Through the windows of Ottawa’s Parliament building, senators are likely to see something that you wouldn’t expect on Parliament Hill: a Cobra; a Cat; and a Downward Facing Dog.

If you’re a follower of the ancient tradition of yoga, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Keep in mind, I am no yoga expert, but you don’t have to be an Ashtanga master to know there’s something special about Yoga on Parliament Hill, one of Travelocity.ca's Local Secrets, Big Finds. This free yoga class, sponsored by Lululemon Athletica, lures locals to the lawn of Parliament Hill, just along the banks of the beautiful Ottawa River.

I tromped around Canada last week, visiting some of the Local Secrets, Big Finds, and I have to say that I was so impressed by Yoga on Parliament Hill that this local gem may have convinced me to lift my year long ban of the practice. My only yoga experience has been in a sweltering room (115 degrees to be exact) in a San Francisco yoga studio that reeked of Haight-Ashbury hippies. (You know. The ones who swear that rubbing salt crystals under their arms once a week will keep them, um, powder fresh.) Long story short, Bikram yoga isn’t my thing, but this class gave me an entirely new perspective on the practice – and it made me think about the trend of health and fitness for the traveler.

More and more, we’re seeing that people want to get out and be active when they travel. I tend to search for hotels with nice fitness centers; I walk instead of drive when I can; and I always throw a jump rope in my suitcase for a quick morning workout in my room. Even with these healthy alternatives, I find myself longing for a more normal workout routine while I’m on the road, which is why I was so compelled to experience Yoga on Parliament Hill. It not only gives travelers the chance to do something healthy, but they get to indulge in a truly local Ottawa experience.

Have you stumbled upon any local fitness secrets while on the road?