A rising wellness trend is reshaping the nightlife scene in major Canadian cities. Imagine this: instead of the usual club setting, it’s 8 p.m. on a Wednesday with no alcohol but a sauna, a DJ, and a dance floor. This concept is known as a sauna rave, where attendees alternate between a cold plunge, hot sauna, and a lounge area that transitions into a dance floor with live music.
Miriam Rodriguez, attending a women-only event at PRML in Calgary, described the sauna rave experience as unique and a blend of holistic refreshment and enjoyment. The practice of hot-and-cold therapy, known for its health benefits such as promoting heart health, boosting energy levels, relieving muscle soreness, and reducing stress, has been practiced for centuries.
PRML, a contrast therapy facility affiliated with Rumble Boxing Studio, hosts sauna raves earlier in the evening, typically from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Since opening last June, PRML has started offering monthly sauna rave events. Participants like Kaili Hu mention attending for health benefits, wellness, and socializing with friends.
In Toronto, Othership arranges various social sauna events, including comedy nights and couples-only evenings. Periodically, Othership organizes larger, high-energy events in collaboration with Daybreaker, a global sober dance movement known for its alcohol-free daytime dance parties.
According to Makina Labrecque, the marketing manager at PRML, sauna raves attract a diverse crowd, predominantly aged between 30 and 45. The events aim to create a shared experience where people can connect without the need for food or drinks. Notably, sauna raves have also attracted celebrities like Melanie C of Spice Girls fame.
The sauna industry has been flourishing, as indicated by Jennifer Findlay, founder of Core Essence, a wellness design firm. She highlights the increasing interest in saunas due to the focus on performance and recovery among individuals. Businesses with saunas and cold plunges require less space, have lower startup costs, and need fewer staff compared to traditional spas.
Experts suggest that these sauna venues fulfill a crucial need for a “third space,” a social gathering spot outside of home and work. Saunas are becoming popular social hubs, replacing traditional meeting places like pubs. In addition to party atmospheres, spaces like PRML and Othership also offer quiet sessions and guided classes for individuals seeking relaxation and solitude.
Offline Wellness Club in Calgary offers a more laid-back approach, focusing on rest and recovery. Originally a running club, it has evolved into a community centered on disconnecting from technology and connecting with others in a sauna environment, providing a unique way to unwind and rejuvenate.
