Preparing for Your Retreat

Before leaving for your retreat please take a few minutes to read through the following information. This will help ensure that you have everything you need when you arrive and support you in having a fun, relaxing and rejuvenating experience at The Yoga Garden.

Please Note

What to bring…

• Yoga mat/blanket. Most yoga will be done in the Yoga Pavilion which has lovely cork floor that has a just a little more give than wood floors; sometimes yoga and activities are done outside on the grass.
• Yoga clothes (anything comfy will do).
• Sandals or more sturdy footwear depending on the weather and whether you want to enjoy the hiking trails.
• Map/directions if driving – keep it relaxed, leave and arrive early. The Yoga Garden is located approximately 45 minutes from the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa.

Also recommended…

• Clothing appropriate to the weather. Keep in mind that it's usually a couple degrees cooler in the Gatineau hills than in Ottawa.
• Sun protection including a hat, sun screen, sun glasses and lip balm.
• Natural insect repellent. Available at Arbour Environmental Shoppe in the Glebe neighbourhood of Ottawa.
• Bathing suit and towel.
• Water bottle.
• Journal, novel.
• Back pack/bag to keep all your personal items/yoga stuff together.

For Overnights...

• Flashlight and extra batteries.
• Reading light in case you would like to journal after ligths out.

What not to bring…

To help maintain a safe and peaceful environment.

• This is a drug free, alcohol free, and smoke free retreat. It's okay bring some Nicorette type gum/patch or prescribed medication if necessary.
• Please do not bring pets, glass bottles
• Please do not bring any electronic equipment, including watches if they beep, with the exception of cameras.
• Please leave cell phones in your car trunk. If you need to have a mobile phone on hand for emergency purposes please leave the phone on vibrate and speak the teacher ahead of time.
• We reserve the right to ask participants who do not follow the camp rules to leave.

Emergency Contact Number

In the case of an emergency a message can be left at 613-222-1298.

Getting There (is half the fun :)

Complete directions and a map are provided in the Getting Here section.

• Please car pool where possible to reduce pollution. This is also a great opportunity to connect with other great yogis!
• Please drive carefully and at a moderate speed. Enjoy the lovely, scenic views and watch for wildlife on the roads.
• Please leave early. Plan to be crossing the bridge over the Ottawa River by 7:30-7:45am if your retreat starts at 8:30am or by 9am if your retreat starts at 10am. It's a 45 minutes casual drive from the Parliament buildings in Ottawa.

Upon Arriving

Welcome. Have a great day!

• Please angle park.
• Lock your cell phone and everything you won't need for the retreat, in the trunk.
• Walk up to the top of the parking lot. You'll pass the two welcoming Buddhas. Follow the path to the left until you reach the Peace Gardens.

When it's time to head home…

You can plan to leave at the scheduled time, and be back in Ottawa in about 45 minutes. Again, please drive carefully and stay focused while driving after all that yoga, great food, quiet and fresh air - enjoy the rest of your day and have a great night's sleep. Hope to see you again soon.

À bientôt, please come again soon!
Sat Nam, Namasté...and a 1,000 more blessings to you!