Dakota Dunes Thermal Spa

Saskatchewan’s First Thermal Spa Destination

The Dakota Dunes Thermal Spa is a new wellness destination located on Whitecap Dakota Nation lands adjacent to the Dakota Dunes Resort, Casino and Golf Course. As Saskatchewan’s first thermal-style spa, the facility expands the region’s tourism and hospitality offering while creating a year-round destination focused on relaxation, wellness, and cultural connection.

Designed to accommodate approximately 270–300 guests, the spa includes 12 treatment rooms, five outdoor hot pools, two cold plunge pools, saunas, steam facilities, relaxation areas, water features, dining options, and outdoor gathering spaces integrated throughout the site.

Collaborative Delivery Supporting Project Success

Graham supported the project through an integrated delivery approach that emphasized early collaboration during design development and continued through construction execution. This approach enabled alignment on project priorities, design refinement, and opportunities to optimize value throughout delivery.

Project execution required careful coordination to maintain schedule objectives within a condensed construction window for extensive site and landscape works. Construction sequencing was phased to align with underground thermal infrastructure, enabling overlapping work activities across multiple areas of the site and supporting efficient project progression.

Additional coordination was also required within the building systems, including specialized integration of in-floor heating and associated controls.

A Distinctive Thermal Experience

The Dakota Dunes Thermal Spa introduces a unique hospitality and wellness experience to Saskatchewan through a combination of outdoor thermal amenities and architecturally distinctive gathering spaces.

The spa grounds include five outdoor hot pools, two cold plunge pools, and a collection of purpose-built wellness structures including a steam sauna, dry sauna, event sauna, and relaxation pavilion. Heated pathways throughout the site support year-round use and connect guests seamlessly across the outdoor experience.

The main spa building is designed to create a warm, natural atmosphere through extensive use of mass timber elements. A central gathering space is defined by glulam columns and beams, while tongue-and-groove wood finishes contribute texture and warmth throughout the interior. Floor-to-ceiling curtain wall glazing on the upper level introduces natural light and reinforces the connection between interior spaces and the surrounding landscape.

Indigenous Design and Cultural Integration

The Dakota Dunes Thermal Spa incorporates Indigenous design elements and cultural themes throughout the guest experience.

Outdoor gathering areas include seven fire pits representing the Seven Council Fires. Within the main building, custom tilework along the feature stair wall forms two connected teepees symbolizing the connection between sky and earth.

Programming within the event sauna further reflects Indigenous culture through experiences that incorporate storytelling, music, and performance as part of the spa journey.

Supporting Community Growth

Graham partnered with Whitecap Dakota Nation through previous work at Dakota Dunes Casino and continued that relationship through delivery of the Dakota Dunes Thermal Spa.

In partnership with Whitecap Dakota Nation, the project has created opportunities to support local participation during construction and contribute to economic activity within the community.

By connecting directly to the existing resort destination, the Dakota Dunes Thermal Spa strengthens Whitecap Dakota Nation’s tourism offering and establishes a new wellness experience in Saskatchewan.

Dakota Dunes renderings courtesy of Kindrachuk Agrey Architecture

Photography by Graham