Noah CôtéThe 5 best spas in Montreal that’ll make you forget what stress feels like
Life moves fast for me. I’m always trying to keep up, but by the time Friday rolls around, my body starts protesting. My shoulders ache, my muscles feel like they’ve been through a marathon, and my mind just begs for a little peace and quiet.
That’s usually my cue to call up a few friends who are just as burnt out as I am and plan a spa day somewhere in Montreal. We’ve made it our little ritual—we relax, unwind, and of course, compare notes on which spa does it best.
So if you’re hunting for the ultimate guide to Montreal’s best spas, you’re in the right place. We’ve got some recommendations (and honest opinions) to share.
How much do spas in Montreal charge for their services?
Spas in Montreal usually charge roughly CAD 200 up to over CAD 500 for their full spa packages that include multiple treatments. Prices still depend on the spa and level of luxury.
How we chose the best spas in Montreal
1. Bota Bota, spa-sur-l’eau
Address: Entrée McGill et, R. de la Commune O
Phone: +1 514-284-0333
Business hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 10 AM – 10 PM
- Friday to Sunday: 9 AM – 10 PM
It’s not every day you find a spa floating on water, so we just had to visit Bota Bota—a renovated ferry docked in the Old Port.
Everything about the space slows you down. We think the architecture plays a huge role here since the sunlight pours through the boat’s many windows.
It’s open and feels freeing compared to traditional spas, which can sometimes feel sealed off from the world.
The heart of Bota Bota is its thermal circuit. It’s a carefully choreographed flow of heat, cold, and calm.
You can drift between saunas that smell of lime, plunge pools that shock your senses awake, and outdoor hot tubs that look out over the skyline of Old Montreal.
Everything is clean and well-maintained. The staff also seems to float around, quietly making sure everyone’s at peak relaxation.
We noticed a few things worth noting, though. The locker rooms could use a little more space, especially when the flow of guests increases.
Noise levels can be a hit or miss too. While they divide spaces between silent and conversational zones, a few guests mentioned that the quiet wasn’t always enforced as strictly as they’d hoped.
Spent a lovely afternoon at the spa to do the water circuit
“We spent a lovely afternoon at the spa to do the water circuit. There are lots of different warm, cold and relaxing options. You get a towel and a robe if you do the water circuit, but you must bring your own sandals. I do wish for the price you got your own sandals (we bought some for $30 CAD), and they gave a better overview of the facilities.”
Caitlin Brown, Google review
This place was MAGICAL!
“What can I say about this place? It was MAGICAL!! What a cool idea to convert a boat into a spa. It just works on so many levels! The staff was kind and incredibly helpful, the facility was clean and fragrant, the water circuit was a fun adventure with its daybeds and fun sips, while the massage was OUT OF THIS WORLD!! I can’t wait to return and experience this beautiful escape many times over. No photos allowed on site!”
Phil, Google review
Address: 71 De la Commune St W
Phone: +1 844-220-2009
Business hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 9 AM – 9 PM
The big thing everyone talks about at Scandinave Spa is their silence policy—no whispering, no chatting.
It might sound a bit intense, but it actually enhances the overall atmosphere. You can hear the sound of trickling water, the steam rising from the eucalyptus room, and even your own breathing.
Snadinave is not a massive spa, but it’s smartly designed. The dim lighting gives it this cosy feel, which is great if you’re not super into parading in swimwear. And the inclusion of a non-binary changing room is such a refreshing touch.
We’ve heard a lot of praise about their massages. The therapists seem to know exactly what they’re doing, hitting just the right balance between soothing and deep work.
The small extras make the whole experience even more charming. Unlimited teas, citrus water, and chocolate? Yes, please.
People raved about the cinnamon tea in particular, and honestly, it sounds like something we’d buy by the bag if we could.
The only small hiccups we came across were more logistical. Guests wish for more towels or complimentary sandals rather than having to buy them.
You will leave feeling like you’ve woken from a gentle dream
“How this Spa doesn’t have a higher star rating is shocking. This is the best present to that special someone, whether on vacation, celebrating an anniversary, or gifting the experience for a birthday, you will leave feeling like you’ve woken from a gentle dream. The temperature-centred treatments after an impeccable deep tissue massage are exactly what the doctor ordered. Silent and stress-free, lounge in any corner solo to read or curl up in a cosy spot with a partner between cycles and you’ll leave feeling like a babe.”
Gabrielle Marie, Google review
I really love this place and the service!
“I really love this place and the service! The staff is super nice and helpful. I totally recommend it if you want to chill out and relax. Also, I highly recommend Flavio (masseur), very professional, and he gave me a good relaxing massage.”
Grace Cybulak, Google review
3. Spa Ovarium
Address: 400 Rue Beaubien E
Phone: +1 514-271-7515
Business hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 10:30 AM – 9 PM
- Friday to Sunday: 9 AM – 9 PM
Spa Ovarium is best known for its Floatation Baths, and they’re unlike anything else. Picture an egg-shaped pod filled with super-salty water (over 2,000 cups of Epsom salt) that lets you float like you’re weightless.
The water is the same temperature as your body, so after a few minutes, it feels like you’ve melted into it.
Some people play soft music or keep a gentle light on. Others go full sensory deprivation mode and drift into pure silence.
Guests say it’s very relaxing. One woman even said it was the only thing that eased her pregnancy discomfort, which makes sense since floating takes all the pressure off your body.
What really impressed us, though, was the staff. Everyone was kind, calm, and attentive. They walk you through everything before you hop into the pod, and they make the whole experience feel easy and safe.
Besides the floating, they also offer massage therapy, facials, and relaxation sessions using PSiO and NeuroSpa technology.
That said, if you drop by on a non-discount day, you might wince a little at the price tag. It’s not outrageous, but it’s not exactly budget-friendly either.
Thank you again for the great service
“Every time we come to Spa Ovarium, it’s a great experience. This time I had Jeffrey as a massotherapist he targets pressure points to release muscle tension and pain. My husband also enjoyed his massage with his therapist. Thank you again for the great service.”
Karina Zapata, Google review
I absolutely love it
“I’ve been coming to the Ovarium for over twenty years now. I absolutely love it. Earlier this year, I began getting massages from Jessica Pace, and I think she is the best masseuse I’ve ever had. I used to come for the floatation tanks, and sometimes I’d get a massage. Now I come for Jessica. She is that good.”
Ian White Maher, Google review
4. Spa Escape Nomad
Address: 4660 St Laurent Blvd
Phone: +1 514-842-7279
Business hours:
- Monday: 9 AM – 6 PM
- Tuesday to Saturday: 9 AM – 10 PM
- Sunday: 9 AM – 9 PM
Spa Escape Nomad has that laid-back, boho charm. You get the sense they’ve thought about every little detail, from the textures to the warm lighting.
They offer a mix of services that cover pretty much every self-care need you can think of—massages, facials, acupuncture, and more.
We found that the therapists here are a big part of what makes the experience memorable. Sophie (the acupuncturist) helps with pinched nerves, muscle aches, and puffiness.
Her AcuLift facial acupuncture also sounds like a game-changer. People rave about walking out with glowing skin and a more defined jawline.
Guests also talk about how the massage therapists communicate, check in often, and tailor each massage. And that post-massage smoothie? It may be the cherry on top.
If you want a spa package, they have a lot of options to choose from. The Full Circle Ritual mixes massage, head treatments, facials, and pedicures for the ultimate full-body reset.
That said, not everything is glowing. We heard a couple’s appointment was messy, where the wife’s masseuse never showed up. It seems to be an isolated case, but it’s worth noting.
Great experience
“Great experience, my massage therapist took the time to understand my needs and explained that she would be using a couple of different massage techniques for specific areas. It was absolutely perfect! Will be returning :)”
Saman Sohail, Google review
100% will recommend this to all my friends and family
“Came here for a quick message, the staff was beyond friendly and helpful. They were also very informative, and I just happened to meet the owner that day, and she was just amazing. Felt like a new man when I left and refreshed for life, 100% will recommend this to all my friends and family. Can’t wait to come back!”
Sean Weir, Google review
5. L’Absolu Spa
Address: 10211 St Laurent Blvd
Phone: +1 514-383-6363
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10 AM – 10 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 11 AM – 8 PM
The people who go to L’Absolu tend to come back again and again, and it’s not hard to see why.
The staff are genuine, kind, and remarkably attentive. Some clients even mention being greeted by name and handed a fresh towel as if they were visiting an old friend.
There’s also a sense of inclusivity here that makes everyone feel welcome, no matter who they are.
People love how intuitive the therapists are, especially Maude. During massages, she seems to have a gift for melting away tension without making the session feel mechanical.
Then there’s the Finnish sauna. You can pour water on the rocks and feel the satisfying blast of steam. At $26 an hour, it’s a steal for something that feels this authentic.
Guests also described their float bath as deeply calming, almost meditative. Pairing a float with a sauna or a massage sounds like the ultimate recharge combo.
If we had to nitpick one area for improvement, though, it’s their communication. A few guests said it was tricky to get a response through the website or social media, which isn’t ideal if you’re booking from abroad.
I would definitely recommend this place
“Beautiful cosy spa with very courteous staff. I had a massage therapy session with Maude, and the experience was great. She asked if I wanted her to focus on any specific pain points, and she also applied the perfect amount of pressure for my preference. I would definitely recommend this place!”
J C, Google review
Well-organised, clean, with good service
“I really like the place — it’s well-organised, clean, with good service. The girls who work there are also very nice, and everything is well-managed.”
Nada Sh, Google review
