High Park

Every great city needs a green heart, and for Toronto, High Park beats verdantly on its western side. A prominent Toronto couple donated the land to the city in 1873 with the hope that it could be used as a public space for residents.  

Today, the park spans nearly 400 acres and has two subway stops. Two-thirds of the park remain in its natural state, including swaths of the globally rare black oak savannah, an ecosystem that encompasses its namesake trees, as well as grasses and wildflowers. Various trails run throughout the park, so visitors can enjoy a light stroll or tackle a more challenging trek. The other third of the park has manicured gardens, water features, a swimming pool, tennis and pickleball courts, a skating rink and the Grenadier Cafe.

The High Park Zoo houses animals such as llamas, emus, yaks, deer and wallabies. When visiting, be sure to stop and say hello to Bonnie and Clyde, the notorious capybaras who captured the attention of Torontonians when they escaped the zoo and eluded authorities for weeks. 

Other popular attractions include the trackless train, which takes passengers on a scenic, 30-minute ride, stopping at some of the park’s favorite spots, including the Jamie Bell Playground. This castle-themed recreational area looks like it was plucked right out of a child’s imagination, complete with turrets, passageways and giant slides. (Its design was based on children’s drawings.)

Each summer sees Shakespeare performances at the High Park Amphitheatre. Another stop in the park is the Colborne Lodge, a house that once belonged to the park’s owners. Today, it functions as a hub for community events, including cottage and garden tours and workshops. 1873 Bloor St. W., Toronto, Ontario M6R 2Z3, 416/338-0338, toronto.ca/explore-enjoy