High Park

Summer in the city marks the beginning of every Torontonian’s favourite pastime – park hopping. With each park offering a different atmosphere and range of activities, we’ve rounded up the best green spaces in Toronto.
From splash pads and tennis courts to picnic spots, Toronto’s parks are a blend of urban oasis and vast green expanse. Known as the “city within a park,” here are the best spots to head for when you need to reconnect with nature and your favourite outdoor pastimes.
This picturesque park sits directly on the waterfront with sweeping views of the sailboats docking in the harbour. Get a group together for a picnic – made easy by on-site BBQ pits for roasting or keeping toasty during the cooler months – or keep active at the park’s bocce court, tennis court and two basketball courts.
For a decidedly unique park experience, visit the Toronto Music Garden. Designed by internationally renowned cellist Yo Yo Ma and landscape designer Julie Moir Messervy, the park was created as a reflection of Bach’s Suite No. 1 in G Major for unaccompanied cello, BWV 1007. The garden itself is a peaceful spot for reflection or reading, and guided tours detailing its history run Wednesdays and Thursdays (there’s also the option of a self-guided audio tour). During the summer months, there are even special concert series on Thursdays and Sundays.