If you’re in the Greater Vancouver area, you won’t have a problem finding a yoga studio. But, if you’re like us, you want to find a community to practice with that feels supportive, aligned, and energizing.
These days, a yoga studio is so much more than a yoga studio. You might even go so far as to call your studio your sacred space, or wellness haven. And, you’d be right in many cases. Some of our favorite studios offer women’s and men’s circles, energy healing, cacao ceremonies, breathwork, and even shamanism.
Here are some of the best yoga communities to explore in the GVRD.
Unity Yoga
Unity Yoga is so much more than a studio space: It is a beautiful, welcoming yoga community. Many members of this community have been practising together for years, so it really feels like one of Vancouver’s original yoga communities. Whether you are looking for a challenging physical practice or a calm and meditative experience, you’ll find over 26 drop-in classes weekly to choose from, including Hatha, Yin, Vinyasa and Acro, which are now offered virtually. One of this things this space is known for is Unity Herbals, medicinal, health-enhancing teas blended by the owner, Susan Horning, who’s a certified herbalist. Unity Retreats has become a big part of what this community does together, so you may even consider joining in on one of their upcoming adventures to Salt Spring Island or Bali.
Modo (formerly Moksha)
We are big fans of the Modo hot yoga studios and sequences. If you like a good sweat, and a nicely balanced mix of poses that will leave you feeling energized and glowing, Modo might just be perfect for you. They have a few studios around the city -we’re partial to the East Van and Hastings locations. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a brand new beginner, you’ll feel comfortable walking into a Modo class.
Stretch Yoga
The belief that yoga is more than asana and should be available to everyone, regardless of ability, body type and age is at the heart of the beautiful community that is Stretch Yoga in Vancouver’s Chinatown. Founded by partner(d)s Boyd and Emmanuelle, the heart of this studio is a welcoming space, where all are invited to join in the pursuit of knowledge and belief that yoga can be a catalyst for community building and social change. In addition to a range of styles, from Hatha to Therapeutic, to Swing Yoga, to Yin + Cello, Stretch is known as a space to explore transformative practices including breathwork, interpersonal work, meditation and much more.
One Yoga for the People
From Vinyasa to Flow to Acro to Yin, One Yoga offers up a range of class styles along with great community spirit and quality teachers. Situated in the heart of Gastown, this studio goes well beyond yoga with their offerings. You’ll find workshops on sound meditation, myofacial release, restorative practice, and many community gatherings, including regular Kirtan. One of the coolest things about this studio is their commitment to making yoga accessible to youth. Our fav yoga teacher here is Mara Branscombe, who offers lots of live and virtual workshops.
YYOGA
With 10 locations from Richmond to Burnaby and everywhere in between, YYoga offers the broadest range of class styles and locations, so they pretty much guarantee you’ll be able to get to your favorite class at a time that suits you. Classes include Hatha, Hot, Restorative, Yin, and Power. They also offer special events and meditation classes. Many of the locations offer an infrared sauna and spa-like atmosphere, which is a sweet bonus if you ask us. All of the YYoga’s we’ve tried have been very friendly and welcoming.
Yoga Union in Delta
When you step into the space that is Yoga Union, you will immediately feel the special touches this studio offers- abundant natural light, and elements from nature- to nourish your body and soul. Yoga Union is on a mission to provide the community of South Delta with a positive space to relax and practice yoga. From gentle heat and low intensity classes to high heat and high intensity classes, you’ll find a diverse mix of options to meet your needs. They also host many beautiful events including sound meditation, breathwork, and cacao ceremonies, to bring together community and meaningful connection.
The Yoga Space
A large, bright, exclusively Iyengar yoga studio situated in the heart of Fraserhood in East Vancouver, The Yoga Space brings a sense of serenity, groundedness, and expansiveness to your Iyengar practice. This studio is known as being the pinnacle of quality yoga for those who love Iyengar yoga, a practice which requires more teacher training than any other and is 100% committed to alignment. You can expect hands-on assists. Be sure to explore their many great workshops, as well.
As you choose a studio, I’d recommend going back a few times and trying a few different teachers to give each a fair chance. And if you’re ready to immerse yourself in yoga for a weekend or longer, be sure to explore these BC yoga retreats and these meditation retreats in BC. Are there any studios you feel should be added to the above list? Send us your recommendations via DM on Instagram.
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