Why Backyard Saunas Are Taking Off in Vancouver (and How to Choose One)
A recent National Post feature on backyard wellness spaces caught our attention here at Crystalview. It looks at how Canadians are putting saunas, cold plunges and relaxation rooms into their yards, and how many of them use these spaces all year.
A few points from the article stood out. A luxury home designer says most of her firm's new homes now include a sauna. She and her husband, hockey star Connor McDavid, have one in each of their three homes. Their routine is simple: two short sessions in the heat, each followed by a quick cold dip, with phones left outside. Others in the piece describe the same pull, from Montreal to Yellowknife, where the sauna is a way to get through long winters.
That matches what we hear in our North Vancouver showroom. Vancouver's wet, grey months are a good reason to have somewhere warm to retreat to. Here are some options.
Cedar and a Local Feel: Visscher Luxe Line Sauna
The Visscher Luxe Line Sauna is built from 100% Western Red Cedar, so you notice the smell as soon as you step in. The 1.8 × 1.8 m (6×6 ft) cabin seats two to three, and the 9 kW heater reaches a true 90°C (194°F). It has a metal roof made for snow load, plus insulation and a vapour barrier between the wood layers to help it hold heat. We sell and service Visscher products in Metro Vancouver, so you get local support.
The Traditional Nordic Feel: Hekla Saunas
The Hekla Traditional 160 Scandi has a thermo-aspen interior and a Harvia Cilindro 9 kW heater with digital control. Pour water on the stones for steam, or keep it dry. For the backyard, the Hekla Mini Cabin seats two to four and has a full-height glass front. You can sit in the heat and look out at the trees and the North Shore light.
Short on Space? Try Infrared
The Hekla Infrared 100 is a compact one-person full-spectrum infrared sauna. It works at gentler air temperatures and suits daily use or post-workout recovery.
Add the Cold: Kodiak Cold Plunge
The Kodiak by Jacuzzi Cold Plunge cools to 4°C (40°F) and also heats to 40°C (104°F), so you can use it year round, indoors or out. It's a plug-and-play way to add the cold half of the routine.
Delivery Across Metro Vancouver
We can help arrange delivery in Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Port Moody, Langley, Surrey, White Rock and surrounding communities. Call us to talk through your yard, power needs and timing.
Visit Our North Vancouver Showroom
Come see the saunas in person at Crystalview Pool, Spa & Patio, 104 Philip Ave, North Vancouver. Call 604-985-0057 or email ideas@crystalview.ca. We're open Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm, and Saturday 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Saunas are best enjoyed in moderation with plenty of hydration. If you are pregnant or have a health condition, check with a healthcare professional first.