I love biking around here. There is a great path from Leslie to cherry that whines through the forrest and then when you go deeper you get to the spit trail. It's really wide (there are speed bumps though). It's a nice long bike ride and the views you get looking back at the city are wonderful! Fun to bring a snack and jump off your bikes to enjoy the water or the views in general read more

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I got on a bike for the first time in 8 or 9 years! (Yay me) Needless to say i was a bit nervous to be biking down crazy Toronto streets right away, and I'd always wanted to explore the Leslie Street Spit. Off i went on my borrowed foldable bike! It was FANTASTIC! Such a nice wide road with a few fellow bicyclists, a few pedestrians, and very few cars (just 2 if a recall, maybe going to the marina). I could ride and ride at my own pace and enjoy the scenery. Honestly, everybody should come here! You you live in the Beaches area, it's easy to get here on your bike along the Lakeshore bike trail. If you don't live in the area and have to drive down, there is street parking along the southern most bit of Leslie St. p.s. no pets! read more

Leslie Street Spit Trail - i didn't see any :P - Parks Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

One of Toronto's best kept green secrets! It's hard to believe that you are still in Toronto once you're in Tommy Thompson Park. Fresh air and a fantastic view of the city! This man-made peninsula is a strange combination of a conservation area and dumping site for rubble. The trail is great for hikers, cyclists, and runners. It's an easy 5k walk on flat land, perfect for beginners. TTP is also a great place for bird watching! Tern, swallows, blackbirds, pesty seagulls, ... There are a lot of birds that are monitored by the park. The concrete and rubble sculptures are actually really neat. Stacks of blocks form sculptures that can be found throughout the trail. I love TTP for a city break that is still close to the core! Note: The park has loads of black flies in spring/beginning of summer. When I say loads, I mean bugs all up in your hair, all over your clothes...everywhere! read more

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Gord and I have been wanting to explore Tommy Thompson Park (aka Leslie Street Spit) ... a couple weeks ago we did. We had tried in June but discovered when we got there that it's only open on weekends and holidays (we'd gone on a Tuesday). The Leslie Street Spit is North America's most remarkable public urban wilderness. It is a 5-kilometre long peninsula, built by lakefilling, that juts into Lake Ontario close to downtown Toronto. Started 40 years ago, it was intended to be a breakwater for harbour expansion, which was not needed due to a decrease in lake shipping. Now, the Spit - as it is lovingly called by the people of Toronto - has been transformed by nature into an extraordinary wildlife reserve, where humans can find a car-free refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a quiet time amid unmanicured vegetation. We walked the loop, starting with the east trail and came back along the west trail. There is an automated lighthouse at Vicki Keith Point, is one of three lighthouses in Toronto and the only active one in the city. We had brought a picnic lunch (chicken, salads and wine) and had it sitting on a log by the water. What a great afternoon! We were there for over four hours and walked about 12.5km. It's definitely a place I'll go back to. read more

I had never been here, or even really heard of this place, until Lee suggested we do a 50K ride from New Toronto over here and back. I'm really glad he suggested this! This was one of my favorite places in Toronto so far. So. This place is an artificial spit in the lake, built mostly using construction debris and landfill. It is closed during the week, because the trucks are out there doing their thing, but is open on the weekends to pedestrian and bicycle traffic. It's a great ride out to the end, mostly unimproved and with a sort of urban/natural decay and renewal vibe. There are plants and flowers running riot, and of course my least favorite bit of Toronto waterfront -- fire ants, so be careful in some of the sandy spots. There are washrooms near the entrance, and a hot dog stand outside of the entrance. There's a lot of parking nearby, but the best way is to take bicycle paths there from wherever you're coming from -- it's worth it. read more

Leslie Street Spit Trail - Downtown from the end of the spit. - Parks Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Being a new owner (not proud yet) of a bicycle this place is an interesting find for moi. I like the fact that it is quite close by and is not frequented by a lot of people on weekdays at least. This place is an odd mix of nature and the humanity that pollutes it. There are two distinct trails and plenty of wildlife to enjoy and yes I did see a few garden snakes even before I saw the funny sign warning people about it. The place had decent breeze since it is surrounded by water which should be a welcome relief on hot days. The size of the trails is not bad 10-15 KM depending on the path you take. I wish they had a bus service that was close by as this is a seriously get here on your own expedition. Worth a visit if you can make it here. read more

As a biker I wasn't sure how accessible good biking trails would be in this city. I assumed Toronto was nothing but an urban jungle, but after years of exploring and serendipitous discovery, I have found a lot of great places to ride. Marked bike lanes aside, a great, easy ride is the Leslie Street Spit. The Spit is located a few kilometres east of the Toronto Beaches and is about a 5 km extension of Leslie street, jutting out of the coast of Lake Ontario. It's a generally flat trail, with a few curves, and has a nice big hill at the end of it that's a great place to have a picnic on and rest. The view is spectacular and on a sunny day you can see the city to the west and the Scarborough bluffs to the east. Many people go to the Spit to bike, jog or simply stroll around, taking in the scenery and wildlife (ok, bushes and some trees, but it's a nice trail, nonetheless). I never knew it existed until I happened to bike a little further past the Beaches a few summers ago. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a fun bike ride or a place to walk and get away from the busy-ness of the city. read more

Leslie Street Spit Trail - Parks Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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You are so very lovely for something manmade. Cyclist's Guide: - subtract 10° from the current temperature - the left gravel path returning from the lighthouse = gem - brisk March weather over the high-speed bug splatsplats of summer any day - don't loop back the way you came; in the words of Yogi Berra, when you come to a fork in the road, take it Bonus: I saw/chased/almost petted a mink today. read more

Leslie Street Spit Trail - Parks Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Man, is this place ever CLEAN! I saw not one piece of garbage along the whole trail, not even a single gum wrapper. And considering there's also not a single garbage can along the whole 5km, that amazes me. The views along the way are beautiful, the birds chirping and crickets making their noises; it's all relaxing. Not sure why, but there is an insane amount of dragonflies in one particular area. I have never, ever seen so many!! Thank goodness it wasn't butterflies! (Terrified!) Bikers do tend to go really fast down the path, though. read more

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I am a big fan of the Leslie Spit. My only regret was how long it took me to check it out while living in Toronto. I biked here with a friend before moving to the East End and I wish I biked here more often. The first time I visited here I couldn't believe something like this existed in Toronto. An urban park that stretches out 5 km into the lake. It's created with construction waste and not only does it look good but it has fairly scientific uses as well. It's become a bid sanctuary and also helps shelter the city. There are signs that say it's only open on weekends I believe but I've been in there during the week and there are some other people. And it's so peaceful because there are so few people at that time. The only downsize is that the only washrooms you'll find are outhouses but they do exist. Also there is an area closer to the city that has a HUGE bird population and when you get closer to it you'Ll hear it and smell it. The bird sanctuary isn't smelly or noisy like that but the shelter there to watch the birds is covered in bird poop. Great place to bike and take a stroll. Walking the whole thing would take a lot longer though. The trees also aren't large so there isn't tons of shade. Wear sunscreen! You can park near the entrance. A hot dog vendor is usually at the entrance on the weekend as well. read more

Oh the blisters! After walking the entire length of the Leslie Street Spit (10k in total) in an old pair of flip flops one beautiful summer day, I wanted to trade in my worn, tired feet for a refurbished pair. The blazing hot sun beat down on my forehead and for a moment, as I looked at Toronto's skyline in plain view before me, I felt an instant sense of tranquility. This is one of the most beautiful places from which to view the city. The Leslie Street Spit was initially constructed by the Toronto Harbour Commissioners as a way to prevent a harbour expansion in the 1950s. It has been used as somewhat of a landfill site for the city and now operates as a popular visiting spot for Torontonians and tourists alike. When you walk the spit, a peninsula that juts out toward the lake, you are surrounded by water on all sides and you can turn your back to face the city. Whether you walk it, blade it or bike it, it will not disappoint. I promise. What a wonderful refuge from the urban sprawl, just minutes away from Toronto's east end. I can't wait for summer! read more

I think this would be a great place for some sort of alternative housing, like maybe a car-free, zero emissions co-op or something along that lines. As a park, I actually think it's a complete failure. If you take a canoe to TTP from Cherry Beach, you will not believe the deforestation that cormorants have accomplished. Acres of denuded forest look like something out of a post-apocalyptic video game. It's an eco nightmare that you don't see from the paths. Even on the paths, you can't help but notice that this is a peninsula made of garbage. Veer off the path by only a few feet and you'll find you are tripping over rebar and tossed kitchen sinks. In the water, things aren't much better. Sure, the years of dumping has created lots of new fish habitat, but the fish that likes it best is the invasive carp. As a place to cycle, I appreciate the long, uninterrupted path. However, both politically and practically, I really think it sucks. Since it starts at the foot of nowhere and ultimately leads back to where it started, it's not as useful as a similar path might be that follows hydro corridors or train track routes that could also be used for commuting. But this is exactly the place that Rob Ford wants you to cycle - out of way, while accomplishing nothing else but cycling itself, and on his used road garbage heap. I'm all for conservation and green spaces. I don't think this park qualifies as either. read more

This is an amazing place, aptly described by others, but I'm adding this because of the limited hours, and didn't want anyone to be disappointed. This is a "construction site", and CLOSED to the public during the week, so closely observe the hours below. From the link above; The Spit is open year-round every weekend (except Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year's day) between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. from April - October and 9:00 - 4:30 p.m. from November to March. Park on Unwin or Leslie; or if in parking lot, be sure to exit by closing line, as lot is barricaded after hours. Located about seven kilometres east of Harbourfront, the Spit is easily accessible by bicycle, on roller blades and even on foot (for enthusiastic hikers) via the Goodman Trail (recently renamed Waterfront Trail). The closest public transit access is by the 501 Queen St. Streetcar (get off at Berkshire St. and go south on Leslie St.). It is about 1.5 km to the gate. Cars are not allowed onto the Spit. Parking available at the gate (see map below). To get to the Spit by car, take Lakeshore Boulevard to Leslie Street, turn south and continue to the gate. Wheelchair accessibility; Flat smooth road for the first 3 km. IMPORTANT: Dogs are not allowed anywhere on the Spit. Their presence is very disturbing to wildlife and they create a hazard on the road which is used by walkers, cyclists and 'bladers. read more

This is one of my favorite places in Toronto. Also known as Tommy Thompson Park. I cannot believe I lived in the city for so many years without knowing this place existed. My partner and I get on our bicycles and visit at least once a week. Whenever I have guests come from out of town, I suggest they bring their bicycles. you can walk/run it, but personally, I find it best to bike. It is beautiful, and if you time it right very quiet. From the lighthouse, there is a terrific view. Sunset overlooking the city is not to be missed. Lots of wildlife, friendly Torontonians and fresh air. read more

I've used this park as part of my training for years now, so I'm not going to be very useful for commenting on the flora and fauna that are slowly reclaiming this pile of reclaimed land (read condo excavation dumping) and turning it back into a wetland and almost a natural environment. I'm very much enjoying the recent new tarmac that has been added, but the part leading up to the new stuff is in a state of horrible disrepair with humongous potholes. The weekends are busy unless you're out early. Weekday evenings it's "closed" so hint hint... you know what I mean... say no more, say no more! During the times it's "closed" you'll find mostly the fast folks who appreciate the lack of traffic. During my last outing I was surprised at seeing some of the wildlife that isn't really all that wild and is extremely out of place in a downtown setting. The animals spotted included rabbits, a beaver, and even a mink! The most recent sighting included a great heron flying overhead so I might just come back with my camera at some point and try to get some stock images. The only downside of this place: the potholes in the road. Well, I suppose you can include the other park users who are too selfish to even contemplate that there are other people who want to use the park too and it's not ok for them to sprawl out all over the road. But I suppose that's just a gripe against jerks and not the park! read more

What a beautiful spot in the city! So tranquil! So gorgeous! So close to my house! I can't believe I've never been before today. When you go, be prepared to walk. A lot. If you have a bike, that would be ideal. Fact: everyone in the city of Toronto had a bike at the Spit but me. During the summer, they have a shuttle that takes you down to the lighthouse and back, which is great if you don't have a bike/blades. Do not miss the Leslie Street Spit! read more

Obligatory "I feel weird reviewing a park." The views of the city and lake are incredible, but the trail and park itself? I don't know. It's 5km from start to finish - 10km round trip (more if you take some of the side trails) - and I didn't see a single bench. Are you kidding me? Have you ever seen a park without a bench? Even the tiny parkette in my neighbourhood that spans 20 feet has a bench. The entire place is man-made and always under construction when it's not open to the public, so don't expect it to look too clean. There are broken pieces of conrete and rubble laying around the shores. Some areas are dusty. They have street-view so check it out before you go: https://goo.gl/maps/BHpw0 and https://goo.gl/maps/I7Jst (may have to zoom in on the second one) There are also no drinking fountains, but I can understand it might be hard to get piping running there. There was a guy selling drinks and hot dogs at the gate though. Even though the views are nice this isn't a place I'd want to go to on a regular basis. Remember it's only open weekends and closes early. read more

I recently enjoyed my very first visit to the Leslie Spit. So peaceful and beautiful, you forget you're in Toronto. Much closer than I thought - I was participating in a run that started in the distillery district and it didn't take too long to get there. I learned that this area is growing, as it is man made. By man made I mean made by man's waste - not human waste (ew!) but dirt from construction sites. It would be cool to see its growth and changes in shape over the years. read more

This place is special. Period. I biked here about once a week in the summer. Look east, and you'll see the infinite blue of Lake Ontario. West? The most spectacular, panoramic views of the Toronto around. Monarchs play in the air...cyclists zip by pleasantly...my cell doesn't work...is that purple in the sunset? Am I still in the city? Don't tell anyone. read more

Came here last night to see the lunar eclipse, and I really liked it! It's such a hidden gem of the city. I'm a water lover so anywhere I can go and have some peace and quiet I go to the lake. It is my favourite thing to do and here it's optimal for it! So quiet and private! Perfect private, intmate spot for star gazing or enjoying time outside on a nice, warm evening. read more

This man-made land mass is comprised of construction waste and natural materials, allowing native plant and animal species to thrive unthreatened. Pack a lunch, bring lots of water and spend an entire afternoon revelling in the magic. Wander the trails (there's a main drag as well as hundreds of little footpaths) all day, and still feel like you need more time to see the entire area. read more

Love, love, love this Leslie Street Spit trail for cycling. In the summer, it feels like a PEI scenic vacation, without leaving the city! Pack a lunch and ride your 6k to the lighthouse. On the weekends, there are no cars so you can really enjoy the ride on the paved road. The last k to the lighthouse is loose gravel. You will see wild flowers, lots of big black birds (cormorants), skeletal trees that have been fossilized by the cormorant population, huge boulders, an old gas station, a steel bridge, and the city from a different perspective. This is one of the most fun ways to spend a summer day on a bicycle without really leaving the city. (This and perhaps going on the Ferry to the Toronto Islands.) read more

Had a great weekend of discovering more about our beautiful city. With all of the miles I have biked in TO, I can't believe I just learned about the Tommy Thompson Trail (AKA the Leslie St Spit) and also Cherry Beach! I've always skipped the Spit when riding across the city for some reason. Had a wonderful 110K ride from the Rouge River to Mississauga and back yesterday and a 10K Rollerblade along the beaches and the Tommy T Trail again. I might have overdone it a bit, but I couldn't stop myself. Despite our unfortunate politics in this city, Toronto is one heck of a city to tour and discover... especially on our first really nice weekend. I'll be back again as soon as I can! read more

I,ve been going there for 20 plus years now always a good time. a bike is the only way to do it if you want to go to the light house.

Get to the lighthouse at the end and you'll get the best view of Toronto.

Toronto's most underrated park - great place for a bike ride or hike. Sunsets are spectacular & the skyline view is awesome. Less busy then the islands, you feel as if you have left the city for an afternoon.. I highly recommend exploring on a sunny spring day.. read more

I used to ride this park in the early 1980's, I am so glad to see (from the photos) that it is still as lovely as I remember it. I remember a fox had made the park her home one year. She had crossed all of the major roads to get to the spit. She then had her cubs there. She was going to be removed as it is a bird sanctuary. Luckily the folks of Toronto made such a fuss about her being removed that they left her alone. When the cubs were old enough she and the cubs disappeared again. After a stressful day at work I would cycle to the spit each night. What a way to calm down. Thank you for your lovely photos, brought back some lovely memories. read more