Elmwood Spa Toronto
A historic downtown Toronto spa offering massages, aquatic therapies, and beauty treatments in a serene, luxurious environment.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Elmwood Spa Toronto
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic downtown Toronto spa offering massages, aquatic therapies, and beauty treatments in a serene, luxurious environment.
"LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS PLACE! Staff were so friendly and helpful. "
🎯 Book Birthday Specials
Celebrate your birthday month with a special treat! Book a $180+ service for a free 3-course lunch.
💰 Tipping Etiquette
Tipping can be confusing. Be prepared for separate lunch bills and potential cash-only tips for service staff.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Aromatherapy Massage
Treatment Rooms
Indulge in a deeply relaxing aromatherapy massage, tailored to your needs for ultimate rejuvenation.
Complimentary 3-Course Lunch
Terrace Restaurant
Savor a delicious and complimentary three-course meal, a delightful perk after your spa treatments.
Water Therapies
Change Rooms & Lounges
Enjoy access to steam rooms, hot tubs, and pools for a full day of aquatic relaxation and pampering.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Times
Understand Package Inclusions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Birthday Specials
Celebrate your birthday month with a special treat! Book a $180+ service for a free 3-course lunch.
💰 Tipping Etiquette
Tipping can be confusing. Be prepared for separate lunch bills and potential cash-only tips for service staff.
🧖♀️ Utilize Amenities
Arrive early to enjoy the steam room, hot tub, and lounge areas before your scheduled treatment.
🛍️ Complimentary Toiletries
Change rooms are well-stocked with high-quality toiletries, hair tools, and robes for your convenience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Birthday Specials
Celebrate your birthday month with a special treat! Book a $180+ service for a free 3-course lunch.
💰 Tipping Etiquette
Tipping can be confusing. Be prepared for separate lunch bills and potential cash-only tips for service staff.
🧖♀️ Utilize Amenities
Arrive early to enjoy the steam room, hot tub, and lounge areas before your scheduled treatment.
🛍️ Complimentary Toiletries
Change rooms are well-stocked with high-quality toiletries, hair tools, and robes for your convenience.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Enjoy complimentary tea bars on each floor and stay refreshed with provided hot and cold towels.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Elmwood Spa is a beloved Toronto institution offering a luxurious escape with a range of treatments and amenities. Visitors consistently praise the friendly staff, the delicious complimentary lunch, and the relaxing water therapies. While some find the spa's aesthetic a bit dated and the tipping process confusing, the overall experience is highly recommended for a rejuvenating day of pampering.
"My go to spa in the heart of Toronto..
Staff are very welcoming and very friendly.
I had an amazing time doing aromatherapy massage with a free birthday lunch…
I’ve been here multiple times for a massage but this is my first time to experience the Terrace Restaurant. I will definitely come back for this experience.."
kriselda leanda
"LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS PLACE! Staff were so friendly and helpful. Went here for my partners birthday and got their package for a couples massage, facials, water therapies (steam room, hot tub, pool, whirlpool in the ladies change room, sauna in the men's change room) and a three course lunch on their beautiful terrace all for $430 each. FOOD WAS A 10/10. There was also complementary tea bars on each floor, along with hot+cold face towels and regular towels. We were also given a nice comfy robes and slippers to use for our stay. The changing rooms were gorgeous, came with complementary shampoo/conditioner, body wash, lotions, deodorants, hair gels, and hair tools. Overall such a cute and relaxing day, the place itself has an older but timeless aesthetic, every room was super clean. WOULD 100% RECOMMEND!"
Reyna Escandor
"I came in for a spa day with my sister on a Sunday and we both enjoyed the experience. The spa itself is slightly dated in aesthetic, but it was still very nice and enjoyable. The amenities and service staff were great, and the massages, pedicure, and lunch were enjoyable and relaxing as well.
I did find that the way this spa handles the billing & tipping was a bit strange…
We were given our lunch bill right after lunch, despite lunch being included in the package. I didn’t have to pay for lunch at that point but I did have the opportunity to leave a tip based on the lunch amount. The amount on that bill was higher than what I paid in the overall package (I noticed later), so naturally the tip was higher. I don’t mind that.
What I did find strange was the fact the tipping amount recommendations (15%, 20%, etc) on the FINAL package bill were based on the total amount for the package INCLUDING lunch and my tip from lunch.
Those things feel like a sneaky way to get higher tips from customers, which didn’t put a great taste in my mouth.
What really bothered me was after I wrote my tip amount on the bill, I was informed that I could only leave a cash tip, so she gave me cash equivalent to my tip (in all $5 bills) and asked to split my tips up into individual envelopes for each service person who provided our treatments.
In hindsight, I can understand why it is this wat, but it was hot and it was stressful to have to sort through a large pile of $5 bills to put them into tiny envelopes, and write names on each envelope right after all my relaxing treatments. There must be a more convenient way to do the tipping so I don’t feel like it’s as much of a punishment 😅
Anyway, thanks for a great experience regardless!!"
Madalayne Rockarts
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Elmwood Spa is conveniently located at 18 Elm Street in downtown Toronto. It's easily accessible by public transit, with several TTC subway stations nearby, including Dundas and Queen. Many visitors also find it a pleasant walk from various downtown hotels.
While Elmwood Spa doesn't have its own parking, there are several public parking garages and street parking options in the surrounding downtown Toronto area. It's recommended to check parking apps for availability and rates.
Yes, Elmwood Spa is centrally located and within walking distance of many downtown Toronto hotels, making it a convenient option for guests staying in the area.
For a spa date, consider taking public transit or a rideshare service to avoid parking hassles and start your relaxation immediately. This also aligns with the desire to stick to downtown Toronto.
While Elmwood Spa is in downtown Toronto, it's a feasible destination from West GTA. Public transit or driving into the city are your main options, though driving may involve city traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can book appointments for massages, facials, and other services directly through the Elmwood Spa website or by calling them. It's highly recommended to book in advance, especially for weekends or special packages.
Elmwood Spa typically operates daily, but specific hours can vary. It's best to check their official website or call ahead to confirm their current operating hours for treatments and restaurant services.
Yes, Elmwood Spa offers various packages that often include treatments like massages, facials, water therapies, and a complimentary 3-course lunch. These are popular for special occasions.
Many visitors recommend using health benefits for spa services like massages and facials, as they can often be claimed. It's advisable to check with your specific insurance provider.
It's important to review Elmwood Spa's cancellation policy when booking. Typically, there are time limits for making changes or cancellations to avoid fees.
🎫 🧖♀️ Onsite Experience
Elmwood Spa offers a range of amenities including steam rooms, hot tubs, pools, whirlpools, and lounges. The women's change room features a hot tub, while the men's has a sauna.
You'll be provided with a comfortable robe and slippers to wear throughout your visit. Swimsuits are typically not required for the water therapies unless you prefer to wear one.
Yes, Elmwood Spa often has birthday specials, such as a complimentary 3-course lunch when you book a service over a certain amount during your birthday month.
The spa has a historic yet luxurious feel, with clean and well-maintained facilities. Some areas might feel a bit dated, but the overall atmosphere is serene and relaxing.
Absolutely! Many visitors recommend dedicating a full day to enjoy the treatments, water therapies, and the restaurant for a complete pampering experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Many spa packages at Elmwood Spa include a complimentary 3-course lunch at their Terrace Restaurant. It's essential to confirm this when booking your service.
The Terrace Restaurant offers a delicious 3-course meal with a menu that changes seasonally. Reviews consistently praise the food quality and presentation.
While the lunch is often part of a package, it's worth inquiring directly with Elmwood Spa if the Terrace Restaurant accepts reservations for dining without a spa booking.
It's always a good idea to inform the spa and restaurant staff of any dietary restrictions or allergies when booking or upon arrival to ensure they can accommodate your needs.
Elmwood Spa features a juice bar and offers complimentary tea on each floor. Alcoholic beverages like mimosas may be available for purchase at the restaurant.
📸 📸 Photography
While personal photos are generally allowed in common areas, it's respectful to avoid photographing other guests without their consent. Focus on capturing the ambiance and your personal experience.
The Terrace Restaurant, especially on a nice day, offers a lovely backdrop. The elegant lounges and water therapy areas can also provide beautiful, serene shots.
There are no explicit restrictions mentioned for personal social media use, but always be mindful of privacy and avoid disrupting other guests' relaxation.
Expect a blend of historic charm and modern luxury. The spa has a timeless aesthetic with elegant decor, making for sophisticated and calming photo opportunities.
A smartphone is usually sufficient for capturing the experience. If you're aiming for professional-quality shots, a compact camera might be useful, but remember to pack light.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you're looking for a family outing, consider Elmwood Spa as a treat for yourself or a partner, rather than a full family excursion. The complimentary lunch could be a nice addition if your child is old enough to dine appropriately in a restaurant setting, but the focus remains on adult pampering and tranquility.
💖 Couples & Date Nights
To make the most of your couples' experience, consider booking a package that includes multiple services and the lunch. This allows you to fully immerse yourselves in the relaxing environment and enjoy a full day of pampering without any rush. Don't forget to inquire about any birthday specials if you're celebrating an anniversary during a birthday month!
+1💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
+1Consider booking a package that includes a treatment and the lunch, as this can be more cost-effective than booking services and dining separately. Utilizing your health benefits for massages or facials can also help offset the cost. Finally, remember that the spa amenities like the steam room and hot tub are often included, offering a full day of relaxation without needing to book multiple expensive treatments.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Elmwood Spa Experience: Beyond the Massage
The Terrace Restaurant is another significant draw, offering a complimentary 3-course lunch with many packages. This culinary experience is frequently cited as a highlight, with guests enjoying delicious meals in a beautiful setting. It adds a luxurious touch to the day, allowing you to dine in comfort, often in a robe, enhancing the feeling of being pampered from start to finish.
While the spa boasts a historic charm, some reviews note that certain areas might appear a bit dated. However, the overall consensus is that the cleanliness and the quality of service more than compensate for any minor aesthetic concerns. The staff are consistently praised for being welcoming, friendly, and helpful, contributing significantly to the positive and rejuvenating atmosphere.
Navigating Tipping and Billing
Furthermore, some visitors have encountered a cash-only tipping policy for service providers. This means guests might need to have cash on hand or be prepared to withdraw it to tip individual therapists. While the spa may have reasons for this system, such as ensuring direct compensation for staff, it can add a layer of stress to the end of a relaxing day, particularly if large amounts of cash need to be sorted into individual envelopes for each service person.
Despite these complexities, most guests still find the overall experience highly enjoyable and recommend the spa. The advice for future visitors is to clarify tipping procedures when booking or upon arrival and to be prepared with cash if necessary to ensure a smooth and stress-free departure.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit