10 Picture Perfect Spots for Outdoor Yoga

Picture your hands cushioned by the soft soil under a grove of Douglas fir or mighty cedar trees, or imagine yourself on the water or a sandy beach under a vast, clear sky, with the rhythmic sound of waves gently lapping against the shore. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or only a beginner, practicing yoga in the great outdoors is exhilarating. Exercising this ancient form in nature nourishes our senses and our souls with a concerto of stimulus that grounds us firmly in the present moment. Here is BC Living’s list of some of the province hot spots to take in your sweet sun salutations. 

1. Breathe in the salty air, exhale the stress, and find peace in North Vancouver’s The Shipyards District. Embrace the serene ambiance of the waterfront as you embark on a transformative journey during the free Lululemon Summer Yoga Series every Tuesday night from 6:30 to 7:30 pm until August 27th. Nestled along Lower Lonsdale’s waterfront, with an array of independent restaurants, galleries, shops, gourmet food purveyors and more, you can plan for an unforgettable experience.

2. With views of Stanley Park and Coal Harbour, the Westin Bayshore is not only a landmark hotel, but it is also a yoga destination. Welcome to Just Add Water Yoga & Sup’s one-hour mat yoga held in the iconic hotel’s outdoor pool–classes that promise to plunge your body and mind into the elements. Allow your mind and body to reconnect with nature and explore the fun and playful energy of the on-water practice.

3. Find solace on one of Downtown Vancouver’s most popular beaches—the aptly named Sunset Beach Park—where the sun dances off the water and nature awakens despite the proximity to the bustling downtown core. A summer sanctuary for yoga enthusiasts. 

4. Get ready to find your peace and serenity this summer with yoga on the dock overlooking the lake at Surrey’s largest park, Green Timbers Urban Forest. This beloved urban oasis is home to the many animals, including bald eagles, ducks, salamanders, woodpeckers and native Douglas squirrels. If you’re really lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a barred owl perched silently in a tree.

5. Sea to Sky Gondola, Squamish. Within a 10-minute ride, that takes you straight from sea level to the summit, the Sea to Sky Gondola offers breathtaking views of Atl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound, Sky Pilot, Goat Ridge, Shannon Falls and the Squamish Chief. For those who prefer to be guided through your outdoor yoga practice, the Sea to Sky offers yoga classes Monday to Friday from 9:30 to 10:30 am on the Octagon Deck at Summit. Cost: $20 per yoga class 20% off lift ticket for non-passholders. (Runs until Sept. 30th). 

6. You probably have heard of hatha, Bikram, even hot yoga… well, what about yoga surrounded by gentle Huacaya alpacas? August 17th, Langley’s Kensington Prairie Farm’s Alpaca Yoga offers a truly distinctive way to Zen-out by combining the calming benefits of yoga with the gentle presence of its friendly alpacas. It has been written that fusing yoga practice and animal interaction has been gaining popularity, not just in Canada but around the world, among wellness enthusiasts seeking a more playful and connected way to practice this ancient Hindu discipline.

7. Escape to Nectar Yoga Retreat, a wellness retreat centre listed by Condé Nast Traveler as one of North America’s top 10 yoga destinations. Just a 20-minute ferry ride from Vancouver, this hidden gem on Bowen Island provides a haven for yogis. Yoga and wellness retreats offer a sanctuary where you can escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, reconnect with your inner self, and rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit.

8. If you have a passion for water sports, the joy of performing yoga moves on a paddleboard just might be perfect for you. Paddleboard yoga on English Bay, Vancouver or on Kelowna’s Okanagan Lake not only provides an exhilarating outdoor experience, but is said to improve balance, enhances core strength, and increase the mind-body connection. You can extend your summer all the way to late fall where sunshine and the ocean or lake still go hand-in-hand for paddling and yoga.

9. Imagine taking part in yoga with fellow yogi enthusiasts in the heart of Kelowna’s wine region, where the grapes mature under the warm sun. Beyond the traditional wine tastings and grape harvest events, local wineries, including Sperling Vineyards, Priest Creek Family Estate Winery, The View Winery, Volcanic Hills Estate Winery and Kalala Organic Estate Winery, are embracing the holistic approach of combining wellness with the pleasures of wine. This fusion not only fosters a sense of community but yoga also offers a unique way to enhance the sensory experience of wine tasting.

10. Perfectly positioned on Loki Mountain overlooking the shores of Kootenay Lake, people come here for yoga and mindfulness. As the largest natural lake in Southern B.C.,  Kootenay Lake offers jaw dropping vistas of jagged peaks of the Purcell and Selkirk mountains. As you practice your downward dog, you might catch otters playing, bears fishing for salmon, ospreys diving and eagles nesting, while paddlers explore this pristine lake by canoe, paddleboard, kayak or boat.