High Park

Much like New York’s Central Park, Toronto’s High Park offers a peaceful oasis in the midst of a very busy city. High Park is the largest public park in Toronto, spanning almost 400 acres and welcoming over a million visitors each year. With its colourful gardens, nature trails and picturesque waterfront, High Park is a popular local destination all year round.

A Natural Site

One of the unique characteristics of this beloved park is the large amount of natural forest. Over a third of the park has been left in its natural state. A haven for nature lovers, High Park features a wide variety of wildlife as well as several rare species of plants and stunning oak savannahs. Whether you are looking to enjoy a leisurely lakeside stroll or want to challenge yourself with one of the more steep hiking trails, you will be treated to a lush display of flowers and greenery as well as birds, chipmunks and squirrels.

On the park’s west side are the landscaped Hillside Gardens, which feature the lovely Hanging and Sunken Gardens. At the bottom of the Hillside Gardens is the landmark Maple Leaf Garden, a massive flowerbed in the shape of a maple leaf. This popular garden is a must-see and you’ll want to bring your camera to capture its beauty. Other photo-worthy highlights include the grove of Japanese cherry trees which burst into full bloom in the spring.

Family Fun

There lots to do at High Park! The first stop for tots should be the Jamie Bell Adventure Park, a giant playground that children themselves had a hand in designing. The area is not just your average playground; it’s a kid’s dream with colourful castles, ropes, ladders and a huge slide. High Park also houses another play area with a wading pool. There are several picnic areas throughout the park so families can pack a cooler and enjoy their lunch while enjoying the playgrounds.

Sports and Recreation

Whether you like kicking around a soccer ball or taking a dip on a hot summer day, High Park is the place to be. High Park has three baseball diamonds, two soccer fields and six public tennis courts. The park’s outdoor supervised swimming pool is open during the summer season, and the ice skating rink during the winter months.

High Park features the Spring Creek and West Ravine nature trails. These unpaved paths are marked and allow you to explore the natural forest on foot. Free walking tours are offered by the High Park Nature Center. Cyclists are welcome to explore the park as well however they must stick to the paved roadways. In the winter, cross country skiing is permitted however there are no groomed trails.

Grenadier Pond and Cafe

The west side of High Park is bordered by Grenadier Pond. The expansive waterfront by this body of water provides an idyllic setting for leisurely walks and bike rides, with swans and geese calmly gliding on the surface of the pond. It is not uncommon to see anglers on the south side of the pond in the summertime, although boats are not allowed on Grenadier Pond.

The Grenadier Cafe is located in the heart of the park and is open year round. It features a large outdoor patio with scenic views of High Park’s ornamental gardens. A popular destination for families, the cafe offers breakfast, lunch and dinner specials as well as an outdoor ice cream parlour, a refreshing stop during the hot summer months.

High Park Zoo and Dog Park

From peacocks and llamas to deer and sheep, there are many animals to see at the charming High Park Zoo. Located on Deer Pen Road, the zoo dates back to the late 19th century when deer were kept in the park. Admission to High Park Zoo is free and it is open year round from 7a.m. to dusk.

The off-leash dog park is the perfect place to let your furry friend run free. Situated between the zoo and Grenadier Cafe, this busy park features benches and running water and is a great place to meet other dog-lovers. Outside of this designated area dog walking is permitted with leashes, except for the children’s play areas.

Shakespeare in the Park

A beloved High Park tradition is the”Dream in High Park.” Each summer, professional theatre company Canadian Stage performs a selected Shakespearian play in High Park’s outdoor amphitheatre. Performances take place each evening from Tuesday to Sunday and admission is Pay What You Can.

Visiting High Park

High Park is located west of downtown Toronto at 1873 Bloor Street West. The park runs south from Bloor Street West to the Queensway. Free parking is available at two lots, and the subway stop is High Park.

Phone: (416) -392-1111
Email: parks@toronto.ca

Click here to visit High Park official website