The evergrowing city of Toronto is filled with exciting opportunities that come with living in a large metrooplitan. Life in a large city like Toronto is one that is often fast-paced and thrill-seeking, which makes it increasingly important to find moments to slow down and reconnect.
Exploring lively greenspaces and nature make for excellent environments to slow down, breathe in some much-needed fresh air, and embrace the beauty that lives outside of the skyscrapers and city lights.
For this reason, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best nature destinations to explore in the City of Toronto.
- Toronto Islands Park
Starting off strong, the City of Toronto is lucky to have a few different islands on Lake Ontario to explore and reconnect with nature. The Toronto Islands Park is made up of several islands including Centre Island, Ward’s Island, and Hanlans Point.
Not only is the Toronto Island Park abundant with thriving green nature during the spring and summer seasons but also include sandy beaches bordering Lake Ontario.
Activities to be sure to include in your Toronto Island adventure include birdwatching, picnics, swimming, boating, trail-hiking, boating and fishing.
The Toronto Island Park can be accessed by a quick ferry ride that boasts beautiful views of the city’s skyline.
- High Park
High Park is well-known to be the city’s largest public park with plenty of features that include hiking trails, a dog park, a zoo, sports facilities, and playgrounds.
If you are craving an escape from the city, a walk alongside the waterfront of Grenadier Pond will clear your mind from the noise of honking cars and sirens. Grenadier Pond can be found in the west side of High Park and is an excellent destination for runners and hikers alike.
If exploring High Park during the late-spring time, be sure to check out the breathtaking and sweet-smelling Sakura cherry blossom trees that bloom during the months of April and May.
With convenient parking locations and easy-access to public transit, High Park makes for a great nature destination to check out in the city.
- Scarborough Bluffs
An absolute must see located east of the downtown core is the Scarborough Bluffs, which is a geographical feature that is the result of sedimentary deposits that have been collected over the past 12,000 years. The Bluffs span about 15 kilometres across the lakeshore of Lake Ontario and includes 11 different parks and greenspaces to explore.
During the summer months, Bluffer’s Park and Beach offers civilians a beautiful destination to swim, sunbathe, and picnic. In addition, the Cathedral Bluffs Park is located ontop of one of the highest points within the bluffs and boasts beautiful and breathtaking views Lake Ontario and the sandstone bluffs.
- Trinity Bellwoods Park
Located at 790 Queen St West in the West-end of the downtown core, Trinity Bellwood’s Park is a resident favourite greenspace that is worth checking out especially during the summer months of the year.
Spanning over fourteen and a half acres, this park features eight tennis courts, three baseball diamonds, two volleyball courts and a childrens playground.
Trinity Bellwood’s is also an excellent destination for local residents to hike, walk dogs, and picnic with friends.
- Riverdale Park
Located in the east-end of Toronto, Riverdale Park is 18 hectares of lively greenspace that grassy-hill that overlooks the cities eye-catching skyline. The park features several tennis courts and multi-use sports fields, running and hiking trails, and an ice rink during the wintertime.
While the park is most popular during its summer months, the park is an excellent destination for those looking to toboggan, skate, or play hockey during the colder season.
- Cherry Beach
Cherry Beach is another east-end nature destination, which can be found on the northshore of the Outer Harbour at the foot of Cherry Street. Cherry Beach is known as the cleanest beach in Toronto, making it a popular destination for swimmers and city folk alike.
During the summer-months, several art and dance events are hosted at Cherry Beach where you can dance barefoot in the sandy beach overlooking the gorgeous view of Lake Ontario.
- Evergreen Brickworks
A hidden gem in the heart of Toronto’s ravines, Evergreen Brickworks—also known as Toronto’s backyard— connects nature with community and is made up of a collection of heritage buildings. Open daily and year-round, there are plenty of activities for city residents to take part in, including the Saturday Farmers Market which runs every Saturday from 9am-1pm, a public skating rink during the winter season, and live music events.
This former quarry and industrial site located on the Don Valley River also makes for a beautiful venue for lovebirds looking to lock in their vows in one of the cities most luscious and lively green spaces.
- Woodbine Beach and Park
A well-known and popular site for Toronto residents, Woodbine Beach features a 15.2 hectare park with 3 kilometres of sandy beaches along the waterfront of Lake Ontario.
The largest beach of the four beaches of Toronto, Woodbine beach makes for an excellent destination for those looking to sunbathe, picnic, swim, bike, or trail hike.
- Sunnyside Park
Situated in the west end of Toronto along the lakeshore of Lake Ontario, Sunnyside Park is a beautiful nature destination to catch sunrise and sunsets alongside the city’s waterfront.
The city park includes the Martin Goodman Trail for cyclists and runners and a beachside cafe, making this park an excellent destination for families, couples and friends.
- Toronto Music Garden
Located on the front of Toronto’s inner harbour boasts one of the city’s most enchanting green spaces – the Toronto Music Garden.
This greenspace was inspired by the infamous musician Bach’s Suite No. 1 for Unaccompanied Cello, with each section of the garden corresponding to a dance movement respective to the musicians famous Cello piece.
Featuring a grassy amphitheater, centered by a breathtaking weeping willow tree, and colourful bunches of fresh blooming flowers- the park hosts an abundance of live music events throughout the summertime. Toronto Music Garden also overlooks the city’s beautiful waterfront and is a must-see destination for those looking for a local and lively greenspace in the city.
Whether you’re looking to explore some nature after a busy work week or step outside for an afternoon walk – we are certain you will enjoy any of these nature destinations home to the city of Toronto.
Arnav Khosla | Contributing Writer
