Sauna + Ice Bath + Lounge
Sauna + Ice Bath + Lounge
A new ritual
for an urban life
A new ritual
for an urban life
come together
come together
Where sauna
culture, science,
and community
where sauna culture,
science and community
immersive rituals rooted in tradition
Immersive Rituals
Rooted in Tradition
Inspired by thermal traditions and supported by modern science, our experiences combine heat, cold, and rest in immersive and powerful rituals.
Sauna Aufguss + Badstu
Sauna sessions offered in two styles: Aufguss (guided with warmth, aromas, and movement) or Badstu (a calm and slow Nordic tradition). Both promote presence, regulate the nervous system, and foster connection through a shared ritual.
Ice Bath
A guided ice bath focused on breathing, presence, and resilience. An invitation to slow down, observe sensations, and welcome the intensity of the moment. Expect deep mental clarity and a powerful grounding in the body.
Recovery
Perfect before or after training. This session combines sauna heat and cold water immersion to promote muscle recovery, reduce inflammation, and reset the nervous system. To perform better and feel better.
Breathwork
A guided breathing session inspired by art, music, and science. Expect sequences of breathing combined with visual elements to stimulate presence and creativity.
Freeflow
Embark on a 75-minute free circuit. Move at your own pace: sweat in the sauna, dip into the cold water to refocus, and relax in our lounge.
Sauna Aufguss + Badstu
Sauna sessions offered in two styles: Aufguss (guided with warmth, aromas, and movement) or Badstu (a calm and slow Nordic tradition). Both promote presence, regulate the nervous system, and foster connection through a shared ritual.
Ice Bath
A guided ice bath focused on breathing, presence, and resilience. An invitation to slow down, observe sensations, and welcome the intensity of the moment. Expect deep mental clarity and a powerful grounding in the body.
Recovery
Perfect before or after training. This session combines sauna heat and cold water immersion to promote muscle recovery, reduce inflammation, and reset the nervous system. To perform better and feel better.
Breathwork
A guided breathing session inspired by art, music, and science. Expect sequences of breathing combined with visual elements to stimulate presence and creativity.
Freeflow
Embark on a 75-minute free circuit. Move at your own pace: sweat in the sauna, dip into the cold water to refocus, and relax in our lounge.
What are the benefits?
Thermotherapy supports the body and mind on multiple levels—boosting resilience, deepening recovery, and cultivating presence. The benefits are both immediate and long-term.
Thermotherapy supports the body and mind on multiple levels: by promoting resilience and recovery, and by cultivating presence. The effects are immediate and lasting.
Improved cardiovascular health
Stress reduction
Cognitive prevention
Immune strengthening
Sleep Improvement
Elimination of toxins
Anti-inflammatory effect
Metabolic benefits
Breathing support
Cellular regeneration
Improved cardiovascular health
Stress reduction
Cognitive prevention
Immune strengthening
Sleep Improvement
Elimination of toxins
Anti-inflammatory effect
Metabolic benefits
Breathing support
Cellular regeneration
How to
prepare for arrival?
Bring a swimsuit (obligatory,) good energy, and an open mind. Towels, cups, filtered water and tea are provided on site.
We recommend arriving 10 to 15 minutes before the start of your session, to take the time to ground yourself, hydrate, and enter the experience calmly.
Late arrivals are not allowed, out of respect for the pace and presence of others.
Tips Before
Your First Visit
It’s a space to slow down, listen to yourself, and come back to yourself. Let your body guide you.
Hydration
Stay hydrated well
throughout the day (electrolytes recommended)
Nutrition
Have a nourishing and light snack (avoid arriving on an empty stomach).
Intuition
Listen to your body —
it's about connection, not performance.
Rhythm
Take a break between
the cycles, with water
or tea.
Rest
Center yourself if necessary — our resting areas are made for that.
Security
If you feel dizzy, take a moment to sit down, breathe, and recover.
Consumption
Avoid alcohol and drugs — explore with clarity and awareness.
Hydration
Stay hydrated well
throughout the day (electrolytes recommended)
Nutrition
Have a nourishing and light snack (avoid arriving on an empty stomach).
Intuition
Listen to your body —
it's about connection, not performance.
Rhythm
Take a break between
the cycles, with water
or tea.
Rest
Center yourself if necessary — our resting areas are made for that.
Security
If you feel dizzy, take a moment to sit down, breathe, and recover.
Consumption
Avoid alcohol and drugs — explore with clarity and awareness.
How to find us
Located in the heart of Griffintown, just steps away from the Lachine Canal.
Whether you're coming by foot, bike, or car, plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to settle in and start your session smoothly.
Where to park
ALT HOTEL
120 Peel Street, Montreal (QC) H3C 0L8
5 minutes walk to RECESS
ARBORA
305, Mountain Street,
Montreal (QC) H3C 0R6
8 minutes walk to RECESS
STREET PARKING
Varying distances to RECESS
How to find us
Located in the heart of Griffintown, just steps away from the Lachine Canal.
Whether you're coming by foot, bike, or car, plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to settle in and start your session smoothly.
Where to park
ALT HOTEL
120 Peel Street, Montreal (QC) H3C 0L8
5 minutes walk to RECESS
ARBORA
305, Mountain Street,
Montreal (QC) H3C 0R6
8 minutes walk to RECESS
STREET PARKING
Varying distances to RECESS
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Absolutely. RECESS is designed for both solo visitors and groups. Many come alone for recovery, personal reflection, and find in the shared space an inspiring anchor.
Both options are available. You can book a guided session or explore the thermal circuit at your own pace in freeflow session.
75 minutes.
Contrast therapy is generally safe for healthy adults. However, if you are pregnant or have medical/cardiac conditions, please consult your healthcare professional before participating.
Some guided sessions are in silence.
Infusion or Free Flow.
- Always sit on a towel in the sauna (from butt to feet). - Always rinse off before entering a cold bath. - Respectful conversations are encouraged in the sauna, the relaxation area, and the changing rooms. Note that this space is without *flirting.* - Changing clothes must be done in complete privacy. Full nudity is not allowed.
- In a guided session, simply follow your guide — breathe, listen to your body, and be present. - In Free Flow, here’s what we recommend: - Start with 15 to 20 minutes in the sauna to awaken the body and calm the mind. Follow it with a quick cold bath — 30 seconds is enough, or 1 to 3 minutes depending on your comfort — to activate your system and reset. Finish with 5 to 15 minutes in the relaxation area, allowing your body to naturally warm up while you relax and reconnect. Repeat if you wish. - There is no unique way to explore contrast therapy — listen to your body. Whether you start or finish with the cold, follow what feels right for you.
A large sauna (49 places), a cold bath area, large showers, a relaxation area, and a water/tea area.
Absolutely. RECESS is designed for both solo visitors and groups. Many come alone for recovery, personal reflection, and find in the shared space an inspiring anchor.
Both options are available. You can book a guided session or explore the thermal circuit at your own pace in freeflow session.
75 minutes.
Contrast therapy is generally safe for healthy adults. However, if you are pregnant or have medical/cardiac conditions, please consult your healthcare professional before participating.
Some guided sessions are in silence.
Infusion or Free Flow.
Always sit on a towel in the sauna (from buttocks to feet). Always rinse off before entering a cold bath. Respectful conversations are encouraged in the sauna, relaxation area, and changing rooms. Please note that this space is without *flirting.* Changing clothes should be done in complete privacy. Full nudity is not permitted.
In a guided session, simply follow your guide — breathe, listen to your body, and be present. In Free Flow, here’s what we recommend: - Start with 15 to 20 minutes in the sauna to awaken the body and calm the mind. Follow up with a quick cold bath — 30 seconds is enough, or 1 to 3 minutes depending on your comfort — to activate your system and reset. Finish with 5 to 15 minutes in the resting area, allowing your body to warm up naturally while you relax and reconnect. Repeat if you wish. There is no single way to explore contrast therapy — listen to your body. Whether you start or end with the cold, follow what feels right.
A large sauna (49 places), a cold bath area, large showers, a relaxation area, and a water/tea area.
Let's break the ice!
Join our community
Whether you’re here to build a new ritual or just taking your first plunge, RECESS is more than a place—it’s a community. Join us and stay in the loop for upcoming events, exclusive sessions, and stories from inside the steam.
Let's break the ice!
Join our community
Whether you’re here to build a new ritual or just taking your first plunge, RECESS is more than a place—it’s a community. Join us and stay in the loop for upcoming events, exclusive sessions, and stories from inside the steam.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
12h-22h
12h-22h
12h-22h
12h-22h
12h-22h
10h-22h
10h-21h
© RECESS Thermal Station
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
12h-22h
12h-22h
12h-22h
12h-22h
12h-22h
10h-22h
10h-21h
© RECESS Thermale Station, Inc.