An ancient Eastern philosophy and system of exercises that promotes flexibility, strength and inner harmony — Yoga is more popular than ever. And, lucky for the ever-growing number of yoga enthusiasts, there are an increasing number of places in Canada to participate in this healthy practice.
Here are just a few:
Salt Spring Centre of Yoga
Established in 1981 for the teaching and practice of classical Ashtanga yoga, the Salt Spring Centre of Yoga , on Salt Spring Island in British Columbia, offers a variety of programs and retreats year-round. Retreats typically include two night’s accommodation, vegetarian cuisine and yoga classes for a range of levels.
The centre also offers an assortment of Ayurveda and bodywork treatments at the Wellness Centre. Free time can be spent hiking or exploring the island market, shops and galleries or simply enjoying personal time in a serene setting. There is also an annual yoga getaway for families.
Northern Edge Algonquin
For those who think they might like a smooth paddle across calm waters mixed in with their Salutes to the Sun, Northern Edge Algonquin just outside Ontario’s Algonquin Park, teaches guests how to balance a canoe or kayak along with balancing the mind, body and spirit. Days start off with yoga on the dock, breathing fresh morning air and stretching to the sunrise. In the evening there are campfires, healthy meals and the learning of new ways to finding personal balance. Four-day getaways are available June to August and there are winter retreats as well.
The Sivananda Ashram Yoga Camp
Located in the Laurentian Mountains of Quebec, the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Camp offers year-round programs of various lengths and levels. More appropriate for the serious yoga practitioner, Sivananda offers various themes including Karma yoga, family yoga, yoga as a means to increase energy and yoga for those wanting to become a teacher. Accommodation includes a lodge and basic cabins where you bring your own linens or a campground during the summer season.
Grail Springs
Grail Springs Retreat Centre for Wellbeing in Bancroft, Ontario offers daily yoga with all retreat packages. Their wide range of yoga classes includes Yin Yoga, a detox type practice that is not only physically but also emotionally and mentally detoxing. Hatha Yoga, a Silent Meditation Practice, Strengthening Vinyassa Flow Yoga, Yin Yoga Flow, and a simple Relaxed Yoga are a few of the classes available at this lakeside retreat.
Shanti Retreat
A spacious century inn on Wolfe Island, two hours from Ottawa and three hours from Toronto, Shanti Retreat offers yoga weekends with a variety of teachers and workshops. Vegetarian meals are served
Also, keep in mind that many resorts and inns (especially those with spas) are now providing yoga classes as part of the guest amenity package and there’s a growing number of yoga ashrams, or retreats available as well. Here are 18 amazing benefits of yoga, according to science
You may also want to check out our list of top international yoga retreats.