This bathhouse is modeled after a Russian Banya and contains a dry sauna, wet sauna, steam room, cold plunge & bucket, resting/common area, and a dining room. With the entrance fee, you are given a towel, bathrobe, and a bracelet for a locker. You can also opt for different add-ons for your experience such as an exfoliator/scrub or a sauna hat. They do not offer slippers so bring your own if you prefer them. I found the saunas hot enough as I have a low heat tolerance. The cold bucket plunge was also refreshing after the sauna. The cold plunge is a well that states a one person limit, though many people went in with 2-3 people at a time. The entire atmosphere reminds you of a cottage getaway. Afterward, we went to the dining area where they offer complimentary tea at the cutest tea station. They also make homemade kombucha and offer pickle vodka shots. We ordered the borsht, cabbage rolls, dumplings, herring, and the sourdough pancakes. Right off the bat, everything was delicious. The borsht was probably one of the best I've ever tasted, especially with the sour cream and the tanginess of the broth. The cabbage rolls were juicy and seasoned well, the sourdough pancakes tasted like fried dough and had a rich buttery flavour as opposed to the sweet, cakiness you would expect from a pancake. But the most surprising was the herring, which came with pickled cabbage on top and was incredibly tasty. Definitely give this a try if you visit. The drinks were also made strong, despite the low price ($11-15 for a cocktail). We all agreed that we should return just for the food alone! read more

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I had an absolute blast at women's night which is every Tuesday at Southwestern Bathhouse! Admittedly because it was my first time I was confused as hell and the front desk didn't really walk me through any of the rooms or what their functions were or what to do first etc, but all the info was on the website and there were only three rooms and one cold plunge so it ended up being kind of self explanatory. Scrubs are five dollars for purchase which actually is kinda crazy considering the size but I came for the full experience so you bet I bought one for the steam room. The sauna and steam rooms were INSANELY hot and the cold plunge was INSANELY cold. It was FANTASTIC lol! It was so foggy in the steam room I literally could barely see anyone else and my nostrils were burning from the heat. The water in the pool was nice and cold though and really helped keep cool in there. The larger sauna was super relaxing temperature wise and more for chilling out. If the cold plunge was too extreme there was also a chain and bucket that release cold water that was not nearly as freezing. There was a lovely cozy rest area with dim lights and a tv and in the nook of the dining area a plethora of stunning herbal, aromatic and fruity teas. As for the food itself, AWESOME. There were plenty of options for me as someone who only eats halal meat and has to otherwise be vegetarian or pescatarian in the event meat is not halal. I had potato pelmeni and the bowl was LOADED. I was in absolute BLISS. The mushroom julienne was a pool of cheese, cream and mushrooms, what was there not to like there??? The bread was the only meh part of it all. The sour cream cake was lovely and fluffy. Very homemade vibes. I loved the experience and would absolutely come back again! read more

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This family run place is great. For 65$ you get access to the facility. When you enter you are given a towel, a bathrobe, and and a bracket for a locker. The facility includes sauna, stream room, and a Russian room. There is also a tea room (included in the entrance) where you can choose from around 6 different teas. There is a couch room with 5 couches where you can wear, and a food area where you can have food and some drinks. Overall the quality is great. I will be back here. For food we got pelimini for 14$. read more

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the facility was beautiful and clean. we had a great time and would definitely return

Right outta the highway is this hole in the wall hidden gem. This bath house has a dry sauna, eucalyptus steam and what appeared to be a traditional banya with an ice bath steps away. If you are stressed, look no further! The traditional banya was definitely the highlight for the evening. After the hot and cold treatment the kitchen is just steps away. Everything that was ordered was hearty! Can't stop thinking about the next visit! read more

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Why did no one tell me that a small slice of Russia existed mere minutes from my home? A place where rest, relaxation are the first priority, and good food and tasty drinks are not far behind - admittedly I had never considered that a spa would have good food. It's a little difficult to find, so check their website/facebook for maps as it's on Dundas, across from La Castile steakhouse around the side of the plaza. The parking is located along the side of the building and around back - no issues there. Upon entering you pay for your entry fee ($45) and are given a robe, a towel and a digital locker key, which not only opens your locker with a mere tap but is also your account number for all services, food and drink you purchase during your stay. The Bathhouse/Spa is small but efficient comprised of a small sauna, a Turkish steam sauna with menthol and eucalyptus, a cold bucket, a cold plunge and a large sauna powered by a massive fire kiln. The theory is that your go into the heat until you can't take it any longer and immediately shock your body with the cold water. The varied effect has many benefits to your health - but holy hades was that cold after cooking in the kiln sauna for 20 minutes. After rotating back and forth between cold and hot I decided to robe up and go for a drink and some nibbles. They have a mostly Russian/eastern European menu and I was taken with the Beef Bourguignon and ordered that along with several pints of CzechVar beer. The Beef stew was unreal, served with steamed buckwheat and a vinegar based coleslaw - the kind of meal that warms your insides as much as the sauna warms your outsides. Fantastic! The have a "family room" set up in there as well where you can lay on a couch and watch TV (or as many did, just go for a nap), which was further to the general ambiance of self care, rest and relaxation. I'm a huge fan of this place and I am actually considering getting a membership for the year. The only tiny caveat is that some of the older staff are a bit surely and cold, which made for some uncomfortable interactions, however the younger wait staff in the restaurant/bar were super nice which balanced this out. Check it out - you won't be disappointed read more

South-Western Bathhouse - Day Spas Near Me - Mississauga, Ontario

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This Russian bathhouse is small but makes you feel like you stepped into a small cottage in Russia - that happens to have a steam room, a couple saunas and a cold plunge pool. It feels old world and it was a busy day there but didn't feel crowded. The atmosphere is friendly and strangers quickly become acquaintances. Would have loved to go with someone who knew what they were doing because the "leap whipping massage" was rather intriguing. After several cycles of steam, cold, sauna, cold... it was time to check out the tea room and food. It's small. Really small. I sat at the spot available at a big table and was soon politely asked by some locals if they could join. In truth, they made the extra star for me because the experience was likely what I would imagine the original banyas were about... being social. The food was delicious as was the tea. Parking was not good but probably because it was busy. It was a little difficult to find because the entrance is on the right SIDE of the strip mall. Recommendations: take sandals that can get wet. Was co-Ed day so swimsuit was a must. Do the cold plunge and experience as much as you can. If someone offers to whip you with a bunch leaves/sprigs... I'd recommend a 'yes'. read more

This is our 2nd visit with the same group of friends. As I mentioned before, it's not a fancy place but once you give it a chance and spend a few hours, you'll know why customers will keep returning. We bought the 10 visits for $300 and was allowed to use 5 visits immediately. With 7 of us, only 2 people had to pay the regular price of $40. It was a very busy Saturday so be prepare that they might be full. We arrived around 4pm and they didn't have any space for us but we were able to leave our number for them to call us back which they did about a hour later. The set up here is perfect. We spent about 10 mins in each sauna room and plunged in the cold cold water barrel every 20 mins or so. After about a hour spent in the sauna area, make yourself a pot of tea and relax in the TV room. By now, you should feel extremely relaxed! I was of course looking forward to having some home-style Russian food. We had the roasted pork and borscht soup. The roasted pork serving was quite big, enough for two people to share. It was okay but not as good as the beef bourguignon that we had last time. We'll probably stick with the beef dish next time. I made sure I ordered the sour cream cake earlier this time as they sold out last time when I waited until I finished my meal. The cake was light and not too sweet, absolutely delicious. We'll definitely be back! read more

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So excited to see that there's a Banya near Toronto! And even better, there's a Turkish bath inside as well! First of all, the entrance is hidden on the side of a strip mall. It's super cozy in here with a lounge area with couches to relax on and a TV playing nature documentaries. Off to one side is the kitchen and tea room where you can make yourself a pot of tea and grab some snacks in between sauna dips. Being inside the saunas definitely work up an appetite. Try the sourdough pancakes with the pine syrup! So good! The spa area has a dry Swedish electric sauna, the Turkey steam room with Eucalyptus (my fave!), and a spot with wooden chairs and benches to hang out. A couple steps up is the Russian banya where you can sweat it out, and also get a venik. Right outside the banya is a cold water tub to shock your senses. Honestly the best thing about this place is how chilled out and friendly everyone is (makes sense considering it's a spot people are coming for the sole purpose of relaxation and this place is obviously doing the job)! Props to South-Western bathhouse on their HIGHLY informative website!! All the tips and tricks prepare you if you've never been to a bathhouse before and they have a recommended schedule to follow for max results. There's also a comprehensive menu with photos which is super helpful for people like me who are new to Russian food. Looking forward to coming back here to relax! My husband and I left feeling brand new. read more

As a proud member of Banya association I can say that this place is by far the best. We usually bring new recruits / members here for their first experience. It's important to break the banya virginity with the best venik beating one can find. Before coming to Banya you must understand the rules. The first rule of banya is CLOSE DOOR?!!!! It will make all the Russians more happy with you and they may offer you a free venik beating. The second rule of banya is talk about banya. The third rule, you must banya. There may be some other rules but those are the three most important ones. Also, if a stranger offers to beat you with a venik kindly thank them and accept the beating. After you banya you can then go eat and drink. Beer is pretty cheap here and so is the food. However, you pay a $45 entry fee so in reality it's not that cheap. Anyway, I've had their cabbage rolls and perogies and they are to die for. The food feels like home cooked food which makes this place feel even more authentic. read more

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! http://banya.ca/index.php/steam-russian/ 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 decor 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! read more

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: http://banya.ca/index.php/menu_russian_food_toronto/ 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. read more

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Overall I rate my experience here a B. I loved the selection of food and drink. As well the tea was such a treat to see all the different kinds. I would say that the facilities aren't A+ material that would warrant a 5 stat rating. $45 entrance fee is a little high. Smaller saunas so if it gets moderately busy it's going to be crowded. I would go back again though. On a side note please install a sign saying not to use the birch branches by the big main sauna because when I and other were using them the older gentleman became quite rude and disrespectful saying we're not allowed to use them. Perhaps a little more kindness and politeness will go a long way with the customer because I heard numerous customers speaking negative of that experience. The females in the establishment were all kind and lovely. God bless read more

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. read more

South-Western Bathhouse - Day Spas Near Me - Mississauga, Ontario

"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.. read more

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I came here with my mom and sister for mother's day and upon entering, my first reaction was... oh, it's a little grimy. After going in the first sauna, my reaction was much more 'ahhhhhhhhhhhh' than 'oh'. I quickly fell in love. To be fair, this place was the perfect storm to win my heart. They have saunas, they have a variety of complimentary teas which you drink after you go in the sauna (if there's anything I like, it's options), they have KOMBUCHA ($3)...AND IT'S REALLY GOOD, they have Czech beer on draft *swoons*, they have mill st organic on draft, they have a full bar, and they have delicious food that I've never tried before with herring, beets, mushrooms, lamb, and other Russian dishes. A description of the place: when you enter the plaza, it is on the side of the big building. There is parking in the back. There is a miniscule red awning. That is the only way to find it. There are no instructions. I got the low down from a regular, and I'm passing it on to you. You enter and are given a magnetic key bracelet for your locker and a robe. You change in the changeroom and grab some flip flops. Take a quick rinse in the shower and head on into the first sauna for 10 minutes. Exit, grab a tea, and watch the captivating Discovery Channel Russian show on t.v. (it was super interesting!), and relax on the comfy couches until you cool down a bit. Go back into the first sauna. Repeat. You then go in the Turkish bath then lounge on the wooden chairs (or wherever you please) when you get too hot. Then you can go into the big sauna which is the hottest. Throw some water on it when it's too dry inside. Bring your towel! It will burn your bum! After you're done in there take a five minute plunge in the cold pool. Don't be shy, get in there and make new friends! From there, you can reenter the sauna and take a cold shower under the bucket after. There is a bunch of branches with leaves on them. You wet the leaves, wave them in front of the stove to warm them and then whack... erm I mean massage your partner's/friend's back by gently hitting them with the leaves. It feels great. Arms, back, legs. By this time you'll be starving. There's shampoo and shower gel in the showers. In the restaurant, they have pictures on the wall of dishes. My mom ordered so I don't know the names but the food came out fast and everything was delicious. I can't wait to go back here. It's closed for the summer but reopens in September. It gets busy later in the evening. read more

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Awesome! Spent a lovely Sunday here. Unlimited tea included, delicious food, and three sauna rooms to choose from. There is a cold bucket to dunk in inbetween sauna-ing and a spot where you can get cold water falling on you from above. Really home-like atmosphere and everyone was friendly. Would definitely return! read more

Currently sitting in the dining room enjoying the complimentary tea. This is my first experience and definitely will not be my last. The space itself is comfortable, the food looks delicious even though I am unable to eat any of it. The saunas and steam rooms are lovely but intense. The wet sauna is remarkable. And the cold baths right outside of it is refreshing. EDDIE, a member of the staff, is very helpful. As I am here alone, he made sure to keep checking on me and advising how to get the most of the experience. I'll be back with some friends and family. read more

This was such a great experience! The steam rooms were very well maintained and worked great! The hammam in particular was very relaxing. I didn't think I would jump into the ice bath, but I found myself enjoying that part the most. The food was also very tasty! Very reasonable priced, I would definitely go back. read more

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. read more

I recently had the immense pleasure of visiting the wonderful South-Western Banya, a neat little family-run establishment, and enjoyed a very delicious, healthy, hearty, and colorful Russian dinner in their on-site restaurant, and will definitely keep coming again and again. I loved their sumptuous Salmon Solyanka as my appetizer, which was their take on the famous Russian soup and contained nice big chunks of fresh salmon, capers, dill, lemon, olives, and more tasty ingredients in a delicious seasoned beefy broth, served in a big ornamental Russian bowl. Orders were taken by a very courteous, cheerful, pretty. and sweet young Russian lady (who, along with her mom and dad, owns the place), who also brought the wonderful food right to my table, with a smile. The Russian culture is famous for its tremendous hospitality and generosity. Very high quality food in very generous portions at very good prices. No wonder the place was packed, with many dine-in patrons. The atmosphere is very friendly and relaxed. Several kinds of teas, all free of charge, with plenty of ornamental tea pots and cups, self-serve style. Great ambiance. Chalet-style setting. Very cozy. Beautiful Russian decor. The interior dining area is immaculately clean and tidy. Plenty of tables. All forms of payment accepted. Prime and convenient location in the Dundas St E and Dixie Rd area of Mississauga. Just 700M west of The West Mall, the road that pretty much marks the border between Mississauga and Toronto. And 2.2KM east of Dixie Rd, 2.6KM from Dixie GO Train Station, 3.3KM west of TTC's Kipling Subway Station and Kipling GO Train Station, and under 2KM west of Toronto's famous Cloverdale Mall (opened 1956). Within easy proximity to Highways 427 and QEW/Gardiner. Plenty of parking. Bus stop literally at doorstep for the frequently-running MiWay local route 1 (Dundas) and Miway express route 101. Many more bus routes, local and express, of MiWay and TTC, available just 700M east of this place, at Dundas St E and The West Mall. A very quick bus ride away from TTC's Kipling Subway Station and Kipling GO Train Station. My sincere thanks to the wonderful staff of South-Western Banya for making my first visit a very enjoyable one and I look forward to continue dining at your great establishment on an ongoing basis. God Bless. read more

South-Western Bathhouse - The wonderful owners of the South-Western Banya, from left to right: Julia, Viktor, and Valentina - Day Spas Near Me - Mississauga, Ontario

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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. read more

Not the kind of bathhouse I was expecting! After making a tiny mistake I was corrected and asked to put my pants back on! Sauna was great, but could have used some "intimacy" if you know what I mean! read more

When I travel I make an attempt to go to a Sauna in the city I am visiting, many cities do not have Sauna facilities which is a shame. On the other hand it would be a shame if you are in this area and miss the chance to enjoy this unique facility. This place is not mediocre it's outstanding and I can say it's provides one of the more relaxing and rejuvenating experiences I have had. The place is unique and it's not just the beautiful tile work in the steam sauna room. Nor is it simply because of the stunning brick stove sauna which dominates the Russian style sauna room and your senses when you are in it. You can tell from the moment you talk to the family members who run this place. They make you feel at home, invite you into their Sauna life, welcome you with great conversation, a interesting food menu and a warm and friendly environment. My wife and I spent over 8 hours in the sauna areas and enjoyed every moment. I was so thrilled by my first experience in this 'Russian style' sauna house that I wish I could figure a way to enjoy without the 5 hour drive to Toronto on the other hand it made all those moments of the drive worth it. If I wasn't a vegaterian I would have loved to have some of the home made food. It's authentic russian food made fresh daily and the other guests raved about the dishes that I wasn't able to enjoy. I plan to visit again and would recommend that you do the same. If you get the chance follow the friendly advice of the owners and be sure to make an evening of it and don't forget tea and desert. read more

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! read more

Great Russian banya! Homey, traditional, charming, authentic. Would prefer to go nude with my boyfriend on mixed gender days like they do in Europe however. read more