Cathy MerrittTired of going to the same old popular parks to relax in Toronto? I feel you! Which is why I’ve made it my mission this year to visit parks I’ve rarely heard of. There’s one that caught my attention recently: Aga Khan Park.
It stood out to me because it reminded me of the show Severance. Maybe it’s the juxtaposition of natural beauty and the imposing sleekness of modern architecture; it looks like something Kier Eagan would like for sure.
I’ve only come here a few times, but it has made an impression on me. If you want to visit, here’s a guide you can use.
Things to Know
Address: 77 Wynford Dr
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—7 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14166464677
How to Get Here
By Bus: If you prefer using public transportation, your best bet is to ride any of the following bus services: 34C, 34B, 100A, 34, and 34A. Then, alight at the bus stop along Wyndrive and Sakura Way. From there, it’s just a two-minute walk to the park.
By Car: There are parking spots available on both Aga Khan Park’s surface and underground. You’ll have to pay a flat rate to park here, which is C$10 for the general public. If you’re just parking for a short time (under 30 minutes), the rate is C$5.
What to Do Here
Enjoy a leisurely stroll
– From: agakhanpark
Honestly, I mostly come to Aga Khan Park just to enjoy a leisurely stroll. I mean, a mindless walk while listening to sad music or the most swoonworthy romance audiobooks—sounds like a good time if you ask me!
There’s also the fact that this 6.8-hectare park is just beautiful. The lawn is well-manicured, the plot beds with the flowers and trees are wonderfully arranged, and there are even mirror surfaces to brighten up this already open public space.
I admit that sometimes, I imagine that I’m in a movie or show (especially Severance) when walking around here. It does look like a set, after all.
Join a guided tour
– From: agakhanpark
If you want more insight during your visit to this park, then you might be interested in joining a guided tour.
This tour comes with a knowledgeable docent who will take you around the park and educate you about the flora and fauna. If you’re an architecture enthusiast, you’ll be delighted to know that the docent will also discuss the architectural inspiration behind the different buildings here.
The guided tours happen every Wednesday (6 pm), Saturday (1 pm), and Sunday (1 pm). And they’re free as well!
Attend an event at the park
– From: agakhanpark
The park hosts all sorts of fun events, and most of them require no admission fee. If there’s an event on the day of your visit, feel free to attend it!
My favourite type of activity held here is health and wellness, which usually means yoga in the park. I’m not really a yoga enthusiast, but I do admit that doing yoga in a green park has a meditative effect on me.
There are also celebrations and festivals. A friend told me that they attended a fall fair here last year, and that event had many stalls offering delicious pumpkin-flavoured treats. I hope that the fall fair will return this year so that I can attend!
Stop by the Aga Khan Museum
– From: agakhanpark
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday, Thursday to Sunday—10 am to 5:30 pm
- Wednesday—10 am to 8 pm
Contact Number: +14166464677
Admission Fee: C$10 (child aged 6 to 13 years old), C$12 (student), C$15 (senior citizen), C$20 (adult)
Do you see that imposing building at the heart of the park—the building that reminded me of Severance somehow? That’s the Aga Khan Museum, and it’s definitely a must-visit!
This museum is a celebration of Islamic culture and art. It currently holds 1,200 art pieces across time periods and from different places of origin, and it also has an ever-changing rotation of exhibitions that deal with a niche.
One of my favourite exhibitions that I attended is Muqarnas: Form and Light. This exhibition is all about muqarnas, the 3D surfaces found inside mosque domes. I love how they play with light; they’re so mesmerizing!
Host an event
– From: agakhanpark
Did you know you can host an event here at Aga Khan Park? Now that you do, this is your sign to rent a venue here!
Weddings are the most common events held at the park; the expansive green lawn and the architectural marvels in the backdrop really make for a striking wedding venue.
But that’s not all! This park also has indoor venues with chairs and all sorts of technological equipment. As such, you might also want to host business meetings, seminars, and fundraising events here.
Where to Dine: Diwan
– From: diwanrestaurantto
Location: Aga Khan Museum
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday, Sunday—11:30 am to 2:30 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11:30 am to 2:30 pm, 5 pm to 8 pm
Contact Number: +14166464670
If you’re in the Aga Khan Museum, feel free to stop by Diwan, its on-site restaurant! To stick to the theme of Islamic culture, this restaurant specializes in Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian cuisines. Oh, and this is a halal spot as well!
I recommend trying the prix fixe menu; the price isn’t too bad, especially compared to other prix fixe restaurants. The star of the show, for me, is the lamb shank with rice pilaf. I’m obsessed with how tender the lamb meat is, and the rice pilaf is aromatic and fluffy.
Where to Shop: Aga Khan Museum Shop
– From: agakhanmuseum
Location: Aga Khan Museum
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday, Thursday to Sunday—10 am to 5:30 pm
- Wednesday—10 am to 8 pm
Contact Number: +14166464677
In addition to a restaurant, the Aga Khan Museum also has a shop, and it sells a wide variety of colourful merchandise. Sometimes, I have to stop myself from coming here because I just know that I won’t be able to resist buying anything here.
I love writing in my diary, so I always eye the journals here, which have intricate geometric patterns on the covers.
The home decor products also call my name on occasion. In particular, I’m itching to get at least one of the vases; with their bright colours and eye-catching abstract designs, I’m sure they’ll be the centrepiece of any room in my apartment.
