Go on a adventure to High Park, in Toronto's west end. This enormous park covers more than 101 hectares and is right in the heart of the city. Generously donated to the City of Toronto by the Howard family, it is a place of preservation and tranquillity, long protected from the city's expansion.
In this magnificent park, you can admire lush plants, marvel at the cherry blossoms in spring and spot a whole host of animals along the pathways. Grenadier Pond offers the perfect tranquility for a picnic under the trees or a game of Frisbee with the kids. There's plenty for all the family to do at High Park, including a zoo, a miniature train, walking trails and an educational garden.
The park is free and open all year round, 24 hours a day.
High Park is a giant park in the city of Toronto. Measuring 161 hectares, it is one of the largest parks in the Ontario region. It was created and is maintained free of charge by the City of Toronto.
The land at High Park belonged to John Howard, a Canadian architect who worked for the City of Toronto in the 1800s.
Before his death, he donated the land to the City of Toronto, on condition that it would never be sold but preserved as a city park.
Toronto's High Park changes with the seasons.
- © GuilhermeMesquita / ShutterstockHe is buried with his wife, Jemima Howard, near their home Colbone Lodge, within the park. A statue has been erected in his honour just opposite their home.
Although the park has remained largely untouched, a few structures have emerged, including a small holiday school for pupils with learning difficulties.
The vastness of this park in the heart of the city makes it a wonderful place to observe a variety of plant and animal species.
On the banks of High Park's Grenadier Pond, you'll be able to spot a variety of ducks, turtles, squirrels, marmots and even eagles.
Plant and flower enthusiasts will be thrilled by the diversity of trees in High Park. Magnificent conifers and huge oak trees can be seen throughout the park. A protected forest of black oaks has taken up residence in this green setting.
Stroll in the shade of the park's Japanese cherry trees.
- © Emkaplin / 123RFThe Sakura Hanami ritual originated in Japan. This tradition is thousands of years old and sacred to the Japanese. In 1959, the city of Tokyo presented Toronto with no fewer than 2,000 cherry trees. It was an offering to maintain good international relations and the biggest gift given to anyone since the Second World War.
Of the thousands of trees, 100 are planted in High Park. Every spring, the cherry blossom trees offer a marvellous spectacle to all the walkers along Cherry Lane. Are you behind a screen and still want to see Toronto's cherry blossom trees? Now you can, thanks to BloomCam.
To find the cherry trees in the vastness of the park, you can use the What3words application on your phone.
Grenadiers Pond in High Park
- © Reimar / ShutterstockThere are a number of walking trails in High Park. Walks along the lanes are also very popular with walkers. In any case, take good walking shoes as the park is large.
If walking isn't your thing, there's a little train that runs around the park several times a day. The train ticket costs $4.50 per person, and $3.50 for children and senior citizens. Times: during April, September and October from 10.30 am to sunset on weekends. The rest of the time, daily from 10.30 am to sunset.
Grenadier pond is huge. It's located at the very west of the park and offers you the chance to relax under a tree, watch the fish or make a ricochet.
Albino lioness at Toronto Zoo, High Park.
- © Martchan / ShutterstockHigh Park Zoo is open every day from 7am to sunset. You can admire llamas, peacocks and bison. Admission is free.
High Park offers a wide range of games for children. There are mazes, educational gardens and even slides for the more adventurous. The Jamie Bell Adventure Playground is packed with swings and climbing courses - a real treat!
By Car: from the CN Tower in old Toronto, you can drive to the park. The journey takes about 10 minutes. Several free parking spaces are available along the various entrances to the park. Alternatively, there are 2 guarded pay car parks, the Green P car park and the Precise Parklink
🚉 Subway: The 504 underground takes you to The Queensway at Parkside Dr. stop. From there it's a 5-minute walk to the park.
You can easily spend all day in the park.
Bawara is a trendy restaurant with a modern, lush decor that cooks traditional and revisited Indian dishes. A treat...
Address: 1570 Bloor St W, Toronto.
⏰ Opening hours: open from 4pm to 2am on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 2pm to 2am on Friday and Saturday.
The little train in the park.
- © Canadapanda / 123RF
