Written by Sabrina Bertolo on 21.07.14

Dating back to 400 AD, yoga is an old Indian discipline that breeds harmony and peace mentally, spiritually, and physically. Although yoga has been around for many centuries, it only truly began gaining popularity in the Western world in the 1980’s. When the weather is right and with Montrealers willing and ready to try anything outdoors, why wouldn’t you consider deepening your practice outside of the yoga studio?

Surfboard Yoga

You read correctly! Strengthen your yoga practice and your balance with KSF standup (or as they call it, SUP) yoga classes on surfboards. From June 24th –  August 28th, hop on a surfboard surrounded by the calm waters of the Saint Lawrence River in Lasalle or on Notre Dame Island at Jean Drapeau and enter a true state of calm. This is a great way to step out of your workout comfort zone and truly challenge yourself. Plus, can you picture a more beautiful way to get your heart racing?

7770 Boul. Lasalle, Rapides de Lachine, QC H8P 1X6
(514) 595-SURF

Rooftop Yoga

Every Saturday morning from May 24th – October 4th in the heart of the Plateau Mont-Royal, Santropol Roulant offers rooftop yoga classes in the midst of their beautiful garden. Justine Romanoff and Jennifer Kruidbos teach these rooftop classes in order to align yogis with their personal practice as well as their relationship with nature. Yoga, a picturesque garden, and a view of the mountainit doesn’t get more summer than that.

111 Roy St. E Montreal, QC H2W 1M1
(514) 284-9335

Yoga in the Park

Every Monday and Thursday night, Yoga Santé Plus offers classes at Maisonneuve Park for just $5. Without putting a dent in your pocket, you can enjoy your down dog with a beautiful view of the Olympic Stadium.

2089 Rue de Chambly, Montréal, QC H1W 3J3
(514) 598-1530

Every Sunday morning from 9:30am to 10:30am, Lululemon St. Denis offers a free (yes, FREE) yoga class at the foot of the Georges Étienne-Cartier statue on Mount Royal. Before a day spent at the Tam-Tams or simply for a great morning workout, be sure to join this flock of yogis and feel great about yourself. There’s nothing better than enjoying a beautiful summer morning facing a classic Montreal monument and aligning your chi.

4361 Saint-Denis, Montréal, QC H2J 2L2
(514) 849-3719

Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday, Ambaa Yoga offers yoga classes in the Sir Georges Etienne Cartier Park below Ste. Ambroise. The classes run until August 17th and are offered by session or drop-in. The summer session is $100 for unlimited classes with a $20 drop-in option. There is also an introductory week option at $25 with unlimited classes. Explore Vinyasa, Qi Gong, and Hatha yoga with varied yoga professionals and enjoy the greenery.

4660 Notre-Dame St. West, Montreal, Quebec H4C 1S7
(514) 638-9178

Yoga by the Canal

If you’re looking for a more private and personal yoga session, look no further than the Lachine Canal. A warm summer’s day is the perfect opportunity to take your mat beside the water to enjoy the serenity, solitude, and calm that radiates from a solo yoga practice. Sometimes, the best classes come from within, so don’t be shy to explore the edge of your practice by experiencing it alone by one of Montreal’s most charming spots.

There is definitely no excuse or reason valid enough not to enjoy these wonderful outdoor yoga options. Get your exercise (and your tan) on, grab your mat, and find calm and peace in this bustling city with an invigorating yoga practice you will surely not forget!

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