Fifteen years in, Bota Bota is doubling down: The floating spa in the Old Port is adding a second vessel that's slated to open Winter 2026.

The big move is in keeping for a spot that's carved out a rare place in Montreal where you can actually unplug without leaving the city. Since opening in 2010, the converted ferry has become a destination booked weeks in advance by both locals and out-of-towners.

The new addition designed by Sid Lee Architecture will sit at a right angle to the original boat to create more room and expand the experience: Features will include a dedicated large-scale sauna for Aufguss ceremonies (where someone waves towels infused with essential oils) while you sweat out toxins. Multiple cold plunges are in the mix, along with a hot tub up on a terrace and an indoor whirlpool with layers in light, plants, and sound to complete the thermal circuit. Practical updates are in the works as well, with new changing rooms including one that's gender-neutral and fully accessible.

"As we celebrate 15 years of wellness on the water, we remain guided by the same values that have shaped Bota Bota since day one—human experience and innovation," says Geneviève Emond, who co-founded the spa and still runs it. "The arrival of our second boat marks a major new milestone in our history and reaffirms our long-term commitment to Montreal and our guests from around the world."

While not their first expansion—the Gardens were added in 2015—the upcoming addition puts the local spa on a different scale entirely.

Fifteen years in, Bota Bota is doubling down: The floating spa in the Old Port is adding a second vessel that's slated to open Winter 2026.

The big move is in keeping for a spot that's carved out a rare place in Montreal where you can actually unplug without leaving the city. Since opening in 2010, the converted ferry has become a destination booked weeks in advance by both locals and out-of-towners.

The new addition designed by Sid Lee Architecture will sit at a right angle to the original boat to create more room and expand the experience: Features will include a dedicated large-scale sauna for Aufguss ceremonies (where someone waves towels infused with essential oils) while you sweat out toxins. Multiple cold plunges are in the mix, along with a hot tub up on a terrace and an indoor whirlpool with layers in light, plants, and sound to complete the thermal circuit. Practical updates are in the works as well, with new changing rooms including one that's gender-neutral and fully accessible.

"As we celebrate 15 years of wellness on the water, we remain guided by the same values that have shaped Bota Bota since day one—human experience and innovation," says Geneviève Emond, who co-founded the spa and still runs it. "The arrival of our second boat marks a major new milestone in our history and reaffirms our long-term commitment to Montreal and our guests from around the world."

While not their first expansion—the Gardens were added in 2015—the upcoming addition puts the local spa on a different scale entirely.