NCC hopes to open floating sauna at NCC River House in the spring

The National Capital Commission is looking to open a floating sauna at the NCC River House. (NCC/X)

You will have to wait until the spring to relax at a spa at the NCC’s River House along the Ottawa River.

The National Capital Commission (NCC) issued a request for proposals in August for a company to design, build and/or operate a floating sauna that would be located on a barge in the city’s east end. The goal was to have it in operation by the end of 2025.

In a statement to CTV News Ottawa, the NCC said it was currently evaluating proposals and “anticipate an opening in spring 2026.”

“The NCC received 11 submissions following our request for proposals for a floating sauna at the NCC River House,” Valérie Dufour, NCC senior manager of strategic communications, said in an email.

The NCC is requiring the floating sauna accommodate a minimum of 15 people and up to 25 people, and operate year-round, seven days a week.

The NCC’s request for proposals included “concepts and inspiration” for Ottawa’s floating sauna, showcasing HAVN in Victoria and Bota Bota in Montreal.

A hot tub and indoor or outdoor shower using water pumped from the Ottawa River could also be part of the proposed floating sauna, according to the documents. The RFP also suggested design considerations for a cold plunge area in the winter.

Bota Bota in Montreal offers spa, body and facial treatments. According to the Old Port of Montreal’s website, Bota Bota spa is moored at the Old Port, and is a “unmissable oasis in the heart of the Montreal landscape.”

HAVN is a sauna boat on the edge of Victoria’s inner harbour. The HAVN website says there are three saunas onboard, varying in temperature and city to ocean views.

The NCC officially opened the NCC River House in 2023 after a $20 million revitalization project that included a new swimming area, replacing the pedestrian bridge leading to the building and work to preserve the heritage character of the pavilion and allow four-season use of the upper two levels.