Opens in October
Sauna and Cold Plunge on the Ottawa River
An outdoor cedar sauna moored beside the NCC River House, with a cold river plunge a few steps from the door. Open seven days a week from October.
Address
501 Promenade Sir-George-Étienne-Cartier
Hours
7 days a week · 7am to 10pm
Session
90 minutes
Cold plunge
The Ottawa River
The River is the Plunge
Most cold plunges in Ottawa are a tub of chilled water. Ours is the Ottawa River. The plunge is an enclosed section alongside the sauna so you can get in comfortably, and there is open water access if you would rather go straight into the river.
The sauna itself is cedar-lined and wood-warm, built on floats and tied up beside the NCC River House off Promenade Sir-George-Étienne-Cartier. Forest on the far shore, docks out front, and the city close enough to get back to in ten minutes.
Saunoa Ottawa
What to Expect
- 01Session Length
- 90 minutes, which is room for two or three full rounds without watching the clock.
- 02The Plunge
- An enclosed river plunge, plus open water access to the Ottawa River itself.
- 03On Site
- Changerooms, a lounge space between rounds, lockers, filtered water, and a composting toilet out front. Access to the NCC River House facilities.
- 04No Showers
- There are no showers at the Ottawa location. Toronto has cold water showers.
- 05Sessions
- Community sessions are open booking. Private sessions give you the whole sauna, for a date, a birthday or your crew.
- 06Getting Here
- Look for the NCC River House and the docks off Promenade Sir-George-Étienne-Cartier. The sauna is tied up alongside.
New guests only
3 Sessions for $99
Use all three yourself, or bring a guest along. The easiest way to find out whether heat and cold are for you.
$135
You save $36
Get the OfferWhat Guests Say
4.8 stars from 300+ guests on Google
From guests at our Toronto sauna. Ottawa opens in October, and reviews from the river will land here after the first sessions.
“Such a relaxing and fun experience with my girlfriends. The views were amazing, especially watching planes take off and land at Billy Bishop.”
“The cold plunge was what really made the experience for me. I had such a good experience that I went a second time and brought some of my colleagues.”
“The most beautiful escape in Toronto. We all said this one was by far the best. Incredible view of the CN Tower and the stars.”
How to Find Us in Ottawa
We are moored on the Ottawa River beside the NCC River House, just off Promenade Sir-George-Étienne-Cartier. Look for the NCC River House and the docks, and the sauna is tied up alongside.
501 Promenade Sir-George-Étienne-Cartier
Ottawa, ON K1M 0S1
7 days a week · 7am to 10pm
Ottawa Questions
All Questions →What do I bring?
Two towels. One that your whole body rests on in the sauna, feet included, and one for after the plunge. A swimsuit. That is it. If you forget a towel you can buy one from us, and we have electrolytes and tea on site.
When should I get there?
At the time of your booking, or a few minutes before. If the door is locked, the team is cleaning the space for you. We let guests in at the time of their booking.
Where is the cold plunge?
Toronto: a cold plunge tub on the outdoor deck, a few steps from the sauna door.
Ottawa: an enclosed river plunge so you can get in comfortably, plus direct open water access to the Ottawa River.
Are there showers?
Toronto: cold water showers are available on site.
Ottawa: no showers at this location.
Community or private sessions?
Community sessions are open to the public and shared with other guests. A private session reserves the entire space for you, whether that is a date, a birthday or your team.
Is this a boat?
Not quite. It is a floating sauna, which is to say a structure built on floats. It does not go anywhere.
Plans changed, can I reschedule?
Cancel or reschedule at least 72 hours ahead for a credit or refund. Inside 72 hours the session is non-refundable, because the spot was held for you and nobody else could book it.
Follow Along
Sunsets, steam and the odd shot of someone regretting the plunge. Mostly the first two.
