Photo courtesy of The City Of Toronto

High Park

Type: Active, City, Family Friendly, Free Attractions, Historic Sites, Outdoor Activities, Outdoor Activities - Summer, Outdoor Activities - Winter, Parks

Last updated on January 7, 2020

10Best Says

High Park is Toronto's version of Central Park in New York. Toronto's largest 400-acre public park has been the jewel in Toronto's park system with historical buildings, amazing hiking trails, a free zoo and playgrounds. A park highlight is Colborne Lodge, which is one of 10 historic sites operated by the city of Toronto. Colborne Lodge is a monument to John and Jemima Howard, the couple who founded High Park. This house, built in 1837, still has some original paintings of early Toronto. High Park is a walker's or runner's delight with pathways connecting the park's various natural habitats, picnic areas, ponds and landscaped gardens. From spring to fall, a "trackless train" (a tractor that pulls several wagons designed to resemble a train) takes visitors around the park, stopping at various points of interest.

Address:

1873 Bloor St W
Toronto, ON M6R 2Z3

Phone:

+1 416-338-0338

Website:

toronto.ca

EXPERT TIPS BY: Courtney Sunday
Toronto Local Expert

Free Things to Do: "Every year, High Park hosts a pay-what-you-can outdoor Shakespeare in the Park, run by the esteemed Canadian Stage Company. Bring a picnic for a suburb evening under the stars."
Outdoor Activities: "A walk along High Park's Grenadier pond will make you forget that you are even in the city (if it weren't for that pesky CN Tower looming in the background). Listen to the music of singing frogs and birds and take a hike on one of the trails that branch off from this High Park border."
Best Attractions & Activities: "Every year, High Park hosts a pay-what-you-can outdoor Shakespeare in the Park, run by the esteemed Canadian Stage Company. In 2014, Titus Andronicus and As You Like It will be played abridged on alternating nights."
Things to Do with Kids: "Take the kiddos to the Jamie Bell Adventure Playground, with swings, slide and an ice cream truck that often parks in front. In short: kiddie paradise."
Sightseeing: "Walking tours are lead on weekends for free, with no registration required. Guides range from foresters to writers to give unique perspectives on one of Toronto's favourite parks."

Best for Free Things to Do Because: Toronto's biggest urban park offers cost-free nature and relaxation for fans of the great outdoors.
Best for Outdoor Activities Because: Birds, fish, animals and diverse plant species call this giant park home. It is an oasis in the midst of Toronto's urban landscape.
Recommended as Best Attractions & Activities Because: Shakespeare in the Park, running trails, a free zoo and stunning nature make a visit to High Park a dream of a day.
Best for Things to Do with Kids Because: A zoo, a playground and miles of green space? The kids will be getting to bed early tonight.
Best for Sightseeing Because: If you are itching for a little green space, High Park will give it to you with Toronto's dashing skyline in the background.