Bota Bota, spa-sur-l’eau has opened a second floating vessel at Montréal’s Old Port, marking a significant expansion of the wellness destination as it increases capacity and adds new facilities aimed at enhancing its existing spa experience.
The Pavillon officially opened July 15, adding nearly 2,000 square metres (20,000 square feet) of new space. Docked perpendicular to the original vessel, the expansion introduces additional amenities focused on relaxation while extending the spa’s signature water circuit. The project received financial support from Québec’s Ministry of Tourism through the Tourism Industry Recovery Assistance Program.
The expansion represents a major investment for the Montréal-based business as it broadens its operations more than 15 years after the original concept was introduced. The company said the new vessel was designed to strengthen the relationship between water, architecture and wellness that has defined the spa since its opening.
Québec Tourism Minister Amélie Dionne said the project aligns with the province’s efforts to strengthen wellness tourism and generate economic activity.
“Wellness tourism is a sector with great potential, and Québec is increasingly distinguishing itself in this rapidly growing global market. We are counting on unique experiences such as those offered by Bota Bota, spa-sur-l’eau to boost the economic benefits of tourism in Québec. Thanks to its innovative concept, this project will raise the city’s profile while generating valuable benefits for the local economy,” said Dionne.
Chantal Rouleau, Minister responsible for Social Solidarity and Community Action, Minister responsible for the Metropolis and the Montréal Region, and Member of the National Assembly for Pointe-aux-Trembles, said the province’s support reflects its commitment to tourism development in Montréal.
“Montréal’s tourism entrepreneurs are demonstrating great creativity in their efforts to provide every visitor with an exceptional experience. I am pleased that our government is supporting an inspiring project like Bota Bota, spa-sur-l’eau, which will have a positive impact on our city and our economy,” said Rouleau.
The new pavilion was designed by Sid Lee Architecture, which also worked from the vision established when Bota Bota was first conceived more than 15 years ago. According to the company, the latest addition offers a contemporary interpretation of that concept while integrating with the existing floating spa.
“We sought to create an architecture that reveals the landscape rather than imposes upon it, one that invites guests to slow down, be present, and experience the river, the garden, and the city as a cohesive whole,” explained Jean Pelland, principal partner at Sid Lee Architecture.
The company said the expansion includes a larger sauna designed for Aufguss ceremonies with views of the surrounding waterfront, a panoramic outdoor bath, an indoor bath incorporating light, sound and vegetation, and new cold baths featuring lighting inspired by heart coherence principles.
The project also includes redesigned changing rooms, including a gender-neutral section developed according to universal accessibility principles.
Geneviève Emond, President and Co-founder of Bota Bota, said the expansion builds on the company’s long-term approach to integrating wellness into everyday life.
“Our new Pavillon builds on Bota Bota’s vision of creating an environment where every moment becomes an experience, enriched with new spaces designed to bring people together. True to our founding philosophy of integrating well-being into everyday life, each element has been thoughtfully designed to offer a unique perspective, where architecture and landscape come together inviting guests to pause and reconnect,” said Emond.
The company said the Pavillon is now open to visitors at its Montréal Old Port location.
In an interview with Retail Insider, Emond talked about the news.
Question: What inspired the decision to expand Bota Bota with a second vessel, and why was now the right time to do it?
Answer: The idea for a second vessel came directly from guest demand. During peak periods, we simply couldn’t accommodate everyone who wanted to experience Bota Bota. We had anticipated this “good problem” as early as 2018–2019, which led us to purchase our first barge in 2020.
After the pandemic, it became clear that our vision had outgrown that initial plan, so we acquired a larger barge in Matane and transformed it into what is now the Pavillon.
This expansion goes beyond adding capacity. It gave us the opportunity to completely rethink the guest journey from start to finish. With more spacious facilities, larger locker rooms, improved circulation, and innovative experiences, each space is now designed to make every visit more comfortable and immersive The demand is clear, making this the right time to invest in an experience that is even more seamless, comfortable, and true to what Bota Bota is known for.
Q: How does the new Pavillon build on the original Bota Bota experience while offering something new for returning guests?
A: The Pavillon was designed to naturally extend the Bota Bota experience while preserving the calm and restorative atmosphere that defines the spa. Rather than recreating what already exists, it introduces new spaces and rituals that enrich the wellness journey and water circuit experience.
Our new sauna was purpose-built for Aufguss sessions, with tall ceilings, a high-performance heater, and integrated sound and lighting to create an immersive multisensory ritual. Guests are then guided to a dedicated cold experience featuring multiple cold baths with lighting designed to encourage slower, more controlled breathing.
The Pavillon also introduces a unique indoor bathing area where the atmosphere evolves throughout the day. A dynamic soundscape changes with the weather, season, and time of day, while integrated lighting, lush vegetation, and custom-designed furnishings create the feeling of bathing in nature year-round.
Finally, the Pavillon adds a second low-voice area where guests can quietly connect with friends and loved ones. While the original boat remains a silent space, this addition responds to growing demand from guests looking to personalize their wellness journey, while preserving the peaceful atmosphere throughout the spa.
Q: The Pavillon will feature a sauna dedicated to Aufguss ceremonies. What makes that experience unique, and why was it important to include?
A: Our Aufguss sauna offers a more immersive wellness ritual than a traditional sauna. Led by a trained sauna guide, each ceremony combines heat, essential oils, music, and choreographed towel movements to create a multisensory experience that stimulates both body and mind.
It was important to include because it reflects the growing interest in guided wellness experiences while fitting naturally into Bota Bota’s water circuit of hot, cold, and relaxation. Our team receives extensive training to deliver each ceremony with intention and attention to detail, ensuring every guest feels fully immersed.
Q: How did the design and architecture of the Pavillon incorporate its waterfront setting in Montreal’s Old Port and the views of the St. Lawrence River?
A: The Pavillon was designed to celebrate its unique waterfront setting while creating a deeper connection between guests and their surroundings. Expansive windows,panoramic terraces, and carefully positioned relaxation spaces highlight the panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River, the Montréal skyline, the Lachine Canal locks, Habitat 67, and the iconic Silo No. 5.
The new ship was also designed to balance introspection with connection, offering spaces where guests can reflect quietly or enjoy gentle social interaction. Together with the original silent boat and the Gardens introduced in 2015, the three areas now offer complementary experiences that respond to different ways of enjoying wellness.
Architect Jean Pelland describes the Pavillon as “what would happen if the original boat and the Gardens had a baby.” The design blends the maritime character of the original ferry with more biophilic touches inspired by the Gardens, incorporating more greenery and natural elements to create a calming environment. This balance of architecture, nature, and shared wellness is what makes the Pavillon unique.
Q: What do you hope visitors will feel or take away after experiencing the new Pavillon for the first time?
A: We hope guests leave feeling renewed, inspired, and deeply immersed in their wellness journey. The goal was to create a space that encourages visitors to slow down, discover new rituals, and enjoy moments of relaxation, connection, and presence.
These new spaces allow guests to reconnect with themselves and others in meaningful ways, while staying true to Bota Bota’s philosophy of wellness. Ultimately, we hope the Pavillon becomes a place passengers want to return to, offering a new experience to discover with every visit.
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