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NEWS
Authentic Finnish-inspired Nordic Spa opening north of Toronto in Q3 2021
POSTED 18 Jun 2021 . BY Megan Whitby
Vettä’s primary attraction will be its emphasis on spending quality time with others
A brand new Finnish-inspired day spa called Vettä Nordic Spa is on track to open its doors in Ontario, Canada in September 2021.

Realised by ISM Architects, the all-season destination will cover five and a half acres and feature a 12 treatment-room spa plus one of North America’s largest commercial saunas.

“Horseshoe Valley is already a vacation destination for many, and the natural beauty found here fits the Finnish-inspired escape so perfectly,” said Eric Harkonen, president and founder of Vettä Nordic Spa.

“Vettä will be an experience that allows guests to sample a taste of Finland for the day and an opportunity to feel relaxed, recharged and reconnected.”

Guests will be immersed in a dynamic journey of wellbeing including professional bespoke massages, steamrooms, authentic Finnish saunas, warm pools and cold plunge pools, as well as salt rubs, a hot stone room, multiple relaxation areas and outdoor wood-burning fire pits.

All are being designed to help guests restore their health and wellbeing through the emotional and physical benefits of Nordic bathing traditions.

According to Harkonen, “coming from a Finnish family, it stood out to me that people in Canada and especially Ontario, are missing out on the sauna experience and the opportunity to unplug for a while.

“Vettä will be a place you can visit that quiets the mind, and rejuvenates your spirit. It’s a place to come together, create memories and spend precious time with friends and family.”

Vettä’s primary attraction will be its emphasis on spending quality time with others and having meaningful conversations during their spa escape.

While there will be a designated zone for those who wish to relax quietly on their own, the majority of Vettä will function in accordance with the Finnish tradition of socialising with others.

Guests will be encouraged to enjoy time with friends or family by making the most of couples’ massage rooms, social spa zones and spacious dining areas.

Vettä’s saunas and range of multi-temperature outdoor pools are being built to allow guests to enjoy self-guided contrast bathing.

Guests will be able to enjoy their hydrotherapy cycles in the natural surroundings of Horseshoe Valley’s hardwood forests, emphasised by the changing seasons, and fresh country air.

In addition, Vettä will feature three distinct culinary experiences showcasing forest foraged delicacies including freshly-picked mushroom medleys, preserved berries, local ecologically-produced vegetables and smoked and fresh fish.

There will be also heated floors and pathways throughout the spa and waterproof RFID wristbands allowing guests to move around easily.

Looking ahead, Harkonen told Spa Business there are plans to expand the Vettä concept in future with more locations in Ontario.
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©Cybertrek 2026
Uniting the world of spa & wellness
Get Spa Business and Spa Business insider digital magazines FREE
Sign up here ▸
News   Products   Magazine   Subscribe
NEWS
Authentic Finnish-inspired Nordic Spa opening north of Toronto in Q3 2021
POSTED 18 Jun 2021 . BY Megan Whitby
Vettä’s primary attraction will be its emphasis on spending quality time with others
A brand new Finnish-inspired day spa called Vettä Nordic Spa is on track to open its doors in Ontario, Canada in September 2021.

Realised by ISM Architects, the all-season destination will cover five and a half acres and feature a 12 treatment-room spa plus one of North America’s largest commercial saunas.

“Horseshoe Valley is already a vacation destination for many, and the natural beauty found here fits the Finnish-inspired escape so perfectly,” said Eric Harkonen, president and founder of Vettä Nordic Spa.

“Vettä will be an experience that allows guests to sample a taste of Finland for the day and an opportunity to feel relaxed, recharged and reconnected.”

Guests will be immersed in a dynamic journey of wellbeing including professional bespoke massages, steamrooms, authentic Finnish saunas, warm pools and cold plunge pools, as well as salt rubs, a hot stone room, multiple relaxation areas and outdoor wood-burning fire pits.

All are being designed to help guests restore their health and wellbeing through the emotional and physical benefits of Nordic bathing traditions.

According to Harkonen, “coming from a Finnish family, it stood out to me that people in Canada and especially Ontario, are missing out on the sauna experience and the opportunity to unplug for a while.

“Vettä will be a place you can visit that quiets the mind, and rejuvenates your spirit. It’s a place to come together, create memories and spend precious time with friends and family.”

Vettä’s primary attraction will be its emphasis on spending quality time with others and having meaningful conversations during their spa escape.

While there will be a designated zone for those who wish to relax quietly on their own, the majority of Vettä will function in accordance with the Finnish tradition of socialising with others.

Guests will be encouraged to enjoy time with friends or family by making the most of couples’ massage rooms, social spa zones and spacious dining areas.

Vettä’s saunas and range of multi-temperature outdoor pools are being built to allow guests to enjoy self-guided contrast bathing.

Guests will be able to enjoy their hydrotherapy cycles in the natural surroundings of Horseshoe Valley’s hardwood forests, emphasised by the changing seasons, and fresh country air.

In addition, Vettä will feature three distinct culinary experiences showcasing forest foraged delicacies including freshly-picked mushroom medleys, preserved berries, local ecologically-produced vegetables and smoked and fresh fish.

There will be also heated floors and pathways throughout the spa and waterproof RFID wristbands allowing guests to move around easily.

Looking ahead, Harkonen told Spa Business there are plans to expand the Vettä concept in future with more locations in Ontario.
RELATED STORIES
Finnish wellness culture to land in Ontario with first Vettä Nordic Spa


A hydrothermal day spa designed to offer a taste of Finnish wellness will be launched in a grand opening ceremony on 23 January 2022 in Ontario, Canada.
MORE NEWS
Almost half of spa survey respondents are unaware cancer is a disability and not adapting treatments is discrimination
A recent survey by the UK Spa Association (UKSA) into the industry’s approach to cancer care has revealed that almost half of participating respondents (46 per cent) are unaware that cancer is a disability and guests with a cancer diagnosis must be given
Solmar Hotels and Resorts offers Temazcal ceremony for Global Wellness Day
Mexican operator, Solmar Hotels and Resorts, is hosting a series of events in celebration of Global Wellness Day, including a Temazcal ceremony at its Playa Grande Resort and Spa in Los Cabos.
Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi
Mandarin Oriental has announced a standalone residence brand, Mansions, which will debut at Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental Mansions, Abu Dhabi, in 2029.
Healing sanctuary Tulah Clinical Wellness opens in Kerala
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There is a particular quality of stillness found only in the desert. [more...]

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In the fast-paced world of fitness and wellness, where high-intensity workouts push us to our limits and the sweat pours, the importance of efficient recovery cannot be overstated. [more...]
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COMPANY PROFILES
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The technical advice offered by bbspa is delivered via four specialist departments which offer turn [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  

DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

09-11 Jun 2026

World Sauna Forum 2026

Savutuvan Apaja, Haapaniemi, Finland
09-12 Jun 2026

W3Spa EMEA

Hotel Cascais Miragem Health & Spa, Portugal
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
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