General Information
How do I get to the Centre?
We have posted directions on our Getting Here page.
Do I need a car?
No, but you are welcome to bring a car to the Centre.
The Centre is a 40-60 minute scenic walk to the island’s main town, Ganges.
There is an island bus service, approximately a 10-15 minute walk away. We also find carpooling with other participants common.
What time is check in and check out?
Check in is at 4:00pm
Check out is at 11:00am
Some programs may have altered check in or check out times. Be sure to check the retreat schedule for specific check in and out times. These times will also be noted on your registration confirmation.
Is the Centre kid-friendly?
The Salt Spring Centre of Yoga primarily offers adult programming and accommodations, with the exception of our Annual Community Yoga Retreat, which includes kid-friendly activities.
What are your cancellation policies?
Please read the Cancellation Policies page.
Accommodation & Facilities
What are the guest rooms like?
The rooms are cozy with comfortable beds and linens. Private rooms have 1 twin bed; shared rooms have 2-3 twin beds, depending on the room.
All rooms have shared washrooms on the same floor, except the one room with an ensuite.
Can I pay for shared accommodation even thought I am coming on my own?
Yes. Shared accommodation rates are available for those booking with a friend or family member as well as those coming on their own. Shared accommodations have 2-3 twin beds per room, depending on the room.
The exception is Personal Retreats. Shared accommodation rates for Personal Retreats are available to those booking with a friend/family member staying in the same room.
What are camping facilities like?
Camping is available From May to September. We offer unmarked tenting options in a quiet forest setting or in the sunny open meadows. All have access to hot outdoor showers and outhouses; however, there are no electrical hook‐ups. Campers are asked to bring their own tents, sleeping bags, pillows, linens and towels.
Please note: there are no fires, camp stoves or candles allowed on the land.
What is provided at the Centre?
Yoga mats and props are provided (though some prefer to bring their own yoga mat).
Indoor accommodation includes all linens and towels.
What should I bring?
Please bring personal toiletries, comfortable clothing, and an alarm clock. There are no outdoor shoes inside, so feel free to bring slippers. A water bottle and/or travel mug is also a good idea.
Yoga props, including mats are provided though some guests prefer to bring their own.
If you plan to walk the beautiful 1.7km trail on the property, consider the appropriate shoes for the weather. Wet conditions will make the trail muddy.
For programs with a sauna session, please bring a bathing suit.
Will I have Internet access?
Yes, wireless internet access is available within our main program building and in the Garden House.
We request that people do not use laptops or cellphones in the dining area.
Can I make phone calls and receive messages?
Cell phone service is unreliable on the Centre property but service can be accessed in Ganges and other parts of the island. Guests may wish to enable WIFI calling in advance of their arrival (subject to their phone provider and plan).
There is a courtesy phone in the dining room for short calls such as calling a taxi or emergency use.
Can I bring my pet?
Sorry, we are unable to accommodate pets.
Is there anything else I should know about?
Please read our Centre Guidelines.
Ayurveda & Yoga
I’m new to yoga and/or meditation. Is this retreat suitable for a beginner?
Yes. This retreat is suitable for beginners and those who are new to yoga and/or Ayurveda.
Is there anything specific I need to bring for this program?
If you wish to participate in the self-oilation, please bring a bathing suit or clothing that you feel comfortable wearing in public and allows you to apply the oil. If you want to join in the sauna session, a bathing suit is required.
Feel free to bring a notebook and pen for taking notes.
Going Deeper Silent Retreat
I’m new to yoga and/or meditation. Is this retreat suitable for a beginner?
Stay tuned…
Retreat Meals
What should I expect regarding the food served at the Centre?
The Centre has a reputation for high-quality, nutritious, well-balanced, and tasty cuisine.
Our diet is lacto-vegetarian, which does not include meat, fish or eggs.
While gluten-free and dairy-free/vegan options are available at all meals, those with serious food allergies should consult with us before registering.
Where possible, most of our produce comes directly from our organic farm.
There is a tea bar in the dining room with hot water, high quality tea and coffee substitutes.
We do not serve coffee. Generally you are welcome to bring your own press or instant coffee. Some programs have further guidelines on caffeine intake. Please check with the individual program details below.
I have a severe peanut /nut allergy. Can you still accommodate me?
While we are often able to accommodate peanut/nut-free and gluten-free diets, it would be next to impossible to control the kitchen environment enough to ensure that peanuts, nuts or gluten were not within your vicinity and that you were not exposed to peanuts, nuts or gluten in any of our meals. Please contact us directly if you have any concerns prior to your registration.
Can I bring my own food?
It is fine to bring personal snacks or treats that don’t need refrigeration, such as trail mix, cookies, bars etc., but please do not keep food in your tent. We request that guests respect our vegetarian facility.
We request people do not bring alcohol on Centre property.
Yoga Study and Service Immersion Program
I’m new to yoga and/or meditation. Is this retreat suitable for a beginner?
Yes. This program is suitable for beginners and those who are new to yoga and/or living in community.
Who should apply?
Those who wish to contribute their skills, efforts and/or expertise to a not-for profit organization.
Those wanting to begin, renew or deepen their spiritual practice and understanding of the classical teachings of 8-limbed Ashtanga and Hatha Yoga.
Those wishing to experience the benefits of living, working and studying together in a spiritually based community.
Those who may want to take a yoga teacher training program in the future and would like to have a strong foundation prior to that training.
Those who are unable or not interested in taking a yoga teacher training but would like a more in-depth understanding of the yogic path.
Can we apply as a couple?
You may apply as a couple.
Can you accommodate children?
We are currently unable to accommodate children.
What kind of work will I be doing?
Your work shifts will be focused within one or two of the following areas:
- Landscaping
- Housekeeping
- Kitchen
- Maintenance
- Farm
If you have a special skill to contribute, such as building, renovation, vehicle maintenance, plumbing, information technology, photography, etc., you may be asked to focus your time in that area.
How many yoga asana (posture) classes will I be able to attend each week?
There are morning, afternoon and some evening classes at the Centre that are available on a drop-in basis.
The number of classes you are able to attend will vary depending on your daily work shifts.
Are participants given consistent days off?
Generally speaking, you will have two full days off per week from service hours though not always on the same two days each week.
Program aspects, such as meditation, theory classes or community circle attendance is still required on your days off.
Is there anything specific I need to bring for this program?
A more detailed list of suggested items will be sent to you with your program acceptance.
Yoga & Wellness Weekend Retreats
I’m new to yoga and/or meditation. Is this retreat suitable for a beginner?
Yes. This retreat is suitable for beginners and those who are new to yoga.
Yoga Teacher Training
I’m new to yoga and / or meditation. Is this training suitable for a beginner?
A minimum of one year’s experience in yoga practice is recommended.
I am not very flexible or strong and/or I have physical limitations – will I still be able to teach yoga?
In this course, you will learn and practice the many ways to modify the postures to accommodate physical limitations for yourself as well as for others in a classroom setting.
I have an injury which limits usage of my body. Am I still eligible to take this training and how will it affect my participation?
Depending on the extent and nature of the limitation, we would determine how that would affect your participation in the program. This can be discussed with the YTT Program Director, Chetna Tracy Boyd (250) 380-9642 or chetna@saltspringcentre.com, prior to submitting an application or after we’ve received your application.
Is the yoga taught in this course the same as Ashtanga Vinyasa (sometimes referred to as ‘power yoga’ or Mysore style) as taught by Pattabhi Jois?
No, this program is based on classical eight-limbed ashtanga and hatha yoga as taught by Baba Hari Dass. The style of asana taught in this training includes a broad range of postures with a variety of sequencing options and modifications, based on classical principles. Both flow and sustained postures as well as more vigorous and gentler sequences will be taught. The Sanskrit term “ashtanga” means “eight limbs”, all of which are addressed in this program.
I am not sure I want to be a teacher but want to deepen my practice – is YTT suitable for me?
Yes. Yoga teacher training is intended both for those who would like to take their practice to a deeper level, and for those who wish to become teachers. We find that increasing numbers of our YTT participants are taking the course without the intention to teach (though some change their minds after the program). With in-depth study of philosophy, anatomy, physiology, asana, pranayama and all other limbs of classical ashtanga yoga our YTT program is well-suited to deepening your practice. Learn more on our YTT page.
Does yoga teacher training run only in summer?
Yes. It is offered once a year in two parts.
Can I bring my own coffee?
No. As part of a yogic lifestyle we minimize the use of stimulants like caffeine. We suggest you reduce your caffeine intake before you arrive. Black tea is available at the tea bar.
Are there laundry facilities on site?
We have one washer and one dryer available for student use. There is one Laundromat in Ganges, and students ride share or take turns doing laundry trips. However, students often find it challenging to find the time to launder their clothes, whether on-site or in town. Handwashing is helpful and there are plenty of places to hang your laundry to dry. We recommend bringing enough clothing for the duration in case you are unable to launder your clothes.
Can I record lectures?
Yes, you are welcome to record lectures, for your own personal use, with the permission of the teacher and any students that may appear in your recording.