The waterfront wellness concept expands to the National Capital Region with its second floating location
OTTAWA, ON, Nov. 10, 2026 /CNW/ -- Ottawa's waterfront is about to get a little hotter, and a whole lot colder.
SAUN°A, a floating Finnish-inspired sauna and cold plunge experience, is opening its second Canadian location at the iconic NCC River House this fall, bringing its unique combination of sauna, cold-water immersion and outdoor recovery to the capital.
A New Way to Experience Ottawa's Waterfront
Guests will move between the warmth of a traditional Finnish-inspired sauna, complemented by cold plunge and outdoor recovery areas, creating a simple contrast therapy ritual built around heat, cold and connection.
SAUN°A Ottawa will offer 90-minute community sessions, along with private bookings for groups of up to 20 guests. Corporate and team experiences will provide a unique opportunity to connect, recharge, and share a wellness experience outside the traditional workplace setting.
"We think Ottawa is a perfect fit for SAUN°A," said Matt Slaman, Founder of SAUN°A. "It's a city that embraces winter, outdoor activity and being close to nature. We're excited to create a new place for people to get outside, disconnect and experience the benefits and culture of sauna together."
Sauna on the Water
Designed to bring guests closer to the outdoors, SAUN°A turns the surrounding landscape into part of the experience. Large wraparound sauna windows offer uninterrupted views across the water, while the gentle movement of the river can be felt from inside the floating sauna.
From watching the seasons change through the warmth of the sauna to stepping outside into the fresh air before a cold plunge, every session is shaped by the water, weather and natural surroundings.
Bringing New Energy to the Riverfront
The new SAUN°A location also reflects the National Capital Commission's vision to bring new activity and energy to Ottawa's riverfront. By activating this year-round waterfront space with new public experiences, the project contributes to the lively, welcoming and connected destination the riverfront was intended to be.
"The opening of the floating sauna at the NCC River House is a clear example of how the NCC is creating inspiring public places that connect people to each other, to nature, and to the beauty and diverse experiences our National Capital has to offer. This new and unique facility gives residents and visitors a year‑round way to experience the Ottawa River, support their well‑being, and enjoy the Capital's shoreline in every season." Tobi Nussbaum, CEO, National Capital Commission
Built for the Colder Months
Rather than escaping Ottawa's winter, SAUN°A is designed to embrace it.
The experience combines the intense heat of the sauna with cold-water immersion and outdoor recovery, turning the changing seasons into part of the experience.
SAUN°A Ottawa opens November 13, 2026 with bookings available at SAUNOA.ca.
About SAUN°A
SAUN°A is a Canadian floating sauna and cold plunge experience inspired by Finnish sauna culture and built around the ritual of hot, cold, rest and connection. With locations in Toronto and Ottawa, SAUN°A brings wellness onto the water and into nature through community sauna sessions, cold immersion and outdoor experiences.
SOURCE Saunoa
Media inquiries: [email protected]; Maryam El-Akhrass, NCC Media Relations, 343-596-8674, [email protected]
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