Sunnybrook Park

Sunnybrook Park — Toronto’s Don Valley riding country

Sunnybrook Park is a sweeping stretch of Don River-valley parkland best known for its public riding stables. Meadow, forest and river braid together across nearly sixty hectares, linking into the city’s connected ravine system and leaving room to ride, run, cycle and play.

Highlights

• Sunnybrook Stables — a public riding facility, open since 1978, home to roughly 30 horses.
• A large indoor arena — built in 1982, with an outdoor arena and paddock alongside.
• Riverside trails — cycling and walking paths that follow the West Don River.
• Field-sport grounds — pitches for soccer, rugby and cricket, plus tennis courts.
• An off-leash dog area — open space for four-legged visitors.
• Adjacent Wilket Creek Park — a seamless extension of the ravine walk.

What you’ll find

The park spreads through meadow and forested ravine along the valley floor.

• Sunnybrook Stables, with indoor and outdoor arenas and a paddock.
• Sports fields for soccer, rugby and cricket.
• Tennis courts and playgrounds.
• Cycling and walking trails tracing the West Don River.
• Links upstream to Wilket Creek Park and Edwards Gardens, and out to the Lower Don trail network.

Things to do — and who it’s for

• Equestrians — riding lessons and boarding at a rare public stable.
• Runners and cyclists — road and trail routes through the ravine.
• Nature lovers — hikes and quiet nature walks along the river.
• Organized-sports players — soccer, cricket and rugby on dedicated fields.
• Families and dog owners — playgrounds, picnics and off-leash space.

Getting there & practical

The park lies in the Don River valley, north of Leaside and south of the Bridle Path, within Toronto’s connected ravine system. On foot and by bike it links to Wilket Creek Park and Edwards Gardens upstream and to the wider Lower Don trail network. Entry is free and the grounds are open through the day; allow a half-day to combine a ride, a trail and a picnic.

When to visit

Autumn brings vivid colour through the ravine, while summer fills the fields with soccer and the cricket season. Picnics and riding run through the warm months, and in winter the snow-covered trails turn quiet and serene.

Good to know

The land began as “Sunnybrook Farm”, owned by Joseph Kilgour, president of the Canada Paper Company. It was given to the City of Toronto in 1928 and passed to Metro Parks in 1969. The stables have welcomed riders since 1978, with the indoor arena added in 1982, and lessons and programs run year-round. The cricket grounds have hosted significant matches, including ICC Trophy games.

Visitor tips

• Book riding lessons ahead — the public stable is a rare and popular one.
• Follow the West Don River trail to slip seamlessly into Wilket Creek Park.
• Come on a match day to catch cricket on the historic grounds.

Questions & answers

Can I go horseback riding here? Yes — Sunnybrook Stables offers public riding lessons and boarding year-round.

Is Sunnybrook Park free? Yes, the parkland is free and open to the public.

What sports can I play? There are fields for soccer, rugby and cricket, plus tennis courts.

Does it connect to other parks? Yes — it links to Wilket Creek Park and Edwards Gardens upstream and to the Lower Don trail network.

Are there trails for cycling and running? Yes, cycling and walking trails follow the West Don River through meadow and ravine.

Can I bring my dog? Yes, there is a dedicated off-leash dog area.