This may be the worst shavasana in the history of yoga. I am lying on my back with my eyes closed, trying to relax, empty my mind of thoughts and focus on my breathing. But I keep breaking out in giggle fits and yelps. Because it seems every five seconds a gust of wind blows both rain and water that is supposed to be plummeting into the Niagara River all over my face, bare arms and colourful but decidedly non-weatherproof leggings.
Such is the risk you take while practising yoga near the base of the Horseshoe Falls during a downpour.
Did I attain inner peace? No – but I left with a huge smile on my face. And I certainly wasn't thinking about life's day-to-day petty problems as I listened to the roar of 168,000 cubic metres of water plunge 57 metres every 60 seconds. Mission accomplished, I'd say.
"The mindfulness of yoga, and the role it plays in helping practitioners centre and find balance, is a wonderful reflection of the Niagara River and the falls themselves," says Janice Thomson, Chair of the Niagara Parks Commission. "Like the river, we're always in a fluid state, and sometimes that can seem chaotic, but even chaos can be a part of that balance, both in our lives and in nature."
But Niagara Parks is not the only destination to see the benefits of mixing thrills with downward dogs. Here are some other unlikely places to strike a pose.
YYoga@YVR
What traveller hasn't longed for a moment of calm in a bustling airport – not to mention a good stretch before climbing into a cramped cabin? In a pilot project running until August 26, passengers departing Vancouver International Airport can practise yoga each Friday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m in a designated area (domestic terminal C-Pier, across from gate 46). Sessions are self-guided, but mats are provided and an instructor from YYoga is available to answer questions and make suggestions. Free; yvr.ca.
Heli-yoga
If you'd prefer to fly first, then bend, hop on a helicopter at Vancouver Island's Clayoquot Wilderness Resort and journey to one of three remote destinations: the top of Ursus Mountain (1,400 metres high), an old-growth forest surrounded by wondrous trees, or a quiet private island beach. Accompanying you will be your private vinyasa instructor, and if that isn't enough the outing also includes a five-star spa lunch or wine-paired dinner, presented with white linen service in the setting of your choice. And, no, this kind of om doesn't come cheap. Rates start at $775 a person for a four-hour half-day or $1,550 a person for a full-day, minimum three people. Available until Sept. 26; wildretreat.com
Yoga – An Elevated Journey
Moving away from nature – way to the opposite end of the spectrum – is Las Vegas's latest foray into unusual yoga spots (at the Mirage you can practise as dolphins swim by). The High Roller, the world's highest observation wheel, just introduced personalized classes in its glass cabins, led by a local instructor from Silent Savasana studio. Each sessions lasts 60 minutes (two rotations) and reaches a top height of 168 metres. The views are incredible, so time your poses accordingly. $97 a person for a small group; caesars.com
Yoga on Snow
But to truly take your practice to new heights plan a winter trip to Switzerland, where Suvretta Snowsports School offers the opposite of hot yoga – cold yoga? – high in the Alps. On the two-kilometre Paradiso ski piste, near St. Moritz, four areas have been put aside for just that purpose. As you descend, an instructor guides skiers through eight poses such as mountain (naturally), warrior and tree. Shavasana is also included, but judging from the pictures it's more akin to a snow angel in this setting. $490 for a half-day/$675; engadin.stmoritz.ch