Winter Day Trip 30-Minutes From Ottawa

You can’t stay inside until spring! I know, I know; it’s cold and a little dreary, but I have the perfect winter day trip that is sure to cure your winter blues.

Only 30 minutes from Downtown Ottawa, you’ll find two small towns that are filled with coffee shops, winter activities, and a spa that will have you thinking, “hey, maybe winter isn’t so bad.”

You’ll start with a slow morning brunch in a quaint small town, head out for a winter adventure that is sure to unlock your inner child and end your day at North America’s largest spa to reset and unwind after a day out in the snow.

So, layer up and don’t forget to pack your bathing suit. It’s time to hit the road!

wintry view of the Spa Village

person going up a tubing ramp

latte

interior of a dry sauna

breakfast plate

Morning Brunch, Coffee Fix & Window-Shopping Walk

Every great itinerary has to start with caffeine and breakfast. Plan to start your day trip early, and head to Wakefield, QC, where you’ll find some of the cutest cafés to start your morning.

Wakefield’s cafés are filled with natural light, pastry displays that will make you drool, and delicious brunch options served in cozy, relaxed atmospheres.

After breakfast, you can take a stroll through the village of Wakefield. This quaint small town is one of my personal favourites, filled with hidden gems and a scenic walking path along the water that stretches from one end of town to the other. Browse local shops and bakeries, and stop for a few cute photo ops along the way. This is the kind of place that encourages you to slow down and appreciate the beauty of a winter day.

After you’ve fuelled up and explored the village, take a quick drive to a nostalgic winter activity.

Winter Fun: Tubing at Sommet Edelweiss

The key to curing your winter blues is getting outside and doing something that makes you appreciate the snow, and of course, wearing layers!

Get yourself bundled up—it’s time for tubing at Sommet Edelweiss. I can guarantee going down these slopes will have you laughing and reliving your childhood sledding days. The hills are faster than you’d think!

Sommet Edelweiss offers a full-day pass, as well as four-hour passes. I suggest getting the four-hour option and planning to stay for about two to three hours before you head off to your next stop.

Relaxation & Reset: Explore Nordik Spa Village Chelsea

The highlight of your day trip itinerary is a visit to Nordik Spa Village in Chelsea. After spending the day outside, there’s no better place to relax, reset, and truly unwind.

If you haven’t visited Nordik Spa Village before, add it to the top of your winter bucket list! As a certified winter hater, this is one of the only places that make me genuinely enjoy the cold. There’s nothing like getting into a hot thermal bath after being out in the winter air and watching the snow fall around you.

Nordik Spa Village offers nine baths, eight different kinds of saunas, an exfoliation scrub area, guided rituals, and countless relaxation areas designed to help you fully disconnect.

If you need a little pick-me-up after your day of exploring, stop into Mezz Café upon arrival. This is just one of the four restaurants you’ll find at Nordik Spa Village. Grab a coffee or herbal tea and make sure you try their milk chocolate banana bread! Once you’ve had a snack, it’s time for the real relaxation to begin.

I suggest going through the traditional thermal cycle as your first step: hot, cold, rest, repeat. Start in one of the saunas to relax your muscles after a day of exploring, then hop into a cold plunge before finding a place to reset and relax.

My favourite areas for rest and reading are the heated huts. You can swing in one of the hammock chairs and listen to the fire crackle as you slowly slide into a state of pure relaxation.

woman in a thermal bath at the Spa Village

For a late lunch or dinner, you can’t miss Le Resto. The food and service are amazing, and the warm, cozy atmosphere keeps you in your relaxed state after going through a few thermal cycles.

Make sure you spend your fair share of time relaxing in one of the hot baths in the silent area, allowing yourself to reset after a day of adventuring.

wintry view of the Spa Village

guest in a hanging chair

meal at Le Resto

guest exfoliating at the Spa Village

outdoor firecauldron

Nordik burger

woman at the spa looking outside a window

green drink

If you’ve been struggling with winter, you’re not alone. Consider this your sign to get outside, embrace the snow, and take a day trip that mixes outdoor adventure with slow, intentional relaxation. Winter feels a whole lot more enjoyable when you experience it at Nordik Spa Village.

I’ve got the itinerary, all that’s left is to pack a day bag, pick a date, and book your tickets!

BOOK YOUR WINTER ESCAPE

Written by Morgan Long, @morgan.exploring

Q&A

Winter layers/clothes for an outdoor activity, balaclava & hat, bathing suit, flip-flops, water bottle, and a good book.

If you’re leaving from Ottawa, I suggest arriving in Wakefield at 9 AM. Remember, the earlier you leave, the more time you’ll have at Nordik Spa Village at the end of your day!

Yes! Secure your access online. This also allows you to explore their add-ons (Kalla, Massages, Treatments).

Yes! There is a discount when booking online.

You can enjoy the spa Monday to Thursday from 9 AM-11 PM, Friday & Saturday from 8:30 AM-Midnight, and Sunday from 8:30 AM to 11 PM.

Chelsea

Winnipeg

Whitby