Know Before You Go

Each person needs their own application, but you're welcome to note that you're applying alongside someone. We'll do our best to accept you together, but can't guarantee it as we balance the overall group mix.

How do I get to Loon Lake? The West Coast Sauna Summit takes place at Loon Lake Lodge & Retreat Centre, located within the UBC Malcolm Knapp Research Forest in Maple Ridge, BC — about an hour from Vancouver. By car Set your GPS to: 14500 Silver Valley Rd, Maple Ridge, BC V4R 2R3 You'll reach a gated entrance with flashing red lights. Enter the gate code on the keypad to the left — your code will be sent by email ahead of the event. Wait for the gate to close before driving through; do not allow other vehicles to follow you in. From the gate, follow the main gravel road for approximately 7 km, following all signs for Loon Lake. The speed limit inside the Research Forest is 30 km/h — plan for about 15 minutes from the gate to the lodge. The road is gravel but suitable for regular passenger vehicles. By public transport Take the SkyTrain (Expo Line) from downtown Vancouver to Coquitlam Central Station, then the R3 RapidBus to Haney Place Exchange in Maple Ridge — total transit time is from 1 hour 25 minutes to 2 hours. From Haney Place, you still need a taxi or rideshare to the forest entrance (approx. 15 minutes). Note that there is no public transit into the Research Forest itself. Carpool with other participants We encourage carpooling! Once registered, you'll have access to our participant carpool board where you can connect with fellow attendees traveling from your area. Good to know: Cell service inside the forest is limited — download your directions before you leave. Getting to Loon Lake from Vancouver Airport (YVR) By car The easiest option. The drive is approximately 52 minutes — take Highway 99 north, then head east via the Golden Ears Bridge to Maple Ridge. From there, follow the directions to the Research Forest above. By public transport The fastest transit route takes approximately 2 hours 17 minutes. Take the Canada Line SkyTrain from YVR to Waterfront Station, transfer to the Millennium Line, then take the R3 RapidBus to Haney Place Exchange in Maple Ridge. From Haney Place, take a taxi or rideshare to the forest entrance (approx. 15 minutes). Use the TransLink Trip Planner to check exact departure times from the airport. By rideshare or taxi A taxi from the airport to Maple Ridge costs approximately $100 or more depending on traffic, plus tip. Rideshare apps (Uber, Lyft) are also available at YVR and are often a cheaper alternative.

Yes, you can purchase day tickets and arrange the accommodation off site as fits you the best. This is a good option if you want to attend but the on-site accommodation has already been sold out.

Yes — every year is a fresh application. Returning attendees are warmly welcomed and your history with WCSS is noted. However, we curate the group intentionally each year so everyone goes through the same process.

Note your preference in the application and we'll help you sort it out after acceptance. Johnson Cabins is the most popular option — full four days, communal atmosphere, great value. Pan Abode is ideal if Thursday doesn't work for travel. Koerner Lodge is premium with very limited spots. The day ticket suits those who prefer to arrange their own accommodation nearby. See the full accommodation page for details.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and close when spots fill. Both years have sold out — apply early. Join the mailing list to be notified the moment applications open for 2027.

Absolutely — note it in your application. Loon Lake Lodge accommodates dietary needs and the venue is accessible. If you have specific questions before applying, email us at hello@westcoastsaunasummit.ca.

Absolutely — you can go and check out images of the facilities directly from the Loon Lake Retreat Centre website.