Vancouver has a new place for cold plunging with the largest sauna in the city

Kolm Kontrast is the newest addition to Vancouver’s cold plunging scene, providing a relaxing space for guests to unwind after a busy day, regulate their nervous systems, and take advantage of all the health benefits that hot and cold cycling has to offer. Translating to “three” in Estonian, Kolm (pronounced ‘calm’) is all about achieving community connection and personal growth through its three pillars of “relax,” “recover,” and “reconnect.”

Benefits of hot and cold cycling

The studio’s science-based approach to the ancient practice ensures participants get as much out of the experience as they put in. And while everyone’s body reacts to temperature extremes differently, a guide mentioned to me that cold plunging three times in between your time in the sauna is optimal for receiving the most health benefits from the cycling process.

These include reduced inflammation and improved blood circulation, stress release, and a boost to your immune system and mood, just to name a few.

The space

The fully indoor space is as intentionally curated as its program. Upon entering, guests are greeted by warm, earthy tones and smiling faces behind the front desk, where branded caps, sauna hats, hoodies, and tote bags are available for purchase.

To the right, there’s a space for guests to take off their shoes and store their items away in a wooden locker before changing into their bathing suits in one of Kolm’s private change rooms. Here, guests can also rinse off in an adjacent shower or use the washroom before their experience begins.

In the tea room, alkaline water, hot tea, and large, plush lounge chairs await. While Kolm does offer silent sessions for those who want to lock in and navigate their experience solo, the space definitely invites conversation amongst friends old and new.

As Kolm is fully community-focused, there are no private sessions or service offerings like massage treatments, leaving the entire focus on the exhilarating process of hot and cold cycling.

In addition to self-guided sessions where guests can move through the process at their own pace, there are guided classes curated for those who want to pair their cycling with aromatherapy, breathwork, and meditation.

Vancouver’s largest sauna

Guided classes begin in the 50-seat sauna—the largest in Vancouver, ranging from 82 to 90 degrees Celcius. During my visit, I was guided through the initial breaths that would set the tone for my 75 minutes of cycling.

Through visualization and self-massage, I was guided to release the stress in my body, connect with myself, and set intentions for the next step in the cycle. After using gua sha tools to facilitate lymphatic drainage, it was time to rinse off at the showers and head to the ice baths.

The ice baths

The very same breathwork we started in the sauna was used to guide our group into the freezing cold tubs, each ranging from 0 to 3 degrees Celcius. While guests are encouraged to push themselves to stay in the water for two minutes at a time, you can always get out earlier if you need.

During the cold water immersion, I found that focusing on each inhale and exhale helped to minimize the discomfort — especially during the first thirty seconds. By the time the two minutes were complete, I found myself fully relaxed and thinking, ‘I could have stayed in there longer!’

Guests can then warm up in the tea room or head straight back into the sauna, and repeat the cycle as often as they choose.

Each session at Kolm Kontrast, guided or self-guided, lasts approximately 75 minutes. Guided classes have three different focus areas to choose from based on the company’s three pillars: “Relax” focuses on regulating the nervous system, “Recover,” dives into advanced breathwork and self-massage, and “Reconnect” fosters self-regulation and emotional resilience.

Those looking for a fun sober night out can take advantage of Kolm’s ‘After Hours’ sessions on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights (9 p.m. to 11 p.m.) During these socially geared sessions, guests can enjoy an extended visit of 120 minutes and trade tomorrow’s hangover for the natural ‘high’ of cold plunging.

Pricing & info

Ready to experience Kolm for yourself? Single drop-in classes are priced at $55 per person, and monthly memberships (one session per month) can be purchased online for $45, with a three-month minimum commitment.

Intro offers include a $55 credit pack for two classes and $99 for 14 classes. So whether you’re dipping your toes into the experience for the first time or the hundredth, there are plenty of options here.

Kolm Kontrast can be found at #101- 525 West 8th Avenue.

Kolm Kontrast 

Where: #101- 525 West 8th Avenue