OMMM-mg: Free Outdoor Yoga Will Run Daily Throughout the Summer!

The outdoor yoga movement in Vancouver is one of the best in the world. During the summer season, classes (sometimes up to 100+ people in size) get together in beautiful locations around the city to spend some time stretching in the great outdoors.

This summer, Mat Collective will be hosting free outdoor classes at Kitsilano Beach and Riley Park near Main Street 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!?

The organizers of the free outdoor yoga classes is known as The Mat Collective, a program that started as just a yoga mat recycling program, but has expanded to offer yoga classes. This year, they’ve grown substantially and not only own a studio space off Main Street, but also happen to host the largest free outdoor yoga program in Western Canada.

This outdoor yoga program boasts an active community of over 2,000 students and the class size frequents over 120. This year, classes will be offered every day of the week with classes for all levels and abilities. On most days, there is a morning class from 9:00am or 10:00am. Then, an afternoon class is hosted at 6:00pm or 7:00pm.

Check out the schedule below.

Classes are held at Kits Beach Park (1015 Maple Street) and additional classes will be running at Riley Park near Main Street (Quebec & E 32nd).

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. All classes are for every age and ability and there is no previous experience necessary!

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 tomorrow, Thursday, June 1, 2017 and run all the way up until Thursday, August 31. Full location details are available on the Mat Collective Website.

Quick Details

When: Every day of the week, June 1 – August 31, 2016
Time: Time varies per day, see listings above or on the facebook page
Cost: These classes are FREE but tips are welcome and help to fund a new yoga mat recycling and upcycling program.
Website: Mat Collective Facebook page