Most of you know what happened during the weekend of May 23rd here in Toronto but for those who don’t, our city contributed to those videos that are getting passed around on social media of people being obnoxious, irresponsible and careless in public spaces during a GLOBAL PANDEMIC. I just don’t understand how 10,000 people gathered in a park during a time where our seniors are dying, people are losing their homes and businesses and frontline workers are mentally and physically exhausted from 12 hour shifts. I just don’t get it.

Part of me sympathizes because I live in the heart of downtown and frankly, there aren’t many viable green spaces but, that is not an excuse. It just takes a little research and maybe a little more time to travel past your doorstep.

Lucky for you, I’ve done some of that research and am providing you with a list of parks in and around Toronto with all different kinds of features and and attractions to enjoy. Who’s up for a little park hopping over the next few months?

HTO Park:
Location: Queens Quay West
Features: man made beach with yellow umbrellas and Muskoka chairs, right on the waterfront, tree covered hilltops for reading and picnics

Toronto Music Garden:
Location: Queens Quay and Lower Spadina
Features: live performances (on hold), walking paths, gardens, open green space, grass lined steps, close to the waterfront

Little Norway Park:
Location: Queens Quay and Bathurst
Features: 2.4 hectares of space, baseball diamond, wading pool, children’s playground, open green space, walking trails

Coronation Park:
Location: East of Ontario Place on the Martin Goodman Trail
Features:  3 baseball diamonds, tree lined walking trails, off-leash dog area, picnic area on the shoreline of Lake Ontario, bike trails

Garrison Common:
Location: Lakeshore West and Strachan
Features: bike trails, walking trails large open green space, parking

Canoe Landing Park:
Location: Fort York Boulevard
Features: 8 acre park, open green space for picnics

Victoria Memorial Square:
Location: Niagara and Portland 
Features: Walking trails, biking trails, large open green space

Harbour Square Park:
Location: Queens Quay (by the Ferry Docks)
Features: Large green areas for picnics, waterfront views, park benches, close to walking trails and bike trails

Sugar Beach:
Location:  Lakeshore and Jarvis
Features: man-made beach with pink umbrellas, tree lined walking path, close to restaurants, waterfront views, splash pad

St James Park:
Location: King Street East and Jarvis
Features: gardens, walking trails, gazebo, park benches, areas for picnics

Alexandra Park:
Location: Dundas and Bathurst
Features: 2.7 hectare park, baseball diamond, community garden, volleyball court, skateboard area, wading pool/splash pad, children’s playground, ice rink, outdoor pool, large green area

Stanley Park North:
Location: King and Niagara
Features: playground and splash pad, basketball court, tennis courts, fenced off dog run, green space for picnics

Dufferin Grove Park:
Location: Bloor and Dufferin
Features: 5.3 hectare park with large dense trees, multipurpose sports field, basketball court, picnic area, wading pool, children’s playground, ice rink, and reflexology footpath.

Christie Pits Park:
Location: Bloor and Christie
Features: 8.9 hectare park, pool, three baseball diamonds, a multi-sport field, basketball and volleyball courts, an artificial ice rink, a children’s playground and labyrinth, a splash pad, a wading pool, large green areas for picnics and a community garden.  Parking is available and is located across the Christie subway station.

High Park:
Location: Bloor Street
Features: cherry blossoms (seasonal), walking and hiking trails, ponds, the High Park zoo, three baseball diamonds, two soccer fields, 6 tennis courts, artificial ice rinks, swimming pool, playground bicycling paths, dog off leash area