A bathhouse can mean different things to different people! Typically, they are a space with both hot tubs and saunas available, where people go to have sex.
Who goes to bathhouses? Are they open to anyone?
Most bathhouses are for men who have sex with men, whether they identify as gay, bi, or straight! Typically, these spaces are for men only and are very strict with this rule.
There are some bathhouses that allow everyone, regardless of gender or sexuality! These are usually cheaper to enter for couples and single women, and more expensive for single men.
Most bathhouses are only for people who are 18 or older. Some might have age requirements that are higher. That’s because bathhouses are places for people to have sex, and sometimes drink alcohol and do drugs. Bathhouses aren’t for people who are too young to legally do those things.
Are bathhouses trans-friendly?
It depends on the bathhouse! Many have policies that aren’t explicitly trans inclusive, but that doesn’t always mean that trans people aren’t welcome. If you’re unsure about a new space, you can always check with them by calling or emailing! You could also check with other trans people who have been to the space to see if they felt welcomed and had a good time.
What happens at a bathhouse?
It depends on what you’re looking for and who else is there! But overall, people hang out in the public spaces and dark rooms. Dark rooms are rooms where the lights are turned off, and there may be sexual equipment like slings that people can use. If people want more privacy, they can take things to a private room. But, that is completely up to the people present! Some prefer public sex while many others prefer a social, laid back atmosphere.
Some bathhouses have bars, or otherwise serve alcohol. It’s common for people to use drugs like poppers in bathhouses, though not always legal. Having sex while on drugs, especially in a social setting like a bathhouse, is sometimes called chemsex, or party and play. It’s up to you if you want to participate in these things when you go to a bathhouse!
What to expect when visiting a bathhouse
Every bathhouse is different, so it can be hard to know what to expect. One of the positives about being in a bathhouse is that you are rarely alone! If you’re uncomfortable or just unsure about something, you can talk to someone close by or reach out to someone working there for help. You can also go with a friend if that feels easier!
One thing to expect when visiting a bathhouse is nudity! Most people walk around naked with a towel around their waist and their door or locker key around their arm. But some people walk around completely naked, and others might remain clothed. It’s all about comfort! Many people bring their own flips flops so they don’t have to walk around the spaces barefoot, but others don’t mind being barefoot.
You may also see people drinking alcohol, using drugs, or having sex. Usually, smoking and other ways of doing drugs are not allowed in bathhouses, but some people still do it!
Do I HAVE to be naked and have sex if I go to a bathhouse?
Just because many people go to bathhouses to be naked and have sex doesn’t mean that you need to do those things when you go to a bathhouse. But, you can expect to see other people doing them. You also might be approached by someone to have sex or do drugs together. Whether or not you do is up to you. You can also approach other people and make the first move if you’re comfortable doing that!
Consent can look a bit different in bathhouses than it does in clubs or bars. That’s because a lot of people in a bathhouse are already undressed and ready to have sex. And, within a bathhouse, consent can look different depending on if you’re in a public area, dark room, or private room! In dark rooms, for example, it’s common for people to touch each other without asking first. But no matter where you are in (or outside of) a bathhouse, consent is still important! If someone hits on you or touches you in a way you don’t like, you can tell them no, walk away from them, or let someone know if they continue making you uncomfortable. And, if someone tells you no, it’s always important to respect that!
How do I find a bathhouse near me?
In Montreal, there are a few different bathhouses. All of these are open to people who are 18+ years old only.
In the village, near metro Beaudry:
- Sauna de Centreville. This sauna has all the usual bathhouse features like a sauna , private rooms, and a movie room. But they sometimes even play non-adult films!
- Sauna Oasis is close to Sauna de Centreville. It has a wet and dry sauna and private rooms over two floors and has the biggest hot tub.
- The third bathhouse in the village is Sauna GI Joe. This bathhouse has three levels and a rooftop patio with a heated smoking room and sun chairs in the warmer months
All of these bathhouses, like most bathhouses, are open 24 hours.
Outside of the village, near St-Laurent Metro, you can find Bain Colonial. This is Montreal’s oldest bathhouse! It has a gym, cafeteria, and patios as well as saunas and private rooms.
Most bathhouses charge for either 6 or 8 hour stays. These can be anywhere between 15 and 30 dollars to rent a locker, or 30 to 100+ for a private room depending on size and when you decide to go! Some also have masseuses on staff who give massages for an additional fee, or charge extra for other amenities.
Because bathhouses can be important community spaces, many people use word of mouth to find them, or to figure out which bathhouse in their area might be a good fit. It’s not always advertised, but bathhouses may cater to older or younger clientele, or have other features that people might specifically seek them out for. If you know anyone who’s been to a bathhouse, and you’re wondering what it might be like, it can help to ask them! You can also try searching online for “Bathhouses in [your area]” and checking forums like Reddit to see what people who have been to them are saying.
