With the sun lowering in the sky over the Pacific Ocean, we take the short walk from our hotel along the beautiful Tofino beach to our sauna. Booked online via Tuff City Saunas, we arrive at the small, stand-alone, wood-fired sauna. We could be in the middle of nowhere, not on the relatively popular MacKenzie Beach.
Any fears that the sauna might not be hot enough for a sauna-loving Estonian are quickly put to rest upon stepping into the chamber. The “leil” (steam) is hot and immediate. The only thing missing is the “viht” (birch whisk) which I can forgive in this case. When we are hot enough, a fifty yard sprint to the “karastav” (refreshing) ocean is very welcome. This adds to the experience somehow. Walk back and repeat this ritual several times.
The obligatory after-sauna ale is taken on the deck, absorbing the magnificent Pacific sunset. This is complete post sauna serenity.
Our English travel companions, who have taken a pass on the experience, seem slightly bemused by it all… their loss!
I am not one for “top anything” lists but this experience will remain with me for some time.
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