Best Spas in Manitoba for a Winter Getaway

• Experience the hot-cold-rest thermal cycle at Thermea Spa Village or Klar So Nordic Spa.
• Discover traditional wellness rituals at Ten Spa and Pocca Pocca Spa in Winnipeg.
• Enjoy a massage or spa treatment at Riverstone Spa, Salka Spa or The Hills Spa.
• Explore a different approach to relaxation at Re Sauna's private infrared studios.
  

Where to Find Spas in Manitoba

Winnipeg Spas

Winnipeg is home to several unique spa experiences, including Nordic-inspired thermal circuits, traditional bathing rituals and private infrared sauna sessions. Here are a few places to consider when planning a day of relaxation in the city.

Thermea Spa Village

For an outdoor thermal experience, spend a few hours at Thermea Spa Village. Its signature Thermal Experience follows a hot-cold-rest cycle, giving you time to move between different temperatures and spaces at a relaxed pace. In winter, clouds of steam rise from the heated outdoor pools, creating a striking contrast against the crisp air.

When you're ready to cool down, try the Polabër cold pool or stand beneath the Icebër waterfall. Inside, you'll find dry saunas and steam rooms, including the Aufguss ritual, which combines heat therapy and essential oils to enhance your sauna experience.

The rest stage is just as important. Find a heated seat or settle onto a warm stone slab while relaxing music plays overhead. There are fire pits throughout the property which offer another place to warm up and enjoy the outdoor setting.

Ten Spa

Located at the Fort Garry Hotel, Ten Spa offers a traditional Turkish hamam experience in an elegant setting. Rooted in Ottoman bathing traditions, the ritual focuses on physical and spiritual purification through cleansing and exfoliation.

Arrive ahead of your treatment to enjoy the spa's thermal suite, lounge, snack bar and quiet lounge. Ten Spa recommends arriving one hour before your scheduled service to give yourself time to settle in. There are several hamam packages available, including introductory experiences and longer rituals that can be combined with a massage. It's a good option if you're looking for a spa treatment that goes beyond a traditional massage.

Riverstone Spa

Set in The Forks, one of Winnipeg's best-known gathering places, Riverstone Spa offers a quiet place to unwind in the middle of the city. The chic and sophisticated changing rooms will be your first introduction to the space, and you’ll want to arrive early to make time for a quick steam and sauna session. The main spa area is warm and cozy with a central fire place and plenty of nooks to lay back and relax in.

Pocca Pocca Spa

For a different kind of thermal experience, visit Pocca Pocca Spa, Winnipeg's first Japanese-style spa. Its signature Ganban-yoku experience is based on a Japanese stone-bathing practice. The session takes place in a heated room where you lie on specially selected stones. Options include maifan, tourmaline, jade and tenshou stones. The experience involves alternating periods of rest on your stomach and back, with time to hydrate between sessions. A typical session includes 15-30 minutes lying on your stomach followed by a break to hydrate, then another 15-25 minutes lying on your back. The process continues for the duration of your booking.

Re Sauna

If you'd prefer a more private sauna experience, Re Sauna offers infrared sauna sessions in individual studios. Unlike traditional saunas, which heat the air around you, infrared saunas use radiant heat to warm the body directly. The private setting lets you choose how to spend your session. Bring a book, listen to music, meditate, stretch or catch up on a favourite show while you enjoy the warmth. Sessions are also adjustable to your preferred comfort level. Re Sauna also offers massage therapy services, making it another option for a wellness-focused afternoon in Winnipeg.

Spas and Sauna Getaways Outside Winnipeg

If you're looking to make relaxation part of a longer Manitoba getaway, consider adding one of these experiences to your next trip outside the city.

Klar So Nordic Spa

If you're looking for the ultimate winter escape, Klar So Nordic Spa is tucked away within Elkhorn Resort in Clear Lake Country, offering a peaceful thermal experience completely surrounded by the region's stunning natural landscape.

Follow the thermal cycle by moving between heat, cool water and deep relaxation to boost circulation. The outdoor amenities include hot tubs, a temperate pool and a cold plunge, while indoor facilities feature steam and dry saunas.

You can also book a treatment during your visit, with options that include therapeutic massages and skin care services. An on-site bistro provides a place to enjoy a meal or refreshments during your spa day. Pair your visit with a stay at Elkhorn Resort to turn your spa experience into a longer Clear Lake Country getaway.

Salka Spa

Nestled inside Lakeview Hecla Resort in Hecla/Grindstone Provincial Park, Salka Spa offers a peaceful retreat inspired by the Nordic elements of Fire, Ice and Water. The spa's treatments include massages, facials and body treatments, along with salon services. After your treatment, take time to enjoy the relaxation pools, including the Nordic Plunge, Hydro-Kinetic Pool, Relaxation Pool and jetted hot tub. The combination of spa treatments and pool amenities makes Salka a lovely addition to a getaway at the resort, surrounded by the natural beauty of Hecla/Grindstone Provincial Park, about two hours north of Winnipeg.

The Hills Spa by Skin Clinics

In Brandon, The Hills Spa by Skin Clinics offers a range of treatments designed to help you relax and care for your skin. Services include hamam rituals, massage therapy and hydrafacials. The spa also features a eucalyptus-infused steam shower and cedar dry sauna. Arrive early to enjoy some time in the relaxation room, where complimentary fruit, snacks, beverages and tea available before your treatment.

Tips for Planning Your Manitoba Spa Visit

A little planning can help you make the most of your spa day or getaway.

• Book your treatment in advance: If you're planning a massage, hamam ritual or skin care treatment, check availability and book directly with the spa.
• Allow time to unwind: Some thermal experiences are designed around alternating periods of heat, cold and rest.
• Check what's included: Spa access, treatments and amenities can vary. Review the business's website before booking to understand what's included in your visit.
• Consider an overnight stay: If you're travelling outside Winnipeg, look into nearby accommodation so you can turn your spa visit into a longer Manitoba getaway.

Original Blog by Breanne Sewards