If you have spent time in a hammam in Marrakech, a bathhouse in Istanbul, a therme in Baden-Baden, or a temazcal in Mexico City, you already know what that calm thing is. You may know contrast therapy as something mundane, built into how cities function, how bodies are maintained, how people recover and rest. If you’re visiting Vancouver, and want a reprieve from the noise and stimulation, you just might want to know where to find a sauna.

Bowen Island is a 20-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver. Once the ferry docks at Snug Cove, the currents of water, sea breeze,, birds, and forest take over. Mist Thermal Sanctuary is a private wood-fire sauna and cold plunge Bowen Island forest spa, next door to Nectar Yoga Retreat, and the best part is it’s close enough from the city to reach even outside of the weekend.