Sauna culture wins converts as mobile businesses bring the heat to them
The article explores the rise of lakeside sauna culture in Toronto, focusing on Sedar Sauna-a mobile, wood-fired sauna parked on the city’s waterfront each weekend. Groups of people, including a regular women’s group called the EndorFINS, gather early in the morning to plunge into the icy waters of Lake Ontario before warming up in the sauna. Participants describe the ritual of alternating between cold lake dips and intense sauna heat as both physically invigorating and emotionally uplifting, citing benefits such as improved circulation, relief from aches and pains, mood boosts, and a sense of community.
The Sedar Sauna, created from a repurposed tool shed after a tornado, was launched by Matt van Steenburgh and Jason Wong, who now host pay-what-you-can sessions that quickly fill up. The practice draws inspiration from longstanding Finnish and Nordic traditions, but also connects to other global bathing cultures, such as Russian banyas and Korean jjimjilbangs. The article highlights how this communal ritual helps people manage stress, grief, and the challenges of urban life, fostering resilience, camaraderie, and joy even in the depths of winter.
Across Canada, sauna and cold plunge culture is growing, with public and private saunas appearing from Thunder Bay to Nova Scotia. For many, the practice is not just about health, but about embracing the seasons, connecting with others, and finding moments of awe and renewal in everyday life.
The article explores the rise of lakeside sauna culture in Toronto, focusing on Sedar Sauna-a mobile, wood-fired sauna parked on the city’s waterfront each weekend. Groups of people, including a regular women’s group called the EndorFINS, gather early in the morning to plunge into the icy waters of Lake Ontario before warming up in the sauna. Participants describe the ritual of alternating between cold lake dips and intense sauna heat as both physically invigorating and emotionally uplifting, citing benefits such as improved circulation, relief from aches and pains, mood boosts, and a sense of community.
The Sedar Sauna, created from a repurposed tool shed after a tornado, was launched by Matt van Steenburgh and Jason Wong, who now host pay-what-you-can sessions that quickly fill up. The practice draws inspiration from longstanding Finnish and Nordic traditions, but also connects to other global bathing cultures, such as Russian banyas and Korean jjimjilbangs. The article highlights how this communal ritual helps people manage stress, grief, and the challenges of urban life, fostering resilience, camaraderie, and joy even in the depths of winter.
Across Canada, sauna and cold plunge culture is growing, with public and private saunas appearing from Thunder Bay to Nova Scotia. For many, the practice is not just about health, but about embracing the seasons, connecting with others, and finding moments of awe and renewal in everyday life.
Beach’s Sedar Sauna welcomed by community members
Sedar Sauna has quickly become a valued part of Toronto’s Beach community, evolving from a personal project into a communal hub. Founders Matt and Jason started by bringing their mobile cedar sauna to local events, which soon attracted cold water swimmers and neighbors seeking connection and wellness.
They designed Sedar Sauna to be inclusive, inspired by many Nordic traditions, making it accessible to everyone. This approach has fostered equality and new friendships among participants. The founders maintain close ties with local residents, receiving positive feedback for creating a welcoming and respectful space.
More than just a wellness activity, Sedar Sauna has become a place for meaningful conversations and community bonding, reflecting the founders’ belief in the power of shared experiences to unite people.
…….“We are trying to mimic what sauna culture looks like in countries like Finland. There, cold plunges, rolling in the snow, and sauna practice are an acceptable habit, and often a daily ritual for many people,” he said. “Sauna is accessible and affordable. We’re passionate about the physiological, health and societal benefits that people experience. We can already see how our community benefits from sauna practice, and how much society needs it.”
Matt observed that something remarkable happens in the sauna. “Sitting in this space, stripped down to your swimwear, it really doesn’t matter who you are. Going from cold to hot is a difficult experience for everyone. There’s something bonding about it.”
The people of Finland treat the sauna as a gathering place where equality is understood. Sedar Sauna manifests this also. Both Jason and Matt have seen another level of conversation and connection happening at the sauna……..