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SAHAJ SAMADHI MEDITATION
An effortless meditation technique that infuses the mind with peace, clarity and creativity.
Meditation for the busiest of minds
Happiness can seem elusive at times, a distant dream, or so fleeting you wonder where it went. The mind swirls around, crammed with thoughts. Disconnection and stress easily become the norm.
In today’s society, it is more important than ever to gain tools to connect to the wellspring of calm and peace within you, in the here and now. And that’s what meditation does. It gives you access to the stillness that resides deep within, a place that is steady, at ease, clear, and relaxed regardless of what’s happening around you. Science is now showing us what ancient yogis knew thousands of years ago, meditation works. And what’s even better? Anyone can meditate, even the busiest of minds!
Globally celebrated meditation master, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, will share with you ancient techniques for contemporary life, to enable you to fill up from the inside so when the inevitable challenges of life arise, your connection to the fullness, and steadiness within, remains.
Knowing how to manage the mind is fundamental to inner peace, joy, and a centered state of mind. When the mind is calm, everything in life gets sweeter—relationships improve, stress is reduced, mood lifts, and there is a greater sense of ease and joy each day.
Meditation
The Doorway to Happiness
“People search for joy everywhere not knowing that the Self is the source of all joy.”
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
“People search for joy everywhere not knowing that the Self is the source of all joy.”
Intellect vs Intuition
Frequently Asked Questions
Please click here to view all FAQs regarding admission, the venue, and accommodation etc.
13 Chem. de l`infinité
Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc
QC G0X 1N0, Canada
Phone: +1 819-532-3328
Email: info@artofliving.ca
From the Art of Living
with techniques featured in
This Special Offer Won’t Last Long!
Tap into a time-tested technique practiced by thousands all around the world. You’ve tried everything to help you sleep, why not give VAST a try.
What do you have to lose?
Just you. The trees. And your breath.
43 Years
of transforming lives
10,000+ Centers
established worldwide
182 Countries
where our programs made a difference
800M+ Lives
touched through our courses & events
43 Years
of transforming lives
10,000+ Centers
established worldwide
182 Countries
where our programs made a difference
touched through our courses & events
800M+ Lives
Fall into stillness in our peaceful forest sanctuary.
Explore the Canadian
Art of Living Retreat Center
“...inspired me to live a better life”
“Sanyam is the most beautiful course I have ever experienced. It brought me an immense amount of energy and enthusiasm. In the beginning, I had so many questions and complaints in life, but they all disappeared after the course. It was truly transformative and has inspired me to live a better life. I feel like I am born again.”
Course Participant
Ketki
“...more than I could have ever imagined.”
“It was very, very powerful. I gained such a sense of calm, more than I could have ever imagined.”
Max
Course Participant
“...felt balanced, nourishing, and comfortable”
“I’ve been on quite a few silent retreats in the past and this felt more balanced, nourishing, and comfortable than any other retreat I’d been on.”
MIchelle
Course Participant
“
What people are sharing
Frequently Asked Questions
→ Your retreat experience is fully supported from the moment you arrive. Enjoy nourishing vegetarian meals each day, cozy accommodations (where applicable), and access to serene meditation spaces, all within a peaceful, nature-rich environment. Everything is thoughtfully arranged so you can let go of daily demands and focus inward.
→ They do! Especially during peak programs, onsite lodging is in high demand and often fills quickly. If you miss a spot, no worries - nearby options like Comfort Inn Shawinigan or local Airbnbs (some with added comforts like hot tubs) make excellent alternatives. You'll still be close enough to soak in the full retreat experience.
→ Yes, free parking is available just off Highway 351 near the retreat entrance. During peak hours (8 AM–10 AM and 4 PM–7 PM), shuttles run regularly between the parking area and the Centre. Outside of those times, simply visit the main entrance to request a shuttle pickup.
→ Absolutely. We provide childcare for children ages 4–12 whose parents are registered for a program. Kids enjoy creative play, crafts, games, and more—giving parents peace of mind to fully participate in their retreat.
• October 10–12 : 6.30 am - 6 pm
• October 13 : 6.30 am - 1 PM
*A separate registration is required for each child.
→ Yes, we do our best to accommodate dietary preferences. Our kitchen can provide gluten-free, vegan, and nut-free options if selected during registration. If you have a severe allergy (such as celiac disease or a serious nut allergy), please email us at info@artofliving.ca in advance. While we strive to meet your needs, we do not operate a fully allergen-free kitchen and cannot guarantee zero cross-contamination.
→ We’d love to have you on the team. Volunteering is a meaningful way to contribute and deepen your experience. Just send a quick message to canada.seva@artofliving.ca, and our team will follow up with next steps.
→ Yes! Ayurvedic therapies can be scheduled in advance, and we highly recommend doing so as spots fill quickly during retreat weeks. You’ll also find Ayurvedic beauty and wellness products available at the Centre.
Book your Ayurveda appointment here
This spring, join your community at the Art of Living Retreat Center in Québec, Canada, for a unique opportunity to deepen your practice in Gurudev’s presence. Explore our curated packages and courses below. We look forward to welcoming you!
with Gurudev at the serene Canadian Retreat Centre
Return to Your Nature
October 9–13, 2025
Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc, Québec
Return to Your Nature
with Gurudev at the serene Canadian Retreat Centre
यो गः कर्मसु कौ शलम् — Skill in Action is Yoga
Sañyam 2 is a specially designed program that is a combined practice of Dhāraṇā (concentration), Dhyāna (meditation) and Samādhi (union). The profound meditations of this program act as keys that open the doors to the blossoming of consciousness.
Gurudev with his simplicity, humor and depth, accompanies us to experience the power of being an observer.
Discover our packages
In the heart of the breathtaking forests and waterways of La Mauricie, our retreat center provides a haven for stress relief and wellness with a rustic quiet that soothes the soul. We offer life-changing retreats alongside comfortable rooms, dedicated meditation spaces, and restorative Ayurvedic wellness treatments. Our commitment extends beyond your stay, with post-retreat support and research-backed practices designed to help you dive into a space of deep calm—and stay that way.
Meet Gurudev
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a globally renowned spiritual teacher, humanitarian, and peace ambassador who has uplifted millions through his wisdom, warmth, and breath-based meditation techniques.
For more than four decades, Gurudev has shared a simple yet profound message: that inner peace is the key to outer harmony. His teachings have empowered people across cultures to live with greater clarity, compassion, and resilience.
Every program offered here is rooted in the practices and philosophy Gurudev has shared with the world. His presence is felt in the silence, the breath, and the transformation participants experience.
Support Services
4-day Silent Retreat, Sanyam, Yoga Sutras
Patanjali Immersion
March 27-April 6
Sanyam, Yoga Sutras
Patanjali Sanyam
March 30-April 6
9-day Silent Retreat, Yoga Sutras
Patanjali 9
March 27-April 6
6-day Silent Retreat, Yoga Sutras
Patanjali 6
March 30-April 6
Register by March 20 to SAVE up to $300!
Discover our programs
Guests travel from all over to join us, and we’ve made getting here easy. Whether you're flying into Montreal (YUL), driving in from nearby cities, or looking to carpool, there are options for every traveler. We also offer shuttle services and carpool forums to help you plan your journey with ease.
Accomodations
Sleep deeply. Wake up to birdsong.
Our accommodations are designed with simplicity and serenity in mind, inviting rest, clarity, and inward reflection. Nestled in nature, rooms offer a quiet retreat from the distractions of daily life so you can fully immerse in your inner journey.
Choose from cozy shared rooms to private lodging, depending on your preference and availability. Each space is intentionally minimal, allowing the natural beauty of La Mauricie’s forested landscape to take center stage.
*Note: Onsite accommodations are limited and in high demand during retreats. If onsite rooms are full, we recommend booking with the nearby Comfort Inn Shawinigan or a local Airbnb. For those seeking a roommate or ride, see our Support Services section for carpool and offsite lodging forums.
Day & Evening Passes
Meals
Planning a shorter visit? Join us for just a day or an evening, and immerse yourself in the transformative energy of the retreat centre.
Note: Children aged 12 and under do not need to purchase a pass.
Nourishment that supports your transformation
All retreat packages include wholesome vegetarian meals, lovingly prepared to support your meditation and wellness journey. From hearty breakfasts to grounding dinners, each dish is balanced, flavorful, and made with care using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Meals are served in a communal setting that invites quiet reflection or shared connection. For those with dietary needs, we offer options such as gluten-free, vegan, and nut-free menus - just let us know when you register.
In between meals, you can enjoy healthy snacks and warm beverages from the Sri Sri Café, open throughout the day for your comfort and convenience.
In the heart of the breathtaking forests and waterways of La Mauricie, our retreat center provides a haven for stress relief and wellness with a rustic quiet that soothes the soul. We offer life-changing retreats alongside comfortable rooms, dedicated meditation spaces, and restorative Ayurvedic wellness treatments. Our commitment extends beyond your stay, with post-retreat support and research-backed practices designed to help you dive into a space of deep calm—and stay that way.
Just you. The trees. And your breath.
This October, step into an immersive wellness experience at the Art of Living Retreat Centre in Québec, offered in the presence of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
A globally renowned spiritual teacher and founder of the Art of Living Foundation, Gurudev has shared breath-based practices and timeless wisdom with millions across the world. These retreats offer a rare chance to deepen your practice, reconnect with your inner stillness, and experience the transformative energy that arises in his presence.
Join us for a delicious dinner and inspiring evening satsang.
For teens visiting in the evening, this pass includes dinner and satsang
A soul-nourishing journey through guided meditations, nature, and profound inner rest. This retreat is designed to quiet the noise and amplify peace.
Eligibility: Art of Living Part 1 / SKY Breath Meditation
This 3-day retreat combines powerful breathwork and personalized Ayurvedic treatments for deep restoration. Learn Sudarshan Kriya™, a rhythmic breathing technique backed by 100+ studies for its impact on stress, emotional well-being, and health. You'll also experience Sahaj Samadhi, a mantra-based meditation that brings clarity and inner peace. Leave feeling lighter, clearer, and deeply renewed.
Eligibility: Open to all
Enjoy one-on-one Ayurvedic treatments tailored to your constitution and healing needs. Our experienced team is here to support your renewal journey.
Airport Shuttle
Oct 9: YUL to Retreat Centre
Oct 13: Retreat Centre to YUL
Childcare
• Oct 10–12
• Oct 13
Roommate Matching
Access Forum here
Carpool
Access Forum here
Stay in touch
Join WhatsApp Channel for updates
Hotel Shuttle
Daily service from Comfort Inn Shawinigan
From travel and lodging to food, kids, Ayurveda, and volunteer options - get all the info you need here:
October 9–13, 2025
Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc, Québec
Join the #TryThisBreath challenge!
Fall into stillness in our peaceful forest sanctuary.
October 9–13, 2025
Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc, Québec
The Art of Living
Ancient Wisdom for Modern Life
The Art of Living Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people live with more ease, purpose, and connection. Founded in 1981 by humanitarian and spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, we've uplifted over 800 million lives in more than 180 countries through practical tools like breathwork, meditation, and stress reduction techniques.
For the first time in Canada, the Art of Living’s Intuition Process comes to life in a thrilling 4-day camp format. Through fun, engaging, and scientifically crafted techniques, your child will awaken their intuition—a powerful sixth sense—empowering them to make confident decisions and build skills that last a lifetime.
Eligibility: Open to all kids & teens from 8-17 years of age