Yasodhara Ashram: Yoga Retreats and Intensives on Kootenay Lake, British Columbia

Yasodhara Ashram has been a place of spiritual practice on the east shore of Kootenay Lake in British Columbia for more than sixty years. It was founded by Swami Sivananda Radha and continues as a women-led lineage rooted in the teachings of Yasodhara Yoga. The ashram's programmes support spiritual evolution, with a focus on Divine Light and the Divine Feminine.

The main offering from May to October is a 5-Day Guided Retreat, described as a way to discover your inner light through self-exploration and spiritual growth. For those who want to go deeper, there is a 10-day intensive programme called Yoga Journey, led by Ashram senior teachers Swami Lalitananda and Swami Samayananda. A 5 Day Intensive runs 7-13 July.

The Yoga Development Course is a three-month journey into yourself, running from 15 January to 15 April 2027. Karma Yoga: Selfless Service is a free experience of how work can be liberating, with monthly intake year-round. A retreat stay described as being held in the spiritual atmosphere of the Ashram is available until 30 November.

A full calendar of 2026 offerings is published on the ashram's site, along with a blog and podcast. The ashram also publishes ascent magazine, an award-winning yoga magazine that explored the intersection of spirituality with social and political issues, art, culture and contemporary thought.

Booking requires a non-refundable $300 deposit at the time of booking. If you cancel with at least two weeks' notice, your payment may be transferred to another stay at the Ashram. Cancellations made less than 14 days before the start of the course are not transferable. Transferred deposits become a booking credit that must be used within twelve months of the cancellation date or it expires and is forfeited.

What's included

- Accommodation at the Ashram (room charges apply) - Guided retreat programme led by Ashram senior teachers - Meals during your stay - Access to the Ashram's daily practice and community life - Free information sessions before booking

What's not included

- Non-refundable $300 deposit is required at booking - Travel to and from the Ashram - Travel insurance - Personal expenses - Costs of any additional stays or programmes