Canada is known for it’s friendly people, diverse population, and mix of metropolitan areas, clean suburbs, and wild nature spaces. From east to west coast, you will be able to find a place to escape modern life and treat yourself to a space that will bring you back to nature and your center with yoga, meditation, forest bathing, spa treatments, and other activities that bridge the modern to mother nature.
These top ten yoga retreat centers in Canada are found from British Colombia through Ontario, Quebec, and even Newfoundland and Labrador.
Shanti Yoga Retreat
Located on Wolf Island, just as 20 minute free car ferry ride away from downtown Kingston, Ontario. This 11 acre property is a perfect getaway with views of the St. Lawrence.
Program: Midweek and weekend retreats are offered throughout the season at Shanti Yoga Retreat which include shared, semi-private, or camping accommodations; vegetarian food; silent morning walks and morning meditation in nature; gentle Hatha yoga classes; evening restorative yoga classes; guided silent/seated meditation; an infrared sauna session; and access to all amenities.
What We Like: Darin and Wendy are the hosts and heart of Shanti Yoga. They created Shanti to be an oasis of peace where guests can pause, reflect, and connect with kindred spirits and nature. Enjoy a yoga or meditation class, or spend some time away from humans and modern activity in nature.
Cost: Various retreats are offered throughout the year ranging from CA$365 and upwards. HST is extra.
Address: 89 Waldo’s Land Box 36 Wolf Island, Ontario K0H 2Y0
Nordic Spa-Nature
Reservation is required to go to this nordic spa experience in Quebec, but once you’re booked, you’ll be able to look forward to an array of treatments at the largest spa in North America. The offerings at this relaxation and wellness centre are focused on thermotherapy and relaxation techniques from Scandinavian countries.
Program: Packages at Le Nordic include treatments inspired by centuries old treatments from various Scandinavian countries. In one day you may have access to the thermal baths, saunas, relaxation areas, and book various massages that last from 60 to 90 minutes.
What We Like: The spa is divided into three difference sections to offer different experiences based on what you are seeking. Kaskad is the silent section where silence (no talking) is enforced at all times – perfect to calm your thoughts and emotions. Borea is popular among lovers and partners where quiet whispers are permitted. Panorama is the social section where you can relax and mingle with friends.
Cost: Rates for massage treatments start at CA$100 and go up. Packages which include access to all areas plus massages and other specialty treatments start at CA$133 and up. Packages for couples and groups may be arranged.
Address: 16 Chemin Nordik, Chelsea, Quebec J9B 2P7
Outside Inn
The Outside In is located across the street from the Pacific Rim National Park and a short drive away from nearby surf beaches. Each room is decorated to fit the theme of being in nature and west coast living.
Program: Book either The Barn Lofts where each unit is equipped with a microwave, kettle, bar, fridge, coffee maker with coffee, toaster, and cutlery. The Barn Loft units each have private patios, full baths (with exception to the Little Bay Suite which has a shower), queen sized beds, TVs, WiFi, and pull out couches to accommodate upto four guests in a room. The Coastal Cottage option has a full kitchen, private bedroom, full bath, patio, bbq, and gate.
What We Like: Immerse yourself in nature and feel like your in a rainforest paradise at The Outside Inn. Everyone from weekend warriors, bird watchers, and avid surfers will find a place to escape here.
Cost: Loft rooms start at CA$69 in low season and CA$145 in high season. Cottages start at CA$99 in the low season and CA$179 in the high season. Discounts are available for direct bookings.
Address: The Outside INN, 2425 Tofino Ucluelet, British Colombia V0R 3A0
River Lodge Retreat
River Lodge Retreat is a sanctuary overlooking the Saskatchewan River and bordering two ravines to ensure privacy for those seeking tranquility in nature and personal growth.
Program: Many activities are offered at River Lodge Retreat. Fishing, access to cross country skiing, access to gold panning, access to canoeing, access to golfing, walking trails, saunas, and many spots for reserved for silent retreat and meditation await guests.
What We Like: This privately owned retreat is open year round and offers an escape from the fast-paced modern while just being 40 minutes away from Edmonton, Alberta.
Cost: Prices per person four double occupancy are CA$52 per day plus CA$170 for weekend kitchen use fee and a required CA$500 damage deposit. Day fee passes are also available to access the retreat from 9:00am to 5:00pm for CA$30.
Address: The River Lodge Retreat 2111 Twp. Rd. 510, Parkland Country, Alberta T7Y 2N4
Ochre House
The Ochre House is a converted Church that sleeps 12. Various retreats are help here such as a popular Writers Retreat, Awakening Your Inner Compass Retreat, a regular Fire Department Fundraiser, and the Ochre Fest.
Program: Create your own dream retreat when you rent out this entire building. For yoga retreats, a maximum of 16 participants is recommended.
What We Like: The Ochre House is a unique building which offers spacious a spacious studio for yoga or other workshops, and comfortable accommodations under one roof. The acoustics of this converted 1939 United Church make it also ideal for theatre, musical, or dance performances.
Cost: Minimum stays at Ochre House are two nights. From Monday through Thursday, rates are at CA$420 and Fridays through Sundays are CA$470. Booking an entire week is CA$2736. HST is extra.
Address: The Ochre House Retreat, NL-70, Ochre Pit Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador A0A 3E0
Sivananda Ashram Yoga Camp
Sivananda Ashram Yoga offers a variety of programs throughout the year for those seeking to go deeper into their spiritual path, who want to dive into their yoga practice, and even programs and camps for children, teens, and families.
Program: Yoga Vacations normally are held on weekends and include topics on philosophy, sadhana, outdoor practices, Hatha yoga, and pilgrimages. The weekend program is specifically designed to focus on how these techniques may be applied to daily life outside of the ashram. They also offer weekday packages which includes accommodation at the ashram, meals, and activities.
What We Like: Sivananda Ashram Yoga Camp also offers classes and camps for teenagers and families as well as courses on Ayurveda, cooking, yoga foundations, juicing, and other specialized courses.
Cost: Rates are dependent on the type of accommodation, the days of the week, and the length of stay at the ashram. The cost ranges from CS$175 to CA$385. Vacationers packages of nine nights, plus one night free, range from CA$400 to CA$800.
Address: Sivananda Yoga Camp 673 8th Avenue, Val-Morin, Quebec J0T 2R0
Yasodhara Ashram
Based on the teachings of Swami Radha, who is from the lineage of Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh, Yasodhara Yoga emphasizes Karma, Mantra, Kundalini, and Dream Yoga. These practices and teachings create a bridge to the spiritual dimension while integrating these aspirations into daily life.
Program: A typical day for guided retreats at Yasdhara may include morning Hatha yoga, breakfast, karma yoga, personal retreat and workshop, lunch, more workshops, dinner, and satsang. Most of the teachers are ashram residents and have taken a 3-month Yoga Development Course and Teacher Certifications. Many have also studied directly with Swami Radhananda.
What We Like: Aside from guided retreats, guests may also opt to go to the ashram for personal retreats overseen by the teacher residents. One month long karma yoga programs are also available.
Address: Yasodhara Ashram 527 Walker’s Landing Road, Box 9 Kootenay Bay, British Colombia V0B 1X0
Fresh Start Health Retreat
Fresh Start Health and Lifestyle Transformation Retreat and Spa follows the Fresh Start Healing Structure which detoxes the body and promotes cellular renourishment.
Program: The core program includes vegan, organic diets, mainly of raw food and healing drinks. Detoc for the liver, kidneys, joints, and digestive tract may also be part of your program. In addition, educational classess on healthy lifestyle and emotional well-being alongside guided yoga and fitness classes create a comprehensive, well-rounded program.
What We Like: The centre is eco-friendly and has ocean views of Vancouver Island. In addition to the Core Program, you may also consult with one of the specialists to “Go Deeper” into an area of focus for your health and well-being from a Whole-Person approach.
Cost: The Core Program Jump Start lasts for seven days and costs CA$2500, or CS$5000 for 14 days, or CA$7500 for 21 days. To avail of the Core Program + Go Deeper it costs CA$4000 for 7 days, CA$8000 for 14 days, and CA$12000 for 21 days. All prices do not include accommodation which is extra.
Kootenay Eco Retreats and Adventure Tours
In addition to yoga and wellness nature retreats, Kootenay Eco Retreats also offers fitness classes for all level and an in-house chef to take care of all your meals and dietary needs (or you may opt to cook your own meals in the kitchen). The “White Pines Dojo” is the main accommodation and retreat centre which can house up to 16 people and is off-grid using solar and propane power for heating.
Program: In-between scheduled retreats, you may book a stay for a minimum of two nights at Kootenay. You can sleep, play, and breathe in nature or go on guided tours. Retreats include women’s circles, yoga retreats, Forest Bathing, Mindfulness and stress reduction techniques, and more.
What We Like: The retreat centre gets 360 degrees of vista views and full sun exposure. A rare treat in the Nelson and Castlegar area of British Colombia, Canada. The entire property expands on forty acres of young forests and wild flower meadows. And you get amazing views of the Valhalla Mountain Range.
Cost: Retreat costs or two-night stays vary. Call the center to confirm the most updated prices for upcoming retreats and room availability.
Address: Kootenay Eco Retreats Box 34 Slocan BC V0G 2C0
Sugar Ridge Retreat Centre
Sugar Ridge Retreat Centre was created from the imaginations of Liz and Kurt Frost. It is located on 150 acres of maple and cedar forests, lush green meadows, and an additional 3000 acres of natural provincial land. 20 km of trails for walking, hiking, skiing, and other activities are accessible from the centre, or find a quiet place to sit in solitude for hours.
Program: Various retreats are offered all year round for groups and individuals. Although they mostly host yoga and meditation programs, their motto regarding activities is, “As long as it’s legal, do whatever you please.”
What We Like: The centre is pet-friendly so feel free to bring your best furry friend along with you for off-leash fun and adventures. This pet-friendly retreat and adventure space is located just a 90 drive away from Toronto.
Cost: Cabins at Sugar Ridge cost CA$169 per night for up to two adults. They include either four twin beds or a double and three twin beds, and full breakfast buffet for up to two people. Additional adults cost CA$35 and children from six to twelve year old are CA$15. Children below five years old are free.
Address: Sugar Ridge Retreat Centre 5720 Forgets Road, Wyebridge, Ontario L0K 2E0
What's Your Reaction?
