Roger-Luc Chayer (Photos: Sauna Carpediem)
Men’s saunas have existed for hundreds of years and have always been very popular among a male clientele who visit them for various reasons, including socialization, health, and a certain sense of freedom.
Even in Roman times, bathhouses were generally mixed during certain periods, but there were also designated time slots or sections reserved exclusively for men, often for reasons of modesty or morality. Men often visited them alone or in the company of other men, especially during peak hours, and these spaces served both hygienic and social purposes.
In Québec, the history of gay saunas is closely tied to the evolution of LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. As early as the 1960s, in a context marked by police repression and social invisibility, these establishments emerged as discreet refuges for men seeking to live their private lives away from public scrutiny.
Originally located in central neighborhoods like downtown, they gained prominence with the rise of gay activism in the 1970s and the emergence of the Village, which would go on to become a cultural and community hub. Despite the stigma, these venues helped foster a unique social fabric, encouraging connection, solidarity, and even political organization.
In 2025, men’s saunas still exist, but one in particular stands out by adopting a bold and distinctly different commercial approach. That’s the case with Sauna Carpediem, located in the Saint-Hubert borough of Longueuil, on the South Shore of Montreal.
The spa of saunas
Through my many enriching conversations with the owner of this sauna, I’ve come to understand his short- and long-term goals. As has often been reported in Gay Globe and on the Le Point newswire, Carpediem is not trying to replicate the existing sauna models found in Montreal or Quebec City; instead, it is carving out its own niche — and it shows.
He began his efforts to make Carpediem the most modern, welcoming sauna catering to a diverse and quality clientele during the pandemic. While the curfew forced Quebecers to stay home, Christian Aucoin would arrive at Carpediem with his tools and materials, spending the night renovating the space and giving it the feel of a high-end urban spa. His resilience is truly admirable — and it’s a trait he brings to many other areas of his life as well.
At the end of last winter, he once again took on the challenge of updating several parts of the sauna, focusing in particular on the steam room, which he completely redesigned and reengineered to make it more efficient and high-performing. We felt it was important to highlight this here in Gay Globe, because partners who go above and beyond for their clients, who innovate and push boundaries, deserve to be recognized. And it certainly makes the visit all the more rewarding.
If you decide to check it out, don’t forget to share your impressions in the comments below. Enjoy your visit to Carpediem!
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