The health and social benefits of Nordic spas could be available in Edmonton as soon as this summer.
Barring setbacks, construction on ró nordic spa in the Ritchie neighbourhood is expected to finish this summer.
Then, in 2028, both Scandinave Spa is aiming to open its first Alberta location in the capital city’s Brander Gardens community and Enoch Cree Nation will open a nearly 3,000-square metre Indigenous thermal spa.
Each is promising a luxurious elevation of what is a mainstay in everyday Nordic culture.
“There’s something missing in the city, that’s for sure, when it comes to wellness,” said Trevor Stride, one of the ró nordic spa project’s leaders.
According to the Finnish Sauna Society, Finland has 5 million people and 3.2 million saunas.
A doctor who sits on the board, Heikki Junkkari, called saunas “the most profound thing” the Finnish people do.
While studies in Finland have shown people who use a sauna multiple times a week have increased cardiovascular health and lower dementia risk, the causation between saunas and these benefits has not been confirmed. However, Junkkari said they promote emotions, social and cultural wellbeing, too.
“Almost every single household has a sauna. I have a sauna, my friend has a sauna,” he pointed out, in addition to public spas.
“For me, going to the sauna is about culture. It’s about meeting your friends. It’s about relaxation…. I’m very excited to see good, nice saunas everywhere in the world. I was in London for a conference. I was there for three days and I went to three different saunas in London. I was in Japan with my brother for two weeks; I went to 20 different saunas and onsen while I was in Japan.”
He said only time would reveal whether Nordic spas are a trend in Canada, but Stride is confident Edmontonians will buy in.
“I’m really personally excited to use it myself. I think it’s going to be such an amazing experience. I can’t wait to see it at night with the lights and the music and the moodiness,” he said.
With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Curtis Goodrum
