
FAQ
Hours of Operation
COVID-19
What are your safety protocols and requirements?
Province-wide restrictions have lifted – proof of vaccination and wearing masks in public indoor settings is not required by public health including in massage settings by either the guest or the therapist. People may want to continue wearing a mask based on personal choice. The spa follows communicable disease guidance from WorkSafeBC to keep our guests and employees safe.
Walk-in Access
How do I access the baths without a reservation?
Walk-in access is always available but if the baths are at capacity guests can enter the waitlist online or in person at the spa and be notified when the spa is able to welcome them to arrive in person and check in for their Scandinavian baths experience.
The spa will activate the online waitlist as required when the spa is at capacity. This means if the link isn’t active on the baths page there is not a waitlist at this time and guests can arrive at the spa for entry. When the waitlist is active guests arriving at the spa can enter the list in person or the online button will be available to enter and get notified when it is time to arrive at the spa.
Please be aware:
- The waitlist is turned on when the spa reaches capacity.
- Being on the waitlist does not guarantee access to the baths.
- Maximum of 4 people per group can be added.
- Wait times are not predictable or may be long due to current capacity limitations.
- Guests will receive a text notification to confirm they are on the list and another text when it is time to come to the spa to check-in.
- Guests are required to check-in within 30 minutes of notification; if guests fail to arrive in the designated time their spots will be released and the guest can choose to re-enter the guest list if it is open.
- Full payment for baths access is taken at check-in.
Why can't I add my name to the waitlist?
When the waitlist is activated, if the list reaches a set maximum capacity the Waitwhile app automatically closes and guests will only be able to enter again once the number of admitted groups brings the count of guests below our set maximum capacity.
If I am on the waitlist, how do I know when to check-in to the spa?
We send a text message and you have 30 minutes to check-in. Once you add yourself to the waitlist you are able to text through that system to find out your place in line. Our agents are not able to determine how long any given wait will be since there is no time limit on baths access.
Why did I receive an email to check into the spa before I arrive?
To streamline our guest experience we now have an online waiver for guests to fill out online prior to their arrival to the spa. This email is only sent to guests who have a bath or massage reservation and is sent 24-hours prior to the reservation. If a guest doesn’t fill out this waiver prior to arriving they can fill it out easily at the spa in our lobby.
Illness and Injury policies
I'm feeling sick, can I use the hydrotherapy installations and have a massage?
While you may want to come and steam out your stuffy sinuses, any guest exhibiting cold or flu symptoms should stay home. If you have a fever, cough, nausea, runny nose, vomiting, or diarrhea please do not come to the spa as you will be refused entry.
If you have a massage booking and are showing any of these symptoms, your therapist has the right to refuse the massage. Please call our reservations team at 604.935.2424 if you a feeling ill and are unable to proceed with your booking.
I have a physical injury, is the spa good for recovery?
Hydrotherapy and massage have their own benefits and limitations. While it can be a very helpful part of your recovery process, it is important to first speak with your heath care team to get approval for these therapies.
I have a health condition, can I use the spa?
If you are taking medication or have particular health problems (such as cancer), therapeutic treatments are perhaps best avoided. A note from your doctor may be requested by your massage therapist. You must make your health condition known, in particular by providing accurate answers on the health questionnaire that we ask all clients to fill out before their massage.
The hydrotherapy experience may present risks for people suffering from angina, heart or respiratory problems, diabetes, hyper- or hypo-tension, especially when these conditions are viewed as serious and/or uncontrolled.
In case of doubt about your condition, always ask for your doctor’s opinion.
Policies, reservations and other questions
What are the main policies?
- Bathing suit mandatory and sandals recommended.
- In order to maintain a relaxing environment and to preserve the quality of your experience there is a code of silence. This is an enforced rule and people who are not silent will be asked to leave.
- No technology including mobile phones, data enabled tablets, personal music players, or cameras are allowed onsite. All guests are asked to leave technology in their locker and can use their technology in the bistro and lobby area if required.
What are your peak seasons or peak period pricing dates?
We have peak pricing at certain times of the year – these are generally around statutory holidays in North America. Here are the upcoming peak pricing dates for 2022 – 2023.
Oct 8 – Oct 10, 2022 | Nov 11 – 13 | Dec 17 – Jan 2, 2023 | Jan 14 – Jan 16 | Feb 18 – Feb 26 | Apr 7 – Apr 10, 2023
Can I see terms and conditons?
All terms and conditions for the spa and our offerings can be found at this link.
What forms of payment are accepted?
- Credit cards approved for online payments are VISA or MasterCard. To minimize fraud and unauthorized charges, we verify the validity of transactions by using a full Address Verification Service or AVS and CVV check. Please note the credit card billing address, billing postal code, and CVV code is verified with the card issuing bank or other financial institution. Credit card transactions will be approved if AVS and CVV matches the card issuer. Transactions will be rejected by card issuer if AVS and CVV do not match the credit card issuer’s information.
- On location, we accept the following forms of payment: VISA, MasterCard, American Express, cash, or debit card.
- Monetary gift cards can be applied as payment in person at the spa and any credit card deposits taken to hold a reservation will be refunded at that time.
How old do you need to be / are children allowed?
We require guests to be 19 years or older to visit the spa. Identification may be required.
Infants and children are not permitted anywhere on site including in the waiting area. Please do not bring children of any age to the spa in order to ensure a relaxing experience for all guests. We recommend Babysitting Whistler 604.902.2229
Are the massages reimbursable by my private group insurance?
All Scandinave massage technicians are certified by a massage therapy association to ensure the highest quality standards. If you require a receipt for insurance purposes you must book a Registered Massage Therapist at the time of reservation and the therapist will directly provide you with the receipt needed for your insurance reimbursement. Please note Registered Massage Therapists are in high demand and we recommend booking in advance.
How far ahead should reservations be made?
Our baths reservations are available up to four weeks ahead. If you would like to book a massage, we recommend reserving at least two weeks ahead for the best availability. Weekend and all RMT massage appointments book up quickly.
LGBTQ+
Do you have a gender neutral bathroom or change room facilities?
All guests are welcome at the Scandinave Spa Whistler regardless of their gender identity. At this time we have male and female gendered change rooms and shower facilities. Guests are free to choose the change room they feel most comfortable using.
If you require a more private changing area please alert the staff member checking you in and they will explain what we can offer as options including a private changing area. We offer the following options to any guest looking for a non-binary changing/restroom area:
- A private bathroom in the lobby area can be used by guests to change in. Personal belongings can be securely stored during the visit. Please let your check-in agent know if you would like us to make this private change area available to you during your visit.
- A staff member can accompany the guest into the change room of their preference to show the available areas for privacy in changing and showering. In the female change room, there is one private change room and three lockable shower cubicles. The male change room has no private change area and all shower cubicles are separated by curtains. The male change room has two lockable toilet stalls.
Please call our reservations team with any questions or concerns 604.935.2424
Good to Know
What should I bring?
- Bathing suit
- Sandals if you want them – they are optional and not available to rent but may be purchased at check-in.
- A personal water bottle – disposable cups and water stations are located around the spa.
- Something to read or a journal is nice to have if you are going to struggle with rule of silence.
- Hair tie
The spa provides two large towels per person and a padlock for your locker. Robes can be rented for $15 + tax – all massage bookings and baths reservations include the robe. The spa sells bathing suits, water bottles, hair ties and Native sandals if you forget something you need.
What are Scandinavian baths?
The experience offered at Scandinave Spa Whistler is referred to as Scandinavian baths. This experience is based on the concept of hydrotherapy – an effective way of releasing tensions in both the mind and the body based on an ancient practice that dates back thousands of years.
The cycle of hot-cold-relax is proven to both energize and rest the body, improving blood circulation and activating the lymphatic system to help detoxify. It also actively promotes the release of endorphins, also known as the “well-being hormones”.
The spa offers hot pools, cold plunges, waterfalls, wood-burning, and electric saunas, steam rooms, relaxation areas, hammocks, lounge beds, yoga studio, reading nooks, and fireplaces for an endless variety of ways to experience hot-cold-relax, all in the heart of Whistler’s nature.
How long can you stay at Scandinave Spa?
Scandinave Spa Whistler offers unlimited baths access and in the case of massage reservations, you are welcome to arrive as early as you want to enjoy the baths before your massage and stay as long as you want after the massage.
Do you provide lodging packages?
Scandinave Spa Whistler is a day spa and does not offer any accommodations onsite. Scandinave Spa is pleased to be associated with these hotel partners in the region.
Since your facilities are outdoors, what happens in rain or poor weather?
Scandinave Spa Whistler is open year-round, rain, snow, or shine. Our facilities are designed to be enjoyed in all kinds of weather. In the case of a thunderstorm, the outdoor hydrotherapy features may be closed. No reimbursement or compensation will be offered should we need to close our installations due to adverse meteorological conditions.
Is drinking alcohol or smoking cannabis allowed?
No. We strongly advise against alcohol consumption during a hydrotherapy experience, which is why it is strictly forbidden outdoors on the site. Cannabis is also forbidden anywhere on site including in our parking lot.
Management reserves the right to prohibit access to clients who appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Is there somewhere to eat?
The bistro is open daily. We offer snacks and beverages including sandwiches, wraps and salads, desserts, espresso-based drinks and cold beverages. We also offer gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options. All food must be eaten in the desginated dining area; outside food is not permitted.
Gift certificates/cards
Certificates and gift cards purchased online will be activated 72-hrs after the purchase date. Monetary gift certificates never expire. Gift cards can not be used to purchase reserved baths access online due to a technical limitation. The guest may have the gift card applied to their transaction at the spa and the credit card used to make the reservation will be refunded.
WAYSPA
Scandinave Spa Whistler is no longer a partner of WAYSPA and will not accept WAYSPA gift certificates as a form of payment. These cards are not purchased for a particular destination so there will be no compensation offered to guests who arrive with plans to pay for their spa experience with these cards. These cards have no expiry date and can be used at another participating WAYSPA partner.
Costco
Scandinave Spa Whistler no longer sells discounted gift cards at Costco locations but existing certicates can still be used for payment. Promotions and discounted experiences can not be paid for with Costco gift cards.
Health concerns and groups
I am pregnant. Can I have a massage anyway? Is it possible to experience hydrotherapy?
Some of our Registered Massage Therapists have been trained to give massages suited to the conditions of pregnant women. It is important to mention how many weeks pregnant you are when reserving.
The hydrotherapy experience is not recommended for pregnant women because sudden temperature changes can lead to complications. Please consult your doctor.
Is the site accessible for people with reduced mobility?
The spa is situated on a hillside and certain facilities on our site are accessed via stairs. We do have accessible massage rooms and the change room facilities are accessible via elevator. While not all features are fully wheelchair accessible there is a hot pool, cold plunge, solarium, and eucalyptus steam room all accessible on the top level of the outdoor site without encountering stairs.
Is it necessary to fully undress to receive treatment?
Our therapist team works professionally, with the greatest respect for each individual. A sheet is used to cover the guest during the treatment to respect privacy. Only the area being massaged is uncovered. It is more comfortable to receive a massage when no clothing is worn, but we respect the decision by guests who prefer to keep clothing on.
Do you accept groups? Do you have special group rates?
The minimum group size is 15 people and is booked as baths reservation, weekdays only. We offer this service to groups on a case by case basis. There is currently no discount offered but we do allow group packages to be organized and reserved in advance to ensure the entire group is guaranteed access. We are unable to accommodate groups on weekends.
Should I experience hydrotherapy before or after my massage?
Hydrotherapy before and after your massage will benefit you if time allows. Using the Scandinavian baths before helps to start the relaxation process and sets you up to get even more from your massage. Using the baths after your massage will continue the treatment further and aid in even deeper relaxation.