A short ride from the city centre brings you to this unspoilt natural park complete with a wide range of recreational facilities.
High Park opened to the public in 1876, when the British-born architect John George Howard donated his land to the city of Toronto, on the condition that it be used for public recreation. Ever since, this unspoilt park has been a favourite playground for local residents and visitors alike. Extending over 160 hectares, it is the biggest green space within the city limits.One of the park’s most important environmental achievements has been the preservation of an area of black oak savannah, the ecosystem that once dominated the landscape of southern Ontario, now an endangered habitat. The park’s Grenadier Pond is home to a colony of cormorants and Canadian geese, while bison, yak and deer roam free within the confines of a small zoo. There are also many rare trees among the vast swathes of ancient woodland.The comprehensive range of sporting facilities includes tennis courts, baseball and football pitches and an open-air swimming pool which, during the winter months, is transformed into a popular ice-skating rink. Tramp or walk along the network of trails that follow the changing contours of the landscape, and bring a picnic to one of the specially designated areas, marked with numbered wooden poles for easy identification. Alternatively, treat yourself to lunch at the Grenadier Café and enjoy the garden views while you eat.The youngsters will enjoy letting off steam in the Jamie Bell Adventure Playground, which has enough swings and slides to keep even the most energetic child happy while the adults take a much-needed break. In summer there are performances of Shakespeare plays in the open-air amphitheatre, full details of which can be found on the website of the Canadian Stage Company.High Park is a 15-minute drive west of the city centre, with free parking in designated areas and plenty of public transport options nearby. The park is open 24 hours a day but the zoo and car parking areas are closed at night. Guided tours of the park take place on the first and third Sunday of every month.
