Vancouver Health & Wellness Events to Attend in June 2018

It might not be the official first day of summer yet, but the season is showing off with its warm temperatures and sunshine. Which means more outdoor activities on offer in my beautiful city! Here is my download of next month’s wellness events (outdoor and indoor) – I can’t wait for you to check them out!

Outdoor Yoga (Starts June 1)

With sunny skies comes the time for bringing yoga mats outside – I am pretty excited about this! Starting June 1, Mat Collective will start offering their outdoor yoga classes in several locations around Vancouver. Hatha, Flow, Power, and Yin classes are offered, with Hatha being the best option for beginners and as a good all-levels option. Classes are free (yes!) and are rain or shine. As rain is a slight possibility (no matter the season!), should it be unsafe to practice outside, the teacher will guide an alternate activity. For more information, visit the Mat Collective website.

Siyaflo Health Series #Connect (June 3)

In a healthy twist on traditional networking, local wellness company Siyaflo is launching their event series with their inaugural event on June 3. Along with an active morning of yoga, dance, networking, and meditation, attendees will hear from both a nutrition and a fitness expert with their tips on how to better your body and mind. Local wellness vendors will also be present. The event will be held at iDance Vancouver (119 West Broadway) and spaces are limited. If I wasn’t away on this partcular weekend, you would see me there! For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

International Yoga Festival & Expo (June 16)

On June 16, the SFU Segal Building will be filled with the amazing energy of the 4th Annual International Yoga Festival & Expo. Promoting a healthy and spiritual lifestyle through yoga and meditation, this event will uplift and energize both beginner and advanced yogis, along with those curious about experiencing something new. Local and international teachers, studios, and vendors will be present, and there is also a gala in the evening. For more info and to register, visit their website.

Tough Mudder (June 16 & 17) & Other Endurance Events

In a more raucous version of of fitness, the infamous mud-filled Tough Mudder is back in Whistler! It’s a fun, if muddy, way for friends, family, or colleagues to way to kick fitness and team-building skills into high-gear, and in such a beautiful location! This isn’t my fitness jam, but I love to encourage my friends who have and are training for this event, because it takes hard work to get through the obstacles and race. There are three options to choose from and there’s still time to get a discounted fee! (Everyone gets the now iconic orange headband!) Visit the Tough Mudder website to register and for more info!

If you’re seeking something a little less muddy, but still very scenic, other great options for solo or team efforts are:

• Run for H2O (June 16) – A 5 and 10km run along South Vancouver’s Riverfront Park that raises money for clean water in Guatemala, this event is also a nice way to enjoy the view along the mighty Fraser River. For more info or to register, click here.

• Seek The Peek (June 24) – Benefiting the BC Cancer Foundation, this is a 13 km climb up Mother Nature’s stairmaster: the Grouse Grind! Challenge yourself or a team an enjoy the view at the top! Registration and other information can be found here.

Bodhi Meditation Introduction (June 17)

Meditation is an activity that I enjoy both indoors and outdoors. If you’re looking for a good starting point for your meditative practice, or are just curious and want to check it out with a friend, Bhodi Meditation Vancouver hosts a monthly half-day introductory session at their beautiful facility in nearby Richmond (just a Canada Line ride away!) I went back in February and it was a beautiful experience. Their next session is on June 17 and more information can be found here.

TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival (Jun 22-Jul 1)

Stay with me, folks. Picture sitting in one of our gorgeous parks with a picnic or on a patio sipping on a martini; either option being enhanced by the soundtrack of world-class, live jazz playing in the background. Ideal and relaxing, right? This is why you stayed with me. Wellness and self-care isn’t just about getting your heart rate up, toning your abs, and eating well, it’s also about making space to enjoy the rest of your day after being at work or an amazing day exploring Vancouver. With headliners like Macy Gray and Robert Plant, and over 150 free concerts around the city (at said parks and restaurant/bar patios!), take some time to relax at this year’s Jazz Festival. Visit the festival website for ticket purchase and event info!

Healthy Afternoon High Tea (June 30)

Keeping with the theme of adding something different to the mix, here’s a healthy take on what is usually a sugar filled and very rich food activity: afternoon tea. (A personal favourite!) Featuring sugarless desserts – which can be very tasty, I promise you! – local cooking school, True Nosh is shaking up the traditional options. If you’re looking for a nice treat but wanting to watch your sugar intake, this is for you! Tickets and more info can be found here.

Two other healthy lifestyle events coming up in June are Global Wellness Day (June 9) and the International Day of Yoga (June 21). Stay tuned for separate posts on how you can celebrate both of these days in Vancouver!