VANCOUVER, British Columbia — North America's largest sauna officially opened its doors this week at Tevah Wellness, a new hot-cold therapy facility in the city's Fairview neighbourhood. Located at 955 Pacific Blvd., the 4,200-square-foot outpost features a massive red cedar sauna measuring approximately 725 square feet, capable of accommodating up to 60 guests at a time. Founder Andrew Ao, a 37-year-old Vancouverite and owner of the nearby A. Live Fitness and Wellness gym, described the space as a transformative hub designed to promote community and holistic health.
Ao, who credits wellness practices with turning his life around, shared his personal journey during the facility's launch. 'I used to be an ex-gang member and an ex-drug dealer,' Ao said in an interview. 'And in that lifestyle, you only have one of two choices: Either you end up dead, or you’re in jail for the rest of your life.' Facing a dangerous crossroads in his youth, Ao turned to fitness as a way out, eventually competing as a bodybuilder and expanding into broader wellness pursuits.
The path to Tevah Wellness began with Ao's decade-long quest for the perfect contrast therapy experience. Having visited over 40 saunas across Asia, Canada, and South America, he sought to create something unique. 'I’ve travelled quite a bit,' Ao explained. 'I would say, this one is very unique, even when you come in, the air inside is fresh. There’s always an exchange of oxygen because, when we created this, I told our engineers that I always wanted fresh air inside.'
At the heart of Tevah is its emphasis on breath work, inspired by the Wim Hof Method, which Ao first encountered at a seminar in Vancouver several years ago. Trained instructors guide guests through the circuit of the oversized sauna and three cold-plunge pools of varying temperatures, incorporating controlled breathing techniques. 'Even in the midst of any kind of external stress, the hot or the cold, as long as you’re able to connect to your breath, you maintain an internal state of rest,' Ao said. 'Truly, it comes down to the guide and the breath.'
The facility also includes cold body jets for hydrotherapy and accessibility features such as extra space in the sauna for wheelchairs and open-shower areas with cold-therapy jets. Self-guided options are available alongside daily themed classes like Awakening and Gratitude or Reset and Recharge. Pricing starts at $55 for a single drop-in session, with memberships offered for regular visitors. Ao and his team claim the sauna is North America's largest after researching comparable facilities continent-wide, though independent verification of the size claim is ongoing.
Ao's vision for Tevah extends beyond physical therapy to building community. The 60-person capacity is intentional, he said, to encourage shared experiences. 'We believe that, when you’re able to come into a space where people are able to experience or endure challenges together, but also breathe together, there is such a strong sense of community,' Ao noted. This communal aspect aligns with a growing trend in Vancouver, where contrast therapy has surged in popularity post-pandemic.
Wellness experts attribute the rise to a broader shift in public health priorities. Ao pointed to declining alcohol sales and increasing awareness of mental health issues as drivers. 'If you look at people’s behaviour these days, they’re changing now a lot. Alcohol sales are down more than they ever have been,' he said. 'We went through the craziest health crisis we’ve ever faced as a world together in the pandemic, and people are now more focused on, how do I become healthier? We know that mental illness is on the rise, disease and cancer are on the rise, and so, people are looking to take back their health. And find confidence in it again.'
Vancouver's sauna scene is expanding rapidly, with Tevah joining several established and upcoming spots. Under the Rose Sauna Club at 1024 Main St. offers evening socials and private events, blending hot-cold therapy with a vibrant social atmosphere. The Nordic Spa at the Fairmont Pacific Rim hotel, located at 1038 Canada Place, provides a self-guided thermal experience featuring a barrel-shaped cedar sauna and cold plunge bathtubs, ideal for those seeking a luxurious staycation option.
Gatherwell, at 316 W 5th Ave., positions itself as an alternative nightlife venue, hosting small-group sessions and workshops for locals and travelers alike. On Granville Island, Circle Wellness Spas at 1297 Johnston Street offers private thermal experiences for individuals or couples, allowing self-paced relaxation in secluded spaces. Looking ahead, Havn Sauna at the Maritime Museum in Kitsilano is slated to open in mid-2027 aboard a converted Second World War-era barge, promising a floating sauna experience off the waterfront. In the meantime, visitors can try the original Havn location in Victoria.
These developments reflect Vancouver's evolution into a sauna hotspot, according to local wellness observers. The city's temperate climate and proximity to nature make it a natural fit for outdoor-inspired therapies, though indoor facilities like Tevah cater to year-round access. Ao emphasized the reported benefits of contrast therapy, including reduced stress and deeper relaxation, though he noted these are based on user experiences and general wellness research rather than specific clinical studies tied to the facility.
Challenges in the wellness industry, such as accessibility and affordability, are addressed at Tevah through its inclusive design and tiered pricing. Ao's background in fitness, where he owns A. Live Fitness and Wellness, informs the holistic approach. 'When I encountered health and fitness, it began to transform who I was. And I began to become somebody I never thought I could ever be,' he reflected. 'From the desire to continue to grow and develop, it really led me down the path to understand holistic health, which is how I came to where I am now.'
As Tevah Wellness settles into its new role, it joins a conversation about proactive health in urban settings. Officials with the City of Vancouver have not yet commented on the facility's impact, but the location near Pacific Blvd. positions it well for downtown foot traffic. Ao remains optimistic about its potential. 'I just know the potential and the possibility for others, which is why I find so much purpose in it,' he said.
The opening comes amid other local news, including a proposed floating sauna project with the Maritime Museum and ongoing discussions about public health initiatives. While Tevah's claim to being North America's largest sauna stands unverified by third parties, its scale and features set it apart in a competitive market. For those interested in exploring, sessions are booking up quickly, signaling strong early interest in Vancouver's latest wellness venture.
In the broader context, the facility underscores a post-pandemic pivot toward preventive care. With mental health concerns escalating—according to health reports from provincial authorities—spaces like Tevah offer accessible ways to manage stress without relying on traditional medical interventions. Ao's story, from personal redemption to community builder, adds a compelling narrative to the wellness movement, inspiring visitors to embark on their own paths to better health.