hot springs toronto

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.  

Lead photo by

Millcroft Inn & Spa. Contributions by Derek Flack. 


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Sports & Play

Toronto marathon shutting down roads for two days instead of one this year

Toronto Raptors player banned for life from NBA

Here's when the amusement park on the Toronto Islands is opening for the summer

Toronto Blue Jays fan in wheelchair calls out Ticketmaster

Toronto Maple Leafs are bringing back playoff tailgates and they're totally free

The top 10 bowling alleys in Toronto

Toronto Blue Jays wild card banner at Rogers Centre called out as 'shameless'

The world's largest bouncy castle is coming to Ontario