Revitalizing the Spirit: The Sedar Sauna Experience in Toronto

On a chilly Saturday morning in Toronto’s Beaches neighborhood, a striking black wooden hut known as Sedar Sauna emits wisps of steam. As winter clings on, a lively group of women clad in swimsuits, waterproof parkas, toques, mitts, and neoprene booties arrive at the beach, creating an air of excitement and camaraderie.

Embracing the Cold

At 8:30 a.m., the beach is serene and empty. With laughter and shouts of joy, the women remove their outer layers, link arms, and enter the frigid waters of Lake Ontario, which sits at a brisk 3°C. They revel in the icy embrace, emerging exhilarated with rosy cheeks, ready to transition into warmth.

A Journey of Hot and Cold

After their refreshing plunge, the women retreat to the wood-fired sauna, where temperatures range from 90°C to 110°C. This ritual of alternating between hot and cold not only invigorates the body but also fosters a sense of community. Kristen Roderick, a regular participant, remarks, “There’s something profoundly rewarding about this rotation of heat and cold. It brings us together.”

Sedar Sauna: A Community Hub

Launched by Matt van Steenburgh and Jason Wong, the Sedar Sauna has grown into a popular attraction over the past two winters, serving fans of this rejuvenating experience. Their 10-person sauna is stationed at various locations along Lake Ontario, with a system that allows participants to pay what they can. The sessions fill quickly, with over 850 bookings made in just three months.

The Benefits of Contrast Bathing

Participants flock to the sauna for various reasons, ranging from health benefits like improved circulation and pain relief to emotional wellness. Roderick has found relief from anxiety linked to menopause through this practice. With each dip in the lake followed by sauna warmth, individuals report increased dopamine levels, leading to a natural high and a sense of connection.

A Resilient Community

Beyond the physical benefits, Sedar Sauna has fostered a community spirit. Individuals have shared their personal journeys, using this ritual as a method of coping with life’s challenges. Mothers find moments of respite from parenting, while others use the experience to reset after demanding workweeks. The bond among participants deepens as they share in the thrill of braving the cold together.

Embracing Nordic Traditions in Canada

Sauna practices are not unique to Toronto; they resonate across Canada, especially among Finnish communities. From Winnipeg’s cedar barrel saunas to Nova Scotia’s glassed-in Finnish saunas, cold immersion and sauna culture is gaining traction nationwide. These traditions emphasize simple, effective wellness, encouraging a connection with nature and the blending of social and self-care rituals.

The Future of Sedar Sauna

As interest continues to grow, van Steenburgh and Wong are exploring opportunities to expand their operation, making saunas accessible along Toronto’s waterfront year-round. Their journey reflects not just an entrepreneurial venture but a revival of societal connections in our fast-paced lives. By melding tradition with modern community needs, Sedar Sauna offers a sanctuary for those seeking wellness through shared experiences.