From sunrise sessions to fireside flows, retreats and festivals where you can stretch and breathe in nature.
By Kristina Smith
As the editor of a wellness travel magazine for the past ten years, I’ve moved through sun salutations in a lot of different places—on stunning beaches, snowy mountaintops, and in autumn-leaved forests. On paddleboards—on lakes as well as a crocodile-infested (I discovered later) river. In several yurts, a converted monastery, and a jungle hut complete with prop-stealing monkeys. In gorgeous urban studios with glass walls, converted Victorian mansions, old warehouses, barns, museums, and even art galleries.
I love learning from new teachers, trying new flows, feeling different vibes. I get something from every single session, indoors or out. But being in nature is my favourite place to be on the mat. Practicing outdoors invites a deeper connection with the natural world—you can smell the pine trees, feel the grass, and hear the birds, and I find that helps me to feel more grounded and focused. Luckily, there’s no shortage of festivals and retreats where yoga enthusiasts can stretch and breathe in stunning surroundings, many in the heart of Ontario’s natural beauty.
One festival, City of OM in Ottawa, offers a combination of yoga, fitness, and connection set against the backdrop of the capital city’s peaceful 40-acre park, perfect for a spring escape. What began as a yoga festival has grown into a dynamic wellness event offering something for everyone, and newbies are welcome.
If you’re craving something more immersive, BUMI Festival in Blackstock invites guests to explore yoga, meditation, dance, and healing workshops while embracing the freedom of movement and sound in a lush countryside setting. Various passes and accommodation options are available, including a Kids Camp for the little yogis.
For those seeking a transformative wellness journey, Everlove Festival in the Blue Mountains brings together movement, mindset, and wellness for a revitalizing, high-vibe weekend. With a focus on personal growth and community connection, it’s the perfect place to deepen your practice and learn new ways of being.
For a more eclectic mix of music, wellness, and art, Camp Summerdaze in Algonquin National Park at the end of July promises a fusion of creativity and rejuvenation, with yoga sessions nestled alongside live performances and art installations. Promising a soulful rhythm, it is “a place to be wildly expressive and melt into yourself.”
As August rolls in, the Sonic Springs Music & Arts Festival in Field invites you to flow through a diverse array of yoga workshops, all set amidst the sounds of music and art in a wild and natural landscape. For vibrant movement, head to Bhakti Bliss Yoga & Music Festival in Eganville to flow through invigorating asanas, experience the freedom of ecstatic dance, and discover the heart-opening power of Kirtan chanting.
And for those who love a good old-fashioned camp-style experience with a side of yoga, Camp Yoga Ontario in Parry Sound offers an unforgettable weekend at Camp Manitou, combining yoga with traditional camp activities. The retreat offers a warm, communal atmosphere with seasoned instructors and an immersive experience that connects you to nature in a new way.
If you’re looking for something even further north, head to Northern Edge Algonquin, where you can enjoy yoga sessions, paddling adventures, and plenty of downtime in cozy glamping-style cabins. With farm-to-fork meals, reflective journalling, and guided hikes, this retreat promises a holistic experience that supports personal growth and transformation.
Nearby, Dimensions Retreats in the Algonquin Highlands offers a unique blend of evidence-based wellness practices and deep immersion in nature. Nestled along the fresh waters of Maple Lake and surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Canadian Shield, Dimensions curates yoga retreats designed to align the body and mind with the natural world.
Guests can complement their yoga practice with somatic therapies, breathwork, biofeedback, and mindfulness-based nature walks. One of the highlights is their stunning 500-square-foot yoga dock, where sunrise and sunset flows take on an almost meditative quality over the water.
No matter where you find yourself, these experiences provide more than just a yoga session—they’re opportunities to reset, reflect, and connect on a deeper level. Whether flowing under the sun or stretching near a river, practicing yoga outdoors offers a chance to rejuvenate both body and soul. Just check for the crocodiles first.