Do I have to do the cold plunge?

No. Cold plunges are optional; you can step into shallower water, sit on the shoreline, or skip the plunge entirely and still participate in sauna and yoga.

Wear a swimsuit or shorts and bring a robe or towel for warmth. Bring layers for after the event; temperatures can drop quickly at dusk.

Is this event beginner-friendly?

Yes. Sessions are designed for a range of experience levels with gentle yoga and facilitator-led guidance. Inform staff of any health concerns when you book.

How old do I have to be to attend?

The program welcomes participants ages 16–99; minors may require parental consent depending on local rules—check booking details.

Are changing facilities available?

Facilities vary by site; organizers will share check-in and changing information via the booking link. Plan for limited on-site amenities and bring what you need.

How many people are in each session?

Group size is capped at 18 to maintain an intimate atmosphere and ensure safety during sauna and plunge activities.

Heat, Water, and Community: Pride & Peers Summer Sauna Series in Port Alberni

On the western edge of Vancouver Island, in Port Alberni, British Columbia, the Pride & Peers Summer Sauna Series offers evenings of heat, breath, and conversation beside a quiet lake. Hosted as a sequence of community gatherings, this program pairs traditional sauna sessions and optional cold plunges with gentle yin yoga, guided conversations, and relaxed social time designed for LGBTQIA2S+ folks and their allies. Approaching the site, you trade highway hum for a hush of water and wind in the trees. The event centers on a wood-fired sauna set close to the shoreline; after sweat and stretch, participants step into cool lake water or sit on the rocks to let the temperature settle. Key features include the communal sauna stove and its steam, the exposed shore for cold dips, and nearby forested slopes that frame the evening light. The combination of heat, water, and stillness emphasizes simple, embodied rituals that feel both elemental and accessible. Sessions vary across the series: some evenings are “Together in the Steam” social nights for sharing stories and meeting neighbors, while other dates begin with a slow yin yoga practice to unwind into the heat. Facilitators from the local community hold space rather than perform; expect low-key guidance, inclusive language, and an atmosphere where presence matters more than performance. Group sizes are intentionally small to preserve intimacy and safety. Practical notes: the program is two hours and welcomes ages 16–99; bring a swimsuit, towel, and willingness to try the optional cold plunge. Accessibility details and exact meeting points are provided by organizers at booking; check the booking link for logistics. Why this series stands out is its focus on identity-led community care in an outdoor setting — sauna culture here becomes a social bridge, not a commodity. The series also connects participants to Port Alberni’s landscape — a region of sheltered inlets and cedar forests that support quiet waterfront gatherings. This is a good fit if you want gentle movement, real conversations, and a tactile way to feel present: heat and water cut through small talk and leave space for listening. Respect for the shoreline and fellow participants is core: pack out what you bring, observe any shore-use rules, and follow facilitator guidance for safe plunges. Whether you come seeking quiet, community, or a new ritual, the Pride & Peers Summer Sauna Series makes Port Alberni’s lakefront a welcoming place to pause, play, and connect. Group size is capped at 18 to keep gatherings comfortable, and facilitators are drawn from Port Alberni’s inclusive community network. These are not structured therapy sessions but intentionally supportive circles where privacy and consent are prioritized. Come prepared to move slowly, breathe deeply, and leave with new connections and clearer headspace.

Heat, Water, and Community: Pride & Peers Summer Sauna Series in Port Alberni

Adventure Brief

Keep the Adventure Going

Trip Details from the Operator

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Highlights

Local Insights

Related Adventures & Guides

Operated By

About Triple Peak Sauna Co.

Reserve a Tent, Lake View, or Community Sauna Session

Adventure Tips

Recommended Gear