Questions, Answered
Everything people ask before a first session. If yours is not here, email the location you are visiting and we will answer within a business day.
Before You Arrive
How does it work?
Book online, bring two towels and a swimsuit, and arrive at the time of your booking. Staff walk you through the rest.
What do I bring?
Two towels. One that your whole body rests on in the sauna, feet included, and one for after the plunge. A swimsuit. That is it. If you forget a towel you can buy one from us, and we have electrolytes and tea on site.
What should I wear?
A swimsuit. Sessions are mixed and clothed, so wear whatever you would wear to swim.
When should I get there?
At the time of your booking, or a few minutes before. If the door is locked, the team is cleaning the space for you. We let guests in at the time of their booking.
Do I need any experience?
None. Most first-timers have never done a proper cold plunge before. Go at your own pace and get out of the cold whenever you want to.
The Sauna and the Plunge
How hot is the sauna?
Between 85 and 95°C, which is a traditional Finnish range. Throwing water on the stones raises the humidity and makes it feel hotter without changing the temperature much.
How long should I stay in?
Ten to fifteen minutes is where most people land for a round. Come out when you want to, not when a clock says so.
Where is the cold plunge?
Toronto: a cold plunge tub on the outdoor deck, a few steps from the sauna door.
Ottawa: an enclosed river plunge so you can get in comfortably, plus direct open water access to the Ottawa River.
Is this a boat?
Not quite. It is a floating sauna, which is to say a structure built on floats. It does not go anywhere.
Are there showers?
Toronto: cold water showers are available on site.
Ottawa: no showers at this location.
Booking and Policies
What does it cost?
Single sessions are $45. Multi-session passes bring that down to $34 a session, and new guests can get 3 sessions for $99. Full breakdown on the pricing page.
Community or private sessions?
Community sessions are open to the public and shared with other guests. A private session reserves the entire space for you, whether that is a date, a birthday or your team.
Plans changed, can I reschedule?
Cancel or reschedule at least 72 hours ahead for a credit or refund. Inside 72 hours the session is non-refundable, because the spot was held for you and nobody else could book it.
Is there an age limit?
Guests must be 18 or older for community sessions. For private sessions, children can attend accompanied by an adult who signs the waiver on their behalf.
What facilities are on site?
Your session includes the cedar sauna, the cold plunge, individual changerooms, a lounge space for between rounds, lockers and cubbies, and filtered water.
Towels, electrolytes and tea are available to buy if you forget something.
How is it cleaned?
The saunas run above 85°C, and the space is cleaned with biodegradable cleaners throughout the day between sessions.
How do I contact you?
Email ottawa@saunoa.ca or toronto@saunoa.ca depending on where you are headed. We answer within one business day.
Still Have a Question?
ottawa@saunoa.ca · toronto@saunoa.ca