Sivananda Yoga is a classical style of yoga founded by Swami Vishnudevananda, emphasizing a balanced lifestyle of asana (postures), pranayama (breathing), relaxation, vegetarianism, and meditation. Around the world, Sivananda centers share this holistic approach, offering classes, workshops, and teacher trainings.
Sivananda Yoga Centers in Canada
Canada is home to several established Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers and affiliated spaces. For decades, these centers have been known for offering authentic Sivananda teachings, welcoming both beginners and advanced practitioners. Students can immerse themselves in the traditional five points of yoga while also joining retreats and teacher trainings.
Some of the well-known Canadian locations include:
- Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre in Montreal – one of the oldest centers in North America, offering classes, workshops, and a rich community of practitioners.
- Sivananda Ashram Yoga Camp in Val-Morin, Quebec – the headquarters of Sivananda in Canada, known for its natural setting, daily satsangs, yoga vacations, and teacher training courses.
These spaces continue to attract students from across the country and around the world who are seeking an authentic Sivananda experience.
What About Sivananda Yoga in Ottawa?
While many Canadian cities have established Sivananda centers, Ottawa never had an official Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre. For practitioners in Ottawa, this has meant traveling to Montreal or the Yoga Camp in Val-Morin to experience the Sivananda tradition directly.
That said, Ottawa does have a vibrant yoga community — and students interested in the Sivananda lineage can connect locally through dedicated teachers.
Michael Hutkins Yoga – Bringing Sivananda Practice to Ottawa
Based in Ottawa, Michael Hutkins is a longtime Sivananda practitioner and teacher who studied extensively at the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Camp and in the Bahamas. Through his teaching, Michael brings the authentic principles of Sivananda Yoga to students in Ottawa and beyond.
Michael offers:
- Online Sivananda Yoga Classes – making the tradition accessible no matter where you live.
- Local Ottawa Classes & Workshops – for students looking for in-person guidance.
- Specialized Trainings – including Chair Yoga and Adapted Yoga, which integrate yogic principles into accessible formats.
- Bahamas Retreats & Practice Opportunities – for students seeking immersion in the tropical Sivananda environment.
Why Practice with Michael in Ottawa?
Since Ottawa does not have a dedicated Sivananda Centre, Michael’s classes provide a direct way to learn and practice this tradition without leaving the city. Students benefit from:
- Authentic teachings rooted in the Sivananda lineage.
- A teacher with deep experience from both Canada and international Sivananda ashrams.
- Options for both in-person practice in Ottawa and live online sessions for flexibility.
Conclusion
For students across Canada, the Sivananda centers in Montreal and Val-Morin remain important hubs for the tradition. But for practitioners in Ottawa, Michael Hutkins Yoga is a local and online resource to explore the depth of Sivananda practice. Whether you’re looking for morning classes, accessible yoga trainings, or a retreat in the Bahamas, Michael continues to make the benefits of Sivananda yoga available to a wider community.