Best of Toronto
The Best Yoga Studios in Toronto
The best yoga studios in Toronto are where many of us sweat some balance into our crazy workweek or regain some sanity when it's over. Toronto is actually a big, big yoga town, and many of its teachers are considered world-class.
Yoga is all around us - in the studios listed below, and many more, too. It's on Lake Ontario this summer, with paddleboard yoga class takers splashing and laughing all around. It's in your neighbour's backyard, where he's learning how to do a proper lunge from his partner while the BBQ heats up. And in your boardroom, where your boss has secretly taken on Ashtanga or Bikram to make sure his ticker goes on strong.
For those who have never taken a yoga class, read up and try out a class from the ones below. Most offer one-week unlimited access deals to first-time customers. You could even try all of them sequentially this way, practicing for a song for the next 3 months. I'll be very surprised if you stop once you're done.
Here are the best yoga studios in Toronto.
See also:
The best hot yoga in Toronto
Yoga teacher training in Toronto
The best pilates in Toronto
The best fitness clubs in Toronto
The best crossfit gyms in Toronto
The best fitness bootcamp in Toronto
The best spinning classes in Toronto
The best martial arts in Toronto
The best boxing gym in Toronto
The best personal trainers in Toronto
Please note: Comments made up until July 10, 2012 reflect the previous list that was published on March 1st, 2011 (as well as the version of the list published prior to that). Top photo from Misfit Studio's Facebook page.
Octopus Garden
Octopus Garden is the manifestation of Scott Davis and Pat Harada Linfoot’s dream of building a community space for yoga, health and balance, and a community of yogis. The Centre has two spacious, sunny yoga studios and a therapeutic clinic offering massage, traditional Chinese medicine, osteopathy, ayurvedic care and private yoga consultations. Urban Herbivore's cafe at street level offers a place to nosh and hang out between sessions. Post-ashtanga classes are demanding but respectful of individual student needs, with a focus on remaining safe while honing one's edge. Restorative yoga, one of the studio's sweet spots, is available most every day. A great place to learn how to own your practice and to make new friends, whether you are a beginner or a yoga teacher elsewhere. More »
Kula Yoga
Kula, which stands for community, is a studio where you can both go to work on a strong practice, or find your strength when you need a soft place to land. This positive space offers anasura-inspired, power flow, prenatal, Baby and Me, yin, queer and brown girl classes. Teachers passionate about their personal practices come together to create community, growth, and serious fund of alignment knowledge. The Annex studio offers both classes heated to 28 degrees or and regular ones. The Reiki restorative class is bliss. More »
Downward Dog Queen West
Downward Dog at the corner of Queen and Tecumseth has been seeding the world with awesome Ashtanga instructors for more than 15 years. This is, quite literally, one of the mother nodes for learning this discipline. Diane Bruni and Ron Reid understand bodies and how to tease them into flowing, hot vinyasa as few teachers do. For all the Ashtanga knowledge here, though, this is not a purist space. New strands of practice are constantly integrated, with regular visits by exciting instructors from around the world. Start with an intro class if you’re brand-new. If you’re experienced, don’t miss the Ujjayi Pulse classes with live drumming. More »
YogaSpace
Having practiced yoga for over a decade now, there was a time where after a few years of all-out crazy love, disenchantment started pointing its ugly head. I’d hurt myself by being a keener and I doubted I’d ever enjoy doing yoga again. And then I landed at YogaSpace, where I found my mojo back. This studio exudes love. For long-term practice, self-discovery, the overall healing benefits of yoga, and its students. Not surprisingly, it was also one of the first to have a Therapeutics program and clinic. YogaSpace is well-known for its prenatal classes and prenatal yoga teacher training, as well as its restorative yoga classes. More »
889 Yoga + Wellness Spa
889 is dedicated to offering a best-in-class yoga experience to its users, be they beginners or avid practitioners. This is perfectionism at its best, yoga-style. A beautiful space, inspiring teachers who’ll make you sweat hard (watch out for these Core classes!) or find your still point depending on what you need that day, an authentically friendly vibe, and a spa for those days where all you need is refuge. If you’re out to develop a steady personal practice, check out the new 200-hour LivingYoga program. Beyond their Rosedale headquarters, 889 has a second location on the third floor of the Thompson Hotel. More »
Bikram Yoga Beaches
Unlike most hot yoga studios in this city, Bikram Yoga Beaches, as obvious from its name, follows Bikram Choudhury’s 26 asana series. There’s no two ways about this practice. You’ll either love it or stop. This is a good studio to discover the essence of this lineage, with well-established teachers certified by Choudhury himself. Don’t be intimidated. Students of all levels and ages gladly report how practicing here has improved their health, flexibility, and quite simply made them love yoga. More »
Moksha Yoga Downtown
I’m an ashtanga girl myself but this is where you’ll find me doing hot yoga close to home. The Downtown Moksha studio differentiates itself through its excellent teacher lineup, reporting that students (lots of young professionals for neighbouring condos and Queen West hot yoga afficionados) love the fact that they can show up anytime because it will always be a standout class. The standard Moksha sequence is followed but demanding Level 2 ones are added to challenge more advanced practitioners. Spacious, spotless showers allow you to go out still glowing (but smelling much better) right after. More »
Breathe Yoga Studio
Breathe prides itself on the precision of its knowledgeable Ashtanga instruction. It has a well-deserved reputation for having one of the best teams of Ashtanga teachers in the city, many of whom are independently sought out for their expertise. Nothing is spared to ensure that you learn ashtanga with proper alignment, and continue to practice in a nurturing environment with uniform heat, self-practice supervision, challenging classes, classes for mothers and babies, mothers-to-be, runners, tweens, stiff men. A great place to start and to grow. More »
Misfit Studio
Misfit Studio is what happens when you take out the incense and put the rock’n roll into yoga, adding lots of Pilates, Ashtanga, anatomy and dance expertise into the mix. Owner Amber Joliat and her merry crew of teachers operate out of quirky open space at Queen and Euclid. Enter through the back alley and discover creative classes where conversation, music and experimentation are encouraged. Asstastic Pilates, Broga (for guys, but not limited to them), sweaty Fusion and Playtime self-practice. Go on, have some fun on that mat, already. More »
Yoga Lounge
Staring at the downtown skyline through the tropical plants lining the loft-like windows of The Yoga Lounge while taking a deep, centering breath, it’s hard to believe I’m just 6 minutes away from my office. Susan Emery has put a lot of thought and care in creating this haven, offering both hot yoga and Hatha or Iyengar classes in a soothing environment under the guidance of engaging, attentive teachers. A home away from home. More »
Ahimsa Yoga
Ahimsa Yoga is one of the Annex’s favourite yoga studios and J-P Tamblyn-Sabo, its owner, is the key reason why. A long-time Ashtanga practitioner, Tamblyn-Sabo has grown his practice around the notion of ahimsa (non-violence) and other principles from Patanjali’s sutras. This translates into intelligent instruction that teaches you to respect your body’s needs and limitations, while engaging you to go just a little bit farther to discover your strengths. There are magic moments to be had here. More »
Spynga
Spynga yoga and cycling studio just South of St. Clair on Bathurst offers yoga and cycling classes, a surefire winner given how many yogis in this town are also devout cyclists. There are two main class streams. SpyngaFlow, which start on the bike for a breath and balance workout and finish on to the mat either with a flow or yin sequence, and full-on yoga classes offered by top-notch Jivamukti and vinyasa teachers. A great place to practice with a partner if you both love yoga and cardio, but in different proportions. More »
Discussion
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Practicing yoga has really made a difference in my life, and Kula in the Annex has been a really big part of that. I really urge anyone who is thinking about trying out yoga or in enriching their practice to give Kula a try!
I have struggled with depression for quite some time and I was really in a deep funk. My Dr. was urging me to join something social to get me out of the house and I decided I'd try yoga. I went to Kula in the Annex and even though I was feeling miserable most days, I always felt a little brighter as I walked into the calm and accepting space. I felt I could be honest and share my experience and relate to others. I used the studio and the classes to help me during a very difficult time and I am so happy that I did.
I now take classes regularly and I feel very grateful that I found this hidden gem of a studio in the big city.
Urban Edge Yoga is a yoga lifestyle with a difference. Every session here, whether it be a yoga class or a lifestyle workshop is followed by full vegan dinner and dessert in a relaxed and convivial setting (at no extra cost)
It's your place...
Come just for yoga, or with a desire to explore the lifestyle and deep practical wisdom behind it. You will find Urban Edge Yoga to be a warm and friendly environment where you can meet and mingle with a variety of likeminded people with interest in yoga.
Soul Food: Taste the Atmosphere! Every session is followed by a full vegan dinner and dessert in a relaxed and convivial setting (at no extra cost!)
Kitchen: At Urbanedgeyoga we love to cook, and we put love into our food. We approach cooking as a type of meditation, understanding that the consciousness and intention of the cooks affects those who eat the meal. Taste the difference!
Cuisine: All meals at Urban edge Yoga are pure Vegan. Every meal is a delightful and fresh experience; practically no 2 meals are the same!
Special Dietary Requirements?: Here we put people first. If you have any special dietary requirements such as those of a vegan diet, or have specific food allergies, ring us in advance to let us know you're coming and we will be happy to cater to your needs!
Check out the website for weekly sessions plus special events.
http://urbanedgeyoga.com/
Sincerely,
Sing Lung.
The temperature IS HOT, 45C-50C, and it is humid, so please dress appropriately.
http://hotyoga.ca
In Yoga,
Sasha
The Playground is not a Yoga studio, we offer a diverse schedule of functional/athletic training programs. Our Yoga program is a perfect fit for recreational athletes and fitness enthusiasts, who want to maintain/improve flexibility, balance, core strength and more. Call: (416) 458-8266 or e-mail: info@trainwithmarv.com for schedule and registration info. Come down and try a class - we'd love to get your feedback!
Introductory offer of $30 for 30 days but honestly can't picture stepping back into that damp crowded pit.
iamyoga.ca
Moksha Yoga uptown is nice but the washrooms are too cramped. I just went to Bikram Forest Hill and had a great experience. I will definitely go back.
I'm new to Yoga and need a good class with preferably more ladies than guys. I just dont feel good around too many guys.
Thanks,
I currently have a 20 class card to iam yoga. I must say I am not happy with the classes there. They do not mop the floors after every class, so everytime I will point out to the staff that it is "unpleasant" stepping on other people's sweat and potentially slipping. The smell inside the studio is also repulsive. I am only going back to finish off the classes I have left, and I am hoping to find a studio closer to home.
For the East End Mom: Toronto Parks and Rec does a Family Yoga class at Main Square Community Centre on Sundays. It's not a bad little Intro to yoga for the kids.
1. passion and knowledge of staff
2. cleanliness of facility
3. variety of classes
4. enjoyment of the classes
5. professionalism
6. consistency - knowing what to expect each and every time
7. good variety of packages (no expiry dates on certain packages)
8. accessible class schedules (all day long)
I can tell you what I didn't like elsewhere (not naming names):
1. weird changing room facilities (where they existed at all)
2. run in a chaotic fashion; no idea who was in charge or who to ask questions to
3. lack of variety/availability of classes
4. general indifference from staff
All facilities will have their pros and cons, but I really think you can tell the difference between a studio that is finding it's feet and one that is well grounded (puns intended!).
BLOGTO - it would be nice to actually look at the different aspects of whatever you are comparing (e.g. yoga studios), try to find a set of consistent factors that can be compared across the board, and create a rating system that is based on real comparisons, not whimsical or emotional impressions. Just an idea...
Check it out!!!! The studio is beautiful and cozy... very welcoming atmosphere, full change rooms with showers.. and the instructors are top notch! First class is always free.
Iam Yoga also offers heated Core Flow classes (they are probably one of the most popular classes we offer) I have included a link a video that highlights that class and explains the principles behind how we teach it - Siobhan is one of the instructors and she's in the video. You will also get a chance to see the studio!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3ru7WOXSRA - Core Flow Video Iam Yoga Yonge&Bloor
Namaste.
Out of the 3 hot yoga places I have been to I really like HotYoga Studio on 720 Spadina, close to Bloor & Spadina, near the subway stn. , www.hotyoga.ca .
The vibe is very peaceful and the instructors really watches your poses, whether you're doing it wrong or the right way.
Try the Intro Pass for 30 for $30, it was awesome deal.
I haven't been to the Energy Exchange yet, but I've heard it's really beautiful, and I know that at least one instructor there is Excellent. His name is Geoffe Weibe.. I have become pretty picky with the instructors I go to, and his classes are excellent... Based on that, I would say it's worth giving it a shot!
GOOD LUCK!
I have been to many yoga studios in the city and the one feature that jumped out at me is how CLEAN Tula is. Not sure what your yoga background is to provide an assessment of the quality of the teachers at Tula but as I am a trained yoga teacher myself the quality of instruction was outstanding, very nurturing, no ego, very refreshing in the Toronto yoga community. Given how busy Tula is whenever I attend clearly they are doing a number of things correctly. Highly recommended!
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Classes inches from the wall, and to top it off a cockroach came crawling out to do a little
Downward dog action on my mat. Very horrifying and far from a de-stressing environment.
Yes the woman's change room is infuriatingly cramped. Go else where
I would also recommend Moskha Uptown at Yonge-St Clair. I enjoyed a few of their hot classes and practice rooms very nice. I attended when the change rooms were too small/crammed/outdated, but they acquired more space and just renovated end 2011/beginning 2012 so that would make this studio even better. (I have not been back yet, as it's not the most convenient location for me.)
Downtown: Iam Yoga at Yonge/Bloor is a good studio for where it's located. Studio staff are nice and helpful. I've liked all the teachers I have had. Heat is great. It is VERY busy during the week. The practice room is packed and too frequently, some students cut it very close, coming in just before start time (when there's pretty much no room left.) Wait area/lounge is just outside the one practice room and gets very lively with people talking too loudly in this area and between class turnover. For this reason I do not feel totally calm in this studio when I'm in the practice room waiting for class to begin. Change rooms are spacious and there are showers where shampoo & conditioner and body wash is provided. (There's an odd smell here with the showers/plumbing, but you can't win everywhere.) There are no lockers but plenty of benches and hooks (which will be actively used - it's a busy studio with one practice room.) The do clean very actively, I witness it every time I am there. No, I don't see a mop up between classes…it's actually not practical for this studio. Students could easily clean up after themselves around the immediate space they've practiced in. That shouldn't be too much to ask of students (anywhere) respecting the space.
http://www.bodymindsoulyoga.com/
he holds a few classes through out north york and thornhill area
It's also a bit annoying to have to wade through old comments that aren't relevant to the updated post.
I sent a friend of mine to the beginners course and my wife to the prenatal classes - both loved it. So not only do they have superior advanced classes but satisfy the beginner and pregnant student.
can't say enough about this studio. highly recommend you check them out.
Downward Dog in the beach is not my cup of tea.
Very disappointing list. With no thought put into it.
For those who have not practiced at any of these studio, please do, they are amazing!
The Yoga Sanctuary - great teachers, great vibe
889 - Beautiful, great teachers
Esther Myers - great teachers
Adapted yoga is proven effective, and is very affordable back-care compared to traditional alternatives. And it's more fun!
The website is under construction still, but our facebook page is getting a lot of interest. Best wishes...
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I'm moving to the West Queen West neighbourhood next weekend and I'm looking for a great yoga studio in the area that offers hot yoga. I've been practicing at Moksha Uptown, which I absolutely love (highly recommend), so I'm hoping I can find an equally great studio nearby.
Please let me know if you have any suggestions :)
I teach a yoga class in Trinity Bellwoods every Wednesday 6-7 pm. Its a great class and its amazing to be able to practice yoga outside. You will naturally heat up with the warm weather :)
Located at B2 in the park (check link)
http://torontoist.com/2011/06/clever_trinity-bellwoods_map_helps_friends_get_together/