Pack up your favorite lululemon stretchy pants, Vancouverites. The largest, most colorful five-day yoga and lifestyle festival is returning July 30 to Aug. 3, so head to Whistler for a total mind, body and soul celebration. Not all those who wander are lost and not all yoga retreats are considered equal. Wanderlust is the mother of all yoga retreats and most definitely belongs on your summer bucket list.
Next weekend Whistler will magically transform into one giant yoga mat, a whirlwind playground where yogis, mystics, gurus, soul searchers, artists, foodies and outdoor enthusiasts will gather together as one and mindfully embrace the beauty of summer in Whistler. Curious but not sold? This is the festival that will pull you to the other side.
Wanderlust’s core mission is to “help find your true north,” that is to say, your own personal truth and direction.
As a seasoned Wanderluster, I can say from experience that you should prepare to get sweaty and sore, but also moved, inspired, energized and even enlightened.
Wanderlust Whistler will shake your chakras into a state of bliss and leave you wanting more. Wanderlust planned it that way and will lure you into their year round global festival offerings from New Zealand to Hawaii, California, Miami and beyond.
With so many amazing teachers on the roster like Seane Corn, Shiva Rea and Ana Forest to name a few, you may also recognize a few of your favorite local lululemon ambassadors. Take your time planning and mapping your classes in order to enrich and embrace your overall Wanderlust experience. Hard core yogis will love the back-to-back classes offered all day (many of them outdoors) but don't forget to mix in some chanting, lectures, hooping, hikes, runs, slackline and chill time. New this year are the Soulscape yoga classes accompanied by DJs and rocking playlists. Be prepared to experience a flashback, as this year’s playlists will include Pink Floyd and the Police. I highly recommend any class or event led by MC Yogi. Rumor has it he will be leading the Yogi Tribe celebration this year, a final wrap party to end the festival.
At Wanderlust, it’s not about one class, one teacher or one event, but the full experience. Outdoor adventures like hiking, run clinics, kayaking and stand-up paddleboard yoga are offered in addition to awe-inspiring speakers in the Speakeasy seminars. Be sure to leave room for meditation, saké tastings, laughter yoga and the popular community farm-to-table dinner.
Entertainment this year includes Wanderlust icon Michael Franti, the High and Mighty Brass Band, MC Yogi and Nahko and Medicine. There is a new black light venue this year so if you want to show and glow, bring along white or neon festival clothes. Functional yet fashionable fitness attire is a festival necessity.
Whether you have time to take in only one or all five days of Wanderlust, any amount will do. Spending time outdoors immersed in the natural beauty of a playground like Whistler promises to bring adventure and growth. If you love the outdoors, if you practice yoga with passion and you live to let loose and dance to live music – design your own dream experience now and bring your free spirit to Whistler.
I’ll see you there. Namaste!
