NCC looks to open a floating sauna in the Ottawa River

The National Capital Commission is looking for someone to build and operate a floating sauna near River House. CTV’s Kimberley Johnson reports.

You will soon be able to relax in a floating sauna along the Ottawa River.

The National Capital Commission (NCC) has issued a request for proposals (RFP) to design, build and/or operate a floating sauna that will be located on a barge at the NCC’s River House in Ottawa’s east end.

The proposed floating sauna must accommodate a minimum of 15 people and up to 25 people. It would operate year-round, seven days a week.

The NCC’s request for proposals includes “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 suggests design considerations for a cold plunge area in the winter.

According to the NCC, patrons will be able to book either community or private sessions, and sessions would be 60 minutes.

The NCC wants to open the floating sauna to the public by Dec. 31.

The documents show the floating sauna will be located on a barge just east of the NCC River House and the swimming area.

Interested companies have until Aug. 21 to submit a proposal, and the NCC is hoping for a five-year lease agreement for the floating sauna starting Dec. 1, 2025. The RFP does note the NCC does not guarantee that federal approvals for the floating sauna will be granted.

Bota Bota in Montreal offers spa, body and facial treatments. According to the Old Port of Montreal 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.