Residential Yoga Service Immersion

Positions: Volunteers (Karma Yogi)
Program: Karma Yoga Volunteer Program, at Salt Spring Centre of Yoga
Duration: 3 months preferred

Location: Salt Spring Island BC (incl. housing & meals, see below)
Housing: staff accommodations or the option to camp in our beautiful campground, see below

About Us

The Salt Spring Centre of Yoga is a non-profit educational and spiritual retreat centre dedicated to teaching and promoting the core principles of yoga which embody peace, resilience, and belonging.

Our Karma Yoga volunteer program is something deeper than a typical volunteer or work-exchange experience. Karma Yoga is not just about helping out — it is a yogic path of service, discipline, and conscious living. For many, a Karma Yoga program becomes a period of grounding, clarity, and profound personal transformation.

Inspired by the example and teachings of yoga master Baba Hari Dass, the Salt Spring Centre of Yoga is dedicated to the principles and practices of Classical Ashtanga Yoga. By means of Sadhana (spiritual practice), Karma Yoga (selfless service), and Satsang (supportive community), we aspire to create an environment for the attainment of peace.

Life in Yogic Community
While you are here, you will have the opportunity to expand your understanding of Classical Ashtanga Yoga through a lineage-based centre that offers a wholistic experience of what it means to "Live yoga" - on and off the mat. You will have access to weekly offerings, such as asana (posture) classes, philosophy classes, kirtan, ceremonies, satsang gatherings, and more!

In our Yogic community, our practice touches every aspect of life - from how we prepare food (Ayurveda), to our relationship with the land, to how we care for ourselves, one another, and the greater community.

Nestled in the heart of Salt Spring Island, Canada, there is a fantastic culture of nature and land-connection to explore through hikes, swimming (lakes and oceans), permaculture, and educational workshops (we are located right beside the nature conservancy). Salt Spring also has a vibrant creative community where you will be able to experience dance, music, theatre, and art events happening throughout the year. There are many unique local treasures and offerings to be discovered in this interconnected island community.

Volunteer Support

A Karma Yoga volunteer program is a live-in experience where participants support the daily functioning of a yoga centre/ashram while engaging in a disciplined, yogic way of life. We are asking applicants to consider committing to a 3-month stay, which will allow for a better orientation and integration with other Karma Yogis.

Service roles may include:
- kitchen and meal support
- housekeeping and cleaning
- land care, gardening, or maintenance
- administrative or reception support
- helping prepare for retreats and programs
- teach yoga and wellness classes

Each task, no matter how ordinary, is approached with mindfulness and care.

A typical day often includes:
- morning practice or meditation
- service periods
- shared meals
- rest or personal study
- evening classes, satsang, or quiet time

A Karma Yoga volunteer program may be well-suited for those who:
- feel called to deepen their yoga practice beyond physical postures
- are navigating life transitions or seeking clarity
- value routine, simplicity, and community living
- are open to learning through service
- wish to experience yoga as a way of life

Accommodations

You will have a private/shared room (double) in one of our staff accommodations or the option to camp in our beautiful campground.

You will be provided with three lacto-vegetarian meals per day from our kitchen. There is a community kitchen for volunteers should you wish to cook some of your own meals from time to time (some restrictions - no meat, fish, or eggs)

Additional Comments

Applications for the 2026 Karma Yoga season are currently open. To apply, please visit our website: https://saltspringcentre.com/get-involved/karma-yoga-volunteer/

Those interested are encouraged to apply with honesty, clarity, and discernment. The application process helps ensure alignment between the individual and the rhythm of the Centre.

Potential teaching experience for qualified yoga teachers looking to increase their skills (200-hour teacher training and Yoga Alliance registration required – please be prepared to present proof of registration).

[img6] Cellular reception is very poor on our property, and limited elsewhere on Salt Spring Island.

Wifi is accessible at the main Program House, but not guaranteed anywhere else.

Outdoor showers and outhouse facilities are available in the campground area; indoor facilities are available to everyone in the main Program House.

The lovely town of Ganges is nearby, roughly an hour walk from the Centre. A bus is also available, but the schedule is intermittent. Local taxis are another option.

Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.