Edmonton Chosen as Province's First Scandinave Spa Location
Edmonton, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - July 16, 2025) - It's official: iconic Canadian wellness brand, Scandinave Spa, has chosen Edmonton for its newest location with an anticipated opening of 2028.
Overlooking the North Saskatchewan River Valley, Scandinave Spa's fifth location is expected to generate approximately $121 million in total economic impact over its first 10 years. It will support 330 temporary jobs and 52 permanent full-time jobs during sustained operations post-opening. This major project paves the way for future tourism development and strong growth of the visitor economy in the region.
Travel Alberta supported the project through its new Investor Concierge program, providing strategic market insights, access to robust data, and a financial incentive. The project is also supported by the Government of Alberta's Investment and Growth Fund (IGF), the City of Edmonton, Edmonton Global, and Explore Edmonton.
Set to open in summer of 2028, Edmonton was chosen as the location for Scandinave Group's next spa due to its mix of natural and urban aspects, reinforcing the potential for tourism development in the Edmonton region. Sustainable and responsible construction and operations remain top priorities as the group aims to preserve and enhance the natural environment along the river valley.
The creation of a Scandinave Spa in Edmonton will mark a major milestone in the accelerated growth of Alberta's wellness tourism sector. It's poised to become a signature experience that connects visitors to the natural beauty of the river valley while supporting long-term economic and tourism development in the area.
Quotes
"Bringing Scandinave Spa to Edmonton is a natural fit with our vision to create unforgettable wellness experiences in iconic destinations. We're proud to be part of Alberta's tourism future and to offer Edmontonians a unique way to unwind, year-round."
- Steve Arsenault, President and CEO, Scandinave Group
"Having played for the Oilers in the 90s, Edmonton holds a special place in my heart. I'm thrilled to see Scandinave Spa become part of the City's vibrant future. 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.
- Vincent Damphousse, Co-founder and Executive Chairman of the Board, Scandinave Group
"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. 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."
- Jon Mamela, Chief Commercial Officer, Travel Alberta
"Our government is always excited to see new investment coming to Alberta, growing our economy, creating jobs, and making life more enjoyable for those who call this province home. Lower corporate taxes and reduced red tape means Alberta is open for business and a great place for companies to grow."
- Joseph Schow, Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration
"Our government is proud to support the development of Scandinave Spa Edmonton, 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."
- Andrew Boitchenko, Minister of Tourism and Sport
"We're thrilled to welcome Scandinave Spa to the Edmonton Metro Region. This exciting addition will not only create jobs and boost the local economy, but it will also enhance the quality of life for both residents and visitors and contribute to the kind of vibrant, livable communities that help attract global investment. The visitor economy is a huge economic driver and offerings like this will help elevate the region's profile and draw the attention of investors and developers-unlocking further economic opportunities."
- Malcolm Bruce, CEO, Edmonton Global
"The Scandinave Spa adds to Edmonton's visitor economy by creating a coveted wellness experience surrounded by one of Edmonton's greatest assets, the river valley. We are grateful to see Scandinave Group's commitment to thoughtful design and working with natural landscapes. 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."
- Melissa Radu, Executive Director of Destination Stewardship, Explore Edmonton
Quick facts
The project is projected to drive $121 million in total economic impact over the construction and first 10 years of operations. It will support 330 temporary jobs and 52 permanent full-time jobs.
More than $18 million in tax revenue will be generated across federal, provincial, and municipal governments, supporting public services and infrastructure.
The Investment and Growth Fund is a deal closing incentive designed to be offered in select late-stage investment decisions when there are demonstratable barriers to making a final investment decision in Alberta.
Since fall 2021, 14 Investment and Growth Fund grants have been announced that will support more than 1,300 permanent full-time jobs and approximately 1,400 temporary jobs, with total capital investment of more than $855 million.
-30-
Media inquiries
mediarelations@travelalberta.com
403-869-2486
About Travel Alberta
As the Government of Alberta's destination management organization, Travel Alberta drives the growth of the province's visitor economy, creating and promoting must-visit destinations throughout the province. We do this by developing signature products and destinations, marketing those destinations to the world, and attracting investment in the sector. Together, in partnership with the Government of Alberta, regional destination organizations, industry associations, and thousands of Alberta tourism businesses across the province, we are working to grow the value of Alberta's visitor economy to $25 billion by 2035. Visit industry.travelalberta.com to learn more.
About Scandinave Group
Since 1999, Scandinave Group has been a Canadian pioneer in Nordic spa experiences, rooted in the age-old Scandinavian tradition of thermal therapy, silence, nature, and digital detox. The journey began in Mont-Tremblant, QC, and has expanded to iconic destinations including Blue Mountain, ON, Whistler, BC, and Old Montreal, QC, with a new location coming soon in Edmonton, AB. Open 365 days a year, rain or shine, Scandinave Spa offers an immersive experience of deep relaxation in breathtaking natural or heritage settings. Learn more at scandinave.com.
About Edmonton Global
The purpose of Edmonton Global is to radically transform and grow the economy of the Edmonton Metropolitan Region. We are a not-for-profit corporation founded by 14 municipalities that make up the Edmonton Metropolitan Region. Our focus is attracting foreign investment, helping regional businesses export to the world, enhancing our region's global competitiveness, and bringing our region together with a unified voice to attract the attention and interest of investors the world over.
About Explore Edmonton
Explore Edmonton is the city's destination marketing and management organization, focused on promoting Edmonton as a premier location for tourism, events, and business. Committed to making the city vibrant and prosperous, Explore Edmonton works with partners to create unique experiences for visitors while driving economic impact and enhancing the quality of life for residents.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
National Post
7 minutes ago
- National Post
Canada's homebuilding industry feeling strain of U.S. tariffs on costs, supply chain
Article content 'They're taking advantage of the availability of acquiring it and then having it available for the future, which then increases the overhead because you're holding on to that material, rather than acquiring it when you need it,' Shindruk said. Article content With early concerns about the effects of the trade war, Greater Toronto Area-based Altree Developments had forecast a three to five per cent hit to its overall budget, said the company's president and CEO, Zev Mandelbaum. Article content That figure has since decreased due to more Canadian material being available than first anticipated, said Mandelbaum. But he said the roller-coaster of tariff developments — from the latest threat of additional levies to hope that ongoing negotiations will soon lead to a new trade deal — has made it 'impossible' to plan ahead. Article content He added his company has seen a far greater impact on the revenue side of the business over the past six months, as economic uncertainty drove down buyer demand. Article content 'It was more the fear of just … economic instability in Canada that stopped house buying and stopped people from wanting to invest, whether it be locals looking for homes or foreigners looking to invest in the country,' he said. Article content Article content 'That alienation caused us to have less sales, and because of that, that put even more pressure on construction costs.' Article content In its housing forecast for the year, published in February, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. predicted a trade war between Canada and the U.S. — combined with other factors such as reduced immigration targets — would likely slow the economy and limit housing activity. Article content The national housing agency had also said Canada was set for a slowdown in housing starts over the next three years — despite remaining above the 10-year average — due to fewer condominiums being built, as investor interest lags and demand from young families wanes. Article content As of June, year-to-date housing starts totalled 114,411 across regions with a population of 10,000 or greater, up four per cent from the first half of 2024. Article content Article content Despite that boost in new construction, a regional analysis shows provinces with industries more exposed to tariffs are experiencing a slowdown, said CMHC chief economist Mathieu Laberge. He noted Ontario's housing starts have dropped around 26 per cent to date year-over-year, while B.C. has seen an eight per cent decline. Article content Article content In Ontario, five of the 10 most tariff-impacted cities also recorded an increase in mortgage arrears during the spring. Laberge said the trade war, or associated macroeconomic factors, likely prompted layoffs in those regions, which meant people couldn't pay their mortgage. Article content He said he expects that will eventually translate to a lower number of homes being built. 'This is a slow filter through, but it's a real one. We see it happening — although maybe not in the housing starts or resales yet,' Laberge said. Article content Lee said the industry is already noticing those effects. Article content 'The big problem now is we're just not getting the kind of starts we need and there's a lot of concern in the industry now,' Lee said. Article content Before tariffs, he said some regions, such as Atlantic Canada and the Prairies, had started to see housing starts rebound from a national lull that was fuelled by previously high interest rates. Other provinces, such as Ontario and B.C. — where houses remain the most expensive — hadn't yet reached similar levels of new construction.
Globe and Mail
7 minutes ago
- Globe and Mail
Russia starts direct commercial flights between Moscow, Pyongyang
Russia on Sunday opened a regular air link between Moscow and Pyogyang, a move reflecting increasingly close ties between the two countries. The first flight operated by Russian carrier Nordwind took off from Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport carrying over 400 passengers. Russia's Transport Ministry said there will be one flight a month to meet demand. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who visited North Korea's new Wonsan-Kalma beach resort earlier this month to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, promised to encourage Russian tourists to visit the complex. The resort, which can accommodate nearly 20,000 people, is at the center of Kim's push to boost tourism to improve his country's troubled economy. North Korea has been slowly easing the curbs imposed during the pandemic and reopening its borders in phases. But the country hasn't said if it would fully resume international tourism. Regular flights between Russia's eastern port city of Vladivostok and Pyongyang reopened in 2023 following a break caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Russia and North Korea have sharply expanded military and other ties in recent years, with Pyongyang supplying weapons and troops to back Russia's military action in Ukraine.
Vancouver Sun
an hour ago
- Vancouver Sun
Trump's tariff threats against Canada face legal hurdles ahead of August deadline
Donald Trump's plan to realign global trade faces its latest legal barrier this week in a federal appeals court — and Canada is bracing for the U.S. president to follow through on his threat to impose higher tariffs. While Trump set an Aug. 1 deadline for countries to make trade deals with the United States, the president's ultimatum has so far resulted in only a handful of frameworks for trade agreements. Deals have been announced for Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines and the United Kingdom — but Trump indicated last week that an agreement with Canada is far from complete. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'We don't have a deal with Canada, we haven't been focused on it,' Trump told reporters Friday. Trump sent a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney threatening to impose 35 per cent tariffs if Canada doesn't make a trade deal by the deadline. The White House has said those duties would not apply to goods compliant with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement on trade. Canadian officials have also downplayed expectations of a new economic and security agreement materializing by Friday. 'We'll use all the time that's necessary,' Carney said last week. Countries around the world will also be watching as Trump's use of a national security statute to hit nations with tariffs faces scrutiny in the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. The U.S. Court of International Trade ruled in May that Trump does not have the authority to wield tariffs on nearly every country through the use of the International Economic Emergency Powers Act of 1977. The act, usually referred to by the acronym IEEPA, gives the U.S. president authority to control economic transactions after declaring an emergency. No previous president had ever used it for tariffs and the U.S. Constitution gives power over taxes and tariffs to Congress. The Trump administration quickly appealed the lower court's ruling on the so-called 'Liberation Day' and fentanyl-related tariffs and arguments are set to be heard in the appeal court on Thursday. The hearing combines two different cases that were pushing against Trump's tariffs. One involves five American small businesses arguing specifically against Trump's worldwide tariffs, and the other came from 12 states pushing back on both the 'Liberation Day' duties and the fentanyl-related tariffs George Mason University law professor Ilya Somin called Trump's tariff actions a 'massive power grab.' Somin, along with the Liberty Justice Center, is representing the American small businesses. 'We are hopeful — we can't know for sure obviously — we are hopeful that we will continue to prevail in court,' Somin said. Somin said they are arguing that IEEPA does not 'give the president the power to impose any tariff he wants, on any nation, for any reason, for as long as he wants, whenever he feels like it.' He added that 'the law also says there must be an emergency and an unusual and extraordinary threat to American security or the economy' — and neither the flow of fentanyl from Canada nor a trade deficit meet that definition. U.S. government data shows a minuscule volume of fentanyl is seized at the northern border. The White House has said the Trump administration is legally using powers granted to the executive branch by the Constitution and Congress to address America's 'national emergencies of persistent goods trade deficits and drug trafficking.' There have been 18 amicus briefs — a legal submission from a group that's not party to the action — filed in support of the small businesses and states pushing against Trump's tariffs. Two were filed in support of the Trump administration's actions. Brent Skorup, a legal fellow at the Washington-based Cato Institute, said the Trump administration is taking a vague statute and claiming powers never deployed by a president before. The Cato Institute submitted a brief that argued 'the Constitution specifies that Congress has the power to set tariffs and duties.' Skorup said there are serious issues with the Trump administration's interpretation of IEEPA. 'We don't want power consolidated into a single king or president,' he said. It's expected the appeals court will expedite its ruling. Even if it rules against the duties, however, they may not be immediately lifted. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has said the Supreme Court should 'put an end to this.' There are at least eight lawsuits challenging the tariffs. Canada is also being hit with tariffs on steel, aluminum and automobiles. Trump used different powers under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to enact those duties. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .
