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Octopus Garden Holistic Yoga Centre
Category: Active Life Fitness & Instruction Yoga Yoga [Edit]
967 College StToronto, ON M6H 1A6
Neighbourhood: Dufferin Grove
(416) 515-8885
- Good for Kids:
- No
9 reviews for Octopus Garden Holistic Yoga Centre
9 reviews in English
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Review from John C.
Toronto, ON
2/14/2012
This yoga studio offers great instruction for the low-low price of $80/month. There are several top-quality instructors here, especially Jesse, Scott, Pat and Morgan, and enough classes to make it possible to be taught by a great instructor every day. The studio is beautifully appointed, airy and spacious, and there are some great bonuses, including the cafe downstairs, free filtered water, lots of props, and no rental fees. It's a friendly place, but their efforts to foster community here seem forced. Maybe the 6 inches between your and your neighbour's mat is what they mean by "community". After all, they're unashamed to cram 70 people into a class with a single instructor and (often) no assistant, making me feel like a chicken on a factory farm. If you can see past this detail - and like I said, the instruction is well worth it - then this studio is a good choice for you.
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Review from B D.
Toronto, ON
2/11/2012
I went on a one month pass that I purchased through Wag Jag. I thought it would be a good way to check out the various teachers, levels etc.
I went to some classes, really, really liked Miriam - who, as it turns out was just filling in for someone away on the OG Mexico retreat.
This week I really messed up my knee (not doing yoga) and I sent OG a note telling them that I had to see an orthopedic surgeon, but would love to resume once I get the go-ahead from him. ie I'd like to temporarily stop the pass until I am able to recommence doing yoga.
They flat out said no.
I guess they didn't really want new customers from their WagJag thing.
Too bad.
I live closer to Spynga anyway, I'll go there. -
Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
Just love the new location of Octopus Garden! It might not been as convenient as close to the subway station as before... but it is really worth your while to trek down here!
Octopus Garden is radiating with positive vibe. When we checking in the front staffs were super nice and friendly. This is the first time we visited the studio wanting to use our passport to prana but we were advised that the first class is FREE!! and we are more than welcome to come back to use our passport again for another complimentary class! Sweet
The Restorative Class was at the maximum capacity on this Sunday afternoon. Mat to Mat and don't even think about personal space...but since it is a restorative class and most of the poses are passive so it was ok.
Tons of props: blankets, cushions, straps, blocks, eye pillows... and ACUBALLS!! This is the only yoga studio I experienced the Acuball (http://www.acuball.com/)..and it feels so good and relaxing especially on this cold winter day!
I was snoring as usual...Zzzzz Zzzzz.. it was that relaxing!
The change room though small, with 2 washrooms with no showers.. but is bright and tastefully decorated. Since there are not lockers, students are encouraged to bring their valuable into class.
Teaming with Urban Herbivore providing Vegan and healthy food choices for yogi, Octopus Garden really become more than a yoga studio but becomes a complete lifestyle experience! -
Review from Jennifer M.
Toronto, ON
3/2/2011
If only studios like this would make their way east, I would be so thrilled. I brought my youngest sister here to initiate her into studio yoga (she is not from Toronto and has only practiced at the YMCA). I wanted to find a studio that was really welcoming, that presumably would have parking, not be too busy, and that had a restorative class on Tuesday evening.
I had heard many things about Octapus Garden, so we decided to go here. Plus, first class is free which is a nice bonus since my passport just expired.
The staff were super friendly, and the teacher (Elizabeth) was fantastic. We chose a restorative class, as we were ready to melt our stresses away and were not disappointed. The studio is very large and there was ten or so other yogis in the class. We had plenty of space and props (most of which were Halfmoon) and plenty of attention, as Elizabeth had an assistant Emily helping us out. Restorative is a practice of minimal effort, and they made sure this was so, We were constantly being covered, having props handed to us, They were constantly looking out for us and checking our alignment.
As Jennifer K mentioned they use acuball which is a self-massage tool that you press into your back and I LOVED it. The poses flowed very nicely from one to another, and Elizabeth was a fantastic guide.
Overall my impression of the studio was really good. The space is beautiful, and very clean, and the staff were overwhelmingly authentic and friendly. Zero pretension or stuck up vibe here. Emily chatted with us before and after class, and gave suggestions to my sister and gave her extra support. There is a tremendous community aspect to this studio, which I am beginning to really appreciate. It leads to a different experience.
Bonus Points
- Filtered Water (!)
- Beautiful Clean Space
- EXCELLENT Instruction (!!!)
- Good quality, Halfmoon props
- Eyepillows and Acuballs (!!)
- An assistant during class
- Urban Herbivore downstairs with fantastic vegan muffins
- Spacious Changerooms
- You are allowed to bring valuables into studio
- Free first class
- 90 minute restorative
- VERY affordable class packages
Minus Points
- No Lockers
- Too Far from my house to visit regularly
- Only two showers
Highly Recommended 4.5 Stars.Listed in: Yoga Studios
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Review from Allison D.
Toronto, ON
9/23/2011
**4.5 stars**
Illness and yoga seem to go together for me. After being yelled at (seriously, yelled at!) numerous times for trying to do intensive exercise when ill ("What? I'm just trying to boost my immune system!"), I've come to the realization that notta one friend will kybosh my yoga attempts when ill. So this week, when I was completely under the weather and off sick from work, I took my sniffling, headachey, sore-throated self to Octopus Garden. What a treat!! From the moment I walked in, I was greeted more warmly than EVER having been greeted at a yoga studio to date! The woman seemed genuinely happy to see me! I was RIGHT on time, and concerned that I would be holding the class up, but she assured me it would be alright. AND THEN informed me of the First Week Free deal for new students! Amazing - 7 days of yoga for free AND THEN another passport day! She showed me where to put my things and I was off and running. I'll also mention that, on the way out, my friend was speaking to the gentleman at the front desk about her difficulty making 7:45 evening classes when she works Thursdays, and he offered to put a mat down if she calls to ensure she makes it! Exceptional service :)
As the fate's would have it, a good friend was also in the class that day; we saw each other in the changeroom, and she was kind enough to save me a spot in the class. The class was well attended but not packed. And when I popped in a minute or two late, the instructor, Alix I believe, did not seem angry or pertubed. And what a class it was! Over the next hour and a quarter, I SWEAT my sick bugs out and even woke up the following day to a stiff back! Not a "Oh my God, back pain! Back pain!", but a "Oh, right... I have those muscles!" stiff. I haven't felt that in awhile, and it was a great feeling :) It was a Level 1-2 class, and I would say the same level of difficulty that the 1-2 at Downward Dog is; challenging without being impossible. I also appreciated that Alix seemed to really support where ever you were that day; she suggested when you could flow through after a pose, but also stated that you could also go straight into downward dog if that's what you were feeling. I also attended the Thursday night restorative class with Scott the following day; as you may have read in my review of Kula, I'm still a little on the fence about restorative or yin classes; I'm used to vinyasa or ashtanga, where I'm feeling like I'm working things out by literally working them out. That said, I think I'm getting a little more accustomed to the quiet and stretch of restorative. And Scott was an excellent instructor; he was very good at explaining each position prior to leading us into it, in some cases demo-ing.
This studio also houses a whole holistic therapy center, with naturopaths, dieticians, RMTs, and more, as well as an Urban Herbivore. I didn't eat at the location here, but have eaten at the Kensington location, and love love LOVE the food! The banana chocolate chip loaf would be a delicious treat at the end of a good yoga session :) That said, I'm not sure if they have all of the options available at the kensington location; can anyone confirm or deny?
What's holding back that final half-star? Sadly, it's the prices, or at least the option of prices. Octopus Garden offers only a 5 card pass for $75 or Monthly membership for $80. The class pass would make each class $15, not awful, but certainly a little more than other studios, while for a once-a-week yoga'er like me, the monthly just wouldn't do the trick. If there were a reasonable longer-term class pass, say 10 or 20, I would be down to yoga in minutes. Perhaps something to think about, Octopus Gardeners....please?!?!?!? -
Review from Steph L.
11/28/2010
If I were a yoga octopus in the Dovercourt neighborhood, I would hang out here!
The first thing you notice is that the place is pretty huge.
The staff were incredible friendly, Jesse introduced himself and walked me upstairs to show me the location of the change room and studio. The change room is basic, but it was fine since you don't work up too much of a sweat.
I was there early and I went into the studio to relax. I opened me eyes and saw that the Sunday afternoon class was packed.
I attended a mixed level class with Pat and the class was focused on "earth".
Pat did a great job instructing and most of the moves focused on core, planking, abdominal, thighs, working from the ground. I felt that the speed and flow of the class was perfect and I really enjoyed myself!
I felt the whole "earth" theme of the class.
They also mentioned a Mexico yoga retreat that they were planning.
I wish I didn't have to work or I'd totally go. A lot of people in the studio knew each other and it felt like a real community.
Another great thing about the studio is the availability of healthy meals. The cafe was not open when I went, but apparently it's the second location of Urban Herbivore. I'm always starving after class and I would have loved a vegan snack!
I will have to come back so I can do more yoga and eat too. :D -
Review from Denise S.
3/19/2011
I've been to Octopus Garden when it was in the Annex (where the current Ahimsa Yoga is) and loved the teachers. Finally got a chance to see the College West space and really liked it. Friendly staff oriented me to the place since it was my first time. I went to the Friday karma class, which was on the studio on the main floor (there is another studio upstairs). Each month the proceeds from the karma class go to a different charity. For March, it's the Alzheimer's Society of Canada -- a great organization.
The class was taught by 2 teachers who rotated (one at the front, the other walking around and correcting students). It was "all levels", and I found it relaxing although I would've liked it to be a bit more challenging. But that's the thing with all levels classes, it is hard to cater to people's different needs.
The studio is spacious and quiet. The Urban Herbivore makes for a relaxed meeting place pre or post-class, or a great place to pick up some vegan muffins to bring home!
I would come back, although it is a bit of a trek form the downtown core. -
Review from Kat T.
11/9/2010
As it has newly moved to the Western end of Hip College street, Octopus Garden Yoga has found a gorgeous new space of the former Plumbing Supply Store (what does that tell you about where this neighbourhood is headed?). The big, open windows will showcase the close to completed- Urban Herbivore's fun high-top tables and stools. The back of the main floor offers a white-walled, wood floored yoga room. The room is big and airy compared to many a sweaty yoga studio. The class i took was a Level 2, but I didn't find it that challenging. Perhaps with the lack of showers, they don't want to get you too sweaty? The change room, however, it bigger than some, but lacking in some amenities. There are several deals on for the grand re-opening, so certainly a place to check out. Once the restaurant opens, it seems like a perfect fit for a yoga-vegan date.
Listed in: Prana to Nirvana
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Review from Michelle A.
Toronto, ON
The cooler full of vegan jars of soup caught my eye as I was walking home. I've never been here for a yoga class, but I was pretty excited to see Urban Herbivore move into the area. I visited before the lunch hour, so I bought two jars to go - a curried chickpea soup and a sweet potato soup with coconut milk. Both were very flavourful and delicious. The small jars were $6 (including deposit) and the large jars are $12. I also sampled a piece of sweet potato and date muffin and it was excellent. I will definitely be back for the yoga, and to sit inside at the tall wooden tables - a lovely atmosphere and beautiful-looking studio.
Listed in: Very vegetarian-friendly…
