As Canada鈥檚 largest city (and Ontario鈥檚 capital), is a beautiful jungle of big concrete buildings and busy streets. However, as anyone who lives in Toronto will tell you, the city is much more than a sea of skyscrapers. With over 1,500 parks, Toronto has no shortage of gorgeous natural green spaces to explore. In fact, with so many to visit, it can be hard for international students new to the city to know where to start. Fortunately, we have you covered. Whether you鈥檙e new to the city or a longtime resident, you鈥檒l want to make time to visit these green spaces in Toronto!
Riverdale Park
Source: blogTO
is a large park spanning the Lower Don River and offers one of the best views of the Toronto skyline. As well as great views, the park is home to Riverdale Farm, which features real livestock and year-round free admission. If farming isn鈥檛 your thing, you can also check out the park鈥檚 ball diamonds, running track, seven tennis courts, and relaxing picnic area. During the winter, Riverdale is a popular destination for ice skating and tobogganing too. With so much to do, it鈥檚 no surprise that Riverdale Park is regarded as one of the best green spaces in Toronto!
Village of Yorkville Park
Source: City of Toronto
is situated in one of Toronto鈥檚 trendiest neighbourhoods, and shares a name with nearby Yorkville University, one of Toronto鈥檚 most popular institutions for international students. The park is actually a reclaimed parking lot鈥攁nd although that may not sound very appealing, Yorkville Park has won many design awards! The park is split into 11 landscapes that represent Canada鈥檚 diverse geography. It may not be Toronto鈥檚 largest natural green space, but Yorkville Park鈥檚 unique design offers a welcome break from the busy city.
Is studying in downtown Toronto your dream? Research and easily apply to institutions like George Brown College, Toronto Metropolitan University, or Toronto Film School, on the 星空影视platform!
University of Toronto St. George Campus
Photo by Narciso Arellano on Unsplash
One of Canada鈥檚 top universities is also one of Toronto鈥檚 best green spaces. Located near Queen鈥檚 Park, University of Toronto鈥檚 large is worth exploring even if you aren鈥檛 a student there. The school鈥檚 unique architecture and relaxing walking spaces have even drawn comparisons to Hogwarts from the Harry Potter series. You may even come across people on U of T鈥檚 sports fields! Some specific areas worth checking out include the Bamboo Garden at the Donnelly Centre and the Philosopher鈥檚 Walk.
Trinity Bellwoods Park
Source: Toronto Bike Tours
A popular place, especially during the summer, has the benefit of being located near some of the best food in Toronto. Whether you鈥檙e grabbing food , or from one of the excellent eateries on Queen West or Ossington, you won鈥檛 go hungry. Though the park can get crowded in the summer months, it offers something for everyone. If you鈥檙e into sports, relaxation, or want to take your dog to the off-leash area, Trinity Bellwoods Park is a green space in Toronto worth visiting.
Corktown Common
Source: City of Toronto
One of Toronto鈥檚 newer green spaces, was originally built as an athletes’ village for the 2015 Pan Am games. Today, this former industrial area in the West Don Lands neighbourhood is a striking park and community hub. Though small compared to other parks in the area, Corktown is well worth the visit for its unique design. The park not only offers great views of the Toronto skyline, but has a variety of things to do and see. These include playgrounds, a splash pad, wetlands, a lily pond, and a public fireplace. It鈥檚 also a great spot for without leaving the city!
High Park
is one of Toronto鈥檚 most popular parks for good reason: there鈥檚 just so much to do! There鈥檚 truly something for everyone in Toronto鈥檚 largest public park, including hiking trails, dog parks, sports facilities, greenhouses, and even a zoo. High Park is also a major cultural centre during the summer months, with free performances. Early spring is an especially popular time to visit, when the cherry blossom trees are in bloom. If you鈥檙e not into crowds, High Park might not be the best place to relax鈥攂ut it鈥檚 still one of Toronto鈥檚 must-see green spaces!
Allan Gardens
If you鈥檙e looking for somewhere a little less crowded than High Park or Trinity Bellwoods Park, pay a visit to . This park and indoor botanical garden has six greenhouses, with over 16,000 square feet of colourful plants and flowers. Allan Gardens is conveniently located downtown on Jarvis Street, and is a hidden gem amongst the tall towers in Toronto鈥檚 heart. Check it out if you鈥檙e looking for somewhere a bit different!
