Edmonton Nordic spa announced, set to open in 2028

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6 days ago

After getting zoning approval in Riverbend earlier this year, Scandinave Spa has picked Edmonton for its first Alberta Nordic spa location.
In a Wednesday news release, Travel Alberta announced the selection of Edmonton by Scandinave, which has four other locations in Canada, including Whistler in B.C. and Mont Tremblant in Quebec.
Edmonton's location, set to open in the summer of 2028, will back onto the North Saskatchewan River valley off Whitemud Road in Riverbend.
Scandinave's president and CEO Steve Arsenault said the company is proud to bring a new recreational offering to the city.
'Bringing Scandinave Spa to Edmonton is a natural fit with our vision to create unforgettable wellness experiences in iconic destinations,' he said in the release.
Former Edmonton Oilers forward Vincent Damphouosse, who is a co-founder of Scandinave, said the city holds a 'special place in my heart.'
'I'm thrilled to see Scandinave Spa become part of the city's vibrant future,' he said.
'For me, this project is more than just a development. It's a way to give back to the community and help position Edmonton as a premier wellness destination.'
According to the release, the spa is expected to bring in about $121 million in economic impact in its first decade, supporting about 330 temporary and more than 50 permanent jobs.
The spa project was supported through Travel Alberta's Investor Concierge program as well as the province's Investment and Growth Fund, as well as the City of Edmonton, Edmonton Global and Explore Edmonton.
'Travel Alberta's holistic destination management focus on developing new tourism experiences across the province, such as this transformative project with Scandinave Spa Edmonton, aligns perfectly with global wellness trends and the rising demand for wellness-focused travel,' Travel Alberta's chief commercial officer, Jon Mamela, said.
'As Alberta continues to lead the nation in tourism growth, the Edmonton region plays a vital role in drawing visitors year-round. We're excited about the impact this new tourism development will bring to the city and to the province.'
The province calls the spa 'an exciting new experience for both Albertans and visitors.'
'This landmark project sets the stage for future tourism development, fuelling the growth of our visitor economy by enhancing Edmonton's iconic river valley and promoting Alberta as a premier wellness destination,' Alberta Tourism and Sport Minister Andrew Boitchenko said in the release.
The spa will beon the former site of the famed Mactaggart family mansion, at 5440 and 5450 Whitemud Rd. The University of Alberta Properties Trust was expected to sell the land to Scandinave after zoning had been approved.
The renovated property will house saunas, steam baths, whirlpools and cold plunges.
At the zoning hearing in February, there was also mention that the site could include a small bistro and retail area, plus future sleeping quarters for staff.
First Nations representatives spoke out at the time over a lack of consultation on the part of the city.
Other opponents raised concerns about the project being at odds with the city's conservation goals.
For its part, Explore Edmonton is welcoming the project.
'We are grateful to see Scandinave Group's commitment to thoughtful design and working with natural landscapes,' said Melissa Radu, Explore Edmonton's executive director of destination stewardship in Wednesday's release.
'Explore Edmonton is eager to welcome a new attraction to Edmonton, one that provides a high-quality, all-season experience for visitors and residents alike.'
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