City: Old Toronto
Top Things to do in Old Toronto
The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Old Toronto, Canada
We've heard Toronto described as "New York City run by the Swiss," and it's true—you can find world-class theater, shopping and restaurants here, but the sidewalks are clean and the people are friendly. The best place to start is literally at the top—the CN Tower, the tallest freestanding structure in the Western Hemisphere.
Restaurants in Toronto
1. Glen Stewart Ravine
2. High Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,270 reviews
Popular urban oasis offers a variety of outdoor recreation including ice-skating, baseball games, nature hikes and exploring the park's greenhouse.
Reviewed By TylerS30 - Toronto, Canada
Gardens, a waterfall, walking trails, a cafe, a small zoo, a lake, fountains, off leash dog area, picnic spots, historic statues, cherry blossoms, amazing fall colours, tennis, a train tour and more. High Park in Toronto has it all. High Park is basically Toronto's Central Park. It's big, and acts as a big green oasis perfect for an afternoon escape. To minimize walking, I recommend you drive into the park and park your car near the cafe and go on foot from there. If you don't mind the walk, you can take the subway to High Park station on line 2. From there it is about a 15 minute walk into the centre of the park. Don't forget your camera.
3. Ashbridge's Bay Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 50 reviews
With its beaches and boardwalk, this park is perfect in the summer for a waterside retreat.
4. Toronto Island Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,440 reviews
Park consisting of four main islands and containing trails, beaches and children's amusement rides.
Reviewed By chefbynite - Toronto, Canada
Apart from the fact that everything closes at five? The Islands are beautiful and offer stunning views of the Toronto Skyline, the ferries run till midnight and it’s a cheap return fayre, well worth a visit, just pack a picnic if going to be staying to watch sunset!!
5. Allan Gardens Conservatory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 641 reviews
Donated by a prominent local philanthropist, these gardens boast a beautiful glass-domed Victorian structure.
Reviewed By E2000EFlisas - Boardman, United States
I was in Toronto for my daughter to attend a dance program at the National Ballet School of Canada and had a lot of downtime while she was dancing for 3 days. I decided to explore some lesser known Toronto spots around the ballet area. A friendly gal at Tim Hortons suggested Allan Gardens and I’m so glad she did. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that admission was free and the walk around the park to the building was lovely. As soon as I entered, it was as though I had transported to somewhere very different from the hustle and bustle of the city. It was peaceful, warm, and absolutely beautiful. I took my time and walked slowly though making sure to notice details and take it all in. I loved the Christmas decor mixed in with the more permanent plant displays. I especially loved the turtle pond and spent quite a bit of time watching them. Overall I spent about 2 hours visiting with some of that just relaxing on a bench with my book. I would definitely visit again when in Toronto and recommend it for all ages.
6. Toronto Music Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 179 reviews
Landscape designer Julie Messervy and a group of landscape architects from Toronto's Parks and Recreation Department designed the waterfront's Music Garden in such a way that it actually interprets in nature Bach's First Suite for Unaccompanied Cello. Starting off with the curves and bends of the riverscape, guests make their way through six sections of the garden ending at the Giant Grass Steps, which form a curved amphitheater where performances take place in the summer.
Reviewed By barryjuliej - Narangba, Australia
Delightful garden which was a perfect change of pace from our hectic morning. Lovely planting with twisting, turning paths and a musical theme.
7. Sunnyside Park
8. Evergreen Brick Works
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 306 reviews
A former brick making factory, Evergreen Brick Works is now a place where the world can experience sustainable practices that enable flourishing cities of the future. Evergreen Brick Works connects citizens, business, academia and government to shape our cities for the better. For real. Open daily and year-round, Evergreen Brick Works engages visitors in a full suite of attractions and events including our Saturday Farmers' Market, nature trails for hiking and cycling, site tours, exhibits, conferences, festivals, nature-based camps for youth and a sustainable garden market and eco-store.
Reviewed By Schipblack - Playa Coronado, Panama
The history of the brick works is a story to be told. Partial parts have been kept. The Saturday farmers market is wonderful - the organics, the unique foods. A great way to stock up on food for the week. Easy to get to from Broadway Subway Station. The restaurant is great - be prepared to wait on weekends. And a great place to learn to about sustainable methods - personal or commercial.
9. Tommy Thompson Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 132 reviews
A unique place near downtown Toronto to experience nature, and one of the best places for bird-watching in the city, with more than 300 recorded species. Use the menu below to find details on visiting the park, trails, events, festival, programs, restoration, and research.
Reviewed By whiskies8 - Bromley, United Kingdom
Took a cab from downtown with my binoculars (as a new recruit to birdwatching). Loved it - views amazing. Despite my infancy with regards to birdwatching - successfully identified 10 new species (having traveled from England). A special thank you to Mike - the ranger who was incredibly helpful. I hope I can come back in the summer when I suspect the place is alive with wildlife.
