Alter is the latest addition to Toronto's growing wellness scene, combining the expertise of cultures from around the globe to help forge the city's own brand of — and community around — contrast therapy.

Founded by four friends after extensive world travels, the spa provides a peaceful, approachable place for residents to explore breathwork and meditation while cycling through saunas and ice baths, whether on their own or with a guide.

Along with its calm and positive vibes, Alter also offers, above all, a way to fit the age-old practice into one's daily life in the bustling city.

Owners say they designed the physical space to be as "frictionless" as possible, so people can flow through it easily, stopping in before work or even on a lunch break to take pause and do something good for their body and mind.

Tucked in a College Street West storefront formerly occupied by a real estate office and a bank, there was a lot of work to do to transform the location for its current use, and all things considered, the team did a great job.

After the front desk and entryway — where one can buy branded goods such as sauna hats handmade by one of the founder's grandmothers — there's a lounge area in which to sit, drink tea, chat and relax while basking in tons of natural light from large windows fronting onto College.

A hallway leads to a small locker room with private changerooms, washrooms and places to store your things before you begin your session, and also an area with hairdryers and mirrors to get ready for your day afterwards.

Though it may not feel as grandoise and immersive as competitors, the different environment Alter offers speaks to its accessibility to both seasoned sauna and ice bath veterans looking for a daily drop-in, and first-timers trying out an experience that, for Toronto and really North America in general, is still quite novel.

The space is unintimidating and very well thought-out, with the floorplan alone having taken months to refine.

The sauna is especially impressive, and is a first for the city, with special mechanical ventilation that helps circulate stale air out and fresh air in.

This helps to alleviate feelings of tiredness and overheating that some may experience in such an environment, the recommendation of a Finnish sauna expert that collaborated on the project.

After a self-led or guided group class in the heat, members head to the showers and then the cold plunge area, which is no-frills and gets the job done with one pool of 8-10 C water and one of 2-5 C for those looking for a more intense experience.

The idea of both aspects of the practice, founders say, is relishing in "eustress" rather than giving into "distress," which is something guests can carry into all aspects of their life.

By challenging the body and mind with the alternating hot and cold — which can feel, at moments, intolerable — you force yourself to find peace in discomfort and impress yourself with your own resilience and ability to overcome.

This, along with the physical health and social benefits, is why Alter's founders wanted to make more space for the powerful experience of contrast therapy in Toronto.

Prices at Alter range from $30 a session with promo packages and bundles to $300 a month for unlimited visits. 

Alter can be found at 860 College Street West.