Take a peek at some of Penticton's hottest new businesses

Penticton’s newest hotspot is literally on the water: a floating sauna with a window that turns the lake and mountains into your private winter movie. Heat up, plunge, repeat.

It's called Shelter Floating Sauna and it's brand new as of December 2025, the end product of the imaginations of four local folk who figured residents and visitors alike might enjoy occasional hot-to-cold "contrast therapy" sessions on the water in the off-season months.

Moored safely inside a partial breakwater at the Penticton Lakeside Resort marina, just steps from the Okanagan Lake pedestrian walkway and the upscale Hooded Merganser Restaurant, "Shelter" aims to open every October and close every May, making it one of few regional amenities to cater specifically to the non-summer crowd.

It’s a three-part affair featuring a spacious sauna on the north end that'll seat a handful of people with plenty of room to spare and up to 10 in a pinch. Every occupant gets a superb lake and mountain view via the massive floor-to-ceiling windows on the east wall.

The temperature sits at a toasty 26.7 C (80 F) by default, though occupants can raise it several degrees by pouring water on the sauna heater rocks.

Directly adjacent is the cold plunge area, consisting of a sheltered outdoor deck, a pair of benches, and a four-person plunge basket plopped directly in the lake. Again, everyone gets a view.

Next door to the cold plunge is the foyer/entry space, complete with a trio of change stalls and a merch area.

Led by locals

"My wife and business partner Ashley (Kay) and I had been wanting to do a winter business," explained co-founder Jordan McCallum. "And then we met the other (eventual) partners, Charlie Hughes and Brian Goodwin. They own HuGood Sauna Company in Naramata.

"We really liked each other from the start. And within three months we had the plan in place. Charlie led the build and in two more months we had it finished."

According to McCallum, there are plenty of ways to engage the facility.

"My favourite thing is doing the sauna first then going into the cold plunge and then resting on the deck," he said. "It really gets your endorphins going."

Alcohol and food are prohibited, though patrons are encouraged to bring thirst-quenching beverages like water and sports drinks. And bathing suits and/or shorts, footwear and a couple towels.

Pick Your Passion

Entry fees depend on the type of session and time of week. Options include social or private sessions, with a social session having as many as eight people in the facility simultaneously.

"We think it’s a great social thing during the slow months," said McCallum. "You buy a seat and you just might meet several other like-minded people."

Private sessions are also available for one to eight people from the same party, available for 70 minutes, providing an exclusive setting.

Shelter Floating Sauna opens at 7 AM and closes at 9 PM seven days a week from now through mid-May.

Other New Businesses

Here are a few more local businesses that have popped up in recent months. Have we forgotten one? Email us at communications@penticton.ca.

Atomic Coffee House, 245 Main Street: A funky new spot decorated with retro decor, offering delicious coffee and freshly baked treats.
The Bumwrap (new location at Lakeside Resort Hotel, 21 Lakeshore Drive): This boutique offers a second location downtown, where you can always find the perfect gift or outfit for our lakeside lifestyle.
La Vie en Rose (Cherry Lane Shopping Centre): Specializing in swimwear, lingerie and accessories.
Mi Amor Clothing Boutique, (new location at 317 Main Street): Having served the community since 2013, this boutique has moved into a new and larger location.
Pillars Pharmacy, 3030 Skaha Lake Road: A locally owned and operated pharmacy dedicated to putting people first.
Rome & Kai Hair Studio, 350 Main Street: Bringing confidence and happiness to each guest, one relationship at a time.
Smoke2Snack, 575 Main Street: Specializing in exotic snacks from around the world and vapes.
The Wellness Studio (new location in the Heiress Salon, 249 Westminster Ave): This studio offers infrared sauna, red light therapy & brain tap meditation.