Real voices
Vipassana Reviews & Testimonials
The words of those who’ve walked the path. Honest, heartfelt reviews of our retreats, yoga, and meditation experiences. We believe true self-discovery begins with shared experience.
Google reviews
What our participants say on Google
A deep and meaningful journey
“It was indescribable 3-day Vipassana retreat. It’s hard to put into words everything I experienced, but it was a truly deep and meaningful journey. For the first time in a long while, I was able to slow down, turn inward, and reconnect with myself. Thank you sincerely for offering such an opportunity here in Alberta. This retreat became an important step in my inner growth, and I remember this experience with great gratitude.”
Wonderful experience
“I had a wonderful experience during the 3-day Vipassana retreat with teachers Artem Rusinov and Valerii Bandurko. The retreat was peaceful, well organized, and very meaningful. Both teachers explained the practices clearly and guided us with patience and kindness. I really appreciated their knowledge, support, and calm approach throughout the retreat. The combination of meditation, silence, yoga, and mindfulness gave me a chance to disconnect from daily life and spend time focusing on myself. I’m very grateful to Artem and Valerii for their guidance and to everyone involved in organizing the retreat. I would definitely recommend this retreat to anyone who wants to learn meditation, find inner peace, and take some time for themselves. Thank you for such a beautiful experience! 🙏”
The most important thing I’ve done for myself
“The three day silent retreat was a very unique experience. I had the opportunity to really challenge myself and face some barriers that have been preventing me from moving through grief. I can’t deny that it was an emotional few days, but very freeing. Equally the hardest and most important thing I’ve ever done for myself. As a big win: I have not opened social media since coming home!”
Life changing!
“Meditating and practicing yoga every day. Mindful eating and vegetarian meals on a daily basis. Artem and Valeri are amazing, thank you so much!”
Felt held and well taken care of
“I did a three-day silent retreat in Gull Lake a couple months ago and it was one of the most beautiful experiences I've had. There's something incredible about not talking — it forces you to turn inward and really focus on your own journey instead of getting caught up in conversation and distraction. The days were structured around meditation, nature walks and yoga. There is a different kind of depth that comes from meditating silently alongside other people. The food was amazing, the accommodations were amazing, and everything about the experience felt held and well taken care of. If you're curious about silence, meditation, or just need to hit pause on your regular life, I can't recommend this enough.”
A wonderful journey
“I was so happy to join the one-day yoga and hiking retreat in Kananaskin! It was a wonderful experience! A day filled with yoga, meditation, and hiking practices with a beautiful view of the mountains in the company of like-minded people! I was introduced to meditation bowls for the first time, which I'm so glad about! Thank you, Artem, for a wonderful journey of my soul! Radhe Radhe!🙏”
I could not feel more reset
“I just finished three days of the silent retreat and I could not feel more reset. Not only do I feel the reassurance I needed for many of the questions I had, but I also feel energized. I have to admit when I first got there and started I felt scared and almost walked away — but the practice truly made me feel accomplished by the end of day 3. I could not be more thankful for the teachers who walked each one of us on the retreat through the practices — with patience and grace they showed even the least experienced person how to meditate and do yoga. Definitely going to take me a few months to fully soak in the things I experienced and learned.”
Most recommend
“Great tune up and wonderful experiences and food with a small group. Most recommend.”
Incredibly rewarding
“The 3 day Vipassana retreats I have attended have been incredibly rewarding. Artem and Valerii are highly skilled facilitators. They have helped me elevate my yoga practice and tap into an inner power I was not aware of. I look forward to attending many more retreats in the future.”
Renewed and inspired
“I am deeply grateful and humbled by my experience at the retreat. It was thoughtfully organized and beautifully facilitated by all three facilitators, who created a welcoming, supportive, and nurturing environment throughout. I wholeheartedly recommend this retreat to anyone considering it. It was a truly meaningful experience that offered connection, growth, and a deeper sense of presence. I left feeling renewed, inspired, and deeply thankful for the opportunity to be part of it.”
Reflections and insights
“Had a lot of reflections and insights at Artem’s vipassana retreat in Cochrane, AB. I really enjoyed doing yoga several times a day, meditating, working with energies and singing mantras. The food was great, the rooms were clean and quiet. I finally had time to read, enjoy the mountain views and self-reflect. My yoga postures have improved after the retreat. I learned how to meditate longer and practice meditation every day.”
Incredible experience
“Thank you for this incredible experience!”
Calm, energy and gratitude
“I joined a one-day retreat with yoga, meditation, and ice skating at Abraham Lake, and it was truly a beautiful experience. The whole day filled me with calm, energy, and gratitude. The people were incredibly welcoming and warm, which made the experience even more special. It was my first time attending something like this, and it honestly exceeded my expectations. Now I’m already looking forward to the three-day retreat at the end of March. I would truly recommend everyone to try something like this at least once in their life. It’s a wonderful way to reconnect with yourself, enjoy nature, and spend time with amazing people. NAMASTE 🙏”
Slow down and just BE
“Amazing opportunity to slow down and just BE. I loved this experience and am curious to discover more.”
My sleep improved
“I attended several yoga retreats with Artem, and it was a wonderful experience. The practices had a very positive impact on my well-being — my sleep improved and my anxiety significantly decreased. Artem creates a calm and supportive atmosphere and explains everything clearly, making the experience accessible and comfortable. I highly recommend him as a knowledgeable and caring yoga teacher.”
Relaxation and recharge
“I attended 3 hours yoga and meditation classes with Artem. It was a wonderful experience of relaxation and being able to recharge. Looking forward to go to retreats with you.”
A real soul reset
“Yoga here isn’t just gymnastics — it’s a real soul reset. After every class, I leave feeling warmth, love, and gratitude inside. Huge thanks to Artem — for his depth, knowledge, personal touch, and that light humor that makes even tough poses feel good. Thanks!!!”
Coming back to myself
“An amazing experience of coming back to myself and self practice. This retreat has generated an abundance of energy within. I’m feeling inspired to continue the practice outside of this container.”
Deep inner calm and clarity
“Artem, thank you for creating such a spiritual space where people can come together with like-minded souls. It’s not just yoga or practices — it’s a place where you can pause and truly hear yourself. Your days of silence, like Vipassana, have been a very special experience for me. It was there that my true connection with myself began. Through silence, through breath, through focusing on a single point, I felt a deep inner calm and clarity arise. And what I truly value is that I always notice changes within myself after these practices. Your yoga, meditation, and breathing sessions carry depth, philosophy, and meaning. Thank you for the atmosphere you create — sincere, warm, and safe. It means a lot to me 🤍”
A deep dive into myself
“I'd like to share my impressions of participating in a retreat hosted by Vipassana.ca. It was a deep dive into myself, into a space where letting go of the hustle and bustle of the world and my phone became a life-changing experience. Through the practice of silence, yoga, and meditation, I found a level of inner peace I never dreamed possible. Chanting mantras resonates deeply, creating a powerful sense of oneness even in silence. If you want to rediscover yourself and find true peace, this is the place for you.”
More than I imagined
“Was nervous and excited for this silent retreat. It was more than I imagined. Some parts easy and some parts difficult. Do not hesitate to try it firsthand. Food was delicious. Teacher exceptional and the students were kind and open. I plan to do another.”
Very liberating
“I've been to the silent weekend retreat twice with Artem and both times had a very fulfilling experience. It's a unique opportunity to reconnect with yourself while being silent in a group setting. It's very liberating not having to do a small talk, not having to be polite, not having to look at anyone (well except for Artem who cooks for us!). It's amazing how much energy you feel after the retreat, you feel like you can climb a mountain Everest! The best part for me was chanting mantra Om with everyone — it gives you such unbelievable high frequency vibrations! Highly recommend”
Very enlightening
“The 3 day silent retreat with Artem has been very enlightening. I wish could continue for may be more 3 days. Every aspect mind, body and spirit was handled with attention and care which makes the experience unique. Thank you Artem 🙏”
Something genuine and profound
“An absolutely incredible experience. Meeting like-minded people has been one of the most meaningful things that’s happened to me in my time in Edmonton. After many disappointments with “surface-level” spirituality, I had almost lost hope of finding something real — but this retreat truly exceeded all expectations. The Hatha yoga and Vipassana were both conducted at a very high, serious level, with great attention to detail and a genuinely thoughtful, immersive atmosphere. Artem is a true professional who clearly lives what he teaches. The experience felt deep, authentic, and transformative — especially the Vipassana, which gave me a much more honest understanding of my current level and a strong motivation to keep growing. I also really appreciated the selection of spiritual literature and the meaningful conversations throughout. The group atmosphere was respectful, warm, and supportive. Highly recommend to anyone looking for something genuine and profound.”
Great instructors
“Great instructors and a very enjoyable experience.”
From the bottom of my heart
“I truly recommend these guys from the bottom of my heart. They help you slow down, understand yourself better, and simply spend some time in silence, peace, and harmony. The atmosphere, the sounds, and the sense of calm really help you disconnect from your phone, everyday stress, and all the noise around you. If you’re going through difficulties in your family, relationships, work, or you simply feel like you need some time alone with your thoughts, this experience can really help. These guys truly know what they’re doing and understand this on a deep level. Sometimes we all need to stop, disconnect from everything, and just be present with ourselves. I highly recommend them. 🙏”
I love Artem's yoga classes
“I love Artem's yoga classes! My body has become healthier and stronger, and my mind feels clearer and more relaxed after every session. Highly recommend!”
World Yoga Day
“Yesterday, I had the opportunity to participate in a World Yoga Day event. It was wonderful to see so many people coming together to practice yoga. The organizers and yoga instructors were extremely kind, friendly, and supportive. Their dedication and positive attitude made the experience even more enjoyable. I truly enjoyed being part of this event. Programs like these should be organized more often because they promote health, well-being, and a healthy lifestyle while bringing people together as a community. A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in making this event a success. Thank you vipassana, Thank you Artem, Thanks all participants 🙏🧘♂️🌿”
A mentor and friend
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to Artem for everything he does: for his yoga practices, mantra chanting, one-day retreats and Vipassana retreats, and for the care he invests in people and his students. Regardless of his busy schedule and workload, Artem always finds time to support, guide, and encourage us, sharing his knowledge on how to calmly respond to life's challenges and achieve peace of mind. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a leader who dedicates an incredible amount of his time, energy, and heart to his team, and is deeply committed to his students and assistants, ensuring that we constantly learn, grow, and support each other. Thank you, Artem, for making even the most stressful days easier with your compassion, honesty, and sense of humor. I truly appreciate the opportunity for personal transformation with a mentor and friend like Artem and his team at Vipassana.ca. I wish you continued success.”
A little kinder
“To gather oneself in the presence of ancient, charged places is priceless. To feel the pulse of the land. To sense oneself both whole and a single part of something vast. For bringing together people who quietly share the same values presence, patience, and a sincere wish to understand life more deeply. For reminding us that when minds grow a little calmer and hearts a little clearer, the world itself becomes just a little kinder. Thank you, Vipassana! Thank you Artem”
Kindred spirits
“I've known Artem for almost two years, and our club is probably just as old. I'm incredibly happy to be a part of our team. We're all different, yet kindred spirits. I wish everyone the chance to experience this wonderful three-day retreat with themselves. ♥️🙏”
I always enjoy coming back
“I've been to retreats and various yoga events many times. I always enjoy coming back, and each time I'm left with very positive impressions. Special thanks to Artem for organizing and hosting. After such events, you always want to delve deeper into yoga; it becomes even more interesting. I highly recommend it to anyone who hasn't tried it yet. Definitely go to a yoga event. 👍”
Video reviews
3-Day Vipassana Reviews: Watch Their Stories Unfold
Sometimes, words alone aren't enough to capture the depth of a transformation. Our video reviews about Vipassana retreat offer a more intimate glimpse into the experiences of participants. Hear directly from them, see their genuine expressions, and feel the emotion as they share their personal journeys of discovery, healing, and the profound impact Vipassana has had on their lives.
What do people say about their experience?
When choosing a path of inner growth, hearing from those who’ve already taken the first step is powerful. These reviews are more than testimonials, they’re stories of transformation, healing, and insight. Let them show you what’s possible and remind you that you’re not alone on this journey.
We've collected the most sincere Vipassana meditation reviews from our community to help you better understand what this journey can offer.
These Vipassana testimonials come from participants who’ve taken part in silent retreats, breathwork, yoga, and inner reflection. They speak of clarity, emotional release, deep stillness, and renewed direction in life.
From beginners stepping into mindfulness for the first time to long-time practitioners deepening their connection, each story reflects the power of turning inward.
Whether you're curious about joining a retreat, exploring meditation, or simply looking for real insights, these voices will guide and inspire you. If you're searching for honest experiences, start here, and discover how Vipassana practice has changed lives.