Vancouver is a city known for its diverse wellness offerings, and when it comes to hot and cold therapy, there is no shortage of options. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious spa experience in the heart of downtown Vancouver or a tranquil wellness retreat nestled in the surrounding mountains, you can find a variety of establishments that cater to different preferences and budgets. In this vibrant city where hot and cold therapy is embraced as an essential element of well-being, we’ll explore some of Vancouver’s top spots for these transformative experiences.
Hot and Cold therapy (contrast therapy) involves alternating between exposure to high heat and cold water, usually between a hot sauna and an ice bath tub. Cold plunging after the sauna is nothing new. Scandinavian countries have been practicing this for hundreds of years. In the right conditions, putting your body through a heat shock, then a cold shock can unlock several health benefits, including muscle relaxation and relief from arthritic symptoms, inflammation, and even hypertension.
Discover a local array of hot and cold therapy havens in 2023 with our curated list of Greater Vancouver spas, where you can passively sweat, unwind, and embrace the unique experiences each gem has to offer. Check out our interactive map below.
Map of Hold and Cold therapy places around Vancouver:
Float House – Infrared Sauna and Cold Plunge
For those in search of a unique hot and cold therapy experience, Float House offers an infrared sauna and cold plunge combo. Infrared saunas provide a gentle yet effective heat, promoting relaxation and detoxification. The cold plunge afterward adds a refreshing and invigorating element to the experience. Perfect for those looking to rejuvenate both body and mind.
Location – 70 W Cordova St, Vancouver
Cold feature – Cold plunge tub
Hot feature – Infrared sauna
Session time – 60 min
Session cost – $75
Discover more about Float House Hot and Cold Therapy and stay updated on their latest news by following them on Instagram.
Art of Sauna – Various Saunas and Cold Bucket
Art of Sauna takes relaxation to new heights, offering 8 different saunas inspired by traditions from Europe to the Middle East. They also have a special bucket shower – a blast of cold water after the sauna’s heat. It might sound intense, but it’s a memorable experience that blends ancient traditions with modern wellness. Step in, pull the string, and feel the revitalizing power.
Location – 7818 6th Street, Burnaby
Cold feature – Cold bucket plunge
Hot feature – Sauna/Steam
Session time – 2 hours
Session cost – $50
Discover more about Art of Sauna Hot and Cold Therapy and stay updated on their latest news by following them on Instagram.
The Cove Sport Recovery in West Vancouver
Dive into the rejuvenating world of hot and cold therapy at The Cove Sports Recovery for just $30. Enjoy a 30-45 minute session guided by knowledgeable staff through a tailored Hot + Cold plunge protocol. Experience the benefits of cold plunges, scientifically proven to reduce muscle soreness and inflammation, followed by the soothing warmth of a carefully regulated hot water plunge. The four-round protocol ensures optimal results, concluding with a relaxing 5-minute hot plunge. Cool down and unwind with complimentary access to Theraguns, Vibrating Rollers, and Trigger Balls for a blissful post-plunge massage experience.
Sessions are suitable for people from all backgrounds, not just athletes. So, whether you’re a dedicated sporting participant, weekend warrior, suffering from a medical condition or just looking to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle, they’ve got you covered.
Location – 1497 Marine Drive, Suite 201, West Vancouver
Cold feature – cold tubs
Hot feature – hot tubs
Session time – 30-45 min
Session cost – $30
Discover more about The Cove Sports Recovery and stay updated on their latest news by following them on Instagram.
JJ Spa – authentic Korean sauna with small cold pool and ice room
Nestled in Coquitlam, BC, JJ Family Spa offers a haven of tranquility with its Korean-style bathhouse and sauna with gender separated and coed areas. Both sides will provide you with a deadly array of awesome rooms offering of Earth room, Charcoal room, Salt room, Saunas, Hot and cold tubs (Jacuzzi), and shower facilities.
JJ Spa sets itself apart with a unique cold therapy experience featuring a small cold pool, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional cold plunges. Additionally, the bonus Ice room complements the hot rooms, contracting blood vessels, closing pores, and protecting skin from dryness. This two-fold approach provides a holistic spa day where you can seamlessly alternate between the warmth of saunas and the invigorating chill of cold therapy, ensuring a mindful and rejuvenating experience for your overall healing and well-being.
Location – 3000 Christmas Way, Coquitlam
Cold feature – cold tubs & cool ice room
Hot feature – Sauna, steam room and hot tubs
Session time – 3 hours
Session cost – $25
Discover more about JJ Spa Hot and Cold therapy and stay updated on their latest news by following them on Instagram.
Tality Spa – Secret Spa hidden in an industrial oasis
Tality Spa Secret is at the forefront of shaping Vancouver’s hot-cold culture, introducing a wood-fired sauna in a trailer and on-tap kombucha. Nestled in a discreet industrial haven, this outdoor spa boasts authentic wood-burning sauna, rejuvenating cold plunges, and a serene lounge area. With towels, robes, flops, and complimentary kombucha, it’s a shared experience with wonderful people. This Secret Spa prioritizes functionality for a seamless routine of hot-cold cycling, providing consistently cold submersion tubs, a unique offering in the city.
Location – 1481 Dominion St, North Vancouver,
Cold feature – 2 Ice plunges & 2 Ambient plunges
Hot feature – wood-burning sauna
Session time – 115 min
Session cost – $45
Tality Spa Shipyards
Tality Spa Shipyards – a modern upgrade from the backyard alleyway setup they started from, this location comes equipped with state of the art cold plunges with built in filtration, ozone sanitation, and chilling capacity, a large 25-person traditional electric sauna, an ice machine for extra fun, and a heated patio.
Location – Unit 240 – 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Cold feature – 2 Ice plunges & 2 Ambient plunges
Hot feature – electric sauna
Session time – 115 min
Session cost – $45
Discover more about Tality Spa Hot and Cold Therapy and stay updated on their latest news by following them on Instagram.
Circle Wellness Spas – Private Infrared Sauna and Cold Tub on Granville Island
Located on Granville Island, Circle Wellness Spas provide private sessions with infrared saunas and cold tubs. This intimate setting allows for a personalized experience, catering to individuals seeking tranquility and relaxation in the heart of the city.
Don’t feel like leaving the city? Look no further than Circle Wellness. The self-guided spa follows classic Nordic hydrotherapy with its cold plunge bath, Himalayan salt sauna, natural cedar soaking tub, and a hot stone area to relax. Circle Wellness promises an outdoor oasis right inside the heart of Vancouver’s bustling city life. Spa seekers are able to book a highly coveted, private 2.5 hour spot to unwind, utilizing all of Circle Wellness’s amenities without the hindrance of sharing the space with anyone else.
Location – 1297 Johnston St, Vancouver
Cold feature – Cold plunge tub
Hot feature – Infrared sauna
Session time – 90 min
Session cost – $219+
Discover more about Circle Wellness Hot and Cold Therapy and stay updated on their latest news by following them on Instagram.
Salt Chuck Sauna and Spa offers a unique wood burning sauna experience in a rustic outdoor setting.
Located in Beautiful South Surrey-White Rock this escape provides a much needed break from the hustle and bustle of city living. This one-of-a-kind wellness journey that combines the comforting warmth of a sauna with the exhilarating coolness of a cold plunge. These temperature contrasts create a holistic approach to rejuvenation, benefiting your body, mind, and spirit. There is no better way to reset than experiencing hot/cold therapy in a setting like this.
Location – 168th St & 21st Ave, Surrey
Cold feature – Ice bath
Hot feature – Wood burning, cedar barrel sauna
Session time – 2 hour
Session cost – $39
Discover more about Salt Chuck Sauna Hot and Cold Therapy and stay updated on their latest news by following them on Instagram.
Wellness Den in a beautiful natural farm setting
In 2022, Natasha and Tyrell got a wood-burning sauna and cold plunge to feel better every day. This routine really helped boost their energy, reduce stress, and make them happier. Now, they want to share these good feelings at The Wellness Den on their farm. They’ve created a place where you can enjoy the benefits of cold exposure and wood-burning saunas, surrounded by nature. If you’re new to this, Tyrell offers a workshop to learn daily wellness practices. Join for a workshop or make it part of your weekly routine with our drop-in sessions. When you visit, Tyrell and Natasha, the hosts, will greet you. They farm around The Wellness Den, and the crops are used in The Rabbit Hole Wellness Product line, adding to your sauna and relaxation experience. Each session comes with robes, cozy areas, drinks, and freshly baked cookies.
Location – Langley
Cold feature – Cold plunge tubs
Hot feature – wood-burning sauna
Session time – 2.5 hours
Session cost – $45
Discover more about Wellness Den Hot and Cold Therapy and stay updated on their latest news by following them on Instagram.
Sea2Sky Wellness Japanese style hot/cold therapy room
From the moment you walk in into our Japanese style hot/cold therapy room, it encourages mindfulness and relaxation. You will immediately notice the serene and tranquil ambiance. Designed with minimalistic décor and natural elements such wood, stone, and crystals; the interior space creates a harmonious connection with nature. The centerpiece of a Japanese style therapy room is an infrared sauna and an ice bath. It’s an opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life, immerse yourself in a flow, and find harmony and balance within yourself.
Location – 428 Columbia Street, New Westminster
Cold feature – Cold plunge tub
Hot feature – Infrared sauna
Session time – 60 min
Session cost – $75
Discover more about Sea2Sky Wellness Club Hot and Cold Therapy and stay updated on their latest news by following them on Instagram.
The Nordic Spa at Fairmont Pacific Rim
Experience Vancouver’s newest wellness retreat. Self-guided outdoor thermal spa offers an immersive healing experience that encompasses the essence of the west coast. Located on the hotel’s sixth floor outdoor pool deck, journey through extreme temperatures by soaking in one of two cold plunges and finding solace in the cedar plank sauna where you can stretch and sweat. Be gently reintroduced into reality in heated relaxation areas while draped in cozy robes and slippers, and nourish yourself with a delicious menu of seasonal and local dishes.
Location – 1038 Canada Place, Vancouver
Cold feature – Two cold plunges
Hot feature – Infrared and dry saunas, steam rooms
Session time – three hour experience
Session cost – $148
Discover more about The Nordic Spa Hot and Cold Therapy and stay updated on their latest news by following them on Instagram.
In Vancouver, the options for hot and cold therapy are as diverse as the city itself. From budget-friendly community centers to luxurious spa retreats, there’s a perfect spot for every preference and budget. Whether you’re a local seeking a quick escape or a visitor looking to experience Vancouver’s wellness scene, these establishments offer a unique and rejuvenating journey into the world of hot and cold therapy.
And if you’re ready to enhance your hot and cold therapy experience, explore a range of Sauna hat options on Amazon. Wearing a personal sauna hat not only enhances your comfort during sessions but also regulates body temperature, optimizing the therapeutic benefits of your hot and cold therapy. And for the sauna lover in your life, consider gifting them a certificate to one of the listed saunas above along with a fun sauna hat – a perfect blend of relaxation and style.
