Terra Nova Nordic Spa & Cafe






The spa facilities themselves were satisfactory; however, the café service significantly detracted from our visit. I am leaving two stars rather than one because the facilities are decent and the owner/co-owner (unsure of his title) ultimately intervened professionally and helped salvage the situation. I ordered a Caesar, which took about 30 minutes to place and receive. We had added the “High Cocktail Experience” (three snack and cocktail pairings). The first course (brie, crackers, one cocktail) was fine, and we were told we could space out the remaining courses and even take a cocktail into the spa in a thermos. Later, when I followed those instructions, another staff member spoke to me in a condescending manner, saying they were “worried” about me after only 2 oz of alcohol. We returned 90 minutes later and I was told I could not order a double and could only have one drink at a time. After three drinks over three hours, I was again told I had “too much.” The second course (a small pretzel) arrived quickly, but the paired drink took another 30 minutes. We requested the final course immediately so we could leave. The server initially forgot our dessert order, returned 10 minutes later to ask brownie or blondie, and then confusingly said she would prepare something before even taking the drink order—despite this being a structured pairing. Staff were speaking about me within earshot, laughing and commenting when I stood to check on our drinks. A manager later questioned whether he could serve the final drink, asking me to recount what I had consumed rather than already knowing. After I explained I’d had about 3.5 drinks over three hours, he provided it. The three-course pairing took approximately 2.5 hours due to repeated delays. We also sat beside a table with old food and tea for over an hour that was never cleared. If the establishment is uncomfortable serving alcohol, it should reconsider offering a cocktail pairing experience. I’ve visited Nordic spas in Collingwood, Brooklyn, and Chelsea, QC, and have dined at high-end establishments internationally, and have never been treated this way. I highly recommend this establishment let go of the incompetent bar staff, especially the woman with red dreadlocks as she was the main reason our experience was ruined. I hope one day once they have adjusted their staff, I can return and have a better experience. Based on this experience, I cannot recommend this location at this time.
I had the pleasure of attending Terra Nova Spa twice last year. First visit was in August for my birthday and the second was in October. This is the first spa that my friend and I were excited to return to before trying out a new one as we typically enjoy trying out different spas in Ontario for our birthdays (August and February). Terra Nova's grounds were not only beautiful, but very peaceful and tranquil. There are many areas to sit and soak in the sun and listen to the breeze rustling through the leaves. We went on a weekday both visits and there were not many others there which was nice. We both loved the cozy spot by the fire while we took our time enjoying the water circuit and saunas. I had a wonderful facial during our visit in August. The aesthetician explained what she was applying throughout the facial at my request. My friend and I also attended the on site cafe during both visits. We had a sandwich and salad lunch the first visit and a soup and sandwich our second visit. The soup was super flavourful and delicious but I was underwhelmed by the sandwich as it had nothing on it besides the meat and lettuce (no butter or mayo or mustard, just dry bread). The cafe makes an assortment of latte's and teas which they can put in a travel mug to be enjoyed on the spa grounds instead of having to finish it in the cafe. My friend and I have visited quite a few spas around Ontario over the last few years, always trying a new one each time and Terra Nova is one that we made a point of returning too before visiting a new one, as we had such a nice experience!
My boyfriend and I have been coming here for the past two years for the Nordic spa experience as members. Infact we love it so much that we have frequently said we will do this yearly for as long as we can. It is the ultimate hack for chasing away the winter blues! Plus as fitness and wellness enthusiasts the benefits of doing fairly regular sauna is amazing for our muscle recovery and mental wellbeing. The staff here are lovely, pleasant and we have never had an issue a single time we’ve come here. Even on days when they have been super busy they have always tried their best to accommodate us. Their cafe, is stunning on the inside and we’re excited to see which direction it goes in as I know it just opened next year! Our main request would be for some more wheat free options, dinner / meal type options eventually, a my boyfriend is unable to have wheat! But that is more of a “us” problem interesting dynamic. :) dinner menu in general would be amazing as we tend to try to find somewhere at night when we’re there in the evening and would rather give Terra nova our business. I was laid off from my job in November, so coming here has been amazing mentally for me while going through a sad and difficult time. My boyfriend and I have been to many Nordic spas and make a point of recommending this one to as many people we can.
Terra Nova Nordic Spa is truly a hidden gem, and I am so proud to be a member. From the moment you arrive, you can feel the care and attention that goes into every part of the experience. The staff are absolutely incredible — always friendly, attentive, and constantly working to ensure everything runs seamlessly. You can tell how much pride they take in what they do. Time seems to fly by when I’m there because the relaxation is endless. Whether you’re moving through the Nordic circuit or simply taking a quiet moment to enjoy the peaceful surroundings, it’s the perfect place to reset and recharge. The café is another highlight — the food is beyond delicious, and it’s such a treat to be able to enjoy a drink while relaxing and using the amenities. It adds another layer to what is already an exceptional experience. What has surprised me most, though, is the impact it has had on my health. After years of struggling with plantar fasciitis, I’ve noticed a complete improvement since regularly visiting and incorporating Nordic therapy into my routine. I truly believe the hot and cold cycles have played a huge role in that. Terra Nova isn’t just a spa — it’s an experience, and one that I’m incredibly grateful to have close to home.
I absolutely LOVE this place! From the moment you step through the door you're treated like a close friend, given the rundown of facilities and options like a casual bit of info rather than a strict policy. You're given a wristband with an assigned locker number for easy storage of personal items, alongside a robe, towel for the sauna seating and one for drying. The amenities are extensive and still expanding! With 4 saunas, 2 steam rooms, a hot pool, hot tub, and cold options you can take your pick of favourites or do the full route! With lots of spots to lounge it's easy to spend the day here just letting all your stress melt away. Hammocks, loungers, wooden rockers, swings by the bonfire, and did I mention warm waterbeds?! Feeling snackish? Head to the cafe for a perfect list of pastries, sandwiches, specialty coffees and more! Terra Nova is the perfect little getaway to really let yourself unwind and truly feel relaxed.
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