Ottawa’s waterfront is getting a new attraction just in time for the colder months.
Starting Friday, November 13, 2026, you can enjoy a floating sauna and cold plunge experience at the NCC River House, overlooking the Ottawa River.
Called SAUN°A, the Finnish-inspired experience combines a heated sauna, cold-water immersion and outdoor relaxation. The Ottawa opening marks the company’s second Canadian location, following its operation in Toronto.
The experience centers on a simple routine. You warm up in the sauna, cool down with a cold plunge, then head to an outdoor recovery area for a break.
What makes this setting different is its location on the water. Large wraparound windows provide views across the Ottawa River, and you’ll even feel the gentle movement of the water while sitting inside.
On colder days, you can watch the changing scenery from the warmth of the sauna before stepping outside for fresh air and a cold plunge.
You can book a 90-minute community session or reserve the space privately for a group of up to 20 guests.
Private bookings are also intended for corporate groups and teams looking to spend time together outside their usual work environment.
“We think Ottawa is a perfect fit for SAUN°A,” said founder Matt Slaman. “It’s a city that embraces winter, outdoor activity and being close to nature.”
The floating sauna also fits into the National Capital Commission’s plans to make Ottawa’s riverfront a place people can enjoy throughout the year.
Tobi Nussbaum, CEO of the National Capital Commission, said the new facility gives residents and visitors another way to experience the Ottawa River, enjoy the shoreline and connect with nature in every season.
Trip Planning – SAUN°A Ottawa
What: Experience floating Finnish-inspired sauna, cold plunge and outdoor relaxation
When: Opening, Friday, November 13, 2026
Session Duration: 90 minutes
Private Bookings: Groups of up to 20 guests
Where: NCC River House, 501 Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway, Ottawa
Facilities: Changerooms onsite and access to NCC River House
Parking:
Parking immediately around River House is limited. P3 has roughly 15 to 20 spaces, including accessible parking, while P4 has approximately 40 spaces and requires a short walk along the Ottawa River Pathway. There is also an accessible drop-off lane.
NCC River House itself is universally accessible, with elevators, accessible washrooms and changerooms. The NCC’s 2026–2028 Accessibility Plan specifically states that the floating saunas are being designed to be universally accessible.
Reservations: SAUNOA.ca