A distinctive floating spa and sauna facility, housed within a converted Second World War-era barge, could soon become a new landmark on Vancouver's Kitsilano shoreline. The ambitious proposal would see the vessel moored at the Heritage Harbour marina, directly outside the Vancouver Maritime Museum in the Kits Point area.
Partnership and Proposed Location
The Vancouver Maritime Museum has officially partnered with Havn Saunas to bring this unique wellness destination to life. The anticipated opening is set for mid-2027, pending a crucial municipal approval process. David Jordan, the museum's executive director, confirmed that the plan is still under review by the city, noting that "the city doesn't really have a process for a project like this. It's outside of the box."
The museum, along with its artifacts and the land and water lot, is owned by the City of Vancouver and operated by the non-profit Vancouver Maritime Museum Society. To help move the project forward, Councillor Sarah Kirby-Yung introduced a motion on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, asking city staff to collaborate with the museum and Havn to establish a viable pathway for the proposal.
A Win-Win for Vancouver
According to David Jordan, hosting the Havn spa at Heritage Harbour represents a significant opportunity for multiple parties. He described it as a "win-win-win for the museum, the company, and Vancouver," expressing great excitement for the project's potential.
The partnership is expected to provide the Vancouver Maritime Museum with a new and much-needed revenue stream. Jordan highlighted that operating budgets for arts and culture organizations have remained stagnant, and the income from this venture would help the museum build a more sustainable financial model for the future.
Activating the Waterfront
The floating spa is also seen as a way to dynamically activate the city's waterfront. The barge would be positioned in the marina's northernmost berth, where it would serve the dual purpose of providing a new public amenity while also helping to protect the harbour from storm surges and king tides.
This development would not displace current users of the Heritage Harbour, which is home to a curated collection of vintage wooden boats, an artist residency on a Norwegian-built houseboat, and a heritage boatbuilding club.
Building on Victoria's Success
Havn has been searching for a location to launch its second facility following the success of its inaugural floating spa in Victoria's Inner Harbour, which opened in 2023. The Victoria location features a range of amenities, including:
- Traditional saunas
- Invigorating cold pools
- Relaxing hot tubs
- Comfortable lounge areas
The company had previously explored other potential sites in the Vancouver area, including False Creek near the Plaza of Nations and a location in North Vancouver. However, the Heritage Harbour site was identified as an ideal fit due to its calm, contemplative atmosphere and its prime location within Vancouver proper.
The vessel itself, a restored 1943 naval supply barge, aligns perfectly with the museum's mission to showcase the maritime history of the Pacific Northwest and the Arctic. Councillor Kirby-Yung believes the facility could significantly bolster the waterfront amenities and cultural institutions in Vanier Park, which include the Museum of Vancouver and the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, providing a substantial boost to Vancouver's tourism industry.
