What is a Tuff City Sauna Experience Like?

We try to keep things simple!

1) Bookings are made by our guests at either PACIFIC SANDS Resort or MACKENZIE BEACH Resort

2) After making a booking - you will receive a “confirmation email” with ALL instructions for your experience

3) Arrive at the location of your sauna at the date/time on your confirmation (if you are to be late PLEASE let us know ASAP)

4) Our staff will meet you promptly @ time of booking to teach you everything you need to know to have the BEST sauna experience possible!

5) We use wood-fired stoves! If you don’t feel comfortable maintaining your own fire, please let us know ASAP

What is the “Tuff-City-Cycle?”

The Tuff-City-Cycle is used to describe SAUNA “HOW TO” or best practices!

HOT - Enter the sauna for a period of time to raise your core-body temperature (everyone is different anywhere from 5-15mins) the goal here is to activate the various heat-induced benefits beautifully summarized by Dr. Rhonda Patrick

COLD - We love “Contrast Therapy” and cold-exposure for health and wellness… this step of the cycle doesn’t have to be enjoyed by everyone, but if you’re that type of person than COLD could mean 1) Ocean plunge for 1-2mins 2) Cold water shower @ rear of sauna 3) lay in snow 4) stand in rain etc…

REST - lounge in our patio chairs or take a beach-walk! The point of this step is to let your nervous system “recalibrate” and relax.. and letting your core body temperature stabilize. Read a book, beach-walk and KEEP YOUR FIRE GOING by adding a log or two and stand close to the heat! this phase is as short or long as you prefer!

REPEAT - Listen to your body and re-enter the sauna when it’s calling to you! We generally repeat this process 3x or more!

What sauna experiences do you offer?

We have TWO options for you to choose from:

1) Our “Mobile Delivery” option is our fully mobile barrel-sauna option @ $299/night* and includes tinder, kindling, fire-starter, torch and firewood. Upon delivery our staff will guide you through best practices to ensure you have the best wood-fired sauna experience possible!

*discounts for long-term rentals. Free delivery within Tofino ($1.50 delivery charge outside of city limits).

Perfect for your home, campsite, Airbnb, or wilderness adventure.

2) “Stationary Private Saunas” drop-in sessions at one of our stationary saunas @MacKenzie Beach Resort or @PACIFICSANDS Resort!

All Locations are OPEN to GENERAL PUBLIC and Resort Guests.

How long can I be in the sauna?

EveryBODY is different, but some like to think about sauna sessions like a game of ice hockey: 3-periods with an intermission in between.

Saunas are typically enjoyed in rounds. The average session consists of 3 rounds with 15-minute intervals in the hot room. The first round will be the most intense as your body adjusts to the high temperatures of the sauna.... Come out for a break between rounds. Cool down in the outside weather, dip into the ocean, have a cold shower, drink water, enjoy the stars. Then re-enter for round two! Listen to your body and decide when enough is enough.

(Not medical/sauna advice: Please consult your doctor prior to use and for suggested hot-room intervals)

How many people can fit in a sauna?

All saunas fit 4-6 comfortably. We ask that if you have a larger group than 6, consider booking two consecutive time slots OR booking both of the side-by-side saunas at Pacific Sands Resort (STORMWATCHING) for extra-large parties.

What are mobile sauna drop-off and pick-up times?

Vacations can be busy and we understand that!

We always strive to reach mutually agreeable pickup/drop-off times. Please call when booking our mobile saunas to discuss the times that best suit you!

What should I consider before booking a mobile sauna?

Our barrel cedar saunas have a footprint of 7ft wide x 12 ft long (the size of a pick-up truck)

The saunas will fit into most campsites Tofino/Ucluelet but sometimes it will be necessary to move one of your vehicles to your campground overflow/visitor parking.

Please call us for site-specific planning!

Are your saunas dog-friendly?

We love our furry friends and they are welcome at our facilities, however, it is not recommended that they join you inside the hot sauna.

Are your saunas child-friendly?

Saunas are a big part of Finnish family culture. A place for the whole family to gather, relax, and rejuvenate. Minors may indulge with parental consent and supervision - please ensure the appropriate waivers have been signed, ask us how!

Are your saunas available for local use?

Our saunas are local-friendly, if you live in town send us an email (bookings@tuffcitysaunas.com) with a local ID or local business pay stub and we’ll send you our locals discount code :)

What is prohibited inside of the sauna?

For your safety, the following items are not allowed in the sauna:

smoking, drugs, and alcohol, red wine, glass bottles or glass-wear/ceramics and jewelry (metals heat up and may burn your skin).

Thank you

Do I need to know how to build a fire?

Tuff City Saunas wants to give you a truly rugged West Coast Vancouver Island experience.

Our wood-fired MOBILE saunas require you to build, start, and maintain your own fire.

Our stationary saunas will be hot and ready for your arrival with a fire already started! After being briefed by our staff on fire maintenance, most guests enjoy keeping the fire stoked themselves! However, if you are more comfortable with us stoking your fire throughout your session, just ask!

We set you up for success with fire-starters, kindling, and a variety of split wood sizes to make fire management a breeze. Mobile Saunas can be delivered hot and ready to enjoy. We personally walk-through best practices with every rental!

What is your cancellation policy?

Mobile: We offer a 7-day cancellation policy. A 7-Day notice is needed to cancel to get a refund. After which point, no refund is given.

Beachfront:

7 days = 100% refund

3-7 days = 50% refund

Less than 3 days/72hours = No Refund provided

THANK YOU FOR UNDERSTANDING

IF YOU HAVE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT US