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a l l i e

Toronto-based singer a l l i e loves the diversity of her city. "There are so many pockets where the diversity shines through and offers much needed flavor." The rich cultural communities that exist in Toronto which has informed a l l i e 's own spiritual practices and belief system. "It's beautiful to live in a place where so many different forms of worship run parallel to each other. That diversity has definitely informed my practices, because I always felt safe to explore many different teachings and paths from all across the globe, and formulate my own truths while developing rituals that amplify my life."

In her guide, she picks her favourite places around the city to find peace and tranquility but also to source crystals, tarot cards, ritual oils and medicinal oils.

This is the spot where I purchased my crystal singing bowls. The atmosphere is so inviting, and they have an amazing selection of tarot decks, crystals, ritual oils, candles, and homemade goods by local artisans. Their staff is super knowledgeable and it’s possible that they have the best selection of dried flowers and medicinal herbs in the entire city.

This is one of my favourite second-hand bookshops in Toronto. Going in there is like a warm hug. It also feels kind of like stepping through a time machine into the past. You can always find something unique no matter what genre you're looking for, and they have an incredible esoteric section with some really rare finds. If you're looking for anything to do with divination, spiritualism, mysticism and beyond, this is your spot.

If you want to meditate, decompress and get your life, go to Allan Gardens. It’s one of the most stunning botanical gardens to stroll through or sit in and take in the beauty. There's so many different species of plants and flowers to admire, a gorgeous fountain, massive glass ceilings allowing the sun to pour in, and even a turtle pond. When the energy of the city gets overwhelming, this is a great place to recharge.

Jump on the ferry for 15 minutes and you're on Toronto Islands. Check out Wards Island Beach, Gibraltar Point Beach, or Hanlan's Point (our only clothing optional beach). The Island is an easy way to delve into nature while still being really close to downtown Toronto. It's incredibly peaceful, and you feel like you're way further from the city than you actually are.

"The Spit" was initially conceived of as a breakwater to protect Toronto's bustling shoreline.This is where I go when I need to connect with nature in a deeper way. It almost feels like a secret, because it's so quiet and vast in its scope. There's so many different trails, twists and turns you can take, so it's sort of like a “choose your own adventure” vibe. A lot of the shores are filled with rebar and construction debris, which add this trippy sculptural element to the rocky beaches. Love being here on bike or on foot, and there's always some new hidden oasis I discover every time I go.

If you have time for a day trip, it takes under 2 hours to drive to Allenwood. We don't have a lot of sandy beaches with great swimming in and around Toronto, so this is one the best spots to venture to nearby. It's so beautiful, and you can walk for a mile across the water's edge. The sunsets are phenomenal. It feels more tropical than anything you'll find in the city.

Yes, I have two botanical gardens on this list! This one is a favourite because although there are greenhouses on the premises, most of the gardens are situated outdoors. There are some hidden waterfalls, winding paths, open fields, and manicured gardens that give off big “Alice in Wonderland” energy. Connecting with nature is one of the most integral parts of my spiritual practice, and these gardens have that transportive quality that helps me tap into the expansiveness of myself.

Alternative Thinking

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