Ottawa’s Wellness Awakening

BY ERIKA CUCCARO

WITH TRAILS, RIVERS and green spaces just minutes from downtown, Ottawa has long encouraged a lifestyle that

balances work, play and well-being. Now, as the city continues its post-pandemic recovery, residents are returning to gyms, spas and clinics with a renewed commitment to both physical and mental health.

Embracing this shift, Ottawa’s health and wellness sector is expanding rapidly, with multidisciplinary clinics, boutique fitness studios and AI-powered health tech helping people across the capital unwind, recharge and thrive.

The Rise of Whole-life Health

The wellness landscape is evolving. Across Canada, more people are seeking services that support mental health, sleep, nutrition and preventative care. Consumers want whole-of-life solutions that support holistic wellness in body, mind and spirit.

A 2024 McKinsey survey found that key areas of growth include women’s health, healthy aging, weight management and mindfulness. Ottawa businesses are responding by evolving to meet those needs. They are moving beyond single-specialty offerings to create integrated, client-centred experiences.

From gyms that support healthy aging to multidisciplinary clinics and spas, wellness providers are redefining what it means to live well.

Connected by Movement

As people move away from the digital fitness apps they downloaded during the pandemic, boutique gyms and wellness studios are flourishing. Facilities like Bellefleur Fitness blend physiotherapy with affordable personal training, semi-private sessions and small group programs tailored to each client’s goals and fitness level.

Group classes, like Mighty Maestro Fitness’s popular bootcamps, provide a welcoming, inclusive space for friends to connect, laugh and move together. Local heat-seekers flock to Oxygen Yoga & Fitness for group yoga and fitness fusion classes in infrared heat therapy.

Ottawa’s luxury fitness studios—like beloved staple Movati and fresh newcomer Altea Active—offer everything wellness under one roof. From fitness studios and swimming pools to steam rooms and dry saunas, these clubs deliver an elevated health and fitness experience.

This socially connected approach to fitness supports more than just physical health; it also nurtures mental and emotional well-being. As Ottawa’s former Medical Officer of Health Dr. Vera Etches has said, building friendships and staying active are vital in supporting mental wellness.

Health Care Meets Self Care

Multidisciplinary wellness clinics are on the rise across Ottawa. At centres like Oaktree Health and Align Massage Therapy, clients can access chiropractic care, physiotherapy, acupuncture and massage therapy in one convenient location.

In the west end, Nobility Performance supports athletes, members of the military and active individuals with a unique blend of injury rehab and athletic therapy, bridging the gap between clinical care and long-term wellness.

Spas are also evolving, with medi-spas like Ottawa Medical Spa combining traditional services with treatments like IV therapy, infrared saunas and cosmetic injectables.

Personalized Care on Demand

Demand for personalized health care is growing—and Ottawa is meeting that demand with a new wave of boutique medical offices. Clinics like La Vie Executive Health Centre and ExecHealth provide fast access to comprehensive health assessments, diagnostic services and longevity-focused programs.

Wellness Goes High-tech in Kanata

Ottawa tech hub is also fueling its wellness boom. In the Kanata North Tech Park, Esprit-AI is developing artificial intelligence to support healthy aging and help caregivers monitor loved ones remotely. AI Talos is creating tools that analyze facial skin health, track heart health and support early breast health detection. Meanwhile, Waira Healthcare Cloud Services offers cutting- edge communications tools for radiologists and physicians.

Supporting Mental Health at Work

In July 2024, Ottawa Public Health launched the Business Support Toolkit, a practical resource designed to help employers address mental health and addiction challenges in the workplace. The toolkit provides accessible strategies to create safer, healthier environments for both employees and the broader community.

Building a Healthier Ottawa

From boutique fitness clubs to holistic clinics to AI-powered health innovations, Ottawa’s health and wellness sector is thriving while redefining what it means to live well. In a city that works hard and plays hard, businesses across the sector are creating new opportunities for Ottawans to move, connect, heal, and grow.

As the capital continues to expand its world-class wellness offerings, one thing is clear: in Ottawa, well-being is more than a trend—it’s a way of life