Opening November 13
Sauna and Cold Plunge on the Ottawa River
An outdoor floating cedar sauna moored along the shoreline of the NCC River House. It features two sauna rooms and a cold river plunge. Open seven days a week from November 13.
Address
501 Sir-George-Étienne-Cartier Parkway
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. Open water swimming is unsupervised, with no lifeguard, and at your own risk.
The sauna is cedar-lined and wood-warm, moored along the shoreline of the NCC River House. Forest on the far shore, the quiet of the Ottawa River all around, and the heart of the National Capital Region ten minutes away.
See What’s Happening
Sunsets, steam and the odd shot of someone regretting the plunge. Mostly the first two.
What to Expect
- 01Session Length
- 90 minutes from arrival, which is room for two or three full rounds of heat, cold and rest without watching the clock.
- 02The Plunge
- An enclosed river plunge beside the sauna, plus open water access to the river. Open water swimming is unsupervised and at your own risk.
- 03On Site
- Changerooms, a lounge between rounds, lockers and filtered water. Washrooms and the Bytown Café are at the NCC River House.
- 04Showers
- Seasonal showers at the NCC River House, June to September. None on the sauna itself, so pack an extra towel if you like.
- 05What to Bring
- Two towels, a swimsuit and a water bottle. One towel to sit on in the sauna, one for after the plunge. Full packing list →
- 06Getting Here
- 501 Sir-George-Étienne-Cartier Parkway. Find the NCC River House; we're on the shoreline. Park at P3, P4 or P5, 5 to 15 minutes on foot.
Accessibility
The NCC River House site is fully accessible, from the parkway to the River House building and down to the shoreline. The sauna has accessible features and one designated accessible sauna room. Accessible parking is at P3 and P4, with a drop-off area at the front of the NCC River House. For accessibility questions, email ottawa@saunoa.ca.
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 November 13, 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 along the shoreline of the NCC River House on the Ottawa River, just off the Sir-George-Étienne-Cartier Parkway. Look for the NCC River House, and the sauna is on the shoreline.
501 Sir-George-Étienne-Cartier Parkway
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. Open water swimming is unsupervised, with no lifeguard, and at your own risk.
Are there showers?
Toronto: cold water showers are available on site.
Ottawa: seasonal showers at the NCC River House, June to September.
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?
Sort of, but technically no - it’s a non-motorized floating sauna, a structure built on floats that stays moored in place.
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.