like inn. One of the points of distinction at Ste Anne's is the Moore Mud Bath. To the best of our knowledge, it is the only spa in Canada to offer this thick, rich Moore mud bath. It's an Aveda Spa.
Elemental Embrace
At Elemental Embrace, a residentially-style retreat located amidst 30 acres of Ontario woodlands, guests submerse themselves in a program based on Ayurveda, the ancient approach to proactive health care. One of the few Canadian spa retreats to have a certified Ayurvedic medical doctor from India on staff, Elemental Embrace offers detox programs for guests wanting to rid their bodies of toxins accumulated from such things as chemicals in foods, polluted air, cigarettes and alcohol. Programs can range from weekend to weeklong. Additionally, they are one of the few places in Canada to offer the occasional ceremonial sweat lodge led by a Native spiritual leader.
OTTAWA
When partnered with Outaouais, Quebec, Ottawa (the capital of Canada) forms Canada's Capital Region. This is where you will find the highest concentration of national museums, the heritage Rideau Canal (in winter it's the longest skating rink in Canada)and the expansive Gatineau Park for year-round outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing. Ottawa is a clean, compact, cultural city. We like it best for the arts and culture and outdoor activities that abound here.
Holtz Spa
Holtz Spa is the "grand dame" of Ottawa day spas. With the focus on holistic treatments it offers a full menu of traditional spa services plus several alternatives such as Sound Therapy. A beautifully decoratd lounge looks more like what you'd find in a upscale condo showroom than a spa. The onsite Thai restaurant - open to the public - serves fabulous food.
PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY
An island connected to the mainland by three bridges and a free ferry, Prince Edward County offers a visitor over 800 km of shoreline, three key towns (Picton, Bloomfield and Wellington) and Sand Banks Provincial Park - the largest fresh water sand dune system in North America. The region also boasts over 14 wineries making it the second largest (Niagara is the largest)wine region in Ontario. An artist community, an agricultural community, Prince Edward County is a leader in developing a rural creative economy.
Claramount Inn & Spa
The lovingly restored 20th century mansion holds just seven guest rooms, a dining room and a spa that focuses on Dr. Kneipp water therapies. The Prince Edward Country Region prides itself on its wine and culinary attractions and the dining room at the Claramount features an abundance of local cuisine. Another advantage is the easy walk into the town Picton for a little retail therapy.
Claramount inn
Serenity Spa at Caruso's on King
This home-based spa is located in Caruso's comfortable, welcoming, 2-bedroom B & B in downtown Picton. There is just one treatment room in this spa so what you get it complete personal attention from owner Deb Caruso, a certified aromatherapist and reflexologist. "I wanted to creat something that is affordable but clean, comfortable and hospitable," she says. One of her specialities is the Indian Head Massage also known as Champissage and she also holds a certificate in this Ayurvedic treatment. There's an outdoor hot tub for 4 to 6 people. For more info
Article: Claramount Inn & Spa
TORONTO
A sophisticated, multi-cultural city with a vibrant arts community, colorful neighborhoods, professional sports teams, a smorgasbord of fine restaurants and a lively night scene, Toronto is the financial, transportation and communications heart of the country. Within easy access to northern Ontario’s vast wilderness, the lakes and luxury resorts of cottage country and the lush Niagara Region, the city makes it relatively easy for planners to combo cosmopolitan urban activities with rural or soft adventure experiences. There are plenty of day spas to choose from in the downtown core and a great collection of stay spas within 100 km (60 miles) of the city centre. Some of our favourite worth-the-drive spas within a 100 kilometres of downtown Toronto.
Axi
Located in the upscale Yorkville area just steps from the front entrance of the Four Seasons Toronto hotel, Axi Spa offers excellent treatments in a setting of sleek lines and contemporary décor. There’s a small but comfortable mani/pedi area and the “inner sanctum” – an intimate and stylish conclave of five treatment rooms. The Aromasoul Ritual Massages by [comfort zone] are the signature treatments. The focus here is on wellness and owner Janice O’Born says her mandate is to educate clients to take care of themselves as best they can. The spa teaches them how to lengthen and maximize the benefits of a treatment. For instance, clients who book a Swedish Massage leave with a bag of Epsom salts to be used in a hot bath to further rid the body of toxins.
Body Blitz Spa
In the King St. West neighbourhood in downtown Toronto, the for-women-only Body Blitz Spa is a contemporary take on a traditional water circuit ritual. In this spiffed-up former warehouse, Asian scrubs meet the European bathing concept. The idea is to go from hot to cold: First you sweat off the toxins in the steam room, then take a dip in a ice cold pool, then to the sauna for more sweating and so-on until you finish the Therapeutic Water Circuit. The piece-de-resistance is the mega salt water heated pool with 30 jets. There’s also a hot green tea pool and rain showers. The spa menu is limited to massages, body muds and scrubs. Downside: Last time we visited you had to buy your drinking water.
Elizabeth Milan Spa
One of the grand ladies of the Toronto spa scene is the Elizabeth Milan Spa in the Fairmont Royal York Hotel. While it looks small from the entrance, beyond the retail and reception area there is a full-service salon, 11 treatment rooms, three pedicure thrones, a banquette for manicures and a small lounge. It’s a very established, respected day spa with a loyal clientele who work in nearby office buildings plus visitors who like its convenient location on the hotel’s concourse level. One of its more novel features is a treatment room that was once a bank vault. There’s also a teeny, tiny tea lounge where private lunches for two can be served.
Hammam Spa
In the King St. West neighbourhood just west of the city’s financial district, Hammam Spa has a designer feel the moment you walk in at street level then descend via a zebra wood staircase that seems to float over an Oriental-style pond. Every element of décor that helps create this ultra-cool below ground-level space is candy for the design-lover’s eye.
The nucleus of the spa is a large, jet black hammam. For those self-conscious souls concerned that the traditional steam room is co-ed – nudity is not allowed. Towels or bathing suits are a must. There’s a full menu of services.
Elmwood
One of Toronto’s oldest and most established and elegant day spas is Elmwood Spa. Having recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, the city’s landmark spa treated itself to a complete body makeover including a new reception area, new men’s and ladies’ change rooms, three suites and an all-over enhanced décor. In the modern new reception area, guests can step into a digital world to fill in their health forms, and access your own guest profile. One of the spas signature menu items is Li’Tya a unique line of spa products and associated aboriginal rituals from Australia. Located in the downtown core, it's one of the city's largest and most beautiful spas, and has two of the best couples suites.
Stillwater
Located in the Park Hyatt Hotel in the stylish and upscale Yorkville area of downtown Toronto, the theme at the visually beautiful StillwaterSpa is water and several special water features give guests a wonderful sense of arrival. Beyond the water features, points of distinction include a ladies' locker room with private lounge cabanas that come with personal headsets and flat screen TVs, the Stillwater Room for water therapies including Watsu, a lovely couples' suite with fireplace, shower and double whirlpool bath, two linestone lined rooms for Vichy showers, and a large lounge area where guests can nibble on biscotti while sipping herbal tea. There are 17 treatment rooms but this is a very busy spa so book well in advance or go during off peak hours.
Other spas in downtown Toronto
The Men's Power Spa is the only totally men’s focused spa in Canada. Located in the downtown Entertainment District, a 10-minute speed walk from The Roger’s Centre – The Men’s Power Spa offers a full menu of services including hot shaves.
Spa at Verity is located in a private and upscale woman’s club but you can book a treatment even if you’re not a member. We love the lounge and swimming pool area. The pool offers the only under-water treadmill in the city.
Shizen Spa at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in the financial district of the downtown core. We like it’s lovely lounge.
Pantages Anti-Aging & Longevity Spa at Pantages Suites & Spa is just steps from the Eaton Centre in downtown Toronto.
Other spas in the Greater Toronto Area
Holtz, The Spa at Hilton Suites in Markham.
The Briars, in Jackson’s Point
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Full-service stay spas within a one to two-hour drive of Toronto
Millcroft Inn - Caledon, ON
82.8 km from Toronto
Millcroft Inn
Hockley Valley Resort - Organeville, ON
70 km from Toronto
Hockley Valley Resort
The Briars Resort & Spa, Jackson's Point, ON
87.4 km from Toronto
The Briars Resort & Spa
HighFields Country Inn & Spa, Zephyr, ON
75.5 km from Toronto
HighFields Country Inn & Spa
Langdon Hall Country House Hotel & Spa, Cambridge, ON
104 km
Langdon Hall
100 Fountain Spa at Pillar and Post
133 km
100 Fountain Spa
Ste. Anne's Spa, Grafton, ON
130 km
Ste. Anne's
The Spa at White Oaks Resort, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
119 km
Spa at White Oaks
Oban Inn & Ospa, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
134 km
Ospa at Oban Inn
Claramount Inn & Spa, Picton, ON
213 km
Claramount Inn & Spa
Eganridge Inn, Country Club & and Spa, Fenelon Falls, ON
159 km
Eganridge
Spa on the Twenty, Jordan, ON
106 km
Inn on the Twenty
Avalon - Spa at Christie's Mill, Port Severn, ON
148 km
Spa at Christie's Mill
