Le Nordique Spa Stoneham sits just outside Quebec City and is an easy escape from the demands of urban life. Perched on the edge of the Jacques-Cartier River with captivating views of the river valley, this Scandinavian-style spa is well worth a visit.
As is typical of spas in the land of its namesake, bathers can spend time alternating between hot and cold services with bouts of rest for two to four hours in order to reach maximum relaxation. The water here is not fed by thermal springs, but still provides that relaxing experience you get from hot springs.
History
The owner of the Nordique always knew he wanted to own his own business, but it wasn’t until 2001 that he settled on the idea of a spa after enjoying visits to several others in the late 1990s. In 2003, he purchased 500,000 square feet of land and started construction the next spring. Mid-2005 saw the official opening of the Nordique Spa Stoneham, the latter part of the name a nod to the region’s famous hockey team.
Over the years, many new facilities and services have been added. Even the modern convenience of online reservations was progressive when adopted in 2010. Sadly, in 2018, a disastrous fire led to the damage and ruin of a large part of the property.
After a year of building and renovations, the spa was back and better than ever with the addition of three new baths, an alcohol permit, and a new heating system that reduces emissions by 129+ tons per year.
The system mainly uses carbon-neutral heating sources that make use of wood pellets. With a strong commitment to sustainability, the Nordique does many things to ensure a positive future for the natural world.
It shuts down duplicate parts of the property when there are fewer guests. For example, one of the three saunas may be operational on days when only a handful of people need one. The savings are passed on to customers in the form of a discounted entry ticket on “Eco-Responsible Days”.
Recycling and tree planting are common practices, and water fountains are installed throughout the property to reduce the use of plastic water bottles. Even the bags handed out to guests for wet swimsuits are biodegradable.
Hot Services
Water quality is a high priority here. Not only is it analyzed by an accredited lab every week, but the results are downloadable on their website. The pH and chlorine are continually balanced by automatic feeders, and chemicals are tested 3 times a day with photometric tools. There is a highly efficient cartridge filtration system, and on top of all of that, the water in their basins is completely renewed every seven days.
Rest assured knowing you’re in the purest of water, and start your visit with either dry or humid heat services at one of the following:
- Finnish sauna (85-90°C), Aufguss experience offered
- Turkish steam bath or hammam with eucalyptus essential oil (50-55°C)
- Outdoor hot tubs with jets (100-103°F), one of which contains a waterfall
Cold Services
When you’re done with the heat and are ready to reinvigorate yourself with a cold plunge, there are several places you can turn to, two of which are all-natural:
- Jacques-Cartier river
- Nordic bath with a waterfall (12-22°C)
- Multi-jet shower using spring water from the spa’s well (apx. 10°C year-round)
- In the snow
Rest Options
In order to complete the circuit, you must rest and recuperate. Plenty of cozy places await you including the following:
- 4 individually designed indoor relaxation rooms with beds, loungers, Adirondack and rocking chairs, and fireplaces
- Exterior spaces like on the pier, on a spa terrace, or in the woods
- Long chairs
- Hammocks in nature
Massage
With plenty of time for the pools, sometimes a massage is exactly what you need to reach peak relaxation. The Nordique caters to different tastes by offering a variety of different options for bodywork. You can choose from Swedish, therapeutic, couples’, or prenatal massage.
Another unique option is an outdoor massage in the summer for one or two people. Immersed in nature, the views from these gazebos capture the Jacques-Cartier River and allow you to enjoy the experience of the sound of rushing water and birds singing.
The Bistro
Guests looking for a light meal or snack throughout the day can stop in the bistro. Soups, gourmet paninis, salads, chili, juices, teas, and hot chocolate are among the items on the menu.
There is space for indoor dining with a cozy fireplace in the winter or outdoor enjoyment on the terrace with great views. Food is available from when the spa opens to an hour before closing time but isn’t allowed outside the dining area.
Tiny-Houses
Overnight guests can rent out one of the well-equipped mini-chalets on the property. They’re a perfect fit for two people and come with a full kitchen, a queen-sized bed, a bathroom with a shower, a living area with a gas fireplace, and a 112 square foot covered deck from which to enjoy your evenings in the warmer seasons.
Large windows let in tons of light giving it an airy feel. Surrounded by a forest, you’ll see more than the sunrise from your place on the couch. There are woodland creatures wandering around on any given day.
It’s a lot of comforts packed into a neat little space. Plus, for those concerned about the lack of cell services within a 5km radius of the spa, the wifi offered in the tiny houses will be a welcome respite. Perhaps the biggest perk is the two tickets for the spa included with every night’s stay. A minimum of 2-3 nights booking is required during certain times of the year.
Check prices, availability or book Nordique-Chalet à louer à Stoneham
Details
Address: 747 Rue Jacques Cartier N, Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury, QC G3C 1X7, Canada
Phone: +1 418-848-7727
Season: Year-round
Website: lenordique.com/en
The Springs Resort & Spa – La Fortuna, Costa Rica