For the first time in over a decade, the popular Old Port spa - Bota Bota - is expanding. The spa, built out of a decommissioned ferry, is a popular spot on the waters of the Saint Lawrence River, and it is adding a second vessel. Bota Bota’s expansion is a sign of the booming spa and relaxation industry in Montreal that has made its place alongside the culinary, cultural and festival scene. “Montreal is well known for its festivals, food scene, but it’s also becoming one of North America’s leading urban wellness destinations,” said Tourism Montreal spokesperson Aurélie de Blois. “What’s changing in the past years is that spas are no longer just places for quiet relaxation. They’re also becoming social spaces where people can connect with friends and participate in this wellness experience.” In addition to Bota Bota, there are around a dozen spas of varying sizes in Old Montreal. Beyond that, there are plenty more in and around Montreal. The first spa-goers dipped their toes in the Bota Bota facilities in 2010 after owners Geneviève and Daniel Émond towed the former l’Escale ferry from Sorel to Montreal’s Old Port. In 2015, the spa opened the adjacent gardens to expand the centre’s footprint for the first time. The new 2,000-square-metre second vessel will feature a sauna, hot and cold baths and “immersive experiences that blend light, sound, and natural elements.”
