Overview
Akasha Yoga Montreal is a community-focused studio in Saint-Henri, steps from Lionel-Groulx metro and near Atwater Market. The studio offers a wide range of in-person classes including Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, Restorative, and Prenatal/Postnatal yoga, plus barre and Pilates. Classes cater to all levels, from gentle lunar flows to heated Vinyasa sessions, and are taught by a team of caring, bilingual instructors. The space is calm and luminous, with changing rooms, a shower, and a tea area. Consent cards allow students to opt out of physical adjustments. The studio prioritizes inclusivity and accessibility, offering community classes and donation events, and welcomes individuals of all backgrounds, body types, and abilities. Prenatal classes are particularly popular, focusing on pelvic floor strength, breathwork, and birth preparation. Akasha also hosts workshops, teacher trainings, and special events throughout the year.
Yoga Format
Yoga Styles
Studio Amenities
Studio Business Hours
| Day | Status | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Open | 7:00 am – 8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | Open | 7:00 am – 8:45 pm |
| Wednesday | Open | 7:00 am – 8:45 pm |
| Thursday | Open | 7:00 am – 8:45 pm |
| Friday | Open | 8:30 am – 8:30 pm |
| Saturday | Open | 8:30 am – 5:00 pm |
| Sunday | Open | 10:00 am – 7:00 pm |
Studio in Details
Overview
Akasha Yoga Montreal is a community-centered studio in the Saint-Henri neighborhood, steps from Lionel-Groulx metro and a short walk from Atwater Market. Founded by James Dylan and now owned by Charlotte Mercille since 2021, the studio emphasizes inclusivity and accessibility, welcoming practitioners regardless of body size, background, ability, or identity. The space is described as calming, luminous, and intentionally free from performance pressure—a place where students can simply be. A team of over ten teachers and staff supports a laid-back, neighborly atmosphere, and the studio actively offers community classes and donation-based events to keep yoga accessible.
Akasha’s philosophy centers on connection: to oneself, to others, and to the wider community. The studio has become a safe haven for those new to Montreal or seeking belonging, and it maintains an attentive, receptive approach to feedback on inclusion and accessibility.
Classes and Services
Akasha offers in-person group and private classes in Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, Restorative, and Prenatal/Postnatal yoga, as well as barre and Pilates. Classes are categorized by intensity, ranging from gentle lunar practices to more fiery, sweat-inducing sessions—most designed for all levels with pose variations. The Prenatal/Postnatal program is especially popular: classes begin with a short discussion on pregnancy or postpartum topics, then focus on postures that strengthen the pelvic floor, ease discomforts, and teach breathing techniques for labor. No prior yoga experience is required for these classes.
Beyond regular classes, Akasha hosts specialized workshops, special events, and teacher training throughout the year. Membership options include class packs, unlimited monthly passes, and a work-exchange program (devote 3.5 hours weekly in exchange for unlimited yoga). New students can enjoy one month of unlimited classes. Note that Prenatal/Postnatal classes require a separate class pack unless included in a one-year unlimited membership, which auto-renews with a small price increase after the first year.
Visitor Experience
The studio provides a calm, clean environment with changing rooms, a shower, and a tea area where students can relax before or after class. Belongings are left at the back of the practice room, as there are no lockers. Mats can be rented, and those with recurring memberships may store their mats on-site. Consent cards are available for those who prefer not to receive physical adjustments—teachers respect these clearly. The studio also enforces a quiet, phone-free policy once class begins, and the door closes five minutes after the start time.
Reviews frequently praise the warm, attentive teachers—such as Julie, Amanda (whose spicy Vinyasa class is noted for its mobility focus and thoughtful sequencing), and Alexe (leading prenatal sessions with kindness). The bilingual teaching staff is appreciated, allowing students to attend classes in English, French, or mixed. Some visitors mention occasional crowding and ventilation issues in warmer weather, but the overall consensus is that the quality of instruction and community feel make the studio a destination worth traveling to, even from across the city.