Nordic calm

Article content

Canadian homeowners are transforming their backyards into wellness retreats with saunas, hot tubs, and cold plunges – all inspired by Nordic living

Did you make any meaningful purchases during the pandemic? For our family, it wasn’t a pet or sourdough starter – it was a sauna kit.

Recommended Videos

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

Try refreshing your browser, or
tap here to see other videos from our team.

Nordic calm Back to video

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

Try refreshing your browser, or
tap here to see other videos from our team.

Play Video

Inspired by the Nordic tradition of hot and cold therapy, we decided to bring a touch of Scandi wellness to our home.

What began as a creative project during lockdown has become a lasting ritual that continues to ground us, restore us and bring a little calm to even the busiest days. Call it the “Covid effect,” but for many, creating wellness at home has shifted from novelty to necessity.

Interior designer Jessica Cinnamon of Jessica Cinnamon Design who is currently reimaging her own backyard into a wellness escape, has observed growing interest in home spa features. “What used to be exclusive to gyms and resorts is now something clients want integrated into their everyday lives,” she says.

As more Canadians choose to invest in local experiences and comfort-driven upgrades, there’s a growing movement toward transforming outdoor spaces into restorative retreats.

The focus? Backyards that support physical, mental, and emotional well-being. From cedar saunas (barrel styles are particularly popular) to cold plunges and hydrotherapy tubs, Nordic-inspired outdoor living is gaining in popularity as a meaningful, everyday wellness investment.

“The Nordic spa lifestyle aligns beautifully with the Canadian ethos: it’s about resilience, connection to nature, and finding peace in solitude,” says Glendon Evans, Founder of British Columbia-based Backcountry Recreation. “Canadians spend a lot of time outdoors year-round, and increasingly, they want to replicate the restorative, meditative spa experience in their backyards.”

The sauna is at the core of Nordic well-being, a small but mighty space that promotes deep relaxation, detoxification, and improved circulation. Many homeowners are adding cold plunge tubs or outdoor showers to complement the heat and complete the hydrotherapy cycle.

The ritual of warming the body, cooling it down and repeating it has been shown to boost energy, support immunity, and reduce stress– benefits that feel particularly appealing during our darker months.

“We’ve seen a significant rise in spa-inspired backyards over the past few years,” says Lisa Biefer, General Manager of Ontario-based Canadian Hot Tubs. “There’s increased awareness around the benefits of contrast therapy, a broader shift toward wellness-driven lifestyles, and a desire to invest in experiences that support long-term well-being.”

As Biefer puts it, “Creating a personal Nordic spa allows you to bring intention into your everyday routine. And that kind of self-care isn’t just nice to have in today’s world –it’s essential.”

For a gentler approach to outdoor wellness, wood-fired or electric hot tubs are a popular choice. Crafted from cedar or stainless-steel materials, their deep soaking design offers a quiet, grounding experience that keeps you connected to nature.

Thinking of a wellness glow-up for your backyard? Evans recommends starting with how you want to feel, not just what you want to install. “Is your goal to energize your morning with cold therapy? Unwind after work with a sweat and soak? Entertain guests year-round? These insights will help you

choose the right mix of elements.” He also encourages thinking long-term. “Choose materials such as thermowood (timber that has been treated with heat), clear Western red cedar, and marine-grade stainless steel that will stand up to Canadian moisture cycles,” he says. “Most importantly, invest in what makes sense for 90 per cent of your lifestyle.”

Equally important is the setting. A Nordic-inspired space isn’t about maximalism. It’s about mindfulness. “Using natural materials, soft outdoor lighting, minimalist furniture and even forested landscaping to create an atmosphere that feels both organic and intentional,” says Cinnamon.

Think gravel pathways, warm wood tones, wool throws, and outdoor fire features that invite year-round use. “Avoid overcrowding the space and instead add elements that add to the presence without clutter,” she explains.

That ethos extends into the details. Biefer emphasizes customization as the key to both beauty and function. “Because our products are custom-made, we can tailor every aspect – from wood finish to placement– to seamlessly complement the home’s layout and aesthetic,” she says. The result is a space that feels considered and cohesive.

Whether you’re unwinding in a cedar sauna or cold-plunging Wim Hoff style, it’s about cultivating calm, connection, and care — all within the comfort of your everyday environment.