The Best Yoga Studios in Toronto
Yoga studios may be ubiquitous in Toronto these days, prompting many to perceive the practice as a hot trend, but yoga has actually existed for thousands of years. Originating from India before eventually taking hold in North America, yoga has a culture that constitutes a varied mix of activism, commercialism, fitness and spirituality, and is an integral activity for an urban population seeking exercise that goes beyond the often empty and soulless confines of a traditional gym.
Living in Toronto, where can one go to find the best studio? It's no different than shopping for clothes in that there are many options, but it's best to hit up as many places as possible in order to choose one that feels like the best fit. The list below is a start - it's based on the results of our recent reader poll - but I should point out there are many more classes, programs, events, initiatives and attitudes at each studio than what I've described.
Many studios are attuned to the need for students to experiment until they find their ideal teacher and style of yoga. There are infinite deals to be had for those trying out a studio for their first time. For example, the following studios offer a special introductory offer of one week of unlimited classes for $20: Downward Dog, Moksha Yoga, Yoga Space, The Yoga Sanctuary, Breathe Yoga Studio, Rainbow Body Yoga, and Octopus Garden.
There is also Passport to Prana that allows you to take one class at each of the 30 participating studios in Toronto for $30.
All studios have similar etiquette rules to follow. Try to bring your own mat, although there will usually be mats available for use, sometimes at a rental fee. Dress appropriately for a physical activity. Bring water to re-hydrate from the exercise. Always show up early to give yourself time to change and find a good mat space. If you do show up late, take care not to disturb others as you enter the studio. Above all else--please remember that the activity isn't a competition and that your focus needs to be internal to get the most out of the practice.
Contributed by Brian D'Souza
Downward Dog
Memorable to Police fans for Sting's visit during his tour in 2007, owners Ron Reid and Diane Bruni have created a flourishing studio dedicated to Ashtanga, a system aided in development by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. Exclusive to Downward Dog is the Mysore Enhanced program that contains a therapeutic component. There are two locations - West Queen West and The Beaches. I will eagerly await Andy Summer's visit during his next stopover in Toronto. Single class is $17 and a 20-class pass is $240. More...
Moksha Yoga
A chain of independent hot yoga studios existing worldwide, branded collectively under the same name. Developed by Ted Grand and Jessica Robertson, the room is heated to 37 degrees Celsius with the routine varied from the static set of 26 traditional poses done in a Bikram class - probably so they wouldn't get hit by a lawsuit by Bikram founder Bikram Choudhury. There are five locations in Toronto More...
YogaSpace
The relaxing vibe you get from attending class here draws people to this popular studio. There are Pilates classes available. The facility has showers, which is a big plus if you're wary of people creating too much space with you on the subway due to post-workout body odour. Single class is $17 and a 20-class pass is $240. More...
Core Studio
This 5,000 square foot studio is located near Queen and Bathurst. It aims to offer smaller class sizes to give students more attention, with private and semi-private options available. That is, if you're not so self-conscious that you can allow a teacher to spend more time singling you out to correct your posture. There is a special introductory offer of two weeks unlimited yoga and Pilates for $40. Single class is $17 and a 20-class pass is $240. More...
The Yoga Sanctuary
The brainchild of sisters Cynthia Funk and Kimberly Sopinka, there are two beautiful locations in Toronto. The Yoga Sanctuary is a terrific environment voted Best Studio for 2008 by Now magazine's readership poll. The College studio is in a nice space with a high ceiling and large windows emit warmth and compliment your practice - after 5 PM when the elevator closes, you will have to take the sacred walk up three flights of stairs to get to class. The newly renovated Danforth location boasts floor-to-ceiling windows. Single class is $17 and a 20-class pass is $220. More...
Breathe Yoga Studio
Movie starlet Lisa Ray (Bollywood/Hollywood, Water) says "It's one of the nicest studios around." Perhaps if you attend class here, Deepa Mehta will cast you in one of her films? Ok, maybe not. Located in the heart of Bloor West Village, Breathe has won numerous People's Choice awards from the Guardian and Villager newspapers from 2001to 2005. There is a wide range of classes including yoga for runners, children, and other workshops. Single class is $16 and a 20-class pass is $240. More...
The Union Yoga Center
Founded by Maggie O'Connor, there is a socialist theme running through the mandate of this Cabbagetown studio. No money? No problem! The goal is to make yoga accessible regardless of financial barriers; there is a flexible rate for all classes More...
The Yoga Lounge
Located at the southeast corner of Church & Richmond, this gorgeous studio is one of the most aesthetically pleasing studios I've seen. Constructed from materials like mango wood and African marble, the effort put into the design and decor by owner Susan Emery is staggering. It has classes in Hatha, Vinyasa, Restorative, as well as Yogalates, a combination of yoga and Pilates. Single class is $16 and a 20-class pass is $220. More...
Jivamukti Yoga
Focuses on the intellectual, physical and spiritual aspect of yoga. The studio is also involved in social activism and animal rights - so don't start bragging about the Korean BBQ you're going to devour after class, unless you want to get a few stares. Has an introductory special of $35 for two weeks of unlimited classes. Single class ranges from $12 (45 minutes), $15 (60 minutes) or $18 (75 minutes). 20-class pass is $240. More...
Tula
With two studios and over 3500 square feet, Tula offers a number of both hot and regular yoga classes including Hatha, Hatha Flow, Power Flow and Pilates. Has a special rate of $10 for the first class with the second class free. If you're good at math, that means you get two classes for $5 each! If you're bad at math, you won't return to redeem your second class. Rates for single classes vary from $14-18. A 20-class card is $270. More...
Yoga Queen
Located in Parkdale, this studio offers innovative programs like Yoga for Break-ups and Yoga for Smokers Who Don't Want To Be. Hey, you could always take up smoking and dump your partner just to participate. Lunch class is $12, with the price for a single-class drop in at $16. A 20-class pass is $240. Other options like PWYC (pay-what-you-can) and "Karma classes" (by donation) are available. More...
889 Yonge
Under the guise of creating an environmentally-sound business, sisters Christine and Emily Russell have a physical space that is split into a yoga studio, spa and - that indispensable component to all deeply spiritual yoga practices - a shopping area. An overt theme is the self-conscious effort to capitalize on the green movement. Watch your step as you enter the building - the prices are steeper than most studios More...
Rainbow Body Yoga
The name of the studio comes from a Tibetan Buddhist concept that when one reaches enlightenment, the body glows and is called The Rainbow Body. Located one block south of Wellesley, the studio also collects donations on behalf of Freeing the Human Spirit, a yoga program for prison inmates. Single class is $18 and a ten-class pass is $130. More...
Liberty Movement
In Liberty Village, this studio offers yoga and Pilates, as well as other programs. The main focus is on core strength and conditioning - so be prepared to suck your abdominals in whenever you do an exercise. A single-class is $20 and a ten-class pass is $150, although reduced rates due to economic need are available. More...
Octopus Garden
A great studio located in the Annex owned by Scott Davis, Pat Harada Linfoot, and J.P. Tamblyn. There are many types of classes including Hatha, Restorative and Mysore, as well as varied levels of difficulty. Local and international retreats are available, such as a yoga retreat to Mexico (you can shoot tequila with every sun salutation!). A single class is $18 with a ten-class pass priced at $130. More...
Comments (16)
Be Studio at College and Dovercourt is an awesome and quaint little place. They infuse thai massage into the yoga which makes for an incredible session.
Does anyone know a good studio in the East End that does "family yoga"? Meaning my 4 year old and I can take the class together :)
Anyone have a good recommendation for a first Yoga class/instructor/style? I've never gotten into it, but I really want to!
Give "punk rock yoga" at the Union Yoga Center in Cabbagetown a try. The class is Tuesday night from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. It's a lot of fun. We have a diverse group of folks from the very young to the very old. There is music, laughter, candles and a really easy vibe.
The Yoga Sanctuary Danforth as opened a new fourth floor to accommodate more classes and they now have family yoga. I have been attending for a few weeks and have really been enjoying them. My kids are loving it! The space is new a beautiful. If you have never been there it is on the corner of Broadview and Danforth.
We recently interviewed the founders of both The Yoga Sanctuary and Union Yoga. They both seem to be excellent studios. Videos of both interviews will be available shortly (along with several others) on the Toronto Yoga Guide (torontoyogaguide.org). We plan to post interviews with all the major studios/teachers in Toronto so reply here or on TYG if there's anyone specific that you think we should contact.
I am going to second the comment about Be Studio and am so happy to see them getting some props! Great place, easy, chilled, all about your well being and "restorative" treatments. Best reiki instructor.
You don't have to be bad at math to skip your free second class at Tula. I never went back because I was put off by the low quality instruction and the dirty changeroom. In the case of this studio, I definitely got what I paid for. I'm surprised to see it listed here. I work near the studio and no one I know has returned for the second free class. It was that bad.
It was wonderful to read your descriptions of so many great studios.
Unfortunately you seemed to miss studio in midtown Toronto, in a place such a Yonge and Eglinton. Fireflow Yoga, an Ashtanga based yoga studio at Yonge and Eglinton, has just celebrated its first year. We have a brand new renovated, intimate space with the best teachers north of Bloor. We invite both the reviewers of the article and any readers to drop by for a free first class. Namaste.
Lila is an intimate studio now open on Roncesvalles Ave. Hatha yoga practiced mindfully. Absolute beginners to more advanced students are welcome. Gentle/Restorative classes and Friday evening workshops are also offered.
I completely agree with Cassy about Tula hot yoga studio. I only went once and didn't opt to take advantage of the second free class because I was so unimpressed with the whole vibe. The heat in the room was dry and stifling, not enough humidity. The teacher wasn't great either, during savasana she actually left the room and never came back, that's how class ended??? Unfortunatley, Tula's fancy space goes to waste when there's no substance in the place.
Yoga Space (Dundas and Os) offers and incredible (6 or 8 week) beginner's course with two of the cities most qualified instructors. No, I'm not a teacher or part of Yoga Space, I just really like them there. Patricia and Katherine teach the beginner's class and are both incredibly skilled and knowledgeable. Namaste!
Yoga Queen is a really nice space with warm, friendly, approachable teachers. The size of the space classes of up to... 10 students I would say? Not as serious as some other places/classes, students and teachers can be. You are encouraged to have fun and smile a little. The top picture on the left with the light green background looks like the interior (and one of the teachers) at the studio.
What has anyone heard, or know about Shas Yoga & Pilates Studio at Dupont and St. George. It sounds like they have an interesting mix if disciplines, and a fair range of rates and introductory offers. - Adrienne
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