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    The Most Beautiful Parks and Gardens in Toronto and Around

    By Mayra Carvajal

    Among the skyscrapers and the old Victorian houses of the big city of Toronto you’ll find many parks and gardens, many of them located right in the heart of the city. 

    Below you’ll find a list, grouped by location, with the top choices that have become my favourites through the years I’ve been living here. Some big, some small, all beautiful either because of the landscaping, the view, the tree density, or everything above.

    Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase through those links I will earn a commission at no additional cost to you (zero, nada). To check the full disclaimer, click here.

    These are the best parks and gardens in Toronto and nearby


    Table of Contents

    • Best Parks in West Toronto
      • High Park
        • Hillside Gardens
        • The Grenadier Pond
        • Nature Trails
        • High Park Cherry Blossoms
        • Winter in High Park
      • Coronation Park
      • Trillium Park
      • Trinity Bellwoods Park
      • Humber Bay Shores Parks
      • Centennial Park
    • Best Parks in Downtown Toronto
      • Allan Gardens Conservatory
      • Biidaasige Park
      • Toronto Music Garden
      • HTO Parks
      • Little Norway Park
      • Toronto Islands Parks
      • Love Park
      • St. James Park
      • Berczy Park
      • Corktown Common Park
    • Best Parks in North Toronto
      • The Toronto Botanical Garden & Edwards Gardens
      • Downsview Park
      • Alexander Muir Memorial Garden
    • Best Parks in East Toronto
      • Riverdale Park East
      • Woodbine Park
      • Scarborough Bluffs (East Point Park)
      • The Most Beautiful Parks and Gardens in Toronto and Around
      • The Complete Guide to the Toronto Islands
      • Top Cultural Attractions in Toronto That Will Spark Your Imagination

    Best Parks in West Toronto

    High Park

    Mature trees reflecting over a pond
    High Park is the largest urban park in Toronto

    High Park had to go at the top of my list, not only because it’s Central Toronto’s biggest urban park, but also because it’s the most beautiful. You can experience different environments with more than 300 species of native plants.

    If I would’ve time to visit only one park, I would head this way. 

    Within its nearly 400 acres, you’ll find a forest, woodlands, ponds, manicured gardens, hiking trails, walking and biking paths, scenic creeks, cafés, picnic areas, a seasonal outdoor pool, a small history museum (Colborne Lodge), and more.

    If you don’t feel like walking too much there’s a trackless train you can board for CDN$ 9, which includes one stop in between. There are public bathrooms throughout the park and water fountains (late spring to early fall).

    You can think of High Park as the NYC Central Park of Toronto. 

    Here are some highlights of this enchanted place, visited by more than one million people every year:

    Hillside Gardens

    Fountains in a formal garden designed with a grid pattern
    Fountains at the Hillside Garden

    The Hillside Gardens area is the most scenic in High Park, where you’ll find the largest cluster of flowery gardens arranged along a wide, gentle slope.

    Take a relaxing walk starting at the Japanese Garden. Go with the flow following the sound of the cascading creek as the water makes its way downhill through rocks and bridges.

    Stop at the calm ponds to count how many critters you can see or sit under the shade of the Hanging Garden trellis while you listen to the fountains of the reflective pools in the Sunken Gardens, enclosed by hedges forming a pattern similar to a Greek meander.

    The Maple Leaf Gardens, with a big central feature shaped after Canada’s emblematic leaf, are a popular landmark in High Park. I like to come every season to see the new floral art created with different flowers and leaves.

    A small cascade with rocks in a lush garden
    Relax to the sound of the stream in High Park
    A garden in the shape of a maple leaf
    Stop at the famous Maple Leaf Gardens

    The Grenadier Pond

    A large pond surrounded by big trees and tall buildings in the background
    The Grenadier Pond

    This natural pond, located on the west boundary, formed in the last ice age and it’s one of the largest in Toronto measuring 1.2-kilometres long. 

    It’s a peaceful place to take a break and see the reflection of trees on the water (with a couple of buildings in the mix), and many birds swimming around in the shallow water. 

    Other than waterfowl (including Wood Ducks, Double-crested Cormorants, and Northern Shoverlers) you can spot Great Blue Herons and Great Egrets.

    You’ll find other smaller ponds with plenty of ducks and Canada Geese along the southeast side.

    Nature Trails

    A hiking trail with big leafy trees
    The hiking trails in High Park

    One of the things I love to do in High Park is hiking on its short dirt trails. The main one, running along the West Ravines, is ideal to immerse yourself in the forests and woodlands and forget that you’re in a big city. You’ll find other dirt trails on the east side of the park.

    Fall is my favourite season to hit the trails as the canopies burst in warm colours and you don’t have to deal with humidity and insects.

    High Park Cherry Blossoms

    A cluster of blooming cherry trees in a park
    Cherry trees in High Park in peak bloom

    The blooming of the cherry blossoms is the most popular event in High Park, drawing massive crowds between late April and early May.

    The largest cluster is located around the Hillside Gardens, with a few trees along Spring Road and the Upper Duck Pond, as well as the open field next to West Road.

    If you want to keep your sanity during this event, go very early in the morning on a weekday. It gets crazy in the weekends.

    Winter in High Park

    This is the quietest time in the park and it’s when you can show off your ice-skating abilities on the rink, go for some tobogganing or for some cross-country skiing in the trails.

    High Park
    1873 Bloor St. W. Toronto (you can also access the park through Parkside Dr. or the Queensway); The closest subway stations are Keele and High Park, on the Bloor line. Parking available.

    Coronation Park

    View of the lake in the summer, framed by two tall trees and a couple sitting on a benc
    The view of the lake from Coronation Park

    Coronation Park features mature trees galore with views of boats gliding on the lake, which makes it one of my favourites.

    You can walk under the shade of a dense canopy of about 200+ mature trees and sit on one of the many benches, picnic tables, or Muskoka chairs to see the lake and the planes landing and taking off from the nearby airport.

    The construction of this park, built as a war memorial for Canadian veterans, employed men during the Great Depression. It wasn’t an easy job, there was no machinery involved and workers had to manually pour mud and rocks on the lake. The park opened in 1937, right on the day of King George VI’s coronation.

    The Empire Circle, on the west side, is home to the King’s Oak. It stands in the centre of the circle surrounded by seven Maple trees representing the British Empire colonies. 

    Mature trees in a park arranged in a circle
    The Empire Circle at Coronation Park
    Muskoka chairs facing under big trees facing a lakeside walking trail
    Relax by the lake

    These are part of 148 commemorative trees honouring the Canadian forces, most of them dedicated to their role in World War I.

    In the south centre you’ll find the Victory-Peace Monument, commemorating the veterans of World War II.

    The park also has a dog off-leash area and three ball diamonds

    Coronation Park
    711 Lake Shore Blvd. W; Streetcars and buses will drop you one block north of the park

    Trillium Park

    View of the skyline of a lakefront city from a trail
    Toronto’s lakefront view from Trillium Park

    Tucked behind the Ontario Place construction site you’ll find this 7.5-acres park from where you capture a fantastic view of the waterfront.

    You’ll see the Toronto skyline from the south side of the 1.3-km paved loop (the William G. Davis Trail). Further west, you can see the planes landing at the Billy Bishop airport, many sailing boats during the summer, and the Toronto Islands in the distance.

    There are several points along the way to take a break and enjoy the scenery. At The Bluff, I sat on one of the huge boulders that evoke the landscape of Ontario. I also stopped at The Summit, the highest elevation of the park located on the west tip, for a better view of the islands.

    As you make your way back on the north side you’ll step on winding paths flanked by trees and native plants.

    View of boats sailing on a lake from a hill
    View of the Toronto Islands from The Summit
    Big boulders on the side of a lakefront pathway
    Sit on the boulders of The Bluff to enjoy the view
    Mature trees flanking a paved trail in an urban park
    Step on the paved loop that goes around the park

    You can bike on the trail, make a reservation to use the Fire pit, attend a free summer concert, or show up with your mat for a free yoga class on Saturdays and Sundays from June to September.

    Trillium Park
    955 Lake Shore Ave. West; Open daily: 6AM-11PM; Streetcars and buses will drop you within walking distance of the park.

    Trinity Bellwoods Park

    An urban park with many mature trees providing shade
    Plenty of big trees at the Trinity Bellwoods Park

    The early 1900s ornate gateway on the Queen Street side is a reminder of the Trinity Bellwoods Park’s past, when its grounds used to house the University of Trinity College more than 100 years ago.

    The two main draws of this popular 36-acres park are the many massive mature trees (which make quite a scenery during fall) and the views of downtown Toronto’s skyline with the iconic CN Tower.

    A landscaped area with flowers in an urban park
    The park is a popular gathering place
    Image of the CN Tower and the city skyline in the background with trees in a park in the foreground
    One of the views of the CN Tower from the park

    When winter arrives, you can glide on the outdoor skating rink and have fun tobogganing on the hills of the off-leash dog park. And if you’re around during spring, you can see some cherry blossoms peaking between late April and early May.

    I wouldn’t come all the way here just to visit this park, but I would definitely make it a stop as part of a trip to the area, which is packed with unique stores along the centre of Queen St. West and many great eateries nearby such as Pizzeria Badiali, Bang Bang Ice Cream, Forno Cultura, Nadège Patisserie, Bad Attitude Bakery, and others.

    Other attractions include tennis, pickleball, and volleyball courts, playgrounds, picnic areas (alcohol allowed), and ball diamonds. Washrooms and (seasonal) drinking fountains on site.

    Trinity Bellwoods Park
    790 Queen St. West; You can take the 501 streetcar that runs along Queen St. and the 505 streetcar that runs along Dundas St.

    Humber Bay Shores Parks

    A trail along the shores of a lake with a view of a city in the distance
    The Humber Bay Shores Park

    This is another great spot to watch the Toronto skyline bathed in orange, yellow and pink hues by the sunset light. Stay a little bit longer for gorgeous views of the Toronto skyline at night and the city lights mirrored on the water.

    Ready to toast to that view? A decent selection of cafés and restaurants will fill your glass or you can have a bite at one of the food trucks.

    If you have time to take the scenic route to this part of the city from downtown Toronto, walk or bike the Waterfront Trail (at some point named Martin Goodman Trail), cross the Humber Bay Arch Bridge, and follow the Humber Bay Park Trail through the various parks.

    In addition to the killer views, I love the outdoor sculptures along the lake promenade and the tall grass sections on the gardens where you can see tons of butterflies.

    Mayra at the entrance of a pollinator trail
    Looking for butterflies at the pollinator trail
    View of a sunset over the water with a city skyline in the background
    View of Toronto’s skyline at sunset from Humber Bay Park
    A trail with trees in an urban park
    Explore the short trails and look for wildlife

    Humber Bay Shores Park
    15 Marine Parade Dr
    .; To get here you can take a bus from the Keele or the Old Mill subway stations. Limited parking on site.

    Centennial Park

    A pond with waterfowl with big trees along the edge
    The Joe Benesh Pond in Centennial Park

    Centennial Parks is the largest park within the limits of the city of Toronto, located in the west end of the western district of Etobicoke.

    This park is great for long, scenic walks thanks to its big, open spaces dotted with mature trees. You can relax next to beautiful ponds and see wildlife and have a bite at the many picnic areas.

    The Centennial Park Conservatory is a must-see. As soon as I stepped into this beautiful greenhouse I felt transported to the tropics as I walked amongst bromeliads, orchids, palm trees, and bougainvillea. In the desert section I found some cacti and succulents I had never seen before. You’ll also see a fish pond surrounded by bromeliads, ferns, and elephant ears.

    A green house with colourful flowers
    Inside the Centennial Park Conservatory
    A greenhouse with many desert plans
    The desert plants section had some unique specimens
    A pond with fish and a sculpture and many ferns
    Check out the fish at the pond

    This park is big in sports, with pickleball and volleyball courts, ball diamonds, a disc golf course, and a golf course.

    Visiting in the winter? Slide in the tobogganing hills. And if you’re around for spring, this is a great spot to see the cherry blossoms.

    Centennial Park is also a good starting point to hike the Etobicoke Creek Trail, which will take you to several parks all the way south to the shores of Lake Ontario.

    Washrooms and (seasonal) drinking fountains on site.

    Centennial Park
    256 Centennial Park Rd, Etobicoke; Conservatory hours: open everyday from 10AM to 5PM (last entry at 4:45PM) Only service dogs allowed in the Conservatory, washrooms and water station available; You can take bus 48 departing from the Royal York subway station; Parking available.


    Best Parks in Downtown Toronto

    Allan Gardens Conservatory

    A historic greenhouse with glass ceiling domes in a city park
    The historic Allan Gardens Conservatory

    At the centre of Allan Gardens Park you’ll find a small indoor botanical garden housed in beautiful greenhouses that go back more than 150 years.

    You can walk through a colourful collection of plants and stop at two small ponds. One of them is adorned with a statue of Leda and the Swan (from the Greek mythology), where you’ll see koi fish swimming around. On the other, you’ll see a bunch of cute turtles.

    The five greenhouses display tropical plants, desert plants, orchids and bromeliads, and palms.

    A statue of a woman and a swan on a pond surrounded by plants and with koi fish
    The koi fish pond with a statue of Leda and the Swan
    A fountain with plants and turtles
    Lots of turtles in the bromeliads greenhouse
    A lush garden in a greenhouse with yellow flowers
    Walk through lush gardens

    With different flowers blooming at different times of the year, there’s always something new to see.

    You’ll appreciate it even more during winter when you long to see a palm tree but jumping in a plane isn’t an option.

    The conservatory is inside a park with outdoor gardens that, sadly, have been taken over by homeless people who sometimes display aggressive behaviour. I felt fine visiting the conservatory, but I avoided entering the outdoor garden section.

    Allan Gardens Conservatory
    19 Horticultural Ave. (off Carlton St.); Open everyday: 10AM-5PM; Free admission (donations welcomed); The Allan Gardens Conservatory is a 10-minute walk from the College subway station or you can take the 506B eastbound streetcar at the intersection of College and Yonge.

    Biidaasige Park

    View of the skyline of a city from a park with a wetland environment alongside a main waterways and trails
    Biidaasige Park in Toronto’s waterfront

    Biidaasige Park [bee-DAW-si-geh] is the newest, biggest waterfront park located on the man-made island of Ookwemin Minising (meaning “Place of the black Cherry trees”), on the east border of downtown Toronto. 

    The city created an extension of the Don River through the Port Lands to manage flooding and saw the opportunity to build a park honouring the indigenous communities through art, culture, and landscaping.

    For now, the park is a work in progress with 60 acres completed out of the 65 scheduled for completion in 2028.

    This is an awesome place to catch scenic views of the Toronto skyline.

    One of the best attractions of Biidaasige is the interconnected trail system (with a screened limestone pavement) which you can explore on foot or bicycle, giving you the chance to spot tons of wildlife along the canals. 

    You can also explore the waterways in your kayak, canoe, or SUP, with several boat launch spots across the site.

    The many native plants, wildflowers, and the wetlands make it a fantastic place for birdwatching. I didn’t take more than 10 steps without seeing birds flying all over the place.

    Another thing I like it’s the animal-themed buildings, such as the Snowy Owl Theatre and the playground at the Raccoon Picnic Terrace with BBQ grills and picnic tables.

    View of the skyscrapers of a city from an urban park with canals
    Biidaasige offers great views of downtown Toronto
    Mayra on a trail flanked by native plants
    Walking the trails in search of wildlife
    A person on a SUP exploring waterways
    Explore the park’s waterways on a kayak or SUP
    A view of a waterways through a park and a highway ramp in the distance
    View of the east side of Biidaasige Park
    An outdoor theatre shaped as a white owl
    I loved the Snowy Owl Theatre

    The icing on the cake? You have plenty of outdoor art along the Lassonde Art Trail, with 14 sculptures from local and international artists who took inspiration from the urban and natural landscape.

    Other attractions include an Atlas crane designated as a heritage structure (very few heavy-duty cranes of this kind remain in the Great Lakes), playgrounds, dog parks, and outdoor gyms.

    In case you’re wandering, Biidaasige means “Sunlight shining toward us” in Anishinaabemowin. Well, you’ll get plenty of that as there’s very little shade. In a few years, when the trees grow tall and big, it will be a different story. But right now, make sure to bring sunblock (in case the free sunscreen stations run empty), sunglasses, and a hat.

    There’s restrooms and (seasonal) water fountains on site.

    Biidaasige Park
    51 Commissioners St.; You can get here by catching the 72C bus from the Pape Subway station or the 114 Queens Quay East bus that goes along Commissioners St. (leaves you closer to the park). Or you can catch a water taxi (East-West Shuttle) from Bathurst Quay Commons or at the foot of Yonge Street.

    Toronto Music Garden

    An undulating path in a garden with buildings on the background
    The Courante dance movement in the Toronto Music Garden

    As a big fan of music and a big fan of landscape design, I’m a huge fan of this garden that masterfully combines both arts. It’s a must-see if you’re in the city between late spring and early fall.

    Acclaimed cellist Yo-Yo Ma and award-winning landscape architect Julie Moir Messervy took inspiration from Bach’s Suite No. 1 for Unaccompanied Cello to design the undulating paths of this little slice of heaven, covered in flowers and trees.

    Each one of the six sections of the garden represents a movement of the Suite, with a distinct design, natural elements, and artistic pieces. For a full sensorial experience, play the Bach Suite on your phone as you meander through the garden.

    A garden with undulating paths, trees and boulders
    The Prelude dance movement in the Toronto Music Garden
    A garden with conifers in a circle with a stone in the centre
    The Sarabande dance movement in the Toronto Music Garden
    A winding path in a garden with the view of a tall freestanding tower
    You can see the CN tower from the winding paths
    A tall weeping willow tree under which performances are held
    The grass steps of the Gigue dance movement, where you can see performers under the weeping willow

    Visiting between June and August? Don’t miss the free concerts on Thursdays and Sundays under the gorgeous weeping willow tree in the Gigue, with its big grass steps on the east end of the gardens.

    Bonus tip: on the east of the Music Gardens you’ll see the Terry Fox Legacy Art Project. A small park with an open area and Muskoka chairs, his statue, and a granite art installation in three pieces. Move around until you find the vantage point where the pieces line up, forming Terry’s silhouette.

    Toronto Music Gardens
    235 Queens Quay West; To get here take the streetcars riding along the waterfront from Union Station or the Spadina subway station.

    HTO Parks

    A lakefront urban park with grass islands with tall trees
    HTO Park in Toronto’s waterfront

    When visiting Toronto’s waterfront you can hang out in these two small parks (HTO Park and HTO Park West), next to each other but separated by water.

    I like the sort of small hilly grass islands with big trees, offering a good spot to rest from long walks along the water.

    A great feature of the HTO Park is the HTO Beach. Not really a beach where you can swim, but more like a long sand strip with umbrellas and colourful Muskoka chairs where you can relax while enjoying the view of the harbour and the planes landing at the airport across.

    A sand strip on a lakefront promenade with yellow umbrellas and lounge chairs
    Relax and enjoy the water view at HTO Beach

    If you make it here, a cool spot just west of HTO Park West is The Spadina WaveDeck, a wavy wooden structure that serves as an observation point in the waterfront. It won the 2009 Toronto Urban Design Award of Excellence.

    You can find more wavy platforms along the way, like the Rees WaveDeck at the intersection with Rees St. and the very sinuous Simcoe WaveDeck.

    HTO Parks
    339-375 Queens Quay West; The 509 or the 510 streetcar along the waterfront will drop you steps away from the park.

    Little Norway Park

    An open space in an urban park with tall trees in the perimetre
    Little Norway Park is on the west side of Toronto’s downtown waterfront

    A small and pretty park on the waterfront located in what was a training camp for Norwegian Air Force pilots during World War II. 

    On the north side of the big open space there’s a landscaped garden with winding paths through flower beds and sculptural elements, such as a floral canoe, a trellis, and small bridges.

    Two landmarks stand out. 

    First, a memorial consisting of a 3,000-lbs (1,360 Kg) glacial boulder from Norway, placed at the centre of a circle with flowers.

    Second, and what’s the most impressive feature of the park, a 12-metre (39 ft.) totem pole designed by Canadian sculptor Georganna Malloff and carved from a single log by the artist collective Ne Chi Zu Works. The wooden sculpture, titled Dreamwork of the Whales, evokes the Northwest Coast indigenous art. 

    A circle with a floral landscape and a boulder in the centre, with the Canadian flag
    The memorial with a glacial boulder from Norway
    A tall totem pole with carvings of NW coast indigenous art
    “Dreanworks of the Whales”, designed by Georganna Malloff
    Details of a totem pole with representation of whales, fish, deer and waves
    See how many details you can find

    Every time I stop here I catch a new detail in this magnificent artwork. You can see fish, whales, deer, walrus, human figures, wavy shapes, and more.

    You’ll also find a ball diamond and a playground.

    Little Norway Park
    659 Queens Quay West (at Bathurst St) 

    Toronto Islands Parks

    A canal with mature trees along the concrete borders
    The Toronto Islands have several parks worth visiting

    Hop on a ferry or a water taxi to visit the parks on the Toronto Islands, located right across downtown’s waterfront, to enjoy scenic views of the lake and the city’s skyline from its many parks.

    Not only you’ll see trees (and birds) galore, but you can also go to the beach and do water sports like kayaking, canoeing, or SUP.

    Looking forward to a peaceful bike ride? You won’t find a better place since the islands are car-free.

    Check out my blog post to plan a visit to the Toronto Islands.

    Love Park

    An urban park with a fountain and a tree inside
    Love Park in Toronto

    This small but oh so lovely park in the waterfront area is a calm oasis in the middle of sky-high buildings and a far cry from what used to be an off-ramp of the Gardiner Expressway.

    Inside the heart-shaped artificial pond (built as a natural pond that uses a natural filtration system instead of chlorine) you’ll find a mini island with a big beautiful northern catalpa tree that was preserved for the park.

    Look around to see bronze-cast sculptures of a beaver, a bear, a fox, a chipmunk, and other animals commonly found in Canada.

    A metal sculpture of a chipmunk on the red tiled border of an artificial pond
    The chipmunk and the heart-shaped nuts
    A metal sculpture of a beaver inside a pond with a tree
    The beaver inside the pond
    A metal sculpture of a bear in an urban park
    The bear

    There’s a trellis with tables and chairs, perfect for a lunch break, or you can sit under the shade of the mature trees lining up the perimetre. 

    Love Park
    96 Queen Quay West. To get here take the streetcars riding along the waterfront from Union Station or the Spadina subway station (or take a short walk from Union Station)

    St. James Park

    An urban park with an artistic fountain and benches in a circular arrangement and view of skyscrapers in the distances
    St. James Park in downtown Toronto

    This 1.5-hectare park, located right next to the Cathedral Church of St James, is a great place to take a break when exploring the historic neighbourhood of Old Town Toronto.

    The prettiest corner is the Victorian garden dating back to the mid-19th century. It has a radial design featuring an ornamental cast-iron fountain in the centre and four quadrants filled with flowers and trees. It’s maintained by the city and the Garden Club of Toronto.

    There’s also a pavilion with tables and chairs where, during summertime, you can enjoy live music every week.

    A garden with abundant orange and yellow flowers
    Plenty of flowers
    Gardens in an urban park with benches and a pavilion
    The gardens, the Michael Comstock Pavilion and the view
    A garden with magenta and violet leaves and flowers in a historic district of Toronto
    The historic neighbourhood is a nice background to the gardens

    On the north side you’ll find a large area shaded by big trees and a playground.

    Walk east along the 19th-century fence on King St to find a piece of history: a fountain from the time when there were no buses or cars and horses were the mode of transportation.

    A historic horse fountain in a park
    The last historic fountain of this type in Toronto

    After a trip to the nearby St. Lawrence Market (the only place to get goodies in the city at that time), horses would drink from the big trough facing south, and people and dogs would drink from the upper and lower smaller fountains in the back.

    This is the last one remaining in Toronto and one of the few in Ontario. 

    St. James Park
    120 King St. East. St. James Park is a 6-minute walk east from the King subway station.

    Berczy Park

    A round 2-tier fountain with sculptures of dogs
    The dog fountain at Berczy Park

    Berczy Park is one of the coolest parks in downtown Toronto thanks to its singular 2-tier fountain with over 25 water jets in the shape of dogs of all breeds and sizes staring at a coveted possession at the top: a giant bone.

    As a dog lover, this park put a big smile on my face.

    When you spot the cat among the dogs, follow the eyes to find the birds on the lamp post. 

    A fountain with dogs as water jets aiming at a dog bone
    The dogs obsessed with the bone
    A sculpture of a cat in a fountain
    The one cat in the fountain
    A sculpture of two birds on a light pole
    The cat’s obsession

    There are plenty of benches and an area with tables and chairs under the shade of big trees, outdoor art, and a fantastic mural on a fantastic historic building: the Gooderham Building. 

    Berczy Park
    35 Wellington St. East; Berczy Park is a 5-minute walk from the King subway station.


    Walking Tour of Downtown Toronto: Short on time? This small group tour stops at some of the downtown parks I mention here, such as Love Park and Berczy Park.
    Learn more about these parks with this tour, with a rating of 4.9/5 based on more than 700 reviews


    Corktown Common Park

    An open field in an urban park with trees in the borders and the city skyline in the distance
    Corktown Commons on the east side of downtown Toronto

    When you walk along the winding paths of Corktown Common, surrounded by plants and trees, it’s hard to imagine that this was an industrial site. Hard to imagine, but not surprising if you see the remnants of industrial complexes in southeast Toronto, such as the nearby Distillery District. 

    This park is another great example of sustainable design, with stormwater management to prevent flooding and catching rainwater for irrigation.

    Across its 18 acres you’ll see an abundance of native plants and butterflies along the multilevel pathways, and as you walk on the elevated boardwalk over the marsh you can peek at wildlife seeking food and shelter. 

    A narrow pathway between trees and tall grasses
    See butterflies and birds along the winding pathways
    An elevated boardwalk on a marsh
    Look for frogs and other amphibians hiding in the marsh

    There’s also an open space, a splash pad, washrooms, and picnic spots. And if you want to take the scenic route north, you can access the Lower Don Trail from here.

    Corktown Common
    155 Bayview Ave.; Corktown Common is close to the route of several buses and the King St. streetcar (503/504). 


    Best Parks in North Toronto

    The Toronto Botanical Garden & Edwards Gardens

    A garden with trees and flowers during summertime
    The Toronto Botanical Garden

    The Toronto Botanical Garden and the Edwards Gardens sit side by side, with a collection of plants in every colour under the sun. Walk through themed gardens and outdoor exhibitions arranged in artful compositions, sprinkled with outdoor art.

    My favourite area is the Edwards Gardens section, a former estate garden with wide open spaces adorned with flower beds and huge trees, like the massive, old weeping willow trees close to the Dandelion Café.

    Make your way south through fountains, bridges, and more flower beds to walk along the Wilket Creek ravine and check out the mini waterfalls.

    A garden with a central circular feature with a huge tree in the background
    The Edwards Gardens is connected to the Toronto Botanical Garden
    A fountain with a statue at the end of a short promenade with trees and flowers
    The landscape at Edwards Gardens
    A creek and a mini waterfall surrounded by greenery
    Follow the creek and pause at the mini waterfall

    The gardens are on the small side, you can see everything at a relaxed pace in about one hour and change or less. However, the gardens connect with the Wilket Creek Recreational Trail which will take you south to other parks like Wilket Creek, Sunnybrook, and the E.T. Seton Park.

    To make the most out of my visits, I always step on the trail and reach another park. If you’re up for a long hike you can connect to the West Don Trail and make it all the way to the lakeshore.

    Do you want to learn more about the history, plants and wildlife of this place? From May to October there are paid walking tours, as well as several art and nature related workshops.

    In July and August you can go to the Edwards Summer Music Series to enjoy free weekly concerts.

    There’s a visitor centre, washrooms, a café (closed December to March), a store, and paid parking. 

    Toronto Botanical Garden
    755 & 777 Lawrence Ave. East; Open daily from dusk till dawn (Visitor centre open 9AM-4:30PM). Free admission. No dogs allowed (except service animals)

    Downsview Park

    High view of an urban park with a lake surrounded by trees and trails
    View of the lake at Downsview Park

    Downsview park brings the countryside to the city with tallgrasses fields, an urban forest and ponds where wildlife thrives.

    A 2.7-kilometre winding circuit path (1.7 miles) connects the main areas of the park which include a 9-acre man-made sunken lake with different lookouts and a platform to check out the waterfowl. The lake, along with the pond (also man-made and harbouring tons of wildlife), were built for stormwater management.

    All the soil that was dug up to carve the pond was used to create the mini mound, a hill from where you can enjoy an overview of the park and from where you can spot the CN Tower in the far distance.

    North of the mini mound you’ll find the tallgrass prairie, a 5-acre native grassland patch that serves as a habitat for many birds, reptiles, and butterflies, and it’s home to more than 150 rare plant species. I went up the hill and sat on a red Muskoka chair to enjoy a panoramic view and for a chance to spot snowy owls, killdeer, and horned larks. For a higher viewpoint, head to the mound, the highest point in the park,

    I’m always in the mood for a hike, so I headed to Boake’s Grove and Alouette Grove. They form a small urban forest with (short) dirt trails where you may encounter deer and opossums. When you see all these trees it’s surprising that this was a football field. Keep your eyes peeled for red-tail hawks, long-eared owls, sharp-shinned hawks, and hummingbirds.

    A pond surrounded by tall vegetation
    See plenty of wildlife at the pond
    A gentle hill with an access path
    Go up the mini mound for a view of the park and the CN Tower
    Mayra sitting on a giant red Muskoka chair in a park
    I felt like a Mini-Me sitting on the giant chair
    A tallgrass prairie in an urban park
    The Tallgrass Prairie
    A hiking trail inside an urban forest
    Explore the trail inside Allouette Grove

    Across the park there are picnic tables, Muskoka chairs, sunbeds, and boulders for seating. You’ll also find a dog park, washrooms, a self-serve public biker repair station, and (seasonal) water fountains.

    In a separate area there’s an indoor go-kart track, a sports centre, and a climbing and parkour facility.

    Downsview Park
    70 Canuck Ave., North York: Open 5:30AM-12AM; The park is about 20 minutes walking from the Downsview subway station; parking available.

    Alexander Muir Memorial Garden

    An urban park with a large grass patch and manicured gardens
    The Alexander Muir Gardens

    This small garden is a quiet spot and a hidden gem in Toronto, with the added bonus of being connected to a trail network that takes you through a ravine and several parks before reaching the West Don Trail. It’s a great starting point for a hike in the city.

    This space is dedicated to a famous composer born in Scotland, author of patriotic songs like “The Maple Leaf Forever”, considered an unofficial anthem.

    The multilevel space has a monument honouring Muir, an open field surrounded by flower beds, and areas with formal gardens.

    A flower bed with a stone monument in the background
    There’s a monument to Muir on site
    A park with flower beds on the side of a grass patch
    You’ll see more flower beds on the second level

    The east side borders with a slope covered in trees, adding to the already pretty scene.

    Alexander Muir Memorial Garden
    2901 Yonge St. The closest subway station is Lawrence.


    Best Parks in East Toronto

    Riverdale Park East

    View of a city's skyline from the hill of a park
    View of the Toronto Skyline from Riverdale Park East

    Riverdale Park East per se isn’t something to write home about, what is remarkable about it is the view of the city at sunset time.

    Bring a drink and join the crowds who sit at the top of the hill to relax while the sun goes down.

    I love to come here at the beginning of fall, get a warm apple cider from the nearby Rooster Coffee House, and enjoy the panorama.

    Before or after, you can go downhill to do some laps around the track or use the outdoor gym.

    Visiting in the winter? You’ll want to come here for some great tobogganing and cross the pedestrian bridge over the DVP highway for more tobogganing at the Riverdale Park West.

    Woodbine Park

    A fountain with a boardwalk in an urban park
    The fountain at Woodbine Park in East Toronto

    Big park located in the trendy Beaches neighbourhood with a large pond bordered by a boardwalk and tall grasses full of wildlife.

    Take a scenic walk along the winding paths bordering the park, with many mature trees and patches of tallgrass. My favourite time to do this is during fall, when trees dress in an array of warm colours.

    A man walking on a boardwalk flanked by tallgrass
    Look for wildlife in the tall grasses
    A tree with red leaves
    Enjoy the colours of the park in fall
    An evergreen and a tree with yellow leaves
    My favourite season to visit this park

    The stage located at the centre of the big open field is a venue for several popular events such as the Beaches Jazz Festival and the Toronto International BuskerFest.

    On the south side of the park you’ll find Woodbine Beach, with a long boardwalk and where you can practice your preferred watersport.

    There’s also a disc golf course and picnic areas, as well as washrooms, water fountains (seasonal) and parking

    1695 Queen St. East; The 501 and 503 streetcars (as well as buses) leave you within steps of the park.

    Scarborough Bluffs (East Point Park)

    View of a beach with bluffs in the background
    The Scarborough Bluffs

    One side of the park features a beach-like setting with the bluffs as a background, while the other side (from where you can see part of the bluffs), fits more the description of an urban park with a scenic walk along the lake.
    If you’re a geology enthusiast you’ll be thrilled to observe the layers resulting from the advancement and retreat of glaciers during the last 70,000 years of the Great Ice Age.
    A quiet little spot to enjoy the sunset if you’re visiting the East side.

    Note: stay away from the edge of the bluff as it’s not stable.

    Scarborough Bluffs
    1 Brimley Road South, Scarborough. Parking available.


    Wherever you’re staying in Toronto, you won’t be far from a park. There are many more than the ones I list here, but I think these have something extra special. 

    But the parks are just a taste of the city’s green spaces. Go a little bit deeper into nature and explore Toronto’s walking and hiking trails.


    YOU MAY ALSO WANT TO READ

    A cluster of Cherry blossom trees in a park

    The Most Beautiful Parks and Gardens in Toronto and Around

    View of the waterfront Toronto skyline from a park with tall trees

    The Complete Guide to the Toronto Islands

    The word Toronto

    Top Cultural Attractions in Toronto That Will Spark Your Imagination


    BOOKING FLIGHTS AND ACCOMMODATIONS

    To get from A to B without losing your shirt

    Skyscanner: to find cheap flights. Get notified of price drops with the “Price Alert” feature or use “Search Everywhere” to see where you can go without breaking the bank.

    Busbud: to book bus tickets everywhere.

    To find a place to stay for less

    Booking.com: this site combines everything under the sun. You’ll find hotels, apartments, B&B, hostels, rooms, etc., with all sort of filters to make your search a breeze.

    Hotwire: the first site I check when we plan to stay at a hotel for a few nights. You can save anything from 20% to 60%.  Use the search filter to find what you want and you’ll end up with three listings that match your criteria. You’ll know which one you’ll get after you book. If you can handle a little bit of uncertainty you can score big savings.

    House Sitting: you take care of people’s pets and house for free while staying for free. It’s the closest thing to experiencing a place “like a local”. But it comes with responsibilities… Are you an animal lover? It may become your new way to travel.

    To get travel insurance

    SafetyWing: travel medical insurance that gives us peace of mind knowing that we’re covered in case of emergency. It’s convenient, affordable, and suitable for digital nomads who spend a long time outside their home country.

    Check the full list of travel resources on my Resource Page for more options and savings

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    About Mayra Carvajal

    Hi, I’m Mayra. A full-time nomad with an appetite for travelling. Art and design are my salt and pepper, with a side order of nature and outdoors. When I’m not gazing at architecture or any other form of art, you’ll see me on a hiking trail, at the top of an ancient ruin, or under a beach umbrella. Here you’ll find practical tips for independent trips, travel stories, and images that may inspire you to explore a new place or high-five your creative muse. Read my About page if you want to learn more about how this site can help you travel more.

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