Yoga is my passion. Yoga is my way to stay fit both physically and mentally. I love to take my yoga practice outside whenever I can. It helps me to connect with the elements and with nature!
Norfolk County has some fantastic spots to practice yoga outdoors. Want to find out about my favorite places around the county?? Read on!
On a beach
Yoga at Riverfront Park, Port Dover
Practicing yoga and meditation while the sun rises is in my opinion the perfect way to start the day. Long Point Beach is a very special place. This 40-kilometre-long sand pit is simply an amazing spot to connect with the elements. If you happen to be camping at the Provincial Park, choose a site that is close to the beach and head out to the beach to start your day. Bring a blanket or a mat and soak up the scenery as you stretch and breathe.
By the water
Being by water always helps me to find a deep breath and relax. One of the other special spots for me is in Port Dover and is located beside the Port Dover Harbour Museum. Riverfront Park is a beautiful green space with an area covered by a sail with a view on the harbour. I love seeing the boats passing by, the birds and the charm of the old fishing shanty. Ever better, challenge your practice with moving to the floating docks, so fun!
Under a tree
Yoga at Bonnieheath Estate Lavender & Winery
Yoga in the park is always very relaxing. In Simcoe, I love Clifton Park located downtown. It is a large green area, great for picnics and fun with the family. I enjoy bringing my blanket and moving my body around under a nice tree.
On a farm
One of my very favorite spots to set up for a good stretch is Bonnieheath Estate Lavender & Winery near Waterford. Yoga on a farm is the perfect way to ground yourself. There is so much history at this location and it is totally serene. The lavender blooms from late June to the beginning of August but this farm has so much more to offer outside this season. You can set up by the vines or the wetland and they even have a very special prairie grass labyrinth on the property where I will be hosting events in September. Bonnieheath is a peaceful location for an amazing wellness experience.
At a winery
Yoga at Burning Kiln Winery
Another very cool spot is Burning Kiln Winery or really any of the other wineries on Front Rd such as Inasphere Wines and Blueberry Hill Estates. Setting up amongst the vines create an unforgettable background for yoga. That connection with nature is important to me and I invite you to give it a try.
Practicing yoga outdoors takes you out of your comfort zone. You have to adjust your body as the terrain is never even or completely flat which to me is a nice break from doing yoga in a studio.
On a paddleboard
Want to push your limits even more? How about Yoga on a paddleboard? It’s a blast! South Coast Watersports offer board rental out of the Port Dover Beach and offers group yoga sessions in Waterford. I also love to take private clients out for a unique experience anywhere in Norfolk County. There is seriously nothing better then lying on the stand-up paddleboard for the final relaxation!
About the blogger
Amélie Chanda is a Norfolk County based wellness coach with a passion for active living. She works with individuals and organizations that are ready to make a commitment to a healthy life. She provides support, tools and motivation to help her clients reach their health goals. In 2017 she launched the #GoNorfolk community initiative to empower people to get off the couch and to explore Norfolk County. She is now the Active Living Ambassador for Norfolk County.
