Tianna ClarkeWhen I felt like my frozen shoulders weren’t feeling any better, I just knew I had to book that far infrared sauna session. After all, my friend kept raving about getting quality sleep after just a couple of trips to the sauna center.
And since this type of sauna is way gentler than its counterpart, we were able to commit to it at least three times a week. We tried the best ones we found in Vancouver, and we were happy to have a different (but great) experience from each one of them.
So if you’re curious about trying it, or just want to incorporate something new to your wellness routine, here’s a list of the top infrared sauna centers we’ve tried in the city!
How much does a far infrared sauna session cost in Vancouver?
In Vancouver, a 15-minute far infrared sauna session may cost you around $17. While a 30-minute session may cost around $32.
How we chose:
- Ambiance: We considered sauna centers or spas with great ambiance, from the lobby to the sauna rooms. It’s important for us that the sauna center provides a calming space, ensuring relaxation to its customers.
- Cleanliness: We assessed if the sauna center keeps the sauna rooms clean and sanitized. We also asked if they keep good air quality inside the center.
- Temperature control: Since we have different heat tolerance levels, we checked if customers can adjust the temperature, including the length of each session.
We also checked if clients can choose their preferred lighting, including the music.
- Privacy: We included spas and sauna centers that offer an exclusive wellness treatment through their private sauna rooms.
1. Float House Vancouver
Consumer Rating: B+
| Google reviews score | 4.8/5 |
| Total reviews | 5/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Ambiance | 4.8/5 |
| Comfortable amenities | 4.8/5 |
| Calming scent | 4.8/5 |
| Cleanliness | 4.9/5 |
| Sanitation in between sessions | 4.9/5 |
| Frequent facility maintenance | 4.9/5 |
| Temperature control | 4.8/5 |
| Privacy | 5/5 |
What we loved about Float House Vancouver is that you can enjoy the benefits of the hot far infrared sauna and dip to a cold tub afterwards.
If it’s your first time, don’t worry, as their staff will carefully explain the process so you can understand how everything works.
You’ll love that they prepare the room before you enter, ensuring they keep the rooms clean and sanitized after every use.
Rooms are a bit tiny though, not to mention that there’s total darkness in the room. So for our claustrophobic readers out there, you may have to find another far infrared sauna center if you prefer a spacious one.
Additionally, the 40-minute standard session felt a bit short. A 75-minute far infrared sauna experience would’ve been better.
Nonetheless, we still enjoyed our own little space, with no one wandering around us while we were having a relaxing moment. The amount of heat was also just right for us, so we weren’t worried about getting a ‘Final Destination’ moment at Float House.
You also don’t need to bring your own toiletries as they provide everything here, from towels down to the shampoo and conditioner. We noticed that our hair smelled great until the next day, so make sure to try those during your visit.
And oh, don’t forget to grab your free tea and relax in their lounge for a bit after your infrared sauna session.
Instantly felt comfortable
“Recently tried the 90-minute sensory deprivation tank at Float House, and it was such a unique and relaxing experience! From the moment I walked in, the staff made me feel welcome and comfortable. Courtlen was amazing—he introduced me and my friend to the space, explained how everything worked, and answered all our questions. His warm and professional demeanor really set the tone for a stress-free experience. After the float, Kyle took care of the cleanup and was super friendly and attentive. The whole team made the process seamless and enjoyable. As for the float itself, it was incredibly calming. The tank was clean, and the water was perfectly warm. I loved how quiet and peaceful it felt—it was like a reset for my mind and body. After the session, I used the post-float shampoo and conditioner, which smelled amazing! The conditioner worked well, but as someone with Asian hair, I think I’ll follow up with a hair mask next time for extra hydration. Overall, I highly recommend Float House for anyone looking to unwind and try something new. The staff, the environment, and the experience itself were all top-notch. I’ll definitely be back!
Annika Chan, Google Review
Quiet and relaxing space
“The lively city is enhanced with this oasis of calm inside Float House Vancouver. Clean, quiet facilities run by thoughtful and caring people. The ability to add a +1 to a private sauna experience easily and linger for tea after a float is exemplary of the philosophy of Float House Vancouver.”
Thalia Rossitter, Google Review
2. Gatherwell Sauna and Cold Plunge
Consumer Rating: B+
| Google reviews score | 4.9/5 |
| Total reviews | 5/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Ambiance | 4.5/5 |
| Comfortable amenities | 4.5/5 |
| Calming scent | 4.5/5 |
| Cleanliness | 4.5/5 |
| Sanitation in between sessions | 4.5/5 |
| Frequent facility maintenance | 4.5/5 |
| Temperature control | 4.8/5 |
| Privacy | 4/5 |
We’ve been to Gatherwell Sauna and Cold Plunge for more than five times, and we love it here since we can also enjoy our time in their sauna and take cold plunges soon after. Even better, we can set our tubs to a temperature we’re most comfortable with.
They don’t provide robes here, so make sure to bring one. But in case you forgot, the wooden seats aren’t too hot–they just have the right amount of warmth, so no need to worry about getting your butts fried even without wearing a robe.
You can also consider celebrating your birthday here, or maybe your bridal shower here! You can even book a private session with your small group of friends for a different (and relaxing) kind of party.
But if you’re open to meeting their community, you’ll love that their patrons are welcoming enough. They won’t judge you if it’s your first time, they’ll make sure to respect your space and practice, making them a great choice for beginners.
Well, now that we think about it, maybe it was really the warm atmosphere and the supportive community that kept us coming back for more.
It’s also an outdoor setup, so expect to see a tent setup. It actually feels like you were out on a camping trip—with an extra sauna and cold plunge provision for you!
Just totally avoid sending them an email if you want to reserve a spot. We recommend calling them instead for that instant confirmation.
Offers a guided session
“What an amazing experience. To start the space is so thoughtful and a secret gem tucked away in an unexpected place. From the small details like snowballs, essential oils, and tea you really feel the spa experience. The tubs are beautiful and there are temperature options for everyone, with a beautiful cedar sauna the whole thing feels very much like an oasis. I have been several times and tried my first guided session with Jade, she did a wonderful job facilitating community and helping guide our time there thoughtfully. Will be returning, for $40 it is truly a steal. Very good price for what you get and a wonderful job at creating an inviting space.”
Guess G, Google Review
Feels very exclusive and private
“Gatherwell is a special place. It felt very secluded and the facilities were high quality and well maintained. Better yet, the community-feel of the space was equally as great. We’ll be back for sure.”
Cole Glover, Google Review
3. Halsa Float Spa
Consumer Rating: B+
| Google reviews score | 4.8/5 |
| Total reviews | 5/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Ambiance | 4.5/5 |
| Comfortable amenities | 4.5/5 |
| Calming scent | 4.5/5 |
| Cleanliness | 4.7/5 |
| Sanitation in between sessions | 4.7/5 |
| Frequent facility maintenance | 4.7/5 |
| Temperature control | 4.6/5 |
| Privacy | 4.6/5 |
Getting our far infrared sauna sessions at Halsa Float Spa has been our monthly routine. What we liked most about this sauna center is that they give us an electrolyte drink before entering their sauna rooms.
We recommend combining your sauna experience with a 90-minute massage and a float session. It’s a great treatment, especially if you really need to lose muscle tension.
The float part makes it more interesting as you get to literally float in a completely dark room. There are two types of pods you can choose from, which will totally depend on how you want to control your listening experience.
Meanwhile, for the infrared sauna, they only allow a maximum of two people, so make sure to schedule your visit to avoid any inconvenience. So yes, while walk-ins can be accommodated from time to time, it would still be best to reserve your spot.
Aside from the far infrared sauna and float experience, you can also avail their other treatments and services such as reiki, holistic hybrid facial, and reflexology.
There’s also a guest area where you can stay for a bit after getting your treatments. Just remember to keep your voices low as most of the people staying in the lounge just want to continue with their zen state before facing the real world again!
Spacious and calming space
“This place is a GEM!💎 Beautiful, calming space. Super spacious float tanks. If you want to float like a starfish go to Halsa 🌟 I’ve floated over 700 times in various float centres and I also work in the industry in another province. This is definitely one of the best float spaces I’ve been to. Prepare to feel held and cared for, from the moment you walk through the door, all the way to the end… For those interested in sensory deprivation this place has the experience completely dialed in. The water is set to a comfortable/neutral temperature. The tank has no light leaks, and is quiet enough to hear the heart beat rather quickly.. there are buttons inside for music/light options if needed. The water is a touch shallower than I’m used to, but that actually caused me to get WAY more still in there, helping me to go ‘deeper’. I went in there with super sore calves, coming out they feel so much better! Thank you!!! If you’re thinking about going for a float in Vancouver this is the place! You won’t regret it.”
Misha Lee, Google Review
Attentive and welcoming staff
“Hälsa Spa & Massage is truly a gem! The atmosphere is serene and relaxing, and the staff is professional, skilled, and attentive. From the moment you walk in, you feel welcomed and cared for. The massage was absolutely rejuvenating—perfect for unwinding and relieving stress. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a top-notch spa experience!”
Ali Shamkhali, Google Review
4. Tality Wellness Shipyards
Consumer Rating: B+
| Google reviews score | 4.9/5 |
| Total reviews | 5/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B
| Ambiance | 4/5 |
| Comfortable amenities | 4/5 |
| Calming scent | 4/5 |
| Cleanliness | 4/5 |
| Sanitation in between sessions | 4/5 |
| Frequent facility maintenance | 4/5 |
| Temperature control | 4.5/5 |
| Privacy | 4/5 |
After doing a very stressful project, one of our colleagues recommended Tality Wellness at the Shipyards, and we’re honestly glad that we did.
The moment we walked in, we immediately felt welcomed. The place isn’t intimidating, so if you haven’t tried far infrared saunas and cold baths, then you will definitely appreciate the place too.
Unlike their cold plunges, their far infrared sauna is set up in a private room. Here, you can relax in a cozy and quiet environment.
It’s great that we also got to control the lighting and the temperature during our initial session. We suggest letting them control the music first, so you can focus on your relaxation.
And if it’s your first time, you can ask their staff for their guided breathwork sessions, so you can familiarize yourself with the program. They made sure to explain everything without making us feel like newbies.
You’ll also love the different essential oils available here at Tality. Make sure to smell each one so you can choose the best for you.
Our most favorite part was the cold eucalyptus towels that were handed to us after our session. You can also choose between warm water or tea, which you can consume at their lounge.
There’s even a kombucha on tap, which we find very refreshing!
Convenient location
“Absolutely the best cold plunge spot in the city!
Immaculately clean, well-organized, and the staff go above and beyond to make you feel welcome. The location is perfect—easy to get to and beautifully set up. If you’re looking for a premium cold plunge experience, this is the place. Highly recommend!”
Ren Yoshima, Google Review
Has a great outdoor space
“This is an awesome spa experience!! My two friends and I had an amazing time chatting, cold plunging and being in the sauna. The tasty kombucha and lovely outdoor space is a bonus. We will be back!”
Summer Williams, Google Review
5. Hastings Spa Reflexology
Consumer Rating: B+
| Google reviews score | 4.7/5 |
| Total reviews | 5/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Ambiance | 4.5/5 |
| Comfortable amenities | 4.5/5 |
| Calming scent | 4.5/5 |
| Cleanliness | 4/5 |
| Sanitation in between sessions | 4/5 |
| Frequent facility maintenance | 4/5 |
| Temperature control | 4/5 |
| Privacy | 4.5/5 |
If you happen to walk along Hastings Street, you probably wouldn’t miss Hastings Spa Reflexology. We honestly pass by their spa almost every day, but didn’t consider visiting until our shoulders felt too stiff.
Since it was our first time visiting the place, Coy, the receptionist, took the time to show us around the facility. After seeing the massage rooms, we immediately booked a couple’s body massage, including their far infrared sauna and spa.
Yes, they accommodate walk-ins, so if your day suddenly frees up, you can consider a two-hour pamper session here.
While the facade looks outdated, we’re surprised that they kept the entire place spotless. The massage rooms and showers were cleaned and sanitized, and they even smelled great.
They also have a small vanity nook if you need to blow dry your hair or do your makeup after the session.
We started with a 90-minute infrared sauna. We immediately felt like our muscles were starting to relax after ten minutes of staying in the sauna room.
They’ll hand you a water and a towel, and will make sure you’re comfortable before leaving you inside the room.
And if your back’s killing you, we suggest trying their reflexology back massage soon after your infrared sauna session. We were surprised that the specialist knew the target areas that needed attention, even without pointing them out.
However, we find the neighborhood a bit sketchy. So make sure to just park close to the store if you’re planning to visit this sauna center.
Provides bath essentials
“It was my first experience in a sauna & I really liked it.
We ordered room #5 because it was only 2 of us. The setting is very private, so you don’t feel anxious about strangers if you’re an introvert as me.
They provide you with tools & essentials like towels, shampoo, soap & conditioner.
In our case we didn’t use the lockers, however you can see the bracelets in the reception. Even if the location might be a little discouraging, the establishment is really nice 👍”
Hope, Google Review
Convenient online booking
“My partner and I had a wonderful time at the Hastings Spa Reflexology Sauna. From the online booking, front desk service, exceptional reflexology practitioners and the incredible sauna and facilities we could not have been happier with the experience and the value. Chu and his team are excellent service providers, friendly, professional, helpful and welcoming. Highly recommend!”
Keeley Nixon, Google Review
