Scandinave Spa Whistler | Your Complete Guide (2020 Updates)

You may have come to Whistler, BC to put your body through it s paces – skiing, hiking, biking, golfing, paddling – but we’d highly recommend taking at least one day off to treat yourself too. Whistler has heaps of spas to choose from, but one of our favourites is the Scandinave Spa Whistler. An enormous outdoor and indoor spa that’s hidden in the forest beyond Whistler village, it’s idyllic setting and Scandinavian vibes make it almost impossible not to relax.

So if you’re planning at least one relaxation day during your trip to Whistler (and you should), you could do a lot worse than a lazy day at the Scandinave Spa. Here at Forged, we know how adventure – but we also know how to relax. So we headed on down to the Scandinave Spa Whistler to see what all the fuss was about. And we had the time of our lives. 

Why Spend a Day at the Scandinave Spa in Whistler?

As we discovered, the Scandinave Spa is the perfect spot to slow down, take stock, and let your body do some healing. 

• Treat your body

A vacation in Whistler can be tough on your body. With so many incredible outdoor adventures to fit in, you might end up leaving feeling more exhausted than you did when you arrived. Which is why we always tell people to plan a rest day at the Scandinave Spa. Whether you’re skiing or biking, you’ll leave feeling rejuvenated and ready for another few days on the hill.

• Treat your mind

Spending a few hours relaxing at the spa isn’t just good for your body – it’s good for your mind too. Whether you’re chilling in the hot pools, reclining by the fire pit, or taking a nap on one of their many comfortable beds, you’ll give your mind a chance to slow down from the frantic pace of every day life. 

• Take time to switch off

Unlike most spas in Whistler, this nordic spa in Whistler is a silent spa. That means no talking, no phones, no cameras. Just you, the forest, and the calming sounds of the waterfalls and fire pits. When was the last time you really turned off?

What to Know Before You Go to Scandinave Spa

In the name of research, we thought we’d better head down to the Scandinave Spa ourselves. We know, it’s a hard life. Here’s our hard-earned insider insights into a day at Scandinave Spa, plus a few “before you go” tips to help your trip go smoothly.

1. Know How to Beat the Crowds

Luckily, we already knew Scandinave Spa is a very popular Whistler activity. So we headed down mid-week, when the spa is quieter and queues are shorter. Mid week and off season are the best bets to avoid the crowds.

On weekends (and especially holidays) you can expect to wait more than 30 minutes for access to the spa so it doesn’t get overcrowded. On the other hand, during spring and fall you’ll get straight in, and might even get a Scandinave spa discount for slow season.

Peak season is from November to March. Although it can get even busier over Christmas, March Break and Valentines Day. Be prepared for higher prices during these dates (Oct 12-14 | Nov 9-11 | Dec 21-Jan 4 | Feb 14-17).

The following is a snapshot of the facilities popularity. Mid week (on Wednesday), it’s generally slow with peak times around 3PM. Over the weekend, people all over whistler flock to the spa with peak times starting around noon and lasting well into evening.

When is Scandinave Spa open? The luxury bath and spa facility is open seven days a week, 365 days a year. Opening hours are:

• Monday: 10am-9pm
• Tuesday: 10am-9pm
• Wednesday: 10am-9pm
• Thursday: 10am-9pm
• Friday: 10am-9pm
• Saturday: 10am-9pm
• Sunday: 10am-9pm

2. Know its Complete Luxury from the Time you Walk Through the Doors

We started feeling special as soon as we checked in and received two big fluffy baths towels. They also have bathtowels for rent if needed.

We even got to sip on ice-cold cucumber water while we waited, fruit and flavoured water are a part of the experience. The changing rooms are large and have everything you could ever need – hairdryers, straighteners, face cream, huge lockers – so you’ll leave the spa looking as good as you feel. And don’t miss the free hot tea just outside the changing rooms, especially on a chilly winter evening.

3. Know the Outdoor Pools and Saunas are Entirely Silent

We were a little dubious about the “silent” aspect of the spa when we arrived. For starters, how could we post about our amazing experience on Instagram? And secondly, weren’t we here to have a good catch-up with our pals?

But we gave it a go, and we have to admit, they’re on to something. After the first few awkward minutes, we loved having an excuse not to chat and to really focus on relaxing. And there’s something very unusual about not having access to your phone that makes the whole experience feel a lot more special.

4. Know the 3-Step Hot, Cold, and Relax Cycle

When you arrive at Scandinave Spa, they explain the “right” way to spa according to hydrotherapy principles. Hydrotyherapy is an old tradition, but with remarkable benefits for our hectic modern life. 

As per the hydrotherapy way, follow this hot-cold-warm schedule below to get the most from your experience:

• 10-15 minutes in something hot (a pool, steam room, sauna etc.)
• 15 seconds in something very cold (a plunge pool or the icy waterfall)
• 15-30 minutes relaxing (by the outdoor fires, inside a calm room)

Honestly, we weren’t very enthusiastic about the cold part of this process – and we were there in summer. But seeing as we had to write this article, we figured we should take the plunge. And what do you know – they were right. While we were reclining in some very comfortable chairs after the icy pool, our legs started tingling and you could almost feel them recovering from all the hiking/biking/axe-throwing we’ve been doing. After that we were sold, and committed to the cold plunge every time.

5. Know it’s Adults Only

While spas are not topping the list of things to do in Whistler for kids, its good to know that the Scandinave spa is adults-only. In order to soak in the pools, enjoy the serene surroundings or partake in a massage, you must be 19+. Are you visiting Whistler with your entire family in tow? Book the kids into ski-school and then book yourself in to the spa.

What Other Services do they Provide? 

Winter or Summer, enjoy the outdoor experience at the best spa in Whistler

While the baths package is without a doubt the most popular Scandinave Spa experience, they also offer a whole host of decadent treatments to really help you relax.

Bonus! Robes rentals are included with massage treatments.

There are three main style of massage available:

• Swedish Relaxation
• Restorative
• Deep Tissue
• RMT

Which one you choose will depend what you’re looking for. The Swedish massage, for example, uses light pressure and focuses on relieving tension and helping you relax. At the other end of the scale, the Deep Tissue massage uses firmer pressure to relieve pain deep in the muscles. The Restorative Massage is the most popular treatment, and falls somewhere between the two. If you’ve been hitting the bike park or the ski slopes during your trip, it’s a great way to ease some of the aches and pains and improve blood circulation.

Swedish Relaxation

An ancient scandanavian massage treatment, working to promote blood flow and loosen tissues. For those who enjoy less pressure, this serves as an excellent de-stressing treatment. New to massage? A Swedish massage is also a gentle introduction. Book in advance, as the spaces are limited.

• Prices: $185 to $230 CAD (Price varies depending on time of year, and day of week)
• Duration: 60 minutes

Restorative Massage

Looking to target a specific area? Book a restorative massage to release tight muscles, and get those legs ready for the next day on the mountain. Again, you’ll want to reserve your space well in advance of arrival.

• Prices: $200 to $245 CAD (Price varies depending on time of year, and day of week)
• Duration: 60 minutes

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue is all about slow, sustained pressure. If you have never had a massage before, this can feel like a significant level of pressure. Yet, it helps totally release tension to improve mobility.

• Prices: $200 to $240 CAD (Price varies depending on time of year, and day of week)
• Duration: 60 minutes

Registered Massage Therapy (RMT)

In British Columbia, Canada a fully licensed therapeutic massage is by a registered massage therapist (or RMT). If you are a Canadian, this is the only massage which can be claimed under your insurance. Because space with RMTs is always in high demand, you may want to book your session weeks if not months out.

• Prices: $220 to $270 CAD (Price varies depending on time of year, and day of week)
• Duration: 60 minutes

Special Treatments at Scandinave Spa

In addition to these massages, Scandinave Spa Whistler also offers pre-natal massage which is tailored to specialized needs during pregnancy.

• Prices: $185 to $230 CAD (Price varies depending on time of year, and day of week)
• Duration: 60 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions About Scandinave Spa 

• Where is Scandinave Spa Whistler?

  

  Day or night, a magical environment in Whistler.

Scandinave Spa is nestled in the coastal rainforest in Whistler, BC. While it’s close to the heart of Whistler village, it feels far removed from the bustle of the busy village. Just a few minutes past Whistler village, the spa is perched on a hill overlooking the forest surrounding the idyllic Lost Lake and the network of hiking and biking trails you’ll find there.

If you’re visiting from Vancouver, you’ll find Scandinave Spa Whistler approximately 120km up Highway 99 – roughly a 2 hour drive in good conditions. Once you’ve passed Whistler village, you’ll see signposts to Scandinave Spa on the northbound side of the highway a few minutes later.

• Where to stay near Scandinave Spa Whistler

Being close to Whistler village, there’s heaps of great accommodation near Scandinave Spa Whistler. If you’re looking for luxury, the Four Seasons Resort and Fairmont Chateau Whistler offer the finest accommodations in Whistler. For a comfortable, convenient hotel that doesn’t break the bank, we love the Summit Lodge, the Aava Hotel and the Sundial Boutique Hotel. 

Or if you’re saving all your hard-earned cash for outdoor adventures, why not stay at the Riverside Resort? Just a five minute walk from Scandinave Spa, you can RV, camp, or rent a cabin and take advantage of the amazing location of the Riverside Resort.

For more ideas for accommodation in Whistler near Scandinave Spa, check out our ultimate guide to hotels in Whistler, or get the insider info on Whistler’s backpacker hostels.

• How to Get to Scandinave Spa from Whistler village

Scandinave Spa Whistler is located just a few minutes north of the heart of Whistler village. If you’re driving, head north on Highway 99, then turn right onto Mons Road, where you’ll see signposts to the spa. You can also catch the public bus (number 30, 31 or 32) which stops a few minutes from the spa.

In summer, it’s just over a 30 minute walk or 10 minute cycle on the Valley Trail from the village. It’s also worth checking whether your hotel offers a free shuttle that will drop you at the Scandinave Spa. And on those cold winter nights, a taxi from the village will cost you less than $10.

• What You Should bring to Scandinave Spa

  

  Scandinave Spa Whistler in winter, perfect rain or shine, or snow.

You’ll be provided with two towels and a free locker as part of your Scandinave Spa baths package. You can also rent a cosy robe for an additional charge of $13. You’ll also need to bring:

• Swimsuit
• Sandals
• A good book
• Post-soak moisturizer, skincare products, etc

Scandinave Spa Whistler is a silent spa, which means no talking and no electronics in the spa. So leave your phone on silent in your locker and enjoy the opportunity to switch off entirely. It’s also a 19+ venue, so you’ve got a great excuse to leave the kids behind and savour some me-time.

• How much is Scandinave Spa? 

The price of bath access fluctuations depending on the time of year. 

• • Regular Season: $75 (Sun to Fri) and $85 (Sat)
  • High Season: $85 (Sun to Fri) and $95 (Sat)
  • Peak Season: $100 per day (Oct 12-14 | Nov 9-11 | Dec 21-Jan 4 | Feb 14-17)

• What About Scandinave Spa Promotions?

The spa always has several good promotions going. These are always listed on their promotions page. For example, at the time of writing, you could save 15 percent on any massage by booking a 9am or 8pm appointment. Often you’ll get a deal on the day-pass if you book a massage for the same day, and it’s usually a substantial savings off ticket prices. They also had other all-in-one packages including everything you’d need for a relaxing day at their facility, robe, lip balm, day-pass, sandals and more.

…

So there you have it – everything you need to know about visiting the Scandinave Spa. While it might not be the first idea you have when you start planning a trip to Whistler, we wouldn’t be surprised if it becomes one of your favourite holiday memories. We’ll certainly be heading back to see what it’s like in winter too!