Adventure brief
Hot Dates (Baby it's Cold Outside!)
Heat up, cool down, and watch the sky: this private Finnish wet sauna on Pinantan Lake is a 90-minute couples-only escape with dock plunges, plush robes, and strong chances for clear-night stargazing — sometimes even the northern lights. Book ahead; nights fill fast.
On the shore of Pinantan Lake in British Columbia, Hot Dates (Baby it's Cold Outside!) is a private lakeside sauna experience designed for two. The 90-minute visit centers on a Finnish wet sauna built above a quiet bay, a wooden dock for cold plunges when the lake is open, and an indoor lounge for warming between sessions. The meeting point is on the sundeck level of the property; enter via the front yard and use the wooden stairs on the West side (right) to meet the hospitality host.
A short drive from Kamloops and framed by mixed pine and aspen, the site makes a compact but striking outdoor room where steam, water and night sky meet. The key features are the Finnish wet sauna, double shower, private dock, plush robes, and the option to make snow angels or take a lake plunge depending on season. Natural elements define the experience: Pinantan Lake’s glassy water, seasonal ice and snow, dark skies that reveal constellations, and frequent opportunities to see aurora borealis farther north on strong geomagnetic nights.
The shoreline’s glacially-carved basin contributes to calm water and reflective views at dusk. The ritual is simple and intimate: warm in the sauna, cool under the double shower or step onto the dock for a lake dip, then relax in the indoor lounging area with tea and a light snack. Small touches—plush towels, robes, and attentive hospitality—remove friction so couples can focus on the contrast of hot and cold, the tactile feel of steam, and the silence of a lakeside night.
Why this spot stands out: few private experiences in Interior British Columbia combine traditional Finnish sauna practice with direct lake access and aurora-capable skies. It’s less showy than a resort and more focused than a public spa—this is an opportunity to feel locally rooted without leaving town. Practical notes: bookings are private for groups of two and last approximately 1.5 hours.
Bring swimwear, a warm change of clothes for after, and a camera for night-sky shots. The property’s accessibility and group size limit keep the visit intimate but may not be suitable for those requiring extensive mobility accommodations; contact the operator for specifics. Whether you arrive from nearby towns or as part of a winter escape, this compact, deliberately slow experience makes Pinantan Lake more than scenery—it becomes a place to mark time together with heat, clear air, and a horizon that sometimes dances with northern lights.
Included with each booking are plush robes, towels, water and tea, a light snack, and access to the double shower and private dock. Because sessions are limited to two people, reserve well in advance—weekend and aurora-prone nights sell out quickly. Parking is available on-site.
Contact early.
Adventure tips
Plan your experience.
Curated tips for an optimal adventure.
- 01Book aurora nights earlyessential
Reserve well ahead for weekend evenings and periods of strong geomagnetic activity — slots are limited to two people.
- 02Bring swimwear and warm layersessential
Pack a swimsuit for plunges and a warm change of clothes to put on after the session to avoid chill.
- 03Mind the ice in shoulder seasonswarning
If the lake is freezing or thawing, use the double shower instead of stepping on unstable ice; ask the host about safe plunge options.
- 04Protect night vision for stargazinginfo
Avoid bright phone screens on the dock; dim your devices to better see constellations and potential aurora activity.
Recommended gear
What to bring.
Swimwear
Needed for lake plunges or cold-water dips when the lake is open.
summerEssentialWarm change of clothes
A dry, insulated layer helps you stay comfortable after steaming and plunging.
winterEssentialHeadlamp or flashlight
Useful for the walk to the sundeck and dock after dark without ruining night vision.
fallCamera with tripod
Capture long-exposure night-sky shots and reflections on the lake during aurora or starry conditions.
winterLocal insights
Context for the journey.
Nearby secrets
Sundeck-level shoreline for sunrise reflections, A quiet shallow bay section ideal for calm-water photos at dusk
Local fauna
Bald eagle, Moose
Historic heritage
Pinantan Lake sits within landscapes long used by local Indigenous peoples and later shaped by glacial activity that formed the basin and shoreline patterns visible today.
Mindful exploration
Operators keep group sizes small and encourage leave-no-trace practices; avoid smoking and dispose of waste using provided facilities to protect the lakeshore.
Photography tips
Capture the moments
- Viewpoints
- Private dock for foreground reflections, Sundeck level for steam-and-lake compositions, Indoor lounge window framing the shoreline
- Subjects
- Night sky and aurora, Steam and human silhouettes, Lake reflections and shoreline detail
- Best times
- Golden hour, Blue hour, Night (for stars and aurora)
Frequently asked questions
Before you go.
Is the booking truly private?
Yes — each session is reserved exclusively for your group of two for the full 1.5-hour visit.
What is included with the session?
Included are a Finnish wet sauna, private dock access (when lake conditions allow), double shower, indoor lounge, plush robes, towels, water, tea and a light snack.
Can we see the northern lights here?
Pinantan Lake’s dark skies can produce visible aurora on active geomagnetic nights; sightings are possible but not guaranteed.
How do we find the meeting point?
Meet on the sundeck level of the property; enter via the front yard and use the wooden stairs on the West side (right) to meet the hospitality host.
Are there age restrictions or accessibility accommodations?
The experience is designed for adults in groups of two; contact the operator ahead of time to discuss mobility needs or special requests.
What if the lake is frozen?
If the lake is frozen, the double shower and indoor lounge provide safe cool-down options and snow-play alternatives like making snow angels.