Montreal's Spa Day (on a Boat!) with Floating Bota Bota Spa

Bota Bota is a floating spa moored in Montreal's Old Port, offering a unique wellness experience aboard a converted 1950s ferryboat. With panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River and the city skyline, it's an ideal spot for relaxation with friends or family.​ Tucked along the edge of Montreal’s Old Port, gently bobbing on the St. Lawrence River, is a wellness retreat like no other. Bota Bota isn’t your typical spa—it’s a floating sanctuary housed in a beautifully reimagined 1950s ferryboat. As you step on board, the city’s usual tempo seems to fade, replaced by the subtle lapping of water and the soft hum of tranquility. Bota Bota offers a rare kind of escape: not just from stress or the weight of the week, but from solid ground altogether. The spa’s clever fusion of maritime charm and Scandinavian-inspired spa rituals creates an atmosphere that is both invigorating and profoundly calming. Whether you visit solo, with friends, or as a couple, the experience feels like slipping into a parallel, gentler universe where the only expectations are rest and rejuvenation.

 

The Water Circuit: A Rhythmic Dance of Heat and Chill

At the heart of the Bota Bota experience is the water circuit—a therapeutic sequence based on the Nordic tradition. The idea is simple but powerful: move your body through stages of hot, cold, and rest. This isn’t just pampering; it’s a practice with benefits backed by science—improved circulation, muscle recovery, and stress reduction, to name a few. Begin in a steaming sauna or a hot whirlpool overlooking the icy waters of the St. Lawrence. You’ll feel your muscles loosen, your mind slow. Then, brace yourself: the cold plunge is next. A quick dip into the frigid pool jolts the system awake, energizing every nerve ending. Finally, retreat to a cozy relaxation space—perhaps a hammock with river views or a softly cushioned alcove surrounded by hushed whispers and ambient music. The flow becomes almost meditative. You start to tune in to your body’s rhythms. The tension in your shoulders you didn’t know was there slowly releases. Time feels fluid—moments stretching out, unmeasured by clocks.

 

Beyond the Baths: Massages, Facials, and Floating Feasts

While the water circuit is the main draw, Bota Bota’s full spa menu invites you to go deeper. Skilled massage therapists offer everything from deep tissue relief to hot stone and aromatherapy options. There are rejuvenating facials, body scrubs, and holistic treatments that tap into both modern techniques and ancient healing practices. And then there’s the food. The spa’s onboard restaurant, La Traversée, is an elegant yet approachable spot offering light, nourishing fare designed to complement the detoxifying journey. Think: seasonal salads, warm broths, fresh juices, and a thoughtfully curated wine list. Some packages even combine spa access with a meal, adding another sensory layer to the experience.

 

Bota Bota offers various packages to enhance your experience:​

• Layover Water Circuit: Access to the water circuit for up to 3 hours.

  • $90 at all times; $75 during off-peak periods.

• Drift: Water circuit plus a 60-minute massage, facial, or body treatment.

  • $230 at all times; $200 during off-peak periods.

• Zephyr: Water circuit plus a 90-minute massage or treatment.

  • $295 at all times; $260 during off-peak periods.

• Bathe & Bite: Water circuit, two plates, and one drink.

  • $158 at all times; $143 during off-peak periods.

• Foodie Drift: Water circuit, 60-minute massage or treatment, two plates, and one drink.

  • $298 at all times; $268 during off-peak periods.

 

A New Perspective on the City

What’s most striking about Bota Bota might be its setting. Here you are, cocooned in warmth, staring out across the water at a snow-covered skyline or a pink-and-gold sunset over Old Montreal. The juxtaposition is surreal: city hustle just beyond the porthole, while inside the boat, time is suspended. In winter, the contrast is even more magical. Picture steam rising into the frosty air as you soak in an outdoor hot tub, snowflakes catching in your hair. In summer, the decks become sun-drenched terraces, perfect for lounging between treatments.

 

Practical Details

Bota Bota is adults-only (18+), making it a quiet and peaceful environment. It’s open year-round, with extended hours in the evenings, and reservations are highly recommended—especially for weekends or package bookings. Prices vary, with basic access to the water circuit starting around $75–90 CAD, and treatment-inclusive options climbing from there. The spa also occasionally hosts special events: silent evenings, live music performances, even yoga on deck. These experiences add a creative twist to the already immersive environment.

 

• Opening Hours:

  • Monday to Thursday: 10 AM – 10 PM

  • Friday to Sunday: 9 AM – 10 PM

• Age Requirement: Guests must be 18 years or older.

• Location: 358 Rue de la Commune Ouest, Montreal, QC H2Y 2E2

• Contact: 514-284-0333

 

Bota Bota isn’t just about self-care. It’s about slowing down long enough to feel things fully—the warmth of water, the sting of cold air, the way your breath changes when you let go. It’s about carving out a small island of calm in the middle of life’s current.For locals, it’s a way to reconnect with their city from a fresh, almost cinematic angle. For visitors, it’s an unforgettable addition to any Montreal itinerary. And for everyone, it’s a floating reminder that sometimes the best way to reset is to drift—quietly, intentionally—away from the shore.

 

Bota Bota is more than just a spa—it's a floating escape that invites you to disconnect from the noise of everyday life and reconnect with yourself. Nestled on the calm waters of the St. Lawrence River, it offers a rare blend of wellness and wonder, where the rituals of heat, cold, and rest are framed by panoramic city views and the gentle rhythm of the waves. Whether you're a Montreal local seeking stillness or a traveler searching for something unforgettable, Bota Bota delivers an experience that soothes the body, awakens the senses, and leaves you drifting home with a sense of calm that lingers long after you've disembarked.