Montreal gay bathhouse

There’s a natural fluidity to how things work—a kind of organized coexistence.”

Bathers from all walks of life share the space, each with their own rituals. It allows for the generally peaceful coexistence of ethnic, religious, and sexual minorities within a confined space,” the article explains.

But we do know the same Jewish family has been running the place for 100 years,” says D*, who worries about the bathhouse’s future.

“A lot of Montreal institutions are disappearing,” he adds. The bathhouse fosters these wonderful encounters between young and old. The only downside for me is that the vibe can be a bit gloomy, and some people are there just to hook up because they don’t have many other options—it feels like a last resort,” Tristan explains.

The high-pressure wet system further enhances your relaxation, while two outdoor terraces provide the perfect spots to unwind and enjoy the fresh air. “Apparently, that’s when a group of young queers show up… Word’s gotten out, so I’m curious to see what it’s like.”

A bathhouse steeped in a century of history

D* echoes Tristan’s thoughts on the somewhat grim vibe of the place and doesn’t hold back.

Okay?” said the receptionist, who they thought was a ‘slightly creepy gay guy in his thirties.’

“From the outside, it’s old-fashioned—neither ugly nor beautiful. They seemed pretty relaxed!”

“Everyone was sitting there watching us shower. Near the showers, there’s a ‘meat locker’ of sorts with benches, where about 20 people were chatting in French, English, or Russian, including two guys, completely naked, lounging on the table.

- following the fire.

Busiest time to visit Sauna G.I. Joe

After bars and clubs close, many people head to the sauna. Located in the heart of the Plateau, Bain Colonial offers an array of services designed to tantalize your senses and meet your every need in a safe, discreet, and tastefully elegant atmosphere. But no one really follows these rules, and it’s not a big deal.

The crowd is diverse, with many bears and admirers adding to the friendly and inviting environment. People don’t always go there to hook up, but if the opportunity arises, it’ll happen,” explains a regular we’ll call D*. Sounds simple enough.

“It’s really a space to be free, even though the atmosphere inside is somewhat regulated.

I get why people keep coming back!

We felt a bit awkward, but it was okay! There’s almost a Soviet feel to it, especially with the old carpet,” they laugh. The bathhouse smooths out differences—a place suspended in time and space, where social dynamics are paused. It’s a great way to relax and catch up with friends. “Some guys got a bit excited and started following us, but we just locked ourselves in our room.

There are 60 rooms over 2 levels so you'll definitely meet someone you like here.

The bar boasts beefy bartenders, but they're not the only ones that frequent this sauna. “In the corner, there’s a giant oven door—like the mouth of hell—with a wooden handle and a heavy, creaking door. They didn’t say a word, but they were definitely watching us,” Tristan and Iseult recount.