Fun fact: There’s a group of animals that’s becoming famous for their photobombing skills at Rouge National Urban Park—the Eastern Gray Squirrels.
We’re used to seeing squirrels in cities, right? But these little guys are like the park’s paparazzi, “photobombing” into people’s photos when they least expect it!
And that’s just the beginning. Read on to see more hidden gems (hidden gems Toronto) waiting for you at Toronto’s national parks.
- What to Do at National Parks in Toronto
- Hike at Rouge National Urban Park
- Paddle a Canoe at Algonquin Provincial Park
- Hop on a Ferry Ride to Toronto Island Park
- Marvel at Aquatic Animals at Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
- Ice Skate at High Park
- Admire the Flowers at Edwards Gardens
- Escape the Maze at Evergreen Brick Works
- Listen to a Free Concert at Toronto Music Garden
- Bring Your Dog to Berczy Park
- Set up a Tent at Bluffers Park & Beach
What to Do at National Parks in Toronto
There are many things you can do at national parks in Toronto. You may hike to your heart’s content, paddle a canoe while the sun sets, spot some wildlife, take a relaxing stroll with your furry friend, and so much more!
Hike at Rouge National Urban Park
– Media from parks.canada
Website: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/on/rouge
Address: 25 Zoo Rd, Toronto, ON M1B 5W8, Canada
Contact Details: +1 416-264-2020
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 7:30 AM to 9 PM
Fees:
- Free entry
Rouge National Urban Park is great for hiking (hiking Toronto)! Covering 79 square kilometers, it’s a green oasis amid Toronto’s hustle and bustle—a great combo of nature’s wonders and outdoor escapades.
The park offers everything from leisurely strolls to exhilarating treks, so we believe even beginners can enjoy it. Here, you’ll find 12 kilometers of hiking trails that wind through beautiful forests, calm wetlands, and scenic meadows.
If you want a fun animal companion, the park is good for the pups too! Just remember to keep your dog leashed and do your part to keep the park clean and beautiful.
Pro tip: There’s tons of wildlife at Rouge National Urban Park, which goes from cute squirrels to majestic black bears! If you happen to spot big critters from afar, remember to give them their space. No approaching, no running—just admire from a safe distance for your own safety. |
Paddle a Canoe at Algonquin Provincial Park
– Media from TheFriendsofAlgonquinPark
Website: https://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/index.php
Address: Algonquin Island Park, Toronto, ON M5J 2M9, Canada
Contact Details: +1 613-637-2828, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
One of the best ways to explore Toronto’s Algonquin Provincial Park is by paddling a canoe. The park showcases over 7,600 square kilometers of maple hills, rocky ridges, and endless lakes to see—a nature lover’s dream!
We believe you’ll be in for a jam-packed itinerary because the park has it all! Apart from paddling, there are epic hiking and biking trails, prime fishing spots, and thrilling wildlife encounters waiting for you.
But don’t stress about picking the perfect season to visit. You can cozy up in a fall foliage campground or glide through snow-covered trails in the winter—each season offers its own unique charm, in our opinion.
Pro tip: Are bugs bugging you at Algonquin Provincial Park? While you may not want to call a pest control company (pest control Toronto) for this, you can always pack some insect repellent to keep those pesky flying insects at bay. And don’t forget to throw on some long sleeves and pants to keep those bugs from getting under your skin. |
Hop on a Ferry Ride to Toronto Island Park
– Media from cityofto
Website: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-gardens-beaches/toronto-island-park/
Address: 9 Queens Quay West Bay Street, Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, Toronto, ON M5J 2H3, Canada
Contact Details: +1 416-392-2489, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Fees (single-ride ticket):
- Adults (20 to 64) – $9.11
- Older Adults (65 and over) – $5.86
- Youth (15 to 19) – $5.86
- Junior (2 to 14) – $4.29
- Infant (under 2) – Free
Toronto Island Park is a delightful getaway, just a quick ferry ride from downtown (Things to do Downtown Toronto). With Ward’s Island, Centre Island, and Hanlan’s Point all waiting to be explored, you’ll find no shortage of fun for everyone in the family!
Ferries to Toronto Island Park run year-round from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal. They take passengers to and from “Instagrammable” places (instagrammable places Toronto) like Centre Island, Hanlan’s Point, and Ward’s Island.
And for your fun and convenience, pets, bikes, strollers, and wagons are all welcome aboard!
Pro tip: We don’t recommend riding a ferry to Toronto Island Park during the winter because it’s off-season. Most park facilities are closed except for public washrooms. |
Marvel at Aquatic Animals at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
– Media from RipleysAquaCA
Website: https://www.ripleyaquariums.com/canada/
Address: 288 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3L9, Canada
Contact Details: +1 647-351-3474, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday to Sunday – 9 AM to 9 PM
- Wednesday – 9 AM to 5 PM
- Friday – 9 AM to 11 PM
Fees:
- Ages 0 to 2 – Free
- Ages 3 to 5 – $12.50
- Ages 6 to 13 – $29
- Ages 14 to 64 – $44
- Ages 65 and above – $29
Dreaming of a unique underwater adventure? Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is where you can explore over 20,000 aquatic animals, interactive exhibits, and daily dive shows in Toronto!
We’re stoked about the 9 stunning galleries showcasing marine life from across the globe, including the longest underwater viewing tunnel in North America.
Also, we recommend joining the petting exhibits featuring sharks, horseshoe crabs, and stingrays! But don’t stress about bothering the animals by touching them—they’re able to swim off to deeper, unreachable parts of the tank if they’re not up for it.
Pro tip: Want to take some of Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada’s nautical mementos home? Make sure to stop by the Cargo Hold gift shop for unique souvenirs inspired by the ocean’s wonders. |
Ice Skate at High Park
– Media from highpark_official
Website: http://www.highparktoronto.com/
Address: 1873 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6R 2Z3, Canada
Contact Details: +1 416-338-0338
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
Fees:
- Free entry
High Park in Toronto is a nature lover’s paradise, with trails, sports spots, and chill hangout spots galore. Most of all, it transforms into a magical skating wonderland when winter rolls around, so lace up your skates!
Right on the north side of the pool, there’s an artificial ice rink just waiting for you to hit the ice. Whether you’re into skating or ice hockey, we reckon this place has got you covered for some serious winter fun.
Pro tip: High Park might not have rental facilities for skates or hockey gear, but here’s the good news: using the rink is totally free! Just make sure to bring your own equipment, and you’re all set. |
Admire the Flowers at Edwards Gardens
– Media from tbg_canada
Website: https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/complex/473/index.html
Address: 755 Lawrence Ave E, North York, ON M3C 1P2, Canada
Contact Details: +1 416-392-8188, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 8:30 PM
Fees:
- Free entry
When’s the last time you stopped to smell the flowers? If it’s been a hot minute, then it might be time for a visit to Edwards Gardens, one of the ultimate floral hotspots in Toronto!
There’s a kaleidoscope of colors as you wander through the pathways. You’ll see everything, from bold roses to delicate wildflowers. So we say, take your sweet time and let the delightful fragrances of nature surround you.
Plus, if you’re not the type to deliver flowers (flower delivery Toronto) to your loved one, we think going to the gardens (gardens toronto) could be a fine alternative!
Pro tip: Taking the kids to Edwards Gardens? Head to the upper level of the valley for an arboretum and the Children’s Teaching Garden, part of the Toronto Botanical Garden. Here, you’ll find plants named after letters of the alphabet, a sensory garden you can touch and smell, and a dinosaur garden featuring a model stegosaurus and plants that dinosaurs would have eaten. |
Escape the Maze at Evergreen Brick Works
– Media from evergreen_brick_works
Website: https://www.evergreen.ca/evergreen-brick-works/
Address: 550 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON M4W 3X8, Canada
Contact Details: +1 416-596-7670, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
Fees:
- Ticket – $20 (free for kids under 2)
Evergreen Brick Works is where you can go through a wooden maze with the little ones for fun! Formerly a brick-making factory, Evergreen now seamlessly blends urban living with nature’s wonders in Toronto.
For us, the winter maze pop-up steals the spotlight because it boasts a 14,000-sq-ft maze made entirely of reusable wood. It stands tall at seven feet and offers an immersive journey through a winter wonderland.
One ticket grants access to maze exploration, unlimited train rides, cozy marshmallow fire pits, kid-friendly ax throwing, and more exciting activities!
Pro tip: Maximize your visit at Evergreen Brick Works by arriving early to beat the crowds and enjoy free winter activities like public skating, nature play in the Children’s Garden, and informative site tours. |
Listen to a Free Concert at Toronto Music Garden
– Media from toronto_papi_
Website: https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/complex/1707/index.html
Address: 479 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5V 3M8, Canada
Contact Details: +1 416-973-4000
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
Tucked away by Toronto’s waterfront, the Toronto Music Garden is where you can indulge in Bach’s cello music while enjoying nature’s beauty.
Inspired by Bach’s Suite No. 1 in G Major, we love that the garden’s design mirrors the movements of the music, creating a harmonious blend of sound and scenery.
You can join a private group tour or hop on one of the free tours offered throughout the summer. From classical melodies to soulful folk tunes, we feel the performances add an extra layer of magic to this already enchanting garden.
Pro tip: Mark your calendar for Thursdays at 7 pm or Sundays at 4 pm to catch Toronto Music Garden’s captivating concerts. Bring along a cozy blanket and some snacks to really immerse yourself in an unforgettable outdoor music experience! |
Bring Your Dog to Berczy Park
– Media from friends_of_berczy_park
Website: https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/complex/277/index.html
Address: 35 Wellington St E, Toronto, ON M5E 1C6, Canada
Contact Details: +1 416-338-4386
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
Want to spend a special day with your dog or cat? Berczy Park is a spacious pet paradise famous for its dog-decorated fountain in Toronto.
You can explore the park, which is adorned with 27 delightful dog sculptures. For us, each statue has its own fun and unique personality, from playful pugs to majestic golden retrievers.
Here, your fur baby can romp around the fountain, a refreshing water spot for both the sculptures and real-life animals. We also love that even police horses come here to visit sometimes!
Pro tip: Please keep your pet out of the fountain at Berczy Park to prevent damage to the mechanisms. While pets can drink from the fountain, entering the water may cause harm. |
Set up a Tent at Bluffers Park & Beach
– Media from apurva_yogaholic_
Website: https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/complex/2/index.html
Address: 1 Brimley Rd S, Scarborough, ON M1M 3W3, Canada
Contact Details: +1 416-392-2489
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 6 AM to 11 PM
Fees:
- Free entry
At Bluffers Park & Beach, pitching a tent on the sandy shores offers the ultimate beachfront camping experience in Toronto. Imagine the serene waves, the gentle breeze, and the warm sun setting the scene for your outdoor adventure.
Once your tent is set up, it’s time to kick back and soak in the natural beauty. Take a dip in Lake Ontario, soak up some sun, or venture onto the nearby trails.
And as night falls, we suggest gathering around a crackling campfire with loved ones under the starlit sky.
Pro tip: If hunger strikes or you need a refreshment, be on the lookout for the ice cream truck at Bluffers Park & Beach. Just brace yourself for a wait, especially on weekends! |