Spring is finally here in my home city Toronto, but we had quite a long wait for all this beauty. Sunshine is very important to my general happiness (hello, SADs, I see you) and across the long winter months I had the pleasure of taking a couple vacations to sunny locales that boosted my mood. But who’s to say you can’t find that same effect here in Toronto? If you know where to search… That’s why today I’m bringing you into the magical world of Allan Gardens.

The scents of this beautiful conservatory hit you the minute you open the door. It definitely made Nick and I want to start planting an ambitious garden. And it was warm! Especially when we visited the desert plants.

I love being a tourist in my own city and I have always been drawn to old things (that’s why I’m so excited for my Europe adventure this summer!) Allan Gardens first came to be all the way back in 1858. That’s ancient for Canada. It has since been burned down once and been reconstructed, possibly to do with it’s political origins (it’s founder George Allan was mayor of Toronto).

So much history, beauty, and a touch of spooky always has me interested. Are there ghosts? I didn’t see any, but who knows! Despite it’s history the Gardens have an indisputably zen vibe. I recommend visiting this fragrant and peaceful place and logging it away in your mind’s eye for future meditations.

Allan Gardens is open 365 days a year and is completely free to the public.