South-Western Bathhouse

I came here with five friends, totally not sure what to expect. Overall my expectations were low. But boy were they exceeded! I love the atmosphere and the vibe, the saunas are amazing, three inks cheap, and the food amazing. All in all it was one of the best nights I’ve had in a while, with the bonus that I felt super relaxed the next day.

«There interior was a German log-​house theme with the dark wooden beams contrasting the white walls all throughout.»
«Outside the main sauna you will find a metal bucket or two with some bunches of branches. This is where the Russian traditional veniks were soaking.»
«.we tried their Seledka Pod Shuboi which literally translates to Herring Under a Fur Coat. This lovely dish looks like lasagna at first sight, but turns out to be made of layers of herring, beets, pickled veggies, eggs topped with mayo and green onion. A complex, unique and delightful mix of ingredients.»
Just a few bites from our full review.

This place is kooky and odd but also extremely relaxing and worth the price of admission. Went with two girl friends on a family-​friendly day and didn’t know quite what to expect. You don’t get much direction from the owners, so you kinda hafta watch what others do and ask questions to get a feel for «how to» navigate the banya.
The FUN: no time limit to how often you can go from hot saunas or steam rooms to the cold plunge tub or cold pull-​cord shower; the friendly atmosphere of all the attendees on the day we went, even if most of the gregarious banter was in languages I don’t personally speak; the awesome felt caps that regulate body temperature and keep you from overheating — some burly bearded dude wore one with horns and looked like a total character out of Hagar the Horrible; the food we ate after we steamed and sizzled and froze a few times was delicious and I quite enjoyed the drink menu being referred to as «medicine».
The KOOKY: the Turkish sauna that looks like a pizza oven and is actually referred to as such (and me telling my friends to appreciate the chutzpah it takes for a Jew to willingly enter a room called an oven) — the heat is intense and dry and lovely and pairs well with the cold-​plunge tub or pull-​cord cold shower outside it; the narrow locker rooms that come with auto-​locking bracelet technology but can be pulled down off the wall with bare hands; the cured meat smell that permeates the entire place (and subsequently, your hair, clothes and skin afterward); the location at Dundas St. E and The West Mall where you question if you’re in the right place cuz there’s no signage or any indication there’s any such business in that plaza (note: the entrance is to the side of the store fronts in the parking lot); the fact that it’s family-​owned and operated and if Mom decides to bake a sour cream cake, then that will be on the menu, but if she isn’t in the mood then no dessert for you! The atmosphere of everyone eating in their bathrobes and then going back for a sauna/​steam/​cold plunge/​birch-​branch-​whipping-​session after a bite to eat. Fun times!
I will return to this place, if only for the chance to purchase a bundle of eucalyptus branches with which to flog myself. Great place for a schvitz, a dip and a bite!

Secrets of a Russian banya… BUSTED!
If you have a coupla hours to kill and enjoy the Winter sport of sauna-​ing, here’s just some of what goes on at South-​Western Bathhouse (not in any order):
Dry Sauna — Steam Sauna — sit in Relaxation Room — grab some free tea — Russian Sauna — Cold Plunge Pool — sit and chat on a Muskoka chair — order/​eat some food, rinse and repeat!
The weekends are Family Days, re: unisex, but aside from Russian-​speaking families, another banya-​goer pointed out that it’s full of hipsters. Aside from the bearded variety, it’s sorta difficult to tell when people are half-​dressed! There were also couples, the odd single guy, and some burly, Russian-​mafia types.
(I’m convinced they’re just regular middle-​aged dudes, but their body-​type and the fact that they don’t smile makes them look gang-​related.)
Food-​wise I tried the Georgian Chicken Stew ($ 12) — great portion for sharing and a slice of Smetannik (sour cream) cake ($ 6) — which was also really good, not too heavy. The menu changes daily, but to give you an idea of their offerings, there are pics/​descriptions here:

Towel, robe, & electronic fob for a locker is provided and there is free wifi. If you want, bring the following to enhance your banya experience:
— felt/​wool banya hat (looks totally goofy, sorry!)
— body scrub to use in the steam sauna (if you forget, they’re available to purchase for $ 3)
— your own shampoo/​conditioner/​soap/​body lotion if you’re planning to shower afterwards
— a plastic bag to transport your swimsuit/​trunks
Atmosphere is homey, joint is family-​run, food I tried was good, would be AWESOME if they had a jacuzzi for those people who cannot stay too long in the sauna.

OMG! They have added the following post-​renovation:
— an expanded restaurant, now with a chalet style bar
— bigger changerooms
— a number of scrubs, for $ 3
Love it!

amazing family run business.
If you are familiar with Russian baths, you’ll like it. We were there on a family night but the kids were well behaved.
Good food, enough saunas to satisfy your need to sweat and great relaxation areas.
$ 30 is a fair price.

Great place to unwind, felt comfortable asking staff about facility and policies, refreshing lose leaf teas, yummy homemade food, women’s day is never busy.
I will keep coming back.
Small hiccup– turkish sauna (steam room) was out of order however as soon as the staff were aware they imediately had someone come in.
If you want to bring a a couple close friends this is perfects for a girls spa day on the cheap.
Also on family day it’s a good spot for couples.
Bring your own oil free scrub I use honey and throw a bunch of spices. Good for the turkish spa or after the banya.
They have two massage therapists but only one massage room.

Having visited different onsens, jimjilbangs, and hammams during my travels, I have always been interested in finding similar experiences around Toronto. These places are relaxing and social, but not so expensive or luxurious as spas (i.e. they are places you could afford to go regularly). So when I saw a groupon for South-​Western Bathhouse, which just opened in 2012, I jumped on it!
A perfect way to pass a lazy Sunday afternoon, I went here with my SC (sauna companion!) over the holidays. Note that weekends are co-​ed so you need to bring your swimsuit. For other days, check the schedule on their website because they alternate between men-​only and women-​only days. You don’t need to make any reservations, just show up! It’s in a plaza but there’s no sign that you can see from the street. Look for the family restaurant and then the door is on the side, with ample parking in the back.
The regular price is $ 30 per adult including unlimited use of the facilities and a selection of tea (it’s open til midnight, so you could stay all day if you want). The clientele is mostly Russian and on the weekends you’ll see couples and groups of friends of all ages. I think the social aspect is big here, so it’s not a place I would come alone (compared to other spas like Body Blitz). It’s more of a meeting place than a typical «spa», i.e. there are no add-​on services like massages or facials. The owners are very welcoming to newbies, plus there’s a handy beginner’s guide on the website that tells you what to expect!
Basically, they give you slippers, a robe, a towel, and a bracelet (which acts as your waterproof locker key). You go to the changerooms (which are quite small and basic, they provide a hair dryer but if you need anything else, bring your own) and get changed. Then you take a shower — there are stalls with curtains in the main area. Next, you can choose between the main sauna (banya) which is the largest, the Finnish dry sauna, or the Turkish steam room. In between steaming, you can take a dip in the cold pool or douse yourself under the barrel of cold water. Repeat — each time you can gradually increase your time in the sauna. There are some lounge chairs to rest between «cycles», or you can go out to the living room where there are sofas and a TV playing Russian programs. Play cards, chat, read a book… I brought a cooling face mask to apply while lying on the sofa. Ahhh…
Don’t forget to stop by the small, homestyle restaurant. You can get dishes like beef stroganoff or other Russian specialities including soups, sausage, salads and desserts. The place also has a liquor license, although I’d be wary of drinking and passing out in one of the saunas: S The décor is very cozy with antique teapots, stamps, and other paraphernalia on the walls. I tried a beef soup with some parsley and walnuts. It was delicious and totally hit the spot!
This banya is definitely worth trying out, especially on a cold winter day. Very relaxing and a new cultural experience as well!