No matter where you are in your yoga journey, the right yoga mat can make all the difference. Choosing the right material, thickness, and traction level can be difficult, especially if you are just getting started. Thankfully, there are a ton of great options to choose from on the Canadian market, from thicker mats for cushioning your joints to thinner, high-contact mats that help you feel the floor better. The best yoga mats in Canada suit your yoga or pilates style without giving you a ton of hassle, and the options on our list definitely fit that description.
What We Looked For
When choosing the best yoga mats in Canada, we wanted to focus on options that gave you the most flexibility. Some thinner mats don’t add much cushion, while some thicker mats aren’t easy to move from one palace to another. We tried to find options that are thick enough to keep you comfortable without restricting your ability to take your mat to classes and beyond. These picks all fit somewhere in that spectrum.
Best Yoga Mats in Canada: Our Best Gift Picks
- Retrospec Solana Yoga Mat
- CAP Barbell ½” High-Density Yoga Mat
- Amazon Basics Thick Yoga Mat
- Glymnis Yoga Mat
- Fitvids BalanceFrom All Purpose High-Density Yoga Mat
Best overall yoga mat in Canada: Retrospec Solana Yoga Mat
Pros:
- Extra-thick 2.5 foam cushions your joints
- Ribbed, non-slip surface for traction
- Dense NBR form relieves pressure
- Includes a nylon carrying strap for easy transport
Cons:
- Bulkier than standard yoga mats because of the extra-thick foam
The Details:
- Material: Foam
- Care Instructions: Hand Wash Only
- Dimensions: 182.88 x 60.96 x 2.54 cm
- Weight: 997.9 g
- Colours: Ocean Blue, Blue Mist, Blue Ridge, Graphite, Boysenberry, Rose, Sage, Violet Haze, Wild Spruce
Joint cushioning is the main focus of the Retrospec Solana Yoga Mat, with a 2.5 cm thickness that noticeably softens contact with hard floors. It’s geared toward home practice, where comfort under knees, hips, and wrists often matters more than portability.
The dense foam construction reduces pressure during longer holds and floor-based movements, while the ribbed surface adds traction that helps limit slipping. That combination works well for slower flows, stretching, and fitness routines that involve time spent close to the ground.
The mat rolls up without much resistance, even with the extra thickness. The included carrying strap makes it easier to move between rooms or bring it along for occasional classes. Cleaning is done by hand with mild soap and water, which suits home use but takes more effort than machine-wash options.
This mat won’t appeal to everyone. The plush feel increases bulk and reduces ground feedback, which can be a drawback for balance-focused styles. For people who want more padding and less joint strain, though, the emphasis on comfort is clear.
Our Expert Opinion: “The Retrospec Solana Yoga Mat is built for cushioning rather than responsiveness or portability. It’s a simple mat, but it’s best for low-impact yoga or stretching rather than balance exercises.”
Customers Are Saying: “This mat can be really thick if you choose the biggest version, but it’s still really light. The elastic band holds it well, even when the roll is massive.”
Who is the Retrospec Solana Yoga Mat for?
- Those who want extra cushioning while learning new poses. New poses can be uncomfortable at first, so an extra-thick mat can help.
- Home practice on hard floors. Hard floors can make yoga feel impossible, but this mat helps cushion your joints so it isn’t so uncomfortable.
- Canadians with sensitive joints. The extra cushioning here is great for those who have sensitive joints.
Who should avoid the Retrospec Solana Yoga Mat?
- Commuters who need a compact, lightweight mat. If you are often taking your mat to different classes or events, you mig ht need something thinner and more lightweight.
Instead, choose… the Fitvids BalanceFrom All Purpose High-Density Yoga Mat.
The Fitvids BalanceFrom All Purpose High-Density Yoga Mat offers a similar level of cushioning, but you’ll get more overall space to stretch and move. It’s a little wider and longer, so it’s less portable as well.
Features Breakdown
- Material: Foam
- Care Instructions: Hand Wash Only
- Dimensions: 182.88 x 60.96 x 2.54 cm
- Weight: 997.9 g
- Colours: Ocean Blue, Blue Mist, Blue Ridge, Graphite, Boysenberry, Rose, Sage, Violet Haze, Wild Spruce
- Thickness: 2.54 cm
- Surface Texture: Ribbed
Best cushioned yoga mat in Canada: CAP Barbell ½” High Density Yoga Mat
Pros:
- High-density padding for hard floor exercises
- Lightweight build with an included carrying strap
- Water-resistant materials
- Traction control for common poses and balance
Cons:
- A shorter length may be restrictive for some taller Canadians
The Details:
- Material: Nitrile Butadiene Rubber
- Care Instructions: Hand Wash Only
- Dimensions: 172.7 x 61 x 1.2 cm
- Weight: 0.98 kg
- Colours: Black, Teal, Wine, Gray, Blue, Purple
This CAP Barbell yoga mat isn’t the thickest mat on our list, but it’s well-cushioned enough for most yoga practitioners who need cushion without sacrificing balance. It has a forgiving surface for yoga and stretching. 12 mm of high-density NBR foam provides noticeable padding that can help reduce pressure on your joints during heavy floor work sessions.
The thicker construction softens contact at the knees, elbows, and hips, which can make longer holds more comfortable. A textured surface adds grip for poses like planks and downward dog, helping hands and feet stay in place on smooth floors.
The mat rolls up without much resistance, weighs under 1 kg, and includes a carrying strap that makes it easy to move between rooms or take it along to casual classes. The water-resistant surface allows for quick wipe-downs after use.
The softer feel and shorter length won’t suit every style of practice. Taller users or those who prefer a firmer connection to the floor may find it limiting. It works best for comfort-focused routines where portability and padding take priority.
Our Expert Opinion: “The CAP Barbell High-Density Yoga Mat is ideal for those who want extra cushioning without added weight or bulk. It balances padding and portability to make it usable without being uncomfortable.”
Customers Are Saying: “This yoga mat is the perfect thickness for floor work and pilates. It doesn’t have any smell and keeps me supported really well!”
Who is the CAP Barbell ½” High Density Yoga for?
- Casual practitioners who need extra cushion without bulk. Yoga mats that have extra cushion are often bulky and hard to carry, but that isn’t the case here.
- Canadians with have mixed home fitness routines. If your home fitness routine includes yoga, stretching, and light floor exercises, this mat is built to support you.
- Users who need a lighter mat that they can carry and store. This mat is lightweight enough to carry with you and store when not in use.
Who should avoid the CAP Barbell ½” High Density Yoga?
- Those who focus on balance. Thicker yoga mats can sometimes affect balance, so those focused on staying balanced may need a yoga mat with more floor contact.
Instead, choose… the Amazon Basics Thick Yoga Mat.
The Amazon Basics Thick Yoga Mat offers comparable cushioning, but it’s slightly thicker and more forgiving. There’s a big emphasis on padding with the Amazon mat, but the CAP Barbell option keeps weight and portability more manageable for those who are frequently in transit.
Features Breakdown
- Material: Nitrile Butadiene Rubber
- Care Instructions: Hand Wash Only
- Dimensions: 172.7 x 61 x 1.2 cm
- Weight: 0.98 kg
- Colours: Black, Teal, Wine, Gray, Blue, Purple
- Thickness: 1.2 cm
- Surface Texture: Non-Slip
Best basic yoga mat in Canada: Amazon Basics Thick Yoga Mat
Pros:
- 1.3 cm thickness for added pressure relief on hard floors
- Textured surface improves traction as you move
- Rolls up easily for storage
- The carrying strap attaches easily for taking the mat on the go
Cons:
- Foam can compress with frequent, high-pressure use
The Details:
- Material: Foam
- Care Instructions: Hand Wash Only
- Dimensions: 188 x 61 x 1.3 cm
- Weight: 998 g
- Colours: Black, Blue, Pink, Aqua, Rose
The Amazon Basics Thick Yoga Mat provides extra cushioning without moving into oversized or specialty territory. With 1.3 cm of foam, it adds noticeable padding for yoga and pilates, particularly on hard surfaces.
That added thickness softens contact during seated poses and core work. A textured finish improves grip for hands and feet during planks, transitions, and longer holds, helping reduce slipping during slower-paced movement.
At just under 1 kg, the mat rolls up without resistance, and the included strap makes it easy to pull from a closet or carry to a casual class. Cleaning is done by hand with mild soap and water, which suits occasional use but takes more effort than machine-washable materials.
This mat places comfort and accessibility over long-term resilience. The foam may lose some firmness with heavy use, and the softer feel limits ground feedback in balance-heavy styles. It fits best for low-impact practice and mixed workouts where cushioning matters more than precision.
Our Expert Opinion: “The Amazon Basics Thick Yoga Mat is an entry-level option for home routines, especially those that take place on hard floors. It’s great for light-to-moderate practice rather than intense daily training, but it’s durable and responsive at the same time.”
Customers Are Saying: “This mat has never slipped on me, and I get into some pretty intense workouts after years of doing yoga. It’s compact and super light when it’s rolled up, too.”
Who is the Amazon Basics Thick Yoga Mat for?
- Yoga beginners. Beginners who aren’t fully committed to yoga yet might want to try this mat first.
- Canadians who have hard floors. Harder floors can be uncomfortable, but this mat keeps your joints happy while you learn.
- Those who often go to classes and need carrying support. If you’re moving your yoga mat around all the time, this mat will be a good choice.
Who should avoid the Amazon Basics Thick Yoga Mat?
- Users who put heavy, frequent wear on their mats. If you use your mat daily and often, you might need a mat that’s a little more durable for your use.
Instead, choose… the Retrospec Solana Yoga Mat.
If you need additional cushioning but don’t want to worry too much about the added bulk that usually brings, consider the Retrospec Solana Yoga Mat. It’s significantly thicker, but this makes it harder to roll and store. If you don’t take your mat with you and only need it for home use, the Retrospec might be a good choice.
Features Breakdown
- Material: Foam
- Care Instructions: Hand Wash Only
- Dimensions: 188 x 61 x 1.3 cm
- Weight: 998 g
- Colours: Black, Blue, Pink, Aqua, Rose
- Thickness: 1.3 cm
- Surface Texture: Textured
Best lightweight yoga mat in Canada: Glymnis Yoga Mat
Pros:
- Non-toxic TPE material
- Double-sided textured surface for greater traction ons mooth floors
- 6 mm thickness provides a steady, balanced-forward base
- Closed-pore surface resists sweat and moisture absorption
Cons:
- Less cushioning than thicker, more cushioned mats
The Details:
- Material: Plastic, Thermoplastic Elastomers
- Care Instructions: Hand Wash Only
- Dimensions: 183 x 61 x 0.6 cm
- Weight: 800 g
- Colours: Purple and Pink, Black and Grey, Blue and Dark Blue, Dark Green and Black, Dark Purple and Light Purple
The Glymnis Yoga Mat offers grip and stability rather than deep cushioning. With a 6 mm TPE construction, it provides a firmer base that works well on wood, tile, or concrete, while remaining easy to carry to and from class.
Traction is the defining feature. The double-sided design uses different textures to help the mat stay anchored to the floor while keeping hands and feet from sliding during poses. TPE is also described as non-toxic, odourless, and recyclable, which may appeal to users looking for an alternative to traditional foam.
Portability and cleanup are manageable, even if you go to multiple classes per week. At about 800 g, the mat is light enough to transport comfortably, and the included strap and towel make it easier to carry and wipe down after practice. The closed-pore surface helps prevent sweat from soaking in, which reduces lingering moisture and odours.
Cushioning is where the limits show. On hard floors, 6 mm can feel lean under knees and wrists, especially during longer floor work. This mat suits practitioners who want a steady platform and reliable grip more than a soft, padded feel.
Our Expert Opinion: “The Glymnis Yoga Mat works best for users who value traction and a firmer connection to the floor. The TPE material and closed-pore surface make it practical for smoother surfaces.”
Customers Are Saying: “I’ve never had a yoga mat grip the floor as well as this one. I can see how it would be great for beginners, especially for those who are just getting into classes.”
Who is the Glymnis Yoga Mat for?
- Canadians who need a stronger grip on wood, tile, or concrete surfaces. The traction control on this mat is nice for smoother surfaces.
- Those who carry their mat to classes often. If you’re taking your mat everywhere with you, you’ll appreciate that this one is lighter than some of the cushioned options here.
- Users looking for a closed-pore surface that wipes down easily. This yoga mat is extremely easy to clean, so you don’t have to worry about any build-up or mildew.
Who should avoid the Glymnis Yoga Mat?
- People who need a softer, thicker mat for deeper cushioning. If your hands and knees need extra cushion to stay comfortable, a thicker mat might be a better choice.
Instead, choose… the CAP Barbell ½” High-Density Yoga Mat.
The CAP Barbell ½” High-Density Yoga Mat has a lot more cushion for floor work, and it can help reduce joint pressure greatly. It sacrifices some grip, so you won’t get the same level of traction as the Glymnis mat offers.
Features Breakdown
- Material: Plastic, Thermoplastic Elastomers
- Care Instructions: Hand Wash Only
- Dimensions: 183 x 61 x 0.6 cm
- Weight: 800 g
- Colours: Purple and Pink, Black and Grey, Blue and Dark Blue, Dark Green and Black, Dark Purple and Light Purple
- Thickness: 0.6 cm
- Surface Texture: Non-Slip
Best extra-large yoga mat in Canada: Fitvids BalanceFrom All Purpose High-Density Yoga Mat
Pros:
- High-density foam cushions your spine, hips, knees, and elbows
- Extra-large surface for free movement
- Double-sided anti-slip texture for steadier footing
- Moisture-resistant materials that clean easily
Cons:
- May be too bulky for users who carry their mat often
The Details:
- Material: Foam
- Care Instructions: Hand Wash Only
- Dimensions: 61 x 15.2 x 1.27 cm
- Weight: 698 g
- Colours: Black, Green, Purple, Blue, Gray, Red, Pink
The Fitvids BalanceFrom All Purpose High-Density Yoga Mat has a much larger surface area than most of the other options on our list. With a thickness of 1.3 cm and an extra-large footprint, it can make all of your floor-based workouts easier, no matter what that looks like for you.
The double-sided anti-slip texture helps keep hands and feet from shifting during transitions and holds. The added padding reduces pressure on knees and elbows, which can make longer sessions or mixed routines more comfortable, especially when core work or stretching is part of the practice.
The mat rolls up without much resistance, though it is thicker and less portable than some of the thinner mats we’ve seen. The included strap keeps it contained, and the moisture-resistant foam wipes down easily with soap and water after use. That combination suits home setups where quick cleanup matters more than compact packing.
Stability is the main compromise. The thicker foam softens contact with the floor, which limits the firm feedback some practitioners prefer for balance-heavy poses. This mat fits people who value comfort, space, and simple maintenance over a thinner, studio-style feel.
Our Expert Opinion: “The Fitvids BalanceFrom All Purpose High-Density Yoga Mat works well for home practice where you need greater cushioning and more room to move. It’s easy to clean, and its generous size makes it appealing for workouts on harder floors.”
Customers Are Saying: “Heed the size of this mat. It’s much larger than the typical yoga mat. That’s exactly what I needed, but it was still a little surprising when I unrolled it.”
Who is the Fitvids BalanceFrom All Purpose High-Density Yoga Mat for?
- Those who often practice on cold, hard floors. If you want a mat that keeps you from coming in contact with the cold, hard floor, this one fits the bill.
- Canadians who need extra space for stretching. The extra length and width make more space for stretching out.
- Users who want a quick-cleaning mat. This mat is easy to clean between uses, so upkeep is easy.
Who should avoid the Fitvids BalanceFrom All Purpose High-Density Yoga Mat?
- Those who want non-foam materials. Some yoga practitioners need non-foam materials, so this mat won’t work for them.
Instead, choose… the Retrospec Solana Yoga Mat.
The Retrospec Solana Yoga Mat offers maximum cushioning as well, but it has a slightly smaller footprint. It reduces surface area, but it’s thicker for those who aren’t too terribly worried about floor contact or stable balancing.
Features Breakdown
- Material: Foam
- Care Instructions: Hand Wash Only
- Dimensions: 180.34 x 60.96 x 3.05 cm
- Weight: 698 g
- Colours: Black, Green, Purple, Blue, Gray, Red, Pink
- Thickness: 3.05 cm
- Surface Texture: Ribbed
Frequently Asked Questions
Some people find that a towel is great for their yoga mat. Sometimes, yoga mats can get slippery with sweat, and having a towel on hand can improve balance and prevent slipping as you change positions.
A good rule of thumb is to place the logo face-up when you use your yoga mat. Most have some type of logo or wording on them, and that’s the side that you use. The other should be flush with the floor.
Yoga mats are typically about half an inch thick, though some come in much thicker varieties. You don’t want your floor to feel too hard, but thickness can affect balance as well. If you’re really into positions that require balance, you may want to choose a thinner mat.
This Post Has 2 Comments
How noticeable is the difference between standard and extra-thick yoga mats during balance poses?
I’ve always picked yoga mats based on price, so it was helpful seeing materials compared more carefully.