Winter in Toronto.
We can fight it or we can embrace it – by throwing ourselves head-first into a snowbank.
And why not? Who doesn’t love sliding full speed on a magic carpet down a hill, or tossing the perfect snowball? Or savouring a steaming mug of hot chocolate after making an army of snowmen?
If winter is truly what you make of it, then High Park is Toronto’s ultimate winter playground: a 400-acre wooded paradise in the heart of the west end that’s perfect for embracing the fun side of winter.
Toronto’s largest park may be most famous for the spring cherry blossoms or the annual Shakespeare In The Park but some of its best attractions can only be found in the winter. Entering High Park feels like leaving the city for an enchanted, snow-covered forest. One-third of the park is carefully maintained in its natural state and the beloved black oak trees house a great variety of fauna. The bare branches of winter give us the opportunity to wildlife that we may have otherwise missed. Sure, squirrels are always an active presence in the park, but keep looking high in the trees and you may see an owl, hawk or even a falcon looking at the same squirrel as you!
High Park Zoo is one of the most popular spots year-round. The Animal Paddocks, initially built for deer, date back to 1890. Currently, eleven paddocks house a variety of domestic and exotic animals including bison, llamas, emus, highland cattle wallabies, capybara and peacocks. Even Santa and his reindeer have been known to make an appearance around the holidays!
The zoo is accessible daily from 9:00am until 5:00pm in Winter. Volunteers are on hand from 11:00am until 3:30pm to answer any questions or assist you during your visit. The llama pen allows you to feed and pet the llamas (during weekends and statutory holidays), giving you another reason to visit the park over the holidays or while the kids are off school. As always, the zoo is free to visit. That said, donations to Friends of High Park Zoo are greatly appreciated.
Throughout the winter, High Park remains an athlete’s dream terrain. Running in the winter is no easy feat. Icy winds, black ice and… how do we say this delicately… frozen snot are just a few of the issues with which true running enthusiasts must contend. The roads in High Park are regularly plowed, making them friendly for runners but the real draws are the gorgeous scenery and the opportunity to replace the hustle and bustle of the city with the tranquillity unique to this special place.
If you’re not a runner you can work on your cardio on the hiking paths maintained for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Throughout the day, even the most hardcore outdoors enthusiast will occasionally need to take a snack break. Luckily, The Grenadier Cafe has a full menu to fuel a few more laps through the woods and a take-out counter so mom and dad can get a coffee to-go. They need their energy too!
And if you need a place to warm up, head over to Colborne Lodge! The Regency-era lakeside summer cottage still holds original collections of their art, architectural drawings, and inventions as well as stories of their eccentric lives. From 19th century science, technology, and medicine, to illness, adultery, and reported hauntings, Colborne Lodge truly has a story to engage all visitors. (Colborne Lodge engages in the inclusion of Indigenous narratives and stories through a partnership with First Story Toronto where Indigenous guides embark on a truth-telling journey through their own lens.) Nearly 200 years later, Colborne Lodge is an active hub for community events in High Park, with cottage and garden tours, special events, workshops, and more. Locals and visitors alike are welcome to see the place where the vision for High Park was born. Open Wednesday to Sunday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
High Park has two outdoor skating rinks near the High Park Boulevard entrance. The City of Toronto offers a range of drop-in programs (both supervised and unsupervised) for all ages including public skate and Shinny for hockey lovers. Times may vary depending on the day of the week and/or holiday. Learn to Skate programs for everyone from preschoolers to adults are also offered. More information is available on the City of Toronto site.
Speaking of ice, with the exception of frozen ground or the rinks, do NOT go out on the ice. Any frozen body of water in the park is not to be trusted and holds several dangers – particularly for young children. Supervision is a must.
You may notice one very popular activity conspicuously missing from this list: tobogganing! Whether you prefer a Krazy Karpet, a GT Racer or a plain old heavy-duty garbage bag, sledding is one of the most fun activities a kid can have in Winter. Unfortunately, in Toronto, some of the most popular hills – including High Park and Riverdale Park East – have become so crowded and offer such impressive opportunities to gain speed, that sledding has been prohibited – completely. We understand, but it’s still a drag for the kids!
High Park is far from the only park that’s a blast once the snow starts piling up. Which Toronto greenspace is closest to your ‘hood? Getting fresh air and exercise while burning off excess energy is a great idea for everyone, it’s vital for children, regardless of the season or circumstance.
Let’s Play At Riverdale Park East In Toronto
Rennie Park: A Vital Lockdown Playground!
Let’s go!
How many of these other 34 amazing Toronto parks located near properties we’ve promoted for sale or rent have you visited?
Getting Back To Nature On The Don River
Our Favourite Off-Leash Dog Parks In Toronto
Creativity & Ingenuity Intersect At Underpass Park In Corktown
Walking The Wonderful Williamson Park Ravine In The Upper Beach
Carefree At Cassels Park In The Upper Beach
Rennie Park: A Vital Lockdown Playground!
We Adore Kew Gardens In The Beaches
East Lynn Park: The Heart Of A Community
We Love Sorauren Park In Roncesvalles Village
Explore Expansive Sherwood Park In Midtown Toronto
Let’s Play At Riverdale Park East In Toronto
A Lotta Love For Toronto’s High Park
Splashing It Up At Berczy Park’s Dog Fountain
Toronto’s Terrific Trinity Bellwoods Park
Bickford Park: An Oasis Of Green
Let’s Catch Up At Earlscourt Park!
A Gold Star For Toronto’s Green Line Linear Park
Stephenson Park Near Main And Danforth
A Pocket Full Of Sunshine: Phin Avenue Parkette
Symphony Of The Senses At Harbourfront’s Toronto Music Garden
We Adore Kew Gardens In The Beaches
Thanks For Coleman Park At Main And Danforth
Barking Good Time At Baird Park
Strolling Massey Harris Park & Stanley Park On King West In Toronto
Ski The Slopes At Earl Bales Park Near Bathurst & Lawrence
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Since 1989, I’ve steered my career through a real estate market crash and burn; survived a slow painful cross-country recession; completed an M.E.S. graduate degree from York University called ‘Planning Housing Environments’; executed the concept, sales & marketing of multiple new condo and vintage loft conversions; and guided hundreds of clients through the purchase and sale of hundreds of freehold and condominium dwellings across the original City of Toronto. From a gritty port industrial city into a glittering post-industrial global centre, I’ve navigated the ebbs and flows of a property market as a consistent Top Producer. And I remain as passionate about it today as when I started.
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