Amelia HallSaunas, hailing from Finland’s ancient traditions, are the unsung heroes of relaxation and wellness. They’ve been soothing souls for centuries, and it’s time we give Finland a nod of thanks for their gift to humanity!
Relaxation, improved circulation, stress relief, and a potential detox all wrapped up in one steamy session? Where do we sign up?
Now, if you’re in Vancouver hunting for the ultimate sauna experience, we’ve got your back. From wallet-friendly finds to indulgent escapes, our list has something for every sauna seeker out there.
So go ahead, treat yourself. Your body will thank you!
The Good Sauna
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Website: https://www.thegoodsauna.com/
Location: 1216 Franklin St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1K1, Canada
Contact: 604-968-9006
Hours:
- Closed from Monday to Tuesday
- Wednesday to Friday: 5 PM – 9 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 10 AM – 10 PM
A pop-up wood-fired Finnish Sauna and cold therapy experience awaits you at The Good Sauna.
The sessions are tailored to suit your preferences and budget where you have two options: join a community drop-in session for $45 per person (up to eight people), or reserve the entire sauna for yourself and up to nine others for $450.
Sessions last 1 hour and 45 minutes. If seclusion is the name of the game, then private sessions are also available.
There is a recommended hot and cold cycle, and to help you remember it, they’ve even posted it on the sauna. But of course, you can go as long or as short as you want within your sessions.
Remember, it’s essential to prioritize your comfort and well-being. While pushing yourself is admirable, always listen to your body and adjust accordingly.
| Pro Tip: You’ll want to keep an eye out for special events like Love Ya Self. This two-hour session includes education on breathwork and the theory behind cold exposure therapy, along with practical tips for effective implementation. |
Willow Stream at The Fairmont Pacific Rim
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Website: https://www.fairmont.com/pacific-rim-vancouver/spa/willow-stream-spa-fairmont-pacific-rim/
Location: 1038 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 0B9, Canada
Contact: 604-695-5550
Hours:
- Open daily 8 AM – 10 PM
Exploring hotel spas can unveil a world of relaxation, with many offering steam and sauna facilities. Among our favorites is the steam room at Willow Stream at The Fairmont Pacific Rim due to its chic and serene ambiance.
Non-hotel guests can access it for $79, while spa service clients enjoy complimentary all-day access. For shared amenities, gender-specific wet steam saunas give you a rejuvenating experience, enveloping you in hot, moist steam.
The spa extends beyond saunas, offering a private outdoor terrace with panoramic city views, meditation pods, jacuzzis, an infrared sauna, and a 24-hour fitness center.
Quiet lounges cater to men, women, and couples, with nine treatment rooms including two couple’s suites featuring Japanese zen tubs. The spa also houses a nail spa and a state-of-the-art fitness and yoga studio.
Outside, you’ll find the dry sauna, a cedar wood box with solar panels, giving off soothing cedar scents. Adjacent lounge spaces equipped with waterproof furniture and fire pits offer more rest, complemented by large golf umbrellas in case of rain.
The Jacuzzi/hot tub is a gentle massage experience, while the mineral bath provides relief for sore muscles with magnesium and Epsom salts. There’s no other luxurious way to do sauna than here!
| Pro Tip: If the sauna isn’t enough, indulge in a massage, facial, or the Celluma LED Light Facial for skin rejuvenation. With its LED light therapy, this treatment stimulates collagen production and repairs damaged cells, leaving you refreshed and revitalized. |
The Spa At Wedgewood Hotel
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Website: https://wedgewoodhotel.com/wellness/spa/
Location: 845 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1V1, Canada
Contact: 800-663-0666
Hours:
- Open daily from 9 AM – 6 PM
Once you find yourself at the Wedgewood Hotel, the Spa discreetly stands out as a sanctuary of wellness and an oasis of serenity and beauty.
It features a tranquil relaxation lounge, a eucalyptus steam room, well-appointed private treatment rooms, and spacious couples massage suites, catering to various preferences.
As the name suggests, the award-winning spa at the Wedgewood may come with a higher price tag, but the experience is undeniably worth it. Guests can take advantage of seasonal packages to bundle multiple services for a more economical option.
For a memorable spa day, consider indulging in a hot stone massage followed by a cinnamon enzyme facial. The eucalyptus steam room is a rejuvenating experience, offering guests a chance to unwind and indulge in other luxurious treatments.
The Spa at this hotel offers a variety of treatments to choose from, including the luxurious Rejuvenation Package at $610 per person and lasting 3 hours 30 minutes.
It features a Deep Therapeutic Massage, Detoxifying Sea Salt Wrap, and Healing West Coast Facial, designed to provide a holistic experience.
This day spa is meticulously managed, offering unique treatments like the Espresso Limon body treatments, which utilize coffee oil, lemon, and cinnamon for a refreshing experience.
| Pro Tip: When waiting for your turn, just note that extra time is allotted between clients to ensure thorough sanitization of treatment rooms, beds, and countertops. |
Robert Lee YMCA
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Website: https://www.gv.ymca.ca/robert-lee-ymca
Location: 955 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y2, Canada
Contact: 604-689-9622
Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 5:30 AM – 10 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 7 AM – 7 PM
At the Robert Lee YMCA, you can enjoy steam and hot tub facilities in their pool areas. Going for membership helps you bypass the $20 drop-in fee, and the annual fee is quite reasonable.
With rates ranging from $53.98 to $68.00 per month (plus a joiner fee), you gain access to all facilities and group fitness programs for the year. For added convenience, there’s also a towel service available for $12 per month.
Located in downtown Vancouver, the Robert Lee YMCA serves as a hub of community activity. Its facility has 18,000 square feet of active lifestyle space.
Here, you can enjoy three fitness studios for yoga and cyclefit, a 25-yard indoor UV-filtered pool, and strength and conditioning zones. Plus, visitors can enjoy amenities like a cafe and lounge, a full-sized gymnasium, and a Family Development Centre.
| Pro Tip: While the sauna room is currently undergoing renovations due to unforeseen delays and complications, the target date for completion is early 2024. Once reopened, expect to find improved facilities and design in the new sauna room! |
Circle Wellness
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Website: https://circlewellnessspas.com/
Location: 1297 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9, Canada
Contact: 604-881-1759
Hours:
- Tuesday: 12:45 PM – 12 AM
- Wednesday to Monday: 6 AM – 12 AM
At Circle Wellness, you’ll find yourself in a small, plant-covered enclosure, where high-quality speakers softly play ambient music while water fills a giant cedar soaking tub.
There are warmed stones underfoot and dry ice for extra ambiance. With no ceiling, just an open sky above, the atmosphere is everything you’d expect in a spa: calming and serene.
The spa follows a circuit, starting with a cleansing shower followed by a hot soak in the cedar tub. Instead of a traditional sauna, they offer their unique hot room, the 10×10 foot infrared “WelPod,” featuring beautiful Himalayan salt brick walls.
The temperature is maintained at 50 degrees, allowing for extended stays. Before entering, you can activate a 45-minute program of gentle sound and light.
After the hot session, you can dip into the cold pool before resting on the heated stone walkway. A soft gong signals the end of your session, a mindful reminder that you’re now ready to face the world.
You can freshen up with their spa products before heading home. The 90-minute session starts at $219 while the 120-minute package is at $249.
Securing a spot at Circle Wellness requires planning, as available dates are announced monthly, with a long waitlist. However, the experience of a private spa day makes it worth the effort.
It’s a haven for those without backyard sanctuaries, offering a serene escape in the heart of the city.
| Pro Tip: All tubs are meticulously cleaned between each session, eliminating the need for chlorine or other strong chemicals in the water. |
Hastings Reflexology & Sauna
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Website: https://hastingsspa.com/
Location: 766 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1R5, Canada
Contact: 604-251-5455
Hours:
- Closed on Tuesday
- Wednesday to Monday: 11 AM – 11 PM
When you step into Hastings Reflexology & Sauna, established in 1926, don’t expect the typical spa with potted orchids and scented candles.
But if you’re realistic about what a nearly one-hundred-year-old public bath house can offer, you’ll find satisfaction. While it may be pricier than your local community center, it’s notably cleaner and less crowded.
A standard 1-person Premium High Heat Sauna, lasting for an hour and 30 minutes, starts at $35.24. Plus, you have the option to customize your wellness experience with a Hastings Spa package.
This ensures that you receive top-notch service from our friendly and professional staff. It’s practicality at its finest!
| Pro Tip: Try the fusion massage, followed by relaxing reflexology, and then detox with steam, high heat, or their new Hybrid sauna with infrared. |
Britannia Community Centre
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Website: http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/britannia-community-services-centre.aspx
Location: 1661 Napier St, Vancouver, BC V5L 4X4, Canada
Contact: 604-718-5831
Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 6:30 AM – 9 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM – 7 PM
- Sunday: 8 AM – 4 PM
Britannia Community Centre has a lot of amenities, including a school, library, skating rink, fitness center, and pool. It’s a busy hub for social services and community activities, drawing families and budget-conscious individuals alike.
The steam room, however, may not be for everyone due to maintenance issues. Fortunately, there’s a saving grace: a piping hot sauna room reminiscent of 1970s design.
Regarding pricing, Vancouver does charge user fees for community pools, but Britannia offers relatively affordable rates.
Single pricing starts at $7.41 for adults, with a 10-visit pass fee option of $66.69. There’s also a 12-month Flexipass of $517.97 for adults 19 to 64 years old.
Families with young children will appreciate the additional amenities like the tot pool, slide, family change rooms, and rope swing.
| Pro Tip: Accessibility-wise, Britannia is accommodating, with an elevator installed for wheelchair users. Plus, the Drive area is known for its inclusivity, particularly welcoming to queer individuals and couples. |
Templeton Pool
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Website: https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/templeton-pool.aspx
Location: 700 Templeton Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 4N8, Canada
Contact: 604-718-6252
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 6:30 AM – 9:30 PM
- Friday: 6:30 AM – 8 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM – 7:30 PM
- Sunday: 2 PM – 7:30 PM
At Templeton Park Pool, you’ll find an indoor oasis that’s wheelchair accessible. Aside from its sauna, you can enjoy amenities like a slide, rope swing, and whirlpool.
Templeton Pool has a superior sauna compared to Britannia, although it doesn’t offer a steam room. The dry cedar sauna isn’t fancy, but it’s pretty affordable and works as well as the luxury ones on our list, albeit with less ambiance.
While you’re there, you might think that you’ll need space for a special occasion. If that’s the case, you can rent their activity room with a kitchen for birthdays or events.
| Pro Tip: For rates, adults aged 19-64 can opt for single passes at $7.41 or usage passes of 10 visits at $66.69. Flexipass options range from monthly ($59.95) to annual memberships ($517.97), catering to various needs and budgets. |
Art of Sauna
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Website: https://artofsauna.ca/
Location: 7818 6th St, Burnaby, BC V3N 4N8, Canada
Contact: 604-484-7944
Hours:
- Closed on Wednesday
- Thursday to Tuesday: 9 AM – 9 PM
At Art of Sauna, your experience is tailored with a selection of eight thermal rooms, each offering unique benefits. With full access to all eight rooms during your visit, you have the flexibility to choose the ones that best suit your preferences.
You can select from the diverse aromatherapy and mineral-infused heat of each room, allowing your body and mind to unwind fully.
Your $50 admission grants you a two-hour sauna session, complementing any treatment you choose. They do require reservations in advance just to guarantee your visit.
Now, let’s take a quick tour of our thermal rooms to give you an idea of what to expect. First off, the Himalayan Salt Room lets you relax in a room with salt bricks from ancient Himalayan mountains.
With the Turkish Hammam, you get to experience slow, deep body heating amidst white marble and stone kurnas. With the Traditional Sauna, you’ll enjoy rapid body heating in a classic sauna setting.
For the Dry Aroma, you’ll surely be delighted with their herbal scent therapy in this sauna. If Finnish Dry is more your style, then you can enhance your sauna experience with backlit Himalayan salt bricks.
For the steam rooms, you get to choose from three. When in the Eucalyptus Steam Room, you’ll feel more clearheaded as the essential oils work their magic.
With the Aroma Steam Room, you get to breathe in salt-infused steam for a healing effect on your respiratory system. And finally, the Roman Steam Room lets you step into history with a steam room inspired by ancient Roman baths.
| Pro Tip: We recommend spending ten minutes in one of their lower-temperature saunas to gently warm up before exploring further. Remember to stay hydrated throughout your session and take your time to cool down afterward. |
UBC Aquatic Centre
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Website: https://sportfacilities.ubc.ca/ubc-aquatic-centre/
Location: 6080 Student Union Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
Contact: 604-822-4501
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 6:30 AM – 8:30 PM
- Sunday: 7:30 AM – 8:30 PM
At the UBC Aquatic Centre, designed to serve campus, community, and competitive needs, you’ll find it’s made for athletic training, competitions, and leisure activities.
Amenities include a 34-person family-friendly hot tub with an accessibility lift, steam room, sauna, viewing decks, and spectator areas. The facility also features men’s, women’s, and universal change rooms, along with a meeting room and wet classroom.
The sauna, while not luxurious, offers practicality and comfort, although the temperature can vary, especially when the door is opened. Keep in mind that there’s a gap under the door that allows hot air to escape.
For those interested in a straightforward sauna experience at an affordable price of $6.75 per visit, membership packages starting at $61.00 for non-members of the UBC are available.
| Pro Tip: Remember, appropriate swimwear is required in the pool, whirlpool, sauna, and steam room, and street clothes are not permitted. Patrons requiring water diapers must also wear appropriate bathing attire over them. |
JJ Family Spa Plus
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Website: https://jjfamilyspa.com/
Location: 3000 Christmas Way, Coquitlam, BC V3C 2M2, Canada
Contact: 604-552-1048
Hours:
- Open daily from 9:30 AM – 9 PM
At JJ Family Spa, nestled away from the hustle and bustle, you’ll discover a traditional Korean spa experience. While it’s not prominently located, finding your way is part of the adventure.
Upon arrival, you’ll step through sliding doors, leaving your shoes behind or carrying them with you to keep them secure.
Visits are by appointment only, so be sure to call ahead, especially considering current restrictions. Upon making an appointment, you’ll receive texted instructions on what to bring, including towels, slippers, masks, and bathing suits.
Upon check-in, you’ll receive a key to the lockers and a change of clothes for the shared space. These clothes, although functional, prioritize utility over comfort.
Then, you’ll head to the gender-specific locker rooms to prepare for your spa experience.
The wet spa area is divided into spaces for men and women, featuring hot tubs, cold baths, steam saunas, and dry saunas. Each space offers unique benefits, such as cleansing pores, promoting healthy skin, and relieving muscle tension.
The Salt Room, Charcoal Room, Yellow Earth Room, and Ice Room provide additional therapeutic experiences, ranging from detoxification to relaxation. However, availability may vary, especially during peak times.
Their packages average around $115 for scrub and massage. But of course, you’re always free to check the services that fit your budget!
After enjoying the facilities, you’ll return to the changing area to freshen up in the traditional seated shower stalls before concluding your visit. Talk about getting de-stressed in the most traditional way!
| Pro Tip: As an add-on, massage and acupuncture services are available for an extra fee. However, it’s recommended to familiarize yourself with the amenities and flow of traffic before indulging in these services. |
– Media credit: scandinaveblue
Website: https://www.scandinave.com/whistler/
Location: 8010 Mons Rd, Whistler, BC V8E 1K7, Canada
Contact: 888-935-2423
Hours:
- Open daily from 10 AM – 9 PM
Let’s travel to tranquility at Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain, just minutes away
from Blue Mountain Resort and a mere two-hour drive north of Toronto.
Nestled within 25 acres of natural forest, this serene sanctuary offers the perfect escape from the chaos of daily life.
Upon arrival, you’ll receive a warm welcome and be guided through the check-in process, where you’ll receive towels and a locker key for your belongings. Robes are available for rental, adding to your comfort during your stay.
Once there, silence reigns supreme as phones are tucked away to ensure an uninterrupted relaxation experience. The bath circuit awaits, designed to help your body unwind and recharge.
You can start by indulging in the hot areas to detoxify and open your pores, followed by a refreshing plunge in cold water to close them. Depending on your chosen package, rates start from $110 and up.
Afterward, allow yourself to bask in a state of relaxation in one of the solariums or by the comforting glow of the fire. Many guests find themselves repeating this cycle several times, typically spending 2-3 hours in the baths.
| Pro Tip: Think about booking a massage to enhance your experience but make sure to do it in advance. To beat the crowds, especially during peak times like winter, holidays, and weekends, arrive early. |
