The qathet region has much to offer when it comes to outdoor activities, such as hiking and kayaking. Imagine, if after that winter hike or strenuous paddle, there was a place to relax and take care of inner well-being, like a floating sauna on a lake.
After winning a $3,000 Sunshine Coast Spark Tourism Innovation Grant, qathet resident Ryan Barfoot is planning, designing and developing a project called Lake Haven Sauna: Wellness on the Water; the first floating sauna experience in the region.
"This project is about more than just saunas," said Barfoot. "It’s about supporting the health and wellness of both visitors and our local community, fostering deeper connections to nature and strengthening community bonds."
A few years ago, Barfoot and his family started Orca Saunas, which delivers portable saunas to homes, cabins and campsites. But now, with the seed money and extra motivation from winning the award, he wants to take sauna culture in qathet to the next level.
"We envision this as a destination experience for wellness seekers, outdoor adventurers and visitors exploring the Sunshine Coast, as well as a community hub for local residents to gather, unwind and connect," said Barfoot. "The sauna's design will feature a large window and direct lake access for cold plunges."
Ideally, Barfoot would like to situate the sauna on Powell Lake, which makes sense, since hikers travelling the Sunshine Coast Trail, paddlers on the lake or visiting tourists might welcome a sauna session after their outdoor adventures. There is already interest in the sauna from the Suncoast Paddling Club, whose members meet regularly on the lake to train, indicated Barfoot.
"I'm very thankful that there's sort of recognition and the idea is seen to have some merits," Barfoot said about the grant. "I'm also aware of a lot of work that needs to be done to make this come to fruition."
Currently, in North America, sweating it out, then cold plunging, and then repeating, has become trendy, but its origins reach back to the Bronze Age in Europe, and Indigenous cultures in Mexico and North America.
"There's a long tradition [of sauna culture] around the world, so this is nothing really new," said Barfoot. "It's an old tradition that's expressed itself in so many different, marvelous ways. But my question is always, ‘how do we move this forward in a good way, respecting traditions, but also respecting the contemporary cultural context as well?'"
Over the years, Barfoot has facilitated students in the LEAP and CMA programs (qathet School District outdoor learning programs) to work with [Tla'amin Nation] elder John Louie to experience the sweat lodge.
"This is a connection that has deeply influenced this project’s values as well," said Barfoot. "We respectfully honour and recognize the cross-cultural relationship between water, heat and ceremony. I'm intrigued how these traditions have evolved in so many unique and beautiful ways, including with these people in this place."
Barfoot said there is increasing research on both the mental and physical health benefits of sauna use, including stress relief, improved circulation and support for chronic pain and mental well-being.
"We see the benefits of this project extending far beyond tourism," said Barfoot. "It’s an opportunity to contribute to community wellness and provide a space where people can slow down, connect and restore balance in their lives."
Barfoot said community input, collaborations and support are welcome as the project is refined.
"We invite local businesses, tourism operators, wellness practitioners and advocates, and community members to help shape this one-of-a-kind experience," he added.
For more information, go to orcasaunas.com.
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