Toronto winters can be isolating and cold. To combat this, I found a simple way to reconnect with nature and friends – the Sauna Tent.

Winter in Toronto can feel isolating, but the Sauna Tent brought warmth and connection to our Sundays. We gathered at Humber Bay Park each week for a unique winter adventure.

Humber Bay Park's convenience was key – we could park our cars just steps from Lake Ontario, making our Sunday ritual effortless.

Our routine was straightforward. At 9 a.m., a friend and I packed 2-3 sauna tents, stoves, benches, and supplies into his trusty Honda CRV. Our destination: Humber Bay Park. We'd set up by the stony beach, ready for our friends.

Between 10 a.m. and noon, friends arrived by car or bike, joining us in the sauna in groups of 4-5. The sauna's cozy space, ritual, and sensory experience encouraged conversation and connection. I enjoyed learning new things about old friends and meeting new acquaintances. The sauna's warmth fostered openness and camaraderie, creating lasting memories.

As the sauna heated up, we'd emerge from the steam and take a dip in Lake Ontario. Some dipped quickly, while others sat in the icy water, taking in the view and practicing breathing exercises.

After hours of sauna, tea, and snacks, we packed up and dispersed into the city, carrying the warmth of shared moments with amazing friends. These Sauna Sundays were about friendship, nature, and finding warmth in the heart of winter.