Whistler Village was a bustling area over British Columbia’s three day holiday weekend. In it’s fifth run, Whistler Wanderlust has grown its attendance to over 7,000 yogis. Attendees gathered in Whistler, BC for a 4 day celebration of union while finding your true north and life purpose. Yoga practitioners from all over the Pacific Northwest and beyond came to learn from renown yoga teachers and delve into unique experiences surrounding the Whistler landscape.
Just two hours north of Vancouver, Whistler is Canada’s premier, year-round destination for outdoor activities, shopping, spas, restaurants and bars with options to suit every budget. Ride a bike around the village, or take it off the beaten path onto the mountains and throughout the parks surrounding the village.
Founded by trio Jeff Krasno, Sean Hoess and Schuyler Grant, the event has grown and expanded to various countries throughout the world! The festival offers an array of workshops, classes and outdoor activities that are sure to leave their hearts and bodies fulfilled.
At Wanderlust, everyone is on a journey to pursue their true north. True north is not a final destination – it’s a path, journey, and a yearning to explore and connect to one’s life purpose.
Teachers included Kathryn Budig, Noah Mazé, Eion Finn, Shiva Rae, Claudine and Honza Lafond, Vancouver based Ryan Leier an many more. Seattle’s Emily Kasman and Mick Pearson lead outdoor excursions throughout the resort. Attendees lodging options ranged from camping to high-end hotels with all the amenities. The festival attracted people with a common mission to develop the self and find a purposeful life.
Festival goers were able to choose their own adventures with yoga and meditation sessions, organic and whole foods throughout the festival grounds, music that lifted hearts and hopes, inspiring lectures and workshops, and uniquely challenging outdoor activities. You can bet that no two experiences were the same.
The 4 day festival provided a variety of workshops, classes, ceremonies, and activities – all aimed at the “finding your true north.” Wanderlust provided an app used by attendees to create a unique schedule. Activities such a slackline yoga, aerial yoga and hooping were spread throughout the Olympic lawn. On Friday evening Wanderlust showcased a Farm-to-Table Dinner, marrying a local food ethos and a fine dining palette, crafted by Southern chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author Kevin Callaghan. In the evening, Wanderlust sponsored a free musical and dance performance on the Olympic lawn. Everyone gathered for special performances by Deya Dova, Rising Appalachia, Steel Pulse and especially José Gonzáles.
The Kula Marketplace, a special marketplace for yogi favorites, showcased local and socially conscious businesses that included Vancouver based Inner Fire, Sanuk, Silver & Sage, Davids Tea, Saje, Kashi, Bodhi Tree Bookstore, Blue Monkey, Sweetspot Labs and many more.
One local store that ingeniously capitalized on the influx of yoga practitioners on the resort was Lululemon. The store was bustling with businesses throughout the festival. Festival-goers lined up outside the village shop Thursday morning to purchase limited-edition Wanderlust clothing.
Georgina Shaffer and her daughter posing with an Inuksuk on the Whistler grounds.
[su_quote cite=”Georgina Shaffer”]This is my fourth year going to Wanderlust, but this time it was extra special. I took my 22 year old daughter to experience this festival. She has been practicing Yoga since she was 12, so what better way to celebrate her practice than at Wanderlust. We had such a good time. We laughed until our bellies hurt. We danced until our feet gave up. We made so many memories and met new friends. Most importantly, we found our true north. This festival is for everyone! We can’t wait for next year![/su_quote]
Below is a selection of photos taken over the course of the Wanderlust Whistler 2016 Festival:
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We would love to extend a huge thanks to the Wanderlust Festival organizers for inviting the Seattle Yoga News team to participate in this event. We look forward to next year!
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