As the month of August rolls around, a feeling of serenity hangs in the air over Whistler. With the world-famous ski season now a distant memory, the warm sunshine beckons yogis and yoga teachers from around the world to celebrate the annual Wanderlust Festival.
The festival will take place from August 1 to August 4, consisting of four full days of yoga classes, musical events, workshops, delicious food, and most importantly, the meditative opportunity to help you connect with your best self.
Yoga Class at Whistler Olympic Plaza during Wanderlust © Tourism Whistler / Mike Crane Photo
Prepare for hundreds of classes taught by world-renowned yogis in every style you can imagine: invigorating vinyasa, relaxing yin, paddle-board yoga, hammock yoga, aerial yoga, and more.
Inviting yogis of all levels and backgrounds, Wanderlust Whistler is a great opportunity to learn from the world’s best at your own pace and in whichever way you choose to flow. After you’ve sweat, dance the night away at the silent disco with three different dance floors to choose from – all while your friend dances next to you to a different beat.
The Wanderlust Whistler festival ground is split into three. The Lab is the place to dive into the nitty-gritty of anatomy and alignment and how it informs your practice. The Uncommons is a lavish lawn where you’ll be able to try AcroYoga tricks and fly high in an aerial yoga hammock. Finally, The Haven is a mix between a spa and a temple with a focus on restoration and revitalization.
Eat Clean
For organic juices, salads and soups made with laughter and love, head to Green Moustache where founder Nicolette Richer has given clean eating something of a tasty overhaul.
Alternatively, head to Sachi Sushi where the owner and head chef Toshiyuki Kobayashi has fuelled Whistler’s visitors and residents for 25 years.
The Green Moustache
Visit a Spa
Head for The Spa at Nita Lake Lodge to soak up the incredible views from a rooftop hot tub. This lakeside organic spa has everything you need to restore body and mind, and the body scrubs and hydrafacials are not to be missed.
The Spa at Nita Lake Lodge © Nita Lake Lodge
Many of the Vida Spa’s treatments are based on the principles of Ayurveda, a 5,000-year-old system of holistic Indian medicine.
Vida has created its own all-natural signature ayurvedic line that is made locally using ingredients including eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender, and sandalwood, so you can even take a few products home with you.
Vida Spa © Vida
Unmissable Stress-Busting Apres Activities
Axe Throwing: This hugely popular pastime is rapidly becoming a bachelorette party favourite, and the sport’s lumberjack roots hail from this very province.
Quintessentially Canadian, hurling a hatchet at a target is the perfect way to blow off steam and feel those stresses float away. You’ll soon see why it’s one of the best things to do in Whistler.
Forged Axe Throwing
Hiking: What’s the point of visiting a place this beautiful if you’re not going to immerse yourself in your surroundings? Hiking in Whistler is a summer favourite and the best way to enjoy it is with a guided hike. An experienced guide will not only share their local knowledge but also keep you safe as you check out the stunning scenery British Columbia is renowned for.
Biking: Crankworx is the other big summer festival in Whistler and biking is a hugely popular summer activity in Whistler. With over 200 trails ready to explore, there’s nothing stopping you from hiring a bike and get your cardio fix while taking it all in.
Canada Cup XC Finals at Lost Lake © Tourism Whistler
Rachael Hopwood is passionate about travel and regularly writes about travel to Whistler, axe throwing, and wellness.
