Beautiful park with sculptured landscape for people to enjoy walking around. I went during sakura blossoming peak season. It felt like the whole of Toronto was there to view the sakura. Other flowering trees were starting to bloom for viewing enjoyment as well. There is also a little zoo where you get to see an array of animals. My favourite part was hiking the trail which was beautiful as it was by the water. I will have to go back when there are less people to enjoy this patch of land that is left alone by urban development. read more

We live nearby, and during the COVID-19 period, we've been doing walks and runs daily, and picnics weekly. Much, much more than cherry blossoms here, year-round! Birds of all kinds, ducks, turtles, muskrats, frogs, fish, chipmunks and squirrels (raccoons and skunks, too, admittedly). Suggest hiking the ravine trails between Spring Road and Parkside Drive on the east side, and then along Wendigo & Grenadier ponds on the west side to make a loop through the Zoo or Lodge, or stay on the roads and dog paths, either way there's miles and miles to explore! read more

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A beautiful park in a beautiful area. I went to visit for the cherry blossoms this year and it was quite a hike but worth it. The vendors are quite expensive so I would bring food/drink with you. There are also public washrooms but I wouldn't count on them because they usually don't work. If you want to go for a quiet walk in the park I would recommend avoiding it for the month of May but any other time it is a wonderful place to take the dog for a walk or go on a walk with your loved one. Parking tip: I always avoid the actual parking lot and park in the residential area across the street, its worth the walk if you enjoy large vintage looking houses. read more

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There is so much to do and see in this park! I love that you can enter from the south near Lakeshore or north near Bloor. There are a bunch of different roads and paths where you can take really great walks. I often walk through the off leash dog park and find it so entertaining to see all the dogs enjoy themselves. When the zoo is open, this is also cool to walk through and see. I would recommend grabbing food and having a little picnic in the area as well. There are some great views on the south side of high park near Grenadier Pond where you can have amazing views of the city! read more

I've gotten to experience High Park during 2 seasons, winter and spring. In winter, you can find a skating rink next to where the outdoor pool would be. I was able to drive pretty close by and find a parking spot. It was nearing the end of winter and the park was a mess with the snow melting. It seemed like most people were avoiding it at the time. There are paths throughout the park but they can be somewhat far away and you might end up taking the long way around which is fine during the summer, but can be tricky during snowmelt. In the spring, the park is well known for its cherry blossoms! It's super busy when they're in bloom and on the weekends, they close off the roads to cars. For good reason - the park was PACKED! Maybe it's because of the pandemic but I was not used to see hordes of people like that. Disappointingly, there aren't actually that many cherry blossom trees. I think I was picturing the density of trees that you'd see in Japan or something. It's also really hard to get a good photo either with or of the trees just because of the number of people around them at all times. It's still a lovely sight to see if you do make the journey down. Pets are welcome in this park. I saw many dogs and even someone with a cat! read more

The park has various paths to walk on. There is a specified parking spot, utilities, a store for food and a restaurant (not open during covid). There is a specific route for you to take your dogs on without leash, as well. The park has its own lake with ducks. You will come across many different types of plants and trees, which is great for kids to know more about. It took me 2 visits to explore the park and I still think that there must be something I might not have visited still. Whether its a sunny day or a winter evening, this park has its own charm. Truly marvelous. The zoo is currently closed. read more

I have such great memories of High Park as a kid where we'd have many a get together including picnics and bbq. The park is huge by Toronto standards whether on foot or parking it's a treat to be in this park. There's multiple points of access: -There's eastern access from Parkside -Northern access from High Park avenue at Bloor street -Southern access from Colborne Lodge drive at The Queensway. The Colborne Lodge entrance is limited however. There is a road block that won't allow you in very far so parking and access the rest of the park can only be had on foot from there or from one of the other entrances. There is a restaurant in the central location of the park that has a somewhat decent sized parking lot. There's also parking along the access road leading from Bloor along the route where the pool and courts are. Grenadier Pond is the large body of water that runs north and south near the west side of the park that borders the neighborhood of Swansea. The area leading to the pond is a bit of a grade and is sort of steep by our flat standards so it's a bit of a walk back uphill if you parked at the restaurant. The trees, land and ground in general are very well kept. There are ample bins for your recycling or garbage but not necessarily compost bins. Overall this is a well kept park and nice piece of green in the city that barely has any green near the core of the city. While High Park is not downtown or closer like Trinity Bellwoods it's still the largest park in the west side of town not bordering Mississauga (Centennial Park). High Park is transit accessible and has a nearby subway station by the same name. read more

High Park - Parks Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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I went to the part to observe the fall foliage. The week before last week, the tree did not turn yellow, red or orange. However the weather is great. I saw lots of kids playing around. High park is accessible. Near the metro station. read more

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Perfect for a picnic, stroll, biking, playing football, lounging by the lake, visiting the zoo. The area by Lake Swansea and the hillhock is my favorite. It's beautiful all the year round. The best time to visit High Park is when the cherry blossoms peak or during fall. read more

It's a nice park I like it. Lots of nature and i like all the swans that swim in the lake.

How has no one reviewed HIGH PARK yet?!? The first time I came here was for "The Dream in High Park" -- CanStage summer Shakespeare performances. The classic, of course, is "Midsummer Night's Dream" but also they've also done "Romeo and Juliet" and "The Tempest" in recent years. This year it's gonna be "The Winter's Tale". It's a wonderful T-dot tradition and be sure to show up ~30 mins. early to get a good spot because it gets crowded, even on weeknights. The 'seating' area is on a hill, so the good thing is that even if you are waaaay in the back, you'll still be able to see. The best thing to do is bring a blanket and some snacks and make a picnic out of it. Some people do bring lawn chairs, but then you are limited to the back or the sides. Probably the next reason for me to visit High Park is to see the cherry blossom trees. They usually bloom in late April/early May and mark the welcome beginning of spring:) But there are a zillion other reasons to come here. It is HUGE with lots of trails and space for running, Frisbee, badminton, cross-country skiing (I haven't tried this, but they have a ski club, I dunno if they actually ski in the park: http://www.highparkskiclub.com) or whatever else you like to do outdoors. There's also a pool. Wandering through the park and then eating something delicious along Roncesvalles has to be one of the nicest ways to spend a lazy, summer afternoon when you want to escape downtown. read more

I felt like this event that happens every year in Toronto, for only a few weeks, deserves its own page, separate from High Park in its regular state. Given the size and magnitude it was this year, it's something that you'll have to experience at least once, but my suggestion is to go on a weekday or super early in the morning. We went on Sunday afternoon, and this was probably the peak. I've giving it three stars, because on another day - without the crowds (like my friend who went on a Friday night), I think it's a wonderful experience. The cherry blossoms were given to High Park in the 1960s from Japan and since then has become a landmark event in the city. Sakura viewing is supposed to a tradition of serene enjoyment and tranquility. It's quite the opposite experience here. With everything I'm going to write about below, I didn't even enjoy this outing one bit and just wanted to go home. Perhaps reviews here would give people some insight, and the park itself - as the crowd both pedestrian and vehicle was horrendous. I've come every year, but don't remember it being so crowded and seeing such mass amount of people. There were always a lot of people - picnicking and taking photos on the grass, but it just seemed like people were multiplying as we went deeper in the park. I wouldn't mind it too much if there were some sort of crowd control. I don't think cars should be allowed in that section of the park for that time. Cars are allowed to park along the park streets, but it caused crazy backups as people would just stop in the middle of the street and get out. Everything was at a standstill at the single lanes. Although everyone was civil, needs to have some sort of authority to give people direction. Not to mention, I am saddened and disappointed in people who don't respect the nature. I saw people shaking branches, picking and breaking the trees. Although it's sad that there needs to be, there should be a penalty fee $100 for vandalism like this. It works in Asia, there's a reason for this. We went on our bikes, and along the bike paths, we had to get off and walk at some points. People seem to think that bikes are not vehicles and fail to look and acknowledge, instead cross the street as I ring my bell or swerve to avoid them. The garbage and recycling were over flowing by the afternoon, with everyone piling their stuff - but at least they weren't littering. If the park were to charge a donation of $5 per person, this would definitely help with maintaining all these crowds. The most tranquil place of the park was down by Grenadier pond which was the furthest away you can get from the cherry blossoms. Would I come again? Maybe, but only for the sake of scenery for an engagement or family portrait shoot- and early in the morning. It's not worth the headache otherwise read more

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This is a review of Dog Hill. It's truly a great place to take your dog. There are generally tonnes of other dogs in the area and lots of places to sit underneath massive shade bearing trees. read more

High Park - Parks Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Add: my favorite spot in Toronto's High Park. Check this out: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/high-park-toronto?userid=_K9sKlA4fVkWI4hyGSpoPA#Ry8163izy701E9uHmG97kA Fantastic. read more

I used to live across the street from this beautiful Park and immediately missed it once I moved away. I like to stop by a few times each summer to enjoy a piece of nature and relax. The only park I enjoy more is Stanley park in Vancouver... but thats a bit of a trip. Parking can be tough on nice weekends but if your persistent and drive around a bit, you will get lucky and get a space. You can also get here by Subway (High Park) and multiple street cars. The Park has multiple refreshment stands and restaurant if you feel like a snack. High Park has so many great features - Heres my top 10: 1) Beautiful trees, flowers and trails to enjoy 2) Grenader pond 3) Lot's of open space for large picnics and get togethers 4) Off leash dog area 5) A zoo in the summer 6) Great for exercise with lot's of running trails, biking, stairs and fitness stops if you feel the need to do push-ups & chin-ups. Also X-country skiing in the winter 7) Swimming pool 8) Baseball diamonds, tennis courts and soccer / football fields 9) Lot's of chipmunks & squirrels (I bring a giant bag of peanuts with me) 10) Shakespeare in the Park each summer with mini stadium seating I feel my blood pressure dropping 10 points every time I'm here, its a beautiful place in the heart of the city. Grab a book, a friend and a picnic and forget your troubles. After a day in the park, treat yourself to some drinks and a nice dinner in the growing Junction area. BK read more

High Park - Feeding squirrels - Parks Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

WHAT-A-PARK. One of the most beautiful spots that I have seen in Toronto so far. The colors in autumn are amazing, I went to do a hike on a sunny day and the colors and views were amazing. It is super near the metro stop but at the same time you can get lost in the middle of the trees in about 20 mins, or have a nice family picnic near the pond. I have fallen in love with this park :) read more

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I love this park with it's beautiful ponds filled with ducks and other water foul. Plenty of beautiful trails for walking, and running along. There's a huge of leash dog trail and a splash pad for the children to play in. The castle playground AKA Jamie Bell playground is filled with a lot of versatile playground equipment and split into different sections for younger children and toddlers & the larger play equipment for the bigger kids. A new playground is being currently renovated at the north end of the park. Looking forward to bringing my child there once the project is completed. read more

This is an amazing park. I'll cut to the chase and say that there are two major flaws: One, it's quite a distance from downtown Toronto. It can be reached via public transportation- it's about a 10-15 minute walk from the Go Transit Bloor station. Two, there's a lack of signage. It's very easy to get lost in this park. I'm definitely not saying to avoid this park, but those flaws should be addressed. read more

Now this is a park. Get ready for a workout b/c it's massive and there are some steep hills. Easily accessible by the High Park subway stop, this park has everything- pool, walking/biking trails, hockey field, restaurant etc. There are plenty of areas to have a picnic but unfortunately not a lot of parking spots You could walk around here for awhile just enjoying the outdoors. read more

It came to me as a great surprise that High Park wasn't just a subway stop but was actually a park too! Smh city dweller problems. So glad I took an afternoon to walk around and see what it had to offer... Tennis courts, pools, trails and walkways, an ice skating rink, a zoo, outdoor ice cream parlours, off leash dog parks, water park, fountains and waterfalls, manicured parks with benches for some repos, and so much more See pics for an idea of my August excursion. Speaking of August... I RECOMMEND: Enjoying the park in the spring and summer, although the fall colours will give you something (else) to talk about. EXTRA TIP: If you can, bring your own equipment (e.g. rackets and tennis balls) cause rentals are not free. read more

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Went there during the Cherry Blossom weekend and boy was it packed! People were picnicing and relaxing and having an overall great time enjoying all this great park has to offer. There were several places where the cherry blossoms were in bloom and all of them had thousands of people around them taking pictures, including me. I would give this park a 5 star for being such a great location, along with free parking everywhere but I can't because of poor management. They didn't have anyone cleaning up the garbage bins so they all overflowed and they kept 90% of the bathrooms closed for "seasonal only" reasons. This weekend is the big weekend for this park and having only 2 or 3 bathrooms of the 10+ possible is just wrong. But enough of the negative, this place is great! Lots of sports and shade and fun things to do and explore. So if you are in the area, head out there ASAP! read more

I don't want to be a broken record so will keep this brief. Came here this afternoon and felt as if I were in a Winter Wonderland (super bummed that we'll have six more weeks of winter, but ...). There are some really nice trails; we're lucky to have a park like High Park in the city. Anyway, can't wait to come back once the snow is gone. Good for: exercise read more

I love going here and seeing the animals and spending time outdoors. There ample FREE parking which is a nice perk for a park located in Toronto. The cafe is always pretty busy on weekends so I recommend preparing snacks and drinks. We waited in a long line for a bottle of water. The park is so large and I always discover a new part I didn't know existed. I'm looking forward to the warmer weather so I can spend more time here. read more

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I would strongly recommend the residents who live by this park to visit once every week if not visit everyday! Omg if only I lived nearby.. I would go there to chill, workout, and even enjoy the free events they offer there. Such a nice place inside the city. Really loved it!! Got to enjoy Shakespeare play! Great actors! read more

High Park - Parks Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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High Park gets a lot of attention in the summer, but let's not forget how peaceful it can be in the winter. I recently walked around the west side trails, which have some great hills if you're looking for a bit of exercise, and it was clear and bright and white. People whizzed by me on skis occasionally, but for the most part, I heard nothing but the rustling of squirrels and creaking of trees. It is one of the only places in the city where I can actually convince myself for a second that I'm not in the city. read more

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Beautiful. The destination of choice to take my nephew for an afternoon picnic. We pack a basket and find our own slice of tranquility to enjoy the day. After lunch he goes nuts in the playground. The toddler area is fenced which is great when I have a future sprinter. Running in a pack with a few other little boys tuckers him out. When it's me and my dog taking a walk down a trail and letting him explore a bit leash free is nice. read more

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One of the hidden gems of Toronto. A massive park in the west end that incorporates a zoo, a outdoor theatre, a historic site and a huge dog park. Its great in every season, with lots of nooks to explore and always lot to see. John Howard's amazing legacy to Toronto. read more

I love high park! It takes just under two hours to walk around the perimeter of the park. Tennis Courts need updating. The pool is good for a dip. Cherry Blossoms when in season. Restaurant with patio. Can hang a hammock amongst the trees. Lots of children play areas. A little Zoo. So much! read more

You can't live in the west end without visiting this park at least one weekend a month during the warmer seasons. There is just so much to do, and if you're all about outdoor fitness, High Park is a great location to get into shape. It's outfitted with a swimming pool, tennis courts, a baseball field, and numerous trails to choose from for running, biking, etc. It's also a haven for pet lovers. There are specific trails or park areas where owners/ownees can take their dogs off their leashes, which seems to be an attractive option. The High Park area (Bloor Street West, between Runnymede and Keele) looks like a hot-spot for dogs, which is probably why there's a large trendy shop for dogs and their owners called Bark & Fitz just on the outskirts of the park on Bloor (and a Starbucks attached to the same building). Every time I pass the area, it always renews my interest in adopting an ankle-biter and a latte. They also have a Shakespeare theatre company, sponsored by TD, which runs all summer long. The stage directions are always creative, especially with the small area they have to work with. The 2009 season ran The Tempest, which I would have *loved* to have seen. And just as long as it's not R&J, I'm looking forward to what will be playing next year. If you do plan on attending, be sure to bring something to sit on (blanket, cushion, etc) as you're more or less sitting on ground and make sure to get in early, 'cause the good seats do go fast. Another quirk of High Park is its zoo. Even to this day (after living in the area for more than a decade) it feels kinda weird that I could walk down to Bloor and Runnymede for groceries, books, n' stuff and if I decide to walk east and far enough into the bowels of High Park I could visit their resident Bison and billy goats, peacocks and llamas. Being "neighbours" to these large Bison in the urban city of Toronto, is kinda cool. There may even be something for ghost/haunted/horror story enthusiasts. There's a street along the edge of the park called "Wendigo Way", so I've always wondered if there was any native mythology for the High Park area about the Wendigo spirit... and erm, I'm still looking, heh. I have heard that there are family halloween-themed activities in High Park, including a pumpkin float, which sounds really entertaining, but have yet to go watch. But, if "ghost hunting" isn't your thing, there is another popular hunting sport within the park grounds. One of the most inspiring moments I had was standing on a bridge and watching a truly gorgeous swan take flight. Their wingspan is quite long and you could listen to the flap of those wings as it flew by. Bird watching is a popular event for both professionals and amateurs alike in High Park. There is an abundance of species to see: eagles, hawks, and falcons to name a few (the Broadwing Hawk seems to be the most popular sighting). So, if you find yourself wanting to spend time outdoors, for a romantic evening walk, a fun family afternoon picnic, or something in between you can't go wrong by visiting High Park. read more

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OooO! Pretty Cherry Blossoms... It's the first bloom and my first time at High Park. But so many people! A little too many. There's a lot to do and see - zoo, paths to walk/jog/bike, few playgrounds, gardens, the yearly cherry blossoms and the pond. And it's within the city, easily accessible by bus or subway. Not a fan of the streets in the park and all that traffic tho. It's a manageable park, not too small like tho ones in downtown and not too big like Central Park. You can walk around the park within an hour or 2. Just be prepared for the uphill... it's called High Park for a reason. Start from Bloor/High Park subway exit and walk down to Queensway for an easier downhill walk. Great view of city, nice mix of greenery, lake and city. Glad I ventured west to see High Park. Would love to get my family and friends together for a picnic. read more

High Park - Parks Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

As a frequent Toronto visitor, High Park is one of my favorite spots to visit. Ironically, each time that I've been the seasons are different, so I've gotten a taste of the park from multiple standpoints. Go here for: + Large open green spaces to roam and get lost + Numerous dog trails for your pooch to roam on and off leash (the off-leash areas are enclosed and are clearly marked) + Plenty of outdoor sporting activities that include pools during the summer months. + Ample parking, albeit a little tight. + Marvelous views at different elevations of the city + Picnic grounds to chill + Varied, challenging running paths + During spring, the cherry blossoms are beautiful. + Pretty well integrated into the city's urban layout + Free! Don't go here for: - the zoo..it is in a sad, depressing state and shouldn't even be called a zoo; unkept and unfortunate. - exceptional food. it's a great place to snack and chill with friends. Out of all the seasons, I have to say that roaming around during winter time is a real treat. Cold yes, but the visuals trump those of what you're typically used to seeing from a park. Snow banks and with fewer crowds, you feel like the whole world is in your hands. However, for the garden spaces, this place is a delight to see during the other seasons. :) read more

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The show was entertaining at High Park's amphitheater for "Shakespeare in High Park". Bring or prepare with bug spray/ insect repellent!! As noted on their website, it is "A CANADIAN STAGE PRODUCTION IN COLLABORATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE IN THE SCHOOL OF THE ARTS, MEDIA, PERFORMANCE & DESIGN AT YORK UNIVERSITY". There is parking a walk away outside of the pathway to get to the amphitheatre. Parking is free but don't park in unmarked spot. They do ticket. I saw them ticketing . They recommend a $20 donation to get in but you can pay what you like. Hundreds of people show. It is best to go by 7pm or earlier to get a good seat. There is concrete/stone stadium like seating. Other than this you have to find grassy area to sit at the sides or stand up. You can purchase pads to sit on and pay for better reserved seating at the front. They dont allow lawn chairs but you can bring a mat or blanket or towel to sit on. I see people bring snacks too. Theres also snacks for purchase. The show is entertaining and the actors do a good job. Its a nice show to watch in warm weather as tge day transitions into night. Also, final tip, read the summary of what happens in the play and before you go. Otherwise it will be hard to follow what's going on. Check out the pics and videos below!! read more

High Park - Snacks available for purchase before Shakespeare in High Park - Parks Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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How is it possible that I have lived in the GTA for 30 years and this was my first visit to this park? Having plans to meet my niece (who recently purchased her first home nearby), I arrived far too early to even be considered fashionably early, so I drove into the park, parked and got out and wandered. First impressions: 1) ...it's big...with lots of paths to wander. 2) lots of people come here,....to sun, picnic, bike, fish, people watch, sleep, etc, etc. 3) it's pretty serene despite the amount of people 4) it's meticulously maintained 5) it's beautiful 6) lots of tourists 7) great ponds, waterfalls 8) gorgeous gardens 9) more chipmunks than at a cottage...... We wandered for about two hours, making a mental note to return on a cooler day (it was 32C on a very humid, sunny day). read more

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I was participating in the Yoga in the park activity and my cousin suggested we walk around and enjoy ourselves. The park is absolutely amazing looking. There's a pond, hills for hiking and a Maple Leaf square with beautiful red flowers where the Yoga class was held. We saw the restaurant on our way back and decided to take advantage of the all day breakfast. The food was pretty good and so was the coffee. A tip that I'd like to mention is when ordering pancakes, we had the option of adding "strawberries" for $2. What we got was strawberry jam, not the fresh fruit. The only trivial disappointment of the day. Otherwise, I strongly recommend both the park and the restaurant. Apparently it's beautiful regardless of the season. read more

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What a wonderful jewel of a park. You'd never know you were in the middle of a big city like Toronto. My children were enchanted with the adventure playground, which really lives up to its name. So many places to hide and explore and climb. I only wish I had more time to explore the many gardens and nature trails. This is also the location of Toronto's Shakespeare in the park, and just an enchanting place overall. Very busy, though, even on a school day. We were lucky to find a parking spot. read more

It's a big park. We saw tons of dogs with or without leash. I like the lake and the flowers. It's good for groups, and it's a perfect place for early morning exercise, before the temperatures goes up. There is also a playground for kids and a a garden even though we did not find it. read more

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One of the best parks I've ever visited. Lots of gorgeous greenery, walking and running trails, dog parks, tennis, skating in the winter, and the Grenadier Cafe is always friendly and convenient. The bison at the High Park Zoo has a real soulful personality. Great listener. read more

went for cherry blossoms, was very happy with the variety and settings for "camera play" lots of animals and stuff to capture on film. lots to see and do, almost too much to cover in a single day. read more

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FML... I missed the cherry blossoms again! Saturday I told my fellow Yelpers that I planed to have a picnic in High Park and take pics of those beautiful trees. Mike S. and Adeel started raining on my parade and telling me that the blossoms would be gone by Monday :-( They were almost right. Most of the trees were bare (stupid wind) but I still managed to find one or two that were intact... plus I shoot with a macro lens so you really can't tell! The way was beautiful, and since we were going on a weekend afternoon, the park was relatively empty. I will be sure to check out the cherry blossoms earlier next year! read more

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I went here on sunday afternoon w my nieces and my dogs. We went to the off leash dog area first then zoo area and finally the park. The park has an ice cream trucks and a chip truck( fries, burgers, poutine, water, pop, hotdogs) Quite pricey, a bottle of water is 2.99 and my poutine was 8$. We had a great time the park is huge w lots of parking, but on a nice day it takes a bit to find a spot. There were people fighting over parking spots (flash back to boxing day) I def think my favorite was the off leash dog park its not just an open space its actually a gated off area within the forestry area which is so nice. Lots of other dogs of all sizes to play with. We will definitely be back but will remember to bring our own snacks. read more