Vettä vs Scandinave: Which Is The Best Nordic Spa in Ontario?
Trying to choose between Vettä vs Scandinave?
I live right in between Vettä and Scandinave Spa in Blue Mountains, Ontario and have been to both multiple times – with my husband, as several friends and mother daughter getaways.
As someone half-Swedish, I’ve also been to spas in Scandinavia. So, I’m going to use my passion for the Nordic spa experience and the benefits they bring to your wellbeing and health, to weigh in on:
- The pros and cons of both, Scandivave and Vettä Nordic Spa. (They each have their strengths and weaknesses)
- Perks that they both offer
- Other Nordic-style spas in Southern Ontario to consider
Ultimately, both Vettä and Scandinave are wonderful experiences – the one you choose depends on what you value most in the Nordic spa experience.
So, let’s jump in – the ultimate comparison between Vettä Nordic Spa and Scandinave in Blue Mountains
2 Things I Love About Scandinave Spa
2. Relaxing parking experience
You almost feel relaxed from the second you pull into Scandinave. They have so much parking, in a dirt lot surrounded by old-growth forest.
Walking from the parking lot to the spa is like mini hike through the woods, and many people like to get pictures in front of the stone.
1. Scandinave enforces the noise limit
At both Nordic spas in Ontario, you are supposed to talk softly, below normal volume, so that the spa can maintain a serene and relaxing space.
If you’re going to the spa as a way to spend time with someone, then it can be frustrating at times to not be able to talk to a friend at a normal volume, or laugh out loud.
But ultimately, the enforcement of the noise level allows Scandinave to offer the tranquil experience they strive for to everyone, and I respect that they try to keep on top of this. I always feel relaxed when I’m there, and after I leave.
2. Scandinave’s location
Scandinave Spa being located at the base of the Blue Mountains, makes it easy to make an entire weekend getaway out of visiting there.
Collingwood and Blue Mountain Village are beautiful boutique destinations with great restaurants, and there’s lots to do in the area besides Scandinave.
The Blue Mountain area is great for a romantic getaway, mother daughter trip. So, if you want to spend more time out here, its a great place to spend multiple days.
I like how you can combine Scandinave with a lot of other things – treetop trekking, hiking, Scenic caves, the foodie scene in Collingwood, etc.
I should add, you can easily spend a weekend at Vettä as well; they have overnight packages to choose from, close to skiing and hiking. Vettä is in a more isolated location in between Barrie and Orillia; about 25 minutes from each. So, it might be further from other things you might be looking for in a weekend away
3 Things I Love About Vettä Nordic Spa
1. Their on-site food options
Vettä had the right idea when they set up really good on-site food options. They have a full-on restaurant overlooking the spa (very pretty views), plus a bistro-style cafe on the lower floor.
- Koivu is their main sit-down restaurant
- Savu is their smaller, bistro restaurant on the main floor, just under Koivu. Has lighter options
- There’s also a small grab-and-go cafe where you can just get coffee, tea or pastries
I will note, that Vettä removed a lot of their really good vegan options a while ago (which were excellent and I was saddened to see them gone.) However, there are still some decent vegetarian options on both of their menus. The menus for Savu and Koivu are not available online
2. Their modern aesthetic
Vetta is a lot newer than Scandinave, so their building design and ammenities feel newer, and fresher. I love the tall, open windows that their building and restaurant look onto.
Every time we’ve eaten at either, the food has been great.
2. The layout of Vettä Nordic Spa
I love the layout of the Vettä Spa. It has a large, round circular shape. It’s like a large garden with lots of different cozy, relaxing spaces to hang out in.
Pros vs Cons of Vettä and Scandinave
- Vettä has amazing food options right on-site – a restaurant, a bistro, and even a small grab and go café
- Both make their own branded souvenirs, perfect for a keepsake gift
- Both have amazing massages; each time I’ve gotten a massage at either of them, I’ve never been disappointed!
- Both have excellent customer service; I’ve always felt very welcomed at both places by the staff
- Both are conveniently located, depending on where you’re coming from. They’re both doable as day-trips from Toronto (2-2.5 hour drive from the city)
- Scandinave has very limited on-site food options. The options they do have are more ‘grab and go’ style; sandwiches and salads. If you want a good sit-down meal, then head into Collingwood (10-15 minute drive)
- Vettä (from my personal experience) does not enforce the noise limit as much as Scandinave does. This could be a pro if you want to talk loudly, but it means its less relaxing and tranquil there for those that want the serenity. They try to have ‘quiet’ vs non-quiet areas marked with signs but I have found that it doesn’t really work
- Vettä is currently under construction (which will be completed in spring 2026.) I haven’t seen how badly, if at all, the construction impacts the guest experience, but you can read about it here.
Conclusion: Which Spa Would We Recommend?
My husband and I have different takes on which spa we like better. I like Scandinave a bit better, wheras my husband Eric prefers Vettä. Here are our reasons:
- My husband: My husband Eric prefers Vettä, because they have a better layout than Scandinave, and they have great quality food options right on-site. We eat there every time we go, and the food is always fantastic. Side note: Make reservations at their Koivu restaurant if you want to have dinner in their restaurant, especially on weekends
- Me: I prefer Scandinave Spa a little bit more, because I find it more quiet. I feel more relaxed after going there, because it has more of that tranquil atmosphere. I find Vettä to have a slightly louder and busier atmosphere than Scandinave. Its also a much larger spa than Scandinave, which although convenient, also means more people.
Most people that I ask, and from online forums I’ve seen, seem to prefer Vetta over Scandinave. They are both wonderful and I believe you can’t go wrong.
If the peace of silence is important to you, then you may want to opt for Scandinave – you’re more likely to not be disappointed. It’s smaller and tends to be quieter
But for spending a full day at the spa? Vetta is definitely better for that. With all the on-site cafe and food options on-site, you could easily spend the whole day there recharging. This may also help you get more out of your money, as you don’t have to leave for a decent meal.
Other Nordic-style Spa Options in Southern Ontario
- Living Water Resort in Collingwood, Ontario – it’s Canada’s only Aquapath. There are hot tubs, cold plunges, steam rooms, and an infrared sauna
- Wärme Sauna in New Tecumseth area (located on a private property just outside Tottenham.) They have saunas, massage tables, hot tubs, and you have it all to yourself.
- Thermea Spa Village in Whitby
- St. Anne’s Spa in Grafton, Ontario (east of Toronto) also has outdoor hydrotherapy, and a free Nordic pole walk
I hope that this article has helped fill you in on Vetta and Scandinave, and which of the two options you may enjoy more. Whether you’re looking for an Ontario winter getaway, or summer or fall, they’re both fantastic year-round.