A Warm Welcome

A partnership that strengthens the Museum’s long-term viability and brings a restored 1943 naval barge back to life as a design-forward public wellness space.

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An Impactful Partnerhship

A living piece of heritage

The Vancouver HAVN facility is built on a restored 1943 naval barge, the sister hull to HAVN’s award-winning Victoria flagship facility, offering the public a rare opportunity to experience maritime history in an unexpected, contemporary way.

Activation of the harbour

HAVN will be moored entirely within the existing marina footprint, transforming underused water space into one of Vancouver’s most distinctive and unique waterfront experiences.

The harbour's atmosphere

HAVN’s design reflects stillness, quiet presence, and West Coast calm, enhancing the reflective character of Heritage Harbour.

Strengthening viability

The partnership provides new, stable revenue that directly supports exhibitions, programming, and heritage vessel conservation efforts.

Recreation and enjoyment

HAVN offers a gentle, welcoming space that invites Vancouverites to slow down, reconnect with the water, and enjoy the Heritage Harbour in a new and restorative way.

Protecting vessels

Docking HAVN on the northernmost berth creates much-needed shelter for the heritage vessels and docks, improving resilience during winter storms.

History of the Barge

Transformed from a vessel of urgency into a retreat of stillness. A living piece of history, reimagined.

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HAVN's Track Record

Thoughtful Words

This project will provide much-needed revenue; provide shelter for existing docks and heritage boats; and invite people to the museum site in a whole new way. Public funding is essential to our survival, but government has not increased operating grants for arts and culture in decades. In this economic climate, our partnership with HAVN will help make up this shortfall in operating revenue

- Vancouver Maritime Museum, Executive Director - David Jordan

From our founder

HAVN has been searching for the right Vancouver location for nearly two years, and we could not be more thrilled. Vancouver Maritime Museum’s harbour offers an iconic, meaningful setting; this partnership allows us to bring a uniquely captivating marine experience to the city.

- HAVN Saunas, CEO and Founder - Nicholas Van Buren

About Havn

HAVN is a floating sauna and hydrotherapy experience built on a restored 1943 naval vessel, designed to create a space for reflection and relaxation within an urban setting while being surrounded by natural elements. Guests move through a self-guided three-hour cycle of saunas, cold plunges, and quiet rest areas, all within a calm, social, alcohol- and phone-free environment. Blending maritime heritage with modern wellness, HAVN offers a low-impact way for people to unwind and reconnect with the water.

A Warm Welcome

A partnership that strengthens the Museum’s long-term viability and brings a restored 1943 naval barge back to life as a design-forward public wellness space.

Learn More

FAQ

Is this approved?

We are working closely with City of Vancouver staff and elected officials to navigate the approvals process. As this is an unusual project, it doesn’t fit within the normal bounds of City permitting.

Why is HAVN a good fit?

HAVN’s vessel is a repurposed 1943 WWII naval barge, aligning directly with the Museum’s maritime mandate. The partnership also supports the Museum’s financial viability through new moorage revenue.

Why bring a floating sauna to Vancouver?

Hydrotherapy is growing locally and internationally. HAVN enhances Vancouver’s wellness and tourism offerings, helping activate the waterfront and making Vancouver more vibrant and healthy. Council recently modernized wellness regulations to support this sector.

Why would a cultural museum partner with HAVN?

HAVN reflects maritime history in a contemporary way — a reclaimed naval vessel restored for community use. The partnership provides financial resilience at a time when the Maritime Museum is facing the need for external revenue sources beyond Government Funding. HAVN will bring visitors to the museum site in a whole new way, encouraging their appreciation of heritage vessels in the Harbour and highlighting the museum as a hidden gem in Kitsilano.

Why is Heritage Harbour the right location?

Heritage Harbour has:

Existing moorage infrastructure
Existing public access + parking
Proximity to MOV, Space Centre, ferry service, transit
A history of hosting culturally aligned vessels
Alignment with the City’s goal to activate the waterfront with low-impact uses

HAVN enhances the Harbour without displacing the Museum’s purpose.

Who is HAVN?

HAVN is a small Canadian company based in Victoria. They exist to creatively design and build healthy third spaces that help people be more present and connected. Their Victoria location opened in 2023 and has been widely embraced by the community.

Does HAVN recieve public funding?

No — HAVN is completely privately funded.

What is being announced?

The Vancouver Maritime Museum & HAVN are partnering to bring HAVN’s floating hydrotherapy vessel to Heritage Harbour.

What is a HAVN experience like?

HAVN offers a free-flow, leisure circuit. Enjoy your own personal wellness journey at your own pace. While HAVN provides a recommended hydrotherapy circuit path, everyone is different, and we want you to do what feels best for you. Enjoy every step of the experience, relax, and listen to your body. A suggested hydrotherapy circuit path is 5–15 minutes of hot, 1–5 minutes of cold, and 10–15 minutes relaxing at a neutral temperature. The experience is quiet, social, and booked in scheduled sessions — no phones, no alcohol, no amplified sound.

Is this Vancouver's first floating hydrotherapy vessel?

Yes — and it is one of Vancouver’s first new cultural/wellness attractions in many years.

Will this impact the Museums programming?

It will not change operations, exhibitions, or public programming.It strengthens the Museum’s future through new revenue and increased vibrancy.

Will HAVN displace heritage boats?

No. The siting protects the Harbour’s character and purpose.

Will public access change?

No. Access to docks, shoreline, and pathways remains fully open.

How will local residents be affected?

HAVN is low-noise, low-traffic, and low-impact. Sessions are scheduled and controlled.

Will it disturb marine life?

No significant impact is expected. The experience is quiet and non-disruptive. HAVN will secure permitting from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to ensure environmental safety.

Does this help Vancouver's economy?

The Maritime Museum is adding a new waterfront experience that strengthens nearby cultural institutions, and contributes to the Museum District’s cultural and visitor economy.

When will HAVN open?

We are targeting mid-November 2027.

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Hours:
Fri-Mon 8am-Close
Tue-Thurs 9am-Close

920 Wharf St.
Victoria, BC Canada

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