I came here twice for yoga on a recent visit to Montreal. Sangha is conveniently located just steps from Sherbrooke station and feels like an urban oasis. The facilities are news, super-clean, and very calming. There are 2 spacious studios - 1 on the main level, 1 upstairs. The reception area includes a small smoothie and snack bar where they serve complimentary tea. There is also a small boutique with yoga wear, mats, DVD's, books, etc. I found the service very friendly, even to an anglophone with just passable French. Zero attitude and it was fun to practice my French. Changerooms are really nice and spa-like, with one shower and lots of lockers (but you need to bring your own lock). They can provide towels at the reception area, although I don't know if there's a charge for that.
They have a busy schedule of several classes daily, so it's great because there's so much to choose from. I took the Hatha class on Saturday with Josianne and really enjoyed it. Although it was entirely in French, I could follow along (I agree with Velma - the amount of French you need is inversely proportional to how much background you have in yoga). Josianne was a patient teacher with attention to detail. I also tried the Shakti Flow class on Sunday with Marjorie. I didn't really enjoy it as much, but that was partly my own misunderstanding of what the class would be. I usually do Ashtanga and i thought it would be a similar flow or vinyasa-type class. Shakti flow is actually more like Nia, fusing some aspects of yoga with pilates or dance. There was a lot of hip circles and waving our arms with our eyes closed, and it wasn't much of a workout for me.
It is expensive at $18/class, but I got the $20 weekly pass for newbies so that wasn't so bad. Mat rentals are $2. They also have a clinic in the basement for massages and other treatments.
I would come back for yoga next time I am in Montreal, but I would stick to Hatha or Vinyasa classes instead of Shakti! read more