What To Bring
Yourself!! Exactly as you are! This Panda is a safe space for ALL. As cuddly and sweet as pandas can be, we can be fierce bears when it comes to our beloved community members. Radical acceptance is all that will be tolerated.
Aside from your fine self you’ll need:
- Two towels – one to sit on and one to dry off afterwards
- Refillable water bottle. Hydration is a must.
- Swimwear or sauna-friendly clothing
- Flip-flops or sandals
- A sense of community
General Information
What is a mobile sauna?
A mobile sauna is a fully functional, wood-fired sauna built into a mobile unit, allowing us to bring the sauna experience to various scenic locations across Nova Scotia's South Shore
How many people fit in the sauna?
Our sauna comfortably fits up to 15 adults at a time.
Why a public and not a private sauna?
The South Shore of Nova Scotia has many things catered to our beloved tourist and we do it well. We are so lucky to live where people holiday! That being said, all the hard working staff and smiling locals aren't always catered to in the same way. We all can't afford spa days. Not the cost, nor the time. Keeping the sauna public allows everyone an affordable healthy activity to do together all year long.
Booking & Availability
Where are you located?
As a mobile sauna we move sites depending on the day of the week. Our locations will be visible on our socials and website.
Currently we are situated Sunday, Monday and Tuesday evenings at the Community Roots Garden on Kinburn Street in Mahone Bay. There is no civic address at the garden entrance but we will have signs posted. Our entrance is beside a red fire hydrant and slopes down into the trees - look for our posted signs! We are at https://goo.gl/maps/gorj6tXVKfV7DGqt8 (copy and paste in maps).
On Saturdays we are located at the Oakland Road Boathouse at 1031 Oakland Road in Oakland, just outside Mahone Bay. Look for the unmistakable green roof. A small beach beside the boathouse is perfect for a refreshing dip. This land is a gem, and we ask everyone to treat it with the utmost respect.
**Parking is limited. Whenever possible, please carpool with your friends to ensure there is room for all**
As parking is limited at this location, we ask that if you are able bodied, you park along Kinburn St and walk down. This saves the garden spots for those with mobility issues...and helps you get in your steps 😉
How do I book a session?
You can book online through our website here. Advance booking is recommended, especially for weekends and private rentals.
Do you take walk-ups or do I have to pre-book?
Of course we take walk ups! Although booking in advance is the only way to guarantee a spot in the sauna, if there is space, walk ups are welcome. Times can not be adjusted based on your arrival time and you must cycle with a preset timeframe to insure those that have booked in advance have the space available upon arrival.
Can I book a private sauna experience?
Currently The sweaty Panda is a public sauna and will consistently run the same days of the week, every week to keep things social, accessible, and fun for everyone! We REALLY want this to be an affordable activity everyone gets the opportunity to do.
If you are interested in a private rental on a day the Panda is typically at rest, reach out.
At this time, we only offer shared sauna experiences to keep things social, accessible, and fun for everyone!
The Sauna Experience
What should I wear in the sauna?
Swimwear is recommended. Alternatively, you can wear a towel or loose-fitting, breathable clothing. We ask everyone to sit on a towel for hygiene.
Are there bathrooms and changing facilities?
Not all locations will have bathrooms or change facilities as the sauna parks in nature settings. Some will, or have facilities within walking distance. We ask that you plan it as a beach day. Arrive prepared to sauna. Drive home in your robe if you like. Oh the freedom!
What do I need to do to prepare for a sauna?
- HYDRATE. We cannot stress this enough. You will sweat and lose fluids in the sauna. If you begin dehydrated, your chances of feeling unwell increase. Bring water with you. You may bring your water bottle into the sauna with you. There will be water on site for refills.
- Come with a bathing suit and preferably two towels. One to sit on in the sauna (required) and one to dry off with afterward. Your sitting towel will get very wet with sweat and won't feel lovely after a cold rinse.
- Check with your health care provider prior to sauna use if you have any concerns about sauna use and your personal health.
- Be prepared for a public sauna experience. Often times great conversation are struck up during sauna sessions and new friends made. However, being chatty definitely isn't required. We all need to just "be" sometimes. Don't be afraid to sit quietly if that is your preference. If the chat isn't your thing that day, just say, "Sorry guys, I plead the 5th today" and that's our sauna cultures cue to let you be, without further explanation. This is a safe space no matter how you are feeling. You deserve to have quiet days or bad days and still have a sauna session, still feel involved, still have company. Sauna culture allows you to let down those guards and just be. We got you.
Is there a cold plunge or shower available?
Our Community Garden location offers an ice bath add-on to your sauna session and the garden provides access to cold showers. Our Oakland Road Boathouse location includes access to a small beach on the Atlantic Ocean.
How long is a sauna session?
Sessions are 45mins long and you are able to go back and forth to the ice bath, cold showers, sea, river or lake and the sauna as many times as you like within that time frame. We will have a clock hung in the entrance to the sauna that is visible through the window so you can keep track of your time. Many saunas have sand timers in them, but historically they can get moisture in them and stop working. As well, with our sauna holding fifteen people...that's too many sand timers! A clock through the window allows everyone to monitor themselves accordingly.
Can I bring food or drinks?
Please bring plenty of drinking water - hydration is essential! Light snacks are allowed, but no alcohol or glass containers, please.
Health & Safety
Is the sauna safe for everyone?
While sauna use has many benefits, it may not be suitable for people with certain health conditions (e.g., heart issues, low blood pressure, pregnancy). If unsure, consult your doctor before booking.
What if I feel dizzy or unwell in the sauna?
Exit the sauna immediately, hydrate, and let our staff know. Your comfort and safety are our top priorities.
Is there staff on site during sessions?
Yes, we always have a trained sauna host on-site!
Policies and Waivers
Do I have to sign a waiver?
Yes. All guests must sign a liability waiver before using the sauna. You can do this online during booking. You can read our liability waiver here.
Is there an age limit?
The Sweaty Panda sauna is allows from minors aged 14+ if accompanied by an adult.
Can I bring my pet?
For safety and cleanliness, pets are not allowed inside the sauna. They’re welcome outside on a leash, unless the location restricts animals.