Our Sauna & Steam Circuit features a cedar sauna with löyly steam, a eucalyptus steam room, a cold plunge pool, refreshing rain showers, a modern relaxation space, and a spa treatment bar.

Come ready to enjoy your Sauna & Steam Circuit visit by reading our ‘things to know’ and FAQs, below.

What should I bring?

Bring a bathing suit and a water bottle (optional). When you arrive, we provide an organic cotton towel, a woven bathrobe, slip-resistant sandals and a locker. We also provide unlimited herbal tea and citrus water. Organic shampoo, conditioner and body wash, along with hairdryers are provided in the changerooms. We will also give you a compostable bag for your wet bathing suit upon check-out. 

How early should I arrive?

Please arrive 5-10 minutes before your booking time to check in to the spa. If it is your first visit, one of our friendly Spa Attendants will provide you with information regarding our spa and how to use our Hot-Cold-Rest Circuit. To provide everyone with the best wellness experience, we kindly ask that you respect the time of your reservation.

Where can I park?

There is free 90-minute on-street parking on Wellington Street West and free 2-hour parking on Rosemount Avenue and McCormick Street. 3-hour parking is available at the Parkdale Market City of Ottawa parking lot.

Are cell phones allowed during your visit?

No. To ensure that you have a relaxing and renewing experience, please leave your electronic devices in your locker.

Is the Sauna & Steam Circuit a silent experience?

The authentic Nordic sauna experience is both relaxing and social. We have divided our spa into three zones. Quiet Zone: we ask that you whisper when using the Sauna & Steam Circuit and in our Relaxation Space. Silent Zone: To ensure a deeply relaxing experience for yourself and the other guests, our Sauna and Steam Rooms are silent. Social Zone: You are welcome to socialize and chat on our two outdoor patios. Exceptions can be made for private Sauna & Steam Circuit rentals and special events, where you are welcome to choose how you use the space.

How many people will be in the Sauna & Steam Circuit?

We are limiting the capacity of our Sauna & Steam Circuit to a maximum of 15 guests at any given time. You are guaranteed a relaxing experience whether alone, with your partner, family or small group of friends.

Do you sell food or beverages at the spa?

We do sell wellness beverages at our Spa Treatment Bar, such as Renew Cold Press juices, Buchipop kombucha and Number E Tea small-batch sparkling teas. We also offer complimentary herbal teas during your visit. At this time, we do not sell any food items. We recommend eating a small meal before your 2.5-hour Sauna & Steam Circuit visit.

Who can use the Sauna & Steam Circuit?

Our Sauna & Steam Circuit and spa treatments are inclusive services, for adults over the age of 18. All guests can access our spa services regardless of gender identity.

Uppliva prides itself on being an inclusive, positive and safe space for the LGBTQ2+ community. Transgender and transsexual guests are free to choose the changing room of the gender with which they feel most comfortable using. For more privacy, guests may change in the private bathrooms available in the men’s or women’s change rooms. Although we only have male and female-gendered change rooms and shower facilities, there is a gender-neutral bathroom located at 1140 Wellington Street West. This can be used as a changing room if requested. Please call or email our Front Desk team with any questions or concerns.

Is your spa accessible to guests with disabilities?

Guests with special accessibility requirements are advised to contact us in advance when making a booking so that we can provide you with more details on our spa layout. We have elevator access to all levels of the spa, from the building behind the spa. If elevator access is required, our staff will greet you at the main entrance and guide you to the elevators that take you to the spa entrance. Our spa has been designed as barrier-free, as per the Ontario Building Code. Our sauna, steam room, rain showers, and changeroom showers are fully accessible. However, there are steps to go in and out of our cold plunge pool.

Please call our Front Desk team with any questions or concerns before you arrive for your booking: 613-421-3880.

What are your reservation policies?

• Guests must be 18 years and over.

• You can make a booking online for up to four people

• Sauna & Steam Circuit, Massage Therapy and Holistic Facial bookings can be made online. An email confirmation will be sent to you, to confirm your reservation. If you do not see your preferred service and/or time of day available when booking, please give us a call. We may have openings that are not visible on our booking site.

• When reserving a spa treatment or service, a credit card number is required to hold your reservation. Payment is taken at the time of check-out, not at the time of booking online or by phone.

• Prices are per person, before taxes.

Do you offer group bookings or private rentals?

Yes!  To book a group visit - for groups of five people or larger - or to inquire about a 2.5-hour private rental of our Sauna & Steam Circuit, please email us at maureen@uppliva.ca with your phone number and your preferred booking day and times. Or visit our Private Spa Rentals webpage for more information.

What is your Cancellation Policy?

Booking a Sauna & Steam Circuit, Massage Therapy or Body Treatment appointment is a reservation of time put aside for you. We require 24 hours’ notice to cancel or rebook any appointments at our spa.

Sauna & Steam Circuit: If your appointment is cancelled within the 24-hour window, there is a '50% Late Cancellation Fee', where 50% of your booked service fee will be charged. If for some reason you do not show up for your appointment there is a '100% No Show Fee', where the full price of the Sauna & Steam Circuit booking will be charged.

Massage Therapy & Body Treatments: We require a minimum of 24 hours' notice for cancellations.  Out of respect for our practitioner's time, if a cancellation occurs within 24 hours of your appointment time, 100% of the service fee will be charged. If you are unable to make the appointment, you are welcome to send a friend or family member in your place.

We please ask that you arrive 5-10 min early for your spa appointment. We appreciate your business and ask, in an effort to provide everyone with the best wellness experience, we kindly ask that you respect the time of your reservation.

What if I am late?

If you are running late for your spa booking please contact us by phone at 613-421-3880. We will try our best to accommodate the new start time. Since we only allow up to 15 people in the Sauna & Steam Circuit at any given time, we may have to reschedule or shorten your booking.

Are there any health restrictions when using the Sauna & Steam Circuit?

If you suffer from a cardiac or respiratory condition, high or low blood pressure, a health condition, or are over the age of 65, our Sauna & Steam Circuit should only be used with a physician’s approval. Uppliva Sauna & Steam cannot be held responsible for illness or injury due to guest negligence.

Are alcoholic beverages or drugs allowed during my spa visit?

No. The consumption of alcohol or drugs before, during, or directly after using the Sauna & Steam Circuit is not recommended. For your health, our staff and service providers reserve the right to refuse entry or cease treatment if alcohol or drugs is suspected.

Can I visit if I am pregnant? 

If you are pregnant, you may only receive a Therapeutic Massage or Holistic Facial. Uppliva offers Prenatal Therapeutic Massage with our RMTs (Registered Massage Therapists). Pregnant women are strongly advised not to use the Sauna & Steam Circuit.  Sudden temperature changes from sauna and steam room use can lead to complications.

Are Massage Therapy treatments and Holistic Facials reimbursable by my private group insurance?

Our Registered Massage Therapists are certified and registered with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO). Our Holistic Facials with Acupuncture are also provided by a Registered Acupuncturist. Please refer to your insurance policy.