Sweat is sweet. Earlier this week at Kitsilano Community Centre, I learned about three other great public saunas in the area. Oldest on the list - Hastings Steam and Sauna located on E. Hastings since 1926. Maybe a bit of a splurge, it costs $20.00 for 90 minutes. A touch of luxury, your own private sauna, includes sheets and towels. Clean and private.
Next a thirty minute drive from Vancouver, Tsawwassen Community Centre sauna costs $3.50 entrance fee. A community vibe, locals come and talk about anything ranging from politics to eating spots. Non-stop talk.
Next, Hillcrest Community Centre built for the Olympics. The facility houses a sauna, steam and whirlpool. Expect no privacy at this beautiful facility, people come in droves. Your entrance fee costs less than $6.00. Entrance includes aerobic swimming classes, jump in.
Sometimes I skip the workout and go directly to the sauna. My current favourite Kitsilano Community Centre. Quiet. Regulars abound, chatty newcomers are glared into submission unless they’re talking about saunas.
I was at the steam bath on Hastings about 20 years ago, gulp. Glad to hear it still exists. It's back on my to-do list.
ReplyDeleteHillcrest is shiny and new. Still working out the kinks, like the metal door handle on the inside of the sauna - ouch!