Free Outdoor Yoga Returns to Vancouver for the summer

Starting on June 1, 2018, free outdoor yoga will be returning to Vancouver and expanding into Downtown and Granville Island in addition to the original Kits Beach and Main Street locations.

As can be expected from Vancouver, the outdoor yoga movement in this city is one of the best in the world. Last year almost 9,000 people participated in the free outdoor yoga program, this year – with two new locations – that number will get even higher!

This summer, Mat Collective will be hosting free outdoor classes around Vancouver every day of the week. Let’s just repeat that, for those who missed the awesomeness of that statement: free yoga classes. every day of the week. outdoors. So this summer, you’ll be able to do your sun salutations under the actual sun any day of the week, for free. How great is that!?

Mat Collective, a local nonprofit, is the largest outdoor yoga program in Western Canada. This summer, they’ll be expanding their wildly popular outdoor yoga series by teaming up with partners like MEC and the BC Lions to offer more special events including a yoga class in BC Place.

The free outdoor yoga classes have already started in Downtown (800 Robson Street – UBC Robson Square), and all other classes are starting in June or July. The official schedule is available in the image below:

Most of the classes are designed for yogis of all levels and abilities, so even if you’ve never stepped foot on a mat, you’re encouraged to join. All you need to do is bring a mat or beach towel. But, there will also be free mats available to borrow for those in need.

You may be asking, what’s the catch? But, there really isn’t one! The Mat Collective explains that their motivation comes from the stories shared during and after classes:

Why free? Because we are truly captivated by our students. Many individuals have shared their stories with us when they come to our yoga classes. Whether it is because they are strapped for cash, going through a tough divorce, or can’t afford physiotherapy and are living out of their car, we believe access to fitness classes need to be accessible to everyone no matter their income bracket. Also in the mix of yogis are long term residents and newcomers to the city or country. Everyone is welcome. We share individual stories, along with stories from our amazing volunteers on our social media accounts under #yogisofvancouver.

Daily classes start on, Friday, June 1, 2018 and run all the way up until Thursday, August 31. Full location details are available on the Mat Collective Website.

Mat Collective is not just about bringing people together to host fun, free, outdoor yoga classes. They also have the goal to turn yoga mats headed to the landfill, into a renewable resource. Individuals can volunteer in exchange for a yoga mat, and they also create new products from the very worn mats. Mat Collective encourages the Vancouver community to be actively involved in the upcycling process and waste diversion as a whole.