Yoga lovers, get ready. The Burrard Bridge will be closing on June 21 to mark both the summer solstice and the International Day of Yoga.
The announcement comes as part of a partnership with Lululemon, YYoga, Altagas and the province with a goal of hosting the largest International Day of Yoga event outside of India.
“Yoga is one of India’s greatest gifts to the world,” said Premier Christy Clark. “I think many people who live here in Vancouver would say that if there is a home for yoga outside of India, it must be here.”
The bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic from 4 a.m. to 11 a.m.
YYoga instructors will lead participants in an hour long session while Lululemon will have staff on hand to guide participants. Altagas will be stumping up $10,000 to help sponsor the event.
Clark defended the decision to have the event take place on a bridge, saying it help makes a statement.
“It’s a busy bridge and I think it makes a really wonderful statement to close it to all that busy-ness,” she said.
Vancouver has long been known for its love of yoga, and yoga-related gear from Lululemon, and this isn't the first time a yoga event has shut down a major traffic route.
In 2014, Robson Street was briefly shut down for yogis as part of the grand opening of Lululemon's flagship store.
The United Nations declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in 24 after being encouraged to do so by Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi.
