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The Laurentians and Scandinavia share many similarities, making them popular destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. These two regions are notable for their breathtaking landscapes, Nordic climate, and thriving wellness culture.

Perhaps it’s no coincidence then that the Scandinavian tradition of thermotherapy was first introduced to Québec, in the Laurentians, over 60 years ago.

Indeed, it was on the banks of the Rivière à Simon that the province’s first Nordic spa was born, later known as Polar Bear’s Club. The facility was first used as a sauna in a private residence before being progressively converted into a public wellness centre and, in 2023, becoming Strøm Nordic Spa Saint-Sauveur.

Despite the various phases of improvement that the spa has undergone over the last few decades, its history has been preserved and enhanced by the different owners, with the wellness practices of the past undoubtedly enriching those of today.

What to do in Saint-Sauveur? Here are three must-see facilities at Strøm Nordic Spa Saint-Sauveur that combine past and present.

The river

The Rivière à Simon, which runs alongside the site, is a tributary of the Rivière du Nord. It flows through the municipalities of Piedmont, Saint-Sauveur, Morin-Heights, Saint-Adolphe-d’Howard and Wentworth-Nord. Majestic and welcoming, it is the focal point of the spa, offering unobstructed views of the surrounding area as well as natural privacy. Its proximity to the various facilities simplifies the hot-cold cycle that is central to the thermal experience, while its flow, which fluctuates with the seasons, adds a unique quality to each immersion.

The bridge that crosses it connects the two banks, allowing you to enjoy the amenities on either side of the river.

The original wood-fired sauna

Strøm Saint-Sauveur now has four dry saunas, but the wood-fired sauna located directly on the Rivière à Simon was the first to be built, back in the 1960s. At the time, it was a private sauna that Paul Charette, the owner of the land, had built for his wife. It was to enjoy this facility that the couple’s friends, and eventually the public, visited the site, which was slowly transformed into a spa as ownership changed.

In addition to a fireplace, the wood-fired sauna used to contain a stainless-steel barrel and a heat exchanger filled with water to propel steam. Since humidity conducts heat, this made it hotter than a traditional dry sauna, which doesn’t go above 90 °C. Besides its heating capacity, the advantage of this sauna was, and still is, that it is very close to the river, which makes it easier to alternate between the heat of the sauna and the coolness of the water.

This wood-fired sauna is still very popular today, especially among the original customers who continue to visit the spa.

The heritage of the Chez Fabrice bistro

For many years, visitors could dine at the Chez Fabrice bistro, run by Fabrice Coutanceau. A chef much appreciated by his team and customers alike, he brought his vision and values to the establishment, which inspired us to revamp the space. Today, the Fika Café that replaced it is a gourmet space combining freshness and conviviality with a sleek, modern and efficient design. Based on the Swedish coffee-break concept known as fika, the café offers a simple local and boreal menu of small dishes, coffees, drinks and snacks.

For a culinary experience rooted in seasonality and contemplation, the nearby Nord restaurant welcomes you with a Nordic-inspired menu featuring fresh local produce and the expertise of chef Raphaël Podlasiewicz and his brigade. Combining hospitality and expertise, the experience awakens the senses and nourishes the spirit.

If you too would like to follow in the footsteps of those who pioneered thermotherapy in the province, discover Strøm Nordic Spa Saint-Sauveur. Visitors from all over Québec, the Laurentians, the Montréal region, Lanaudière and beyond are already coming to find a peaceful haven. This excursion combines leisure, exploring one of the province’s most picturesque regions, and immersing oneself in nature, making it ideal for visitors seeking a unique activity with tangible benefits, whether you’re by yourself, with your partner or with friends. Located just a 5-minute drive from the Saint-Sauveur Outlets and the Sommet Olympia ski resort, it will fit seamlessly into your North Shore tourist itinerary.

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