Spring is officially here! The weather is warming up, the birds are coming out, and everything is starting to bloom. While there’s no shortage of places to enjoy the season in Toronto, High Park is definitely at the top of our list. At 161 hectares, this impressive green space offers a little bit of something for everyone. In fact, there’s so much to see and do in Toronto’s largest park that we suggest planning your trip before you set out.
If you’re thinking of visiting High Park this spring, here are five can’t-miss activities to consider adding to your itinerary…
1) Check out the cherry blossoms
Every spring, High Park’s cherry blossoms draw crowds that can total thousands of visitors per day. There’s good reason for that. These white and pink sakura blooms are truly spectacular, and they’re only at their peak for a short time. This year, the cherry blossoms are predicted to be out in full force from mid-April to early May. So grab the family, head down to High Park, and experience one of the true wonders of nature in person!
2) Get active
After being cooped up all winter, Torontonians of all ages are looking to get outside and get active. If you fall into this camp, why not head to High Park to check out the top-notch recreational facilities? Within this sprawling oasis, you’ll find tennis courts, playgrounds, baseball diamonds, bike trails, multipurpose fields, and more. If you have any softball or soccer lovers in the family, you might also want to consider signing them up for one of the local leagues that play regularly in the park.
3) Take a ride on the train
There’s so much to see in High Park, and covering a lot of ground on foot can be a challenge. Fortunately, it’s easy to tour this expansive green space by hopping onto the trackless train. For under $5, you can take a scenic ride through the park—and scope out some of its biggest attractions along the way. Stops include Grenadier Pond, Jamie Bell Adventure Playground, and the High Park Zoo—all great spots to spend some quality outdoor time with the family.
4) Bring your four-legged friend
For dog owners, the transition to spring is a welcome one. Those who live near High Park are especially grateful for the end of winter, since they have easy access to an impressive 8.5 acres of off-leash space. This area in the park contains paved, sandy, and wooded stretches, along with well-treed walking trails. Take your four-legged family member out for a quick weeknight run—or a long, leisurely Sunday afternoon stroll. Simply put, there’s no better place in the city to enjoy the gorgeousness of spring with your pooch.
5) Visit Grenadier Pond
The warmer weather presents a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural world. To see some of our region’s most interesting wildlife, look no further than Grenadier Pond in High Park. This over 14-acre body of water has been named an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. It’s a lovely spot to unwind in solitude—or teach the kids about the species that inhabit the area, including beavers, a variety of fish and birds, and wetland vegetation.
Want to learn more about the area around High Park? Discover the community in our neighbourhood guide—or check out the latest local listings!
