These hot springs are just one hour from Toronto
While there might not be natural hot springs to be found near Toronto, judging by the popularity of the Nordic Spa at Blue Mountain, any chance to unwind outdoors in heated pools seems to be a very attractive thing for city folk accustomed to taking refuge in the PATH all winter.
Mercifully, you don't have to drive for two hours to enjoy this experience. Located in Caledon about an hour northwest of Toronto, the Millcroft Inn offers a number of hot spring pools as part of its on-site spa facilities.
The outdoor area at Millcroft isn't quite as scenic as the more wooded grounds at Scandinave Spa, but it's also closer to the city and just as pretty. The hot springs are at their best following a snowfall, when the contrast is starkest between the landscape and pools.
As far as the outdoor offerings go, Millcroft has two hot springs that hover at 40 C, one polar plunge pool at 7 C, and more neutral pool that's heated to 30 C (which still feels blissfully warm when it's -10 C outside).
Inside, there's an indoor pool, steam room, a Finnish sauna, and a fitness facility. Access to the spa facilities varies in price, so call ahead. You can also book online.
I'm not going to wax on about the health benefits of contrast hydrotherapy, but rotating between hot and cold baths is unbelievably relaxing if you've never tried it, and somehow the experience feels all the more special when it's outdoors.
Millcroft Inn & Spa. Contributions by Derek Flack.
