Amidst towering skyscrapers, multicultural neighbourhoods, and the shoreline of Lake Ontario lies a wealth of green spaces and parks. With over 1,500 parks, the city boasts some exceptional spots for relaxation and recreation. Here’s a look at the best parks in toronto.name.
High Park
Located in Toronto’s West End, High Park spans 400 acres and offers a serene escape from the city’s bustling atmosphere while remaining in the heart of Toronto. With wooded areas and recreational opportunities, it’s an ideal destination for anyone seeking tranquility.
High Park features walking trails frequented by dog owners and couples enjoying the peaceful surroundings of Grenadier Pond, the largest pond in Toronto. Visitors can also cycle, rollerblade, or picnic. In winter, an ice rink is set up for residents. The park also offers a playground and a small zoo for children, baseball diamonds, tennis courts, and the Grenadier Café, where you can grab a meal or quick snack.
Colonel Samuel Smith Park
As one of the city’s largest green spaces, Colonel Samuel Smith Park stretches over 195 acres along the shores of Lake Ontario in Toronto’s West End. With various trails, ponds, and wetlands, this park is a prime spot for exploring wildlife. It’s one of the best locations for birdwatching in Toronto and a favourite for photographers seeking stunning sunrise shots over the horizon.
The park’s features include trails, rocky beaches, lookout points, a playground, an off-leash dog area, a soccer field, and a yacht club. During winter, visitors can enjoy an artificial ice rink and spend quality time with friends.
Humber Bay Park
Another gem along Toronto’s waterfront, Humber Bay Park is situated west of downtown Toronto. Divided by Mimico Creek, the park has eastern and western sections. Some locals prefer leisurely strolls along the trails, while others enjoy relaxing by the water.
Humber Bay Park East offers a large parking area, access to a 2.5-kilometre loop trail, a butterfly habitat, a vast rock beach, and scenic viewpoints. It’s also a great spot to watch a spectacular sunset.
Trillium Park
Continuing along Toronto’s waterfront, you’ll find Trillium Park, one of the city’s newest green spaces. Built on a former parking lot, the 7.5-acre park is perfect for walking, jogging, cycling, or simply enjoying the atmosphere from a bench.
A standout feature is the William G. Davis Trail, a 1.3-kilometre path that runs through the park and connects to the larger Martin Goodman Trail, which stretches across and beyond the city.
Upon entering the park, visitors pass through The Ravine, where stone walls feature moccasin engravings honouring Toronto’s Indigenous heritage. From there, you can explore an open-air pavilion, a communal fire pit, rock formations for spontaneous play, and hills perfect for watching the sunrise or sunset.
Trinity Bellwoods Park
One of Toronto’s most popular green spaces, Trinity Bellwoods Park, is a 36-acre multifunctional park west of downtown. Located between Dundas Street West to the north and Queen Street West to the south, it’s a go-to spot for locals who enjoy yoga, stretching, or outdoor activities.
The park features baseball diamonds, tennis and volleyball courts, a dog area, picnic spots, a pool, a playground, and an artificial ice rink in winter. What sets Trinity Bellwoods Park apart is its vibrant community aspect. Throughout the year, it hosts events like farmers’ markets, movie nights, yard sales, and even bike shows.
Christie Pits
Spanning 22 acres, Christie Pits is situated at the intersection of Bloor Street West and Christie Avenue. Initially named Willowvale Park, it was later renamed. Its unique design includes a sunken area below street level with sloped sides.
Half the park is dedicated to relaxation, picnics, and play areas, while the other half features recreational facilities, including three baseball diamonds, a soccer field, basketball and volleyball courts, a skateboarding area, a pool, and a winter skating rink.
Riverdale Park
Located south of Danforth Avenue and spanning both sides of the Don Valley, Riverdale Park offers recreational facilities, natural habitats, and picturesque views. Covering just over 100 acres, the park is divided into east and west sections, connected by a bridge over Don Valley Parkway, the Don River, and railway tracks.
Riverdale Park West features four baseball diamonds and the Riverdale Zoo, while Riverdale Park East boasts running tracks, an outdoor public pool, and cycling trails. The eastern section is also a favourite spot for picnics, enjoying the scenery, or hosting photoshoots.
Bluffer’s Park
Situated in Scarborough, about a 30-minute drive from downtown Toronto, Bluffer’s Park is part of the Scarborough Bluffs, a geological formation stretching 15 kilometres along Lake Ontario.
Among the 11 parks along the Bluffs, Bluffer’s Park is one of the most popular for locals and tourists alike. Located at the foot of the Bluffs, it features walking trails, lookout points, beach areas, and picnic spots.
The surrounding landscape makes it perfect for solitude. On one side, visitors can enjoy unobstructed views of Lake Ontario, while the other showcases the imposing Scarborough Bluffs. Convenient paid parking is also available nearby.
Centre Island
Centre Island, a part of the Toronto Islands, is just a 15-minute ferry ride from downtown Toronto.
This park offers picnic areas, restaurants and snack bars, beach zones, walking and cycling trails, Centerville Amusement Park for children, and a large pier with a 180-degree view of Lake Ontario.