Aether Haus Opens in Vancouver: A New Era of Social Wellness

Aether Haus, a groundbreaking social wellness facility, officially opened its doors in Vancouver, British Columbia, on July 24, 2025. Located in the West End, just minutes from English Bay Beach, this expansive 31,000-square-foot space aims to create an inclusive environment for individuals seeking wellness through the innovative Wim Hof method.

The facility, owned by Kevin Frank, has been meticulously designed to foster community connections while promoting personal wellness. Frank emphasized the center’s ethos, stating, "We created Aether Haus to welcome everyone, not just the hyper health-conscious. This is a space for people to simply show up as they are and experience the power of stillness."

Aether Haus features a Himalayan salt sauna, cold plunge pools with varying temperatures supplied by Joe Chill Ice Works, and a serene tea lounge. The center intentionally maintains a phone-free environment, aiming to eliminate distractions and encourage genuine interaction among guests. This design choice aligns with the facility’s overarching goal to promote wellness through stillness and shared experiences.

The name ‘Aether’ is derived from Greek mythology, representing the pure essence that gods breathed, while ‘Haus’ is the German word for ‘house’, symbolizing a welcoming space. This unique combination encapsulates the facility’s mission to serve as a home for wellness and connection.

In terms of offerings, Aether Haus provides a variety of programs led by certified instructors trained in the Wim Hof method, which combines breathing exercises with cold exposure techniques. According to Dave Gu and Jon West, leading instructors at Aether Haus, the facility offers both guided and free-flow sessions, catering to different preferences and levels of experience. Guests can engage in 90-minute semi-guided programs, which include:

1. **Haus Classic**: An Aufguss-inspired sauna ritual that incorporates darkness and curated playlists for self-reflection. 2. **Sound Journey**: A meditative practice enriched by live music from skilled musicians using singing bowls, flutes, and percussion. 3. **Breath and Sound**: Similar to the Sound Journey, but featuring vocal expressions and breathwork to enhance relaxation. 4. **Yin Stretch**: Led by in-house yoga instructors, this session emphasizes deep stretches and breathing exercises. 5. **The Cold Enthusiast**: An instructional session on cold exposure practices. 6. **The Pause**: Focused on silence and reflection through three meditative practices. 7. **The Release**: A combination of movement, breathwork, and vocal release techniques aimed at emotional reset. 8. **The Space Within**: A guided meditation journey using music and visualization.

The business model of Aether Haus is hybrid, allowing for both single session visits and membership options. A drop-in session is priced at CAD 48 (approximately USD 35), while a 10-session pass is available for CAD 440 (about USD 321). Monthly memberships range from CAD 275 (USD 201) for unlimited access to various package options.

Although the facility does not provide traditional treatment rooms for massages, it offers the Russian Banya massage ritual in group settings, enhancing the communal aspect of wellness.

Aether Haus is not only a place for individual health practices but also seeks to expand its reach across British Columbia, with plans to open a second location by 2027. This initiative reflects a growing trend in the wellness industry that emphasizes community, connection, and holistic approaches to health.

As the wellness sector continues to evolve, establishments like Aether Haus illustrate the increasing demand for inclusive and innovative spaces that cater to diverse needs. The facility’s approach to combining physical wellness with social connection represents a significant shift in how individuals engage with their health and community, paving the way for future developments in the industry.