Ayahuasca Retreat Toronto: Your Guide to Ceremonies in Canada

Curious about ayahuasca (or «iowaska», «ayawaska») retreats in Toronto? This guide offers a clear overview of what’s available, including the legal status, safety considerations, pricing, and what to expect from local ceremonies and shamans. We’ll also explore trusted retreat options outside Canada for those seeking deeper or more traditional experiences.

In Canada, ayahuasca or “shamanic tea” is generally illegal because it contains DMT, a Schedule III controlled substance. Possessing, importing, or distributing it without specific Health Canada approval is against the law. A few religious organizations like branches of the Santo Daime church have received rare exemptions to use ayahuasca sacramentally. Outside of those exemptions, most ceremonies operate in a legal gray area: technically prohibited, but rarely prosecuted if conducted discreetly.

Despite legal limitations, ceremonies do occur in Toronto through two main pathways:

Authorized churches: Céu de Toronto, a legally exempt Santo Daime church, conducts ceremonies for vetted members within Health Canada’s regulations.
Private circles: Underground ceremoniesб sometimes described as part of a spiritual practice or spirit quest are held by spiritual or indigenous-based communities. These are arranged through referrals, private networks, or closed online groups. Though technically illegal, they exist quietly and vary in quality and safety.

Céu de Toronto is the only publicly known church in the city with federal approval to conduct ayahuasca ceremonies. It operates as a non-profit and follows strict Health Canada guidelines for sourcing and use. No other Santo Daime or União do Vegetal (UDV) churches are currently confirmed to operate under exemptions within Toronto, though some exist elsewhere in Canada.

Underground ceremonies in Toronto are often led by independent shamans or holistic facilitators, some of whom travel from abroad. These events are typically private and accessed through word of mouth. However, because they are not legally sanctioned, they carry risks for both organizers and participants. We do not recommend participating in these settings due to the lack of oversight and potential safety concerns.

Legal limitations and lack of traditional guidance in Canada can make it difficult to find a deep, well-supported ayahuasca experience. Even exempt churches follow fixed religious formats that differ from traditional Amazonian practices.
Countries like Peru, Ecuador, and Brazil offer retreats guided by highly trained indigenous shamans within legal and culturally rooted frameworks. These immersive programs provide greater depth, safety, and authenticity, often in natural settings that support deeper healing and spiritual insight.

Here are some of the best ayahuasca retreats and resorts we recommend for those seeking a safe, legal, and deeply immersive experience. Each center has been selected for its commitment to traditional practices, experienced facilitators, and strong integration support.

If you want to do ayahuasca in Toronto, bear in mind that it is illegal unless offered by a federally exempt religious organization. We strongly recommend traveling to a country where ayahuasca is legal and traditionally practiced. However, if you’re still considering participating locally, here are some important guidelines to help you choose as safely as possible:

• Legitimacy

Always ask whether the ceremony is being held under a legal exemption, such as those granted to Santo Daime or UDV churches. If not, understand that the ceremony is happening outside the law, which carries risks for both organizers and participants.

• Experience

Find out who is leading the ceremony. Look for facilitators with years of experience, ideally with traditional training in the Amazon. Be cautious of anyone with vague backgrounds or newly formed practices without lineage or oversight.

• Reputation

Rely on word-of-mouth recommendations from people you trust. Because most underground circles don’t advertise openly, reputation within spiritual or plant medicine communities is essential. Avoid groups with secrecy around negative experiences or unresolved conflicts.

• Safety Measures

Ask how emergencies are handled. Is there a clear safety protocol? Do they screen participants for medical or psychological contraindications? Is there support staff present during ceremonies? These details matter.

• Integration Support

Quality retreats offer post-ceremony integration to help you process the experience safely and meaningfully. Look for facilitators who either offer or refer to integration therapy or peer support groups afterward.

• Transparency

A trustworthy facilitator will answer your questions openly. Be wary of evasiveness around ingredients, dosing, sourcing of the brew, or past participant feedback and reviews.

Choosing the right retreat isn’t just about having a powerful experience—it’s about taking the time to compare options and ensure the setting is safe, ethical, and respectful of the traditions behind the medicine.

The cost of an ayahuasca retreat depends on several key factors, including the length of the stay, the location, the experience of the facilitators or shamans, the comfort level of the accommodation, and the inclusion of additional services like integration therapy, meals, yoga, transportation, or plant dietas.

Here’s a general price range by duration, based on typical offerings worldwide:

• 1-day ceremony (non-residential):

$100–$300
Usually a single night ceremony without accommodation or extensive support.

• 3-day retreat:

$400–$900
Often includes 1–2 ceremonies, meals, basic lodging, and light integration.

• 5-day retreat:

$700–$1,500
Typically includes 2–3 ceremonies, preparation guidance, shared or private rooms, and more structured support.

• 7-day retreat:

$1,200–$2,500
Standard format in many reputable centers. Includes multiple ceremonies (usually 3–4), accommodation, meals, integration sessions, and sometimes plant baths or optional therapies.

• 8+ day retreat (with optional plant dieta or in traditional settings):

$1,800–$4,000+
Offers a more immersive experience, often in remote natural settings, with deeper traditional elements and extended preparation/integration treatment.

Psychedelic retreats with ayahuasca in South America—such as Peru, Ecuador, or Brazil—tend to be more affordable than those in Europe or North America, especially when guided by local indigenous healers. However, higher-end centers offering luxury accommodations, Western therapists, or international facilitators may charge more regardless of location.

In this section, we’ll answer common questions about the cost of attending an ayahuasca retreat. You’ll get a clear idea of what factors influence pricing and what to expect based on the length of your stay.

Yes, ayahuasca can cause side effects and has important contraindications. Common physical effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness, while psychological effects may range from emotional intensity to anxiety or confusion. It’s not recommended for people with heart issues, liver or kidney disease, or a history of severe mental illness. Ayahuasca can also interact dangerously with many medicationsб especially antidepressants and other psychiatric or cardiovascular drugsб so thorough medical screening is essential before participating in a ceremony.

An ayahuasca shamanб often called a curandero or Onanya (in the Shipibo tradition) not a guru. He is a traditional healer who guides and oversees ayahuasca ceremonies. They are responsible for preparing the brew, creating a safe energetic space, and leading the experience through songs called icaros, which are believed to help direct the healing process. Trained over many years, often through intensive plant dietas and mentorship, authentic shamans work within a cultural and spiritual framework that connects deeply to their indigenous traditions.

In Toronto, “retreats” are usually short because of legal limits. Most people encounter single‑evening church services(6–8 hours overnight, plus brief prep/integration) or weekend intensives of 1–3 nights run privately. Multi‑day formats of 3–5 days are uncommon locally, and 7–10+ day immersive retreats are typically done abroad (e.g., Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, or legal programs in parts of Europe). If you want a longer, traditional experience, it’s best to travel to a country where ayahuasca is legal.

No, an ayahuasca retreat is not a medical or clinical rehabilitation program. While some people seek out ayahuasca to address emotional challenges, trauma, or substance use patterns, retreats are typically spiritual or therapeutic in nature, not substitutes for licensed addiction treatment. They do not offer medical detox, psychiatric care, or structured recovery plans like traditional rehab centers. Although ayahuasca can lead to intense psychedelic trips that some find transformative, if you're struggling with addiction or mental health issues, it's important to consult with a qualified healthcare provider before considering an ayahuasca retreat.

To get to a remote ayahuasca retreat in the Amazon, you’ll usually start by flying into a major city like Lima (Peru), Quito (Ecuador), or Manaus (Brazil). From there, take a domestic flight to a smaller jungle hub such as Pucallpa, Iquitos, or Tarapoto. The final stretch often involves a boat ride or long drive into the rainforest. Retreat centers typically provide guidance and may help coordinate transportation, so it’s best to stay in contact with them throughout your journey.