A floating sauna with a cold plunge on the Ottawa River will open next week. The sauna will be located next to the National Capital Commission’s (NCC) River House in the city’s east end. On its website, Saunoa says opening date is Nov. 13. “In Ottawa the sauna floats on the Ottawa River beside the NCC River House, with an enclosed river plunge and unsupervised open water access, at your own risk,” Saunoa says. The NCC first floated the idea in the summer of 2025, seeking a company that would design, build, and operate a floating sauna near the popular River House. Saunoa was confirmed as the operator in September. Sessions are 90 minutes and include community sessions which are shared with other guests, or staggered entry sessions with eight guests at a time entering 10 minutes apart. Bookings start at $45 per person. Private sessions for up to 24 guests are available for $500 Monday to Thursday and $900 on Fridays and weekends. The sauna will be operated year-round. Saunoa also operates a floating sauna in Toronto.
