Nova
Scotia: Yoga Multisport Retreat
5 day retreat at our peaceful yoga studio overlooking St. Margaret’s Bay. Explore meditation, asana, and yogic philosophy, balanced with bicycle and kayak forays, and the nourishment of great food.
Freewheeling’s home base is in a coastal paradise on the beautiful Aspotogan Peninsula. No wonder we were inspired to build a yoga studio on the edge of the ocean here. We watch whales, seals, gulls, eagles, and occasionally, fishermen, kayakers and sailboats in Virabhadrasana (Warrior posture), staring out at the always changing ocean in Padmasana (Lotus posture) and are lulled into blissful Savasana (relaxation pose) by the sound of waves.
From our doorstep, we can enjoy quiet and picturesque cycling through fishing villages and past beaches, we can meander along the granite and wooded coastline in ocean kayaks, walk on the pretty wilderness trails of the Aspotogan Peninsula, and spend precious solitary time gazing at the ocean. Accommodations are simple - dormitory style or camping. Vegetarian meals are served on the premises, prepared for us daily using locally grown, organic ingredients whenever available.
Yoga teacher and Freewheeling’s co-owner and founder, Cathy Guest, is your guide and facilitator for the retreat. In addition to her skills on her bicycle and in the kayak, she has training and expertise in writing, dance, chant and mantra, shamanic studies, and philosophical and religious enquiry. She is also a great cook!
Day 1:
Meet at Freewheeling Headquarters at 14:00, for a short walk, brief asana introduction, and to get an overview of the next few days before a late lunch/early dinner (“tea”). Group discussion will focus on your expectations and goals for the retreat, and any special interests you bring or would like to explore. Besides a program of daily meditation, asana practice, and philosophy, you can choose to explore extra study in yoga and dance, chant and mantra, and journeying with the heartbeat drum. Evening option to attend Cathy’s regular 19:00 hatha-flow all levels yoga class, and meet other yoga students in the community. Afterwards, some rock sitting or night swimming, weather and temperature permitting, can precede your night’s rest.
Lodging TBD
Day 2:
Meet in the Sail Loft Studio, or outside on the rocks, for an early meditation and gentle yoga at 09:00. Afterwards, you will ride bikes to the beach for more yoga, to work up an appetite for a light lunch just after noon. After a siesta and some quiet time, meet again for yoga at 14:00, exploring some of our favourite postures and discovering which ones we try to avoid. At 16:00, “tea” will precede discussion of yoga theory. Another evening option to attend Cathy’s regularly scheduled Ashtanga yoga class at 19:00, followed by tea and snacks, rock sitting and swimming.
Same lodging
Day 3:
Meet again at 09:00 for yoga and meditation, before launching seakayaks and exploring the tidal zone by following the coast to a nearby fishing village. After lunch, we will embark on a yogic journey, exploring asana practice, pranayama, and discussion. Later in the afternoon, transfer to the coastal seaport town of Lunenburg, listed as a UNESCO site for reasons you will appreciate. Late afternoon yoga will precede your independent dinner option. You can choose from many delectable options.
Smuggler’s Cove Inn, Lunenburg
Day 4:
Seakayak day. Yoga sessions in the morning and afternoon.
Same lodging
Day 5:
Morning yoga session, bike ride, yoga on the beach at Risser’s, transfer back to Halifax.
| Start: | Freewheeling HQ, near Hubbards, 14:00, day one. |
| Finish: | Freewheeling HQ, near Hubbards, 14:00, day five. |
| Guided Cost: | $1495 per person, based on four to eight participants. Per person prices are lower for groups of eight or more, and higher for fewer than four. Included are all meals and snacks, all yoga sessions with Cathy, B&B accommodations, guided kayaking, walking and cycling during the retreat period (not including equipment rental, see prices below), and any extra sessions related to the retreat (yoga dance, chant, and drumming) |
| Single Occupancy: | $275 |
| Bicycle Rental: | Hybrid: $30; Racing: $45; Full Carbon Racing or Electric-assist: $55 |
| 2013 Guided Dates: | By Request. See website for current details (learn more). |
| Pre- and Post- Retreat: | Participants
may choose to explore other options before
and after the retreat: |
| Custom Retreats: | Organize your own retreat, using our services or bringing in your own. Services available are: retreat space (max. 20); accommodations: dormitory style and camping; food catering; guided kayaking, cycling, walking, and yoga. Please call for details |
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice. 15% sales tax applies, but a 50% refund will be applied for non-Canadian residents
