What to do in Vancouver: Get Your Zen on at Che Baba Yoga and Cantina

The latest addition to the rapidly evolving hotspot of Kingsway and Fraser is Che Baba Yoga and Cantina. The brainchild of Nancy Frohlick, who brings 20 years of yoga to the business, it combines a cafe and a yoga studio located next door to Robson Park and just down the street from Les Faux Bourgeois restaurant. If you’re wondering what to do in Vancouver to keep your cool over the holidays, this is the spot for you.

Vancouver Yoga Studio

Che Baba strives to be affordable and welcoming, with a focus on health and wellness through Hatha yoga practice. Drop-in classes are $15 (or just $10 for your first ever), and prices include tax and use of a yoga mat. To save money you can buy a punch pass for 10 or 20 classes. Or if you are a serious yogi, try their Unlimited Membership.

Yoga classes at Che Baba include many options for all levels. There’s Flow, which integrates breathing into postures like one long dance. For the francophones among us, Flow is also offered en français weekly. Or try their combination Yoga/Pilates for more focus on strength training. For a gentler pace you can try the Relax class. Che Baba also offers classes aimed at more specific health issues such as Joint Care and Back Care. If you’re not so sure about yoga, check out Yoga Basics: a great, non-intimidating place to start. Last (and in terms of cost, least) is Karma Yoga, a weekly free class taught by newly-trained instructors.

What to do in Vancouver: De-Stress over the Holidays

Che Baba has some great options to keep the whole family calm and grounded. They offer Kids Yoga for ages 3-10, which incorporates songs, games and stories into the practice. They’re also working with Collage Collage to coordinate activities for kids and parents. On Wednesdays at 10:00 am you can drop your kids off for a one hour crafting class, while you attend yoga – call 604-569-1929 to book a spot. I can feel the zen flowing over me just thinking about it.

There are some holiday-themed events happening this month as well. Every evening this week they’re offering yoga by candlelight – festive and calming. Plus they’re holding a New Year’s Eve Kitchen Party on December 31 from 8:00 pm until late. Tickets are $50 each, available in advance at the Cantina or on a first-come, first-served basis at the door. Your first drink is free, and you’ll be able to enjoy creations from their kitchen all evening. If you have the childcare, it sounds like a real treat.

Vancouver Restaurant

Che Baba is more than just a yoga studio. The Che Baba Cantina is a great new Vancouver restaurant. It’s the perfect place to stop in post-yoga for a bite, or to drop in to anytime. When you’re wondering what to do in Vancouver, Che Baba has a lot to offer.

Che Baba’s curvilinear stucco interior and red-brown tiled floors evoke a stylish 1970s charm. The place has a very intimate feel – it only seats about 30 — while still managing to be friendly. With southern French inspired food by chef Marta Pan (from the much-loved Pan-o-Pan Fine Foods), espresso, a well-stocked bar and a simple wine list, there’s something to please everyone here. A family lunch at Che Baba is very accessible – all the dishes are under $15. The generous helping of mushroom and thyme gnocchi was a big hit with the toddler and papa, and I found the beet salad delicious. Sous-chef Geoff Van Hassel was very careful to make sure that the egg was perfectly poached to our 16-month-old’s satisfaction.