A great many of us have indeed been working from home since the pandemic passed, but that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve a pleasant lunch break to get up and about! The weather lately has been flirting with Spring, so it might not be long before you can pack up a meal and head to a nearby park!
One of the top spots in the city for sprawling in the grass with a sandwich is Trinity Bellwoods Park! The park has been around for decades upon decades and was the original location for Trinity College in the late 1800’s through to the early 1900s. Eventually, Trinity College bought new property on Hoskin, and the City of Toronto took back this site and co-opted the school buildings. Most were demolished in the 1950s, only leaving the stone and iron gates as an homage to what once was.
Trinity College in 1890
Photo courtesy of Toronto Archives, Series 393 – Trinity Bellwoods 1926
This well-designed 38-acre park – comprised of several designated zones – is a much-loved and well-utilized green space, and is one of downtown Toronto’s most recognizable landmarks. With Torontonians flocking to green spaces with the arrival of Spring weather, there’s no better time to pack up a basket and picnic in the park!
Given the persistence of COVID-19 and the need for social distancing, it’s also an important time to support local businesses and restaurants. So we’ve put together a list of picnic potential! Trinity Bellwoods is one of Toronto’s largest parks, with several different spaces to enjoy. Here are a few we’d suggest!
• The Dog Bowl
This off-leash pooch zone is a must for dog lovers. A zone designed just for dogs to run off-leash and play with their friends. Word to the wise, maybe not the best to set up a picnic in the bowl, might get some fluffy visitors. But thanks to the sloping sides, it’s easy to set up shop and enjoy the furry friends prance and play below. (Here’s our blog Looking For Leash-Free Love At Trinity Bellwoods Park)
• Gore Vale Ave
Towards the east side of the park, between the baseball diamond and the tennis courts is an open, airy, grass-filled space to sprawl. This spot is great for those looking to catch some games and some sun. With the social distancing circles, you don’t need to worry about other park-goers getting to close.
• Trinity Circle
Closer to Queen Street is this tree-filled shady area. Here there are picnic tables around, so if you’re looking for a bench and table to sit at, instead of bringing your own blanket to sit on, this is the spot for you! Also, a great spot to pull up a bike too!
Now let’s get down to the meat of the matter – food! Being hugged by Dundas West, Queen West and Ossington, Trinity Bellwoods has some wonderful food options to pick up or pack. From local, to international, there’s something for everyone! Grab your basket and get going, Toronto!
A great choice, if you’re looking for something a bit more hands-on or a make your own approach; is the farmers market! Just bring your basket, some music and a blanket. Trinity Bellwoods has a farmers market every Tuesday (May to October) where local farmers, growers, chefs, and foodies commune and sell fresh, sustainable, naturally grown, and certified organic goodness. Locally grown produce is a yummy choice you can feel good about! Grab a basket of fresh Ontario Strawberries, some apples, carrots and you’re good to go! The farmers market is located at the corner of Dundas and Shaw. (Photo courtesy of the DailyHive)
Another local option is The Lucky Penny, located at Shaw and Lobb Street. You can order up to six items at the walk-up window, or you could pre-order beforehand. Make a cute charcuterie board, with some drinks, fruits.
Need a little caffeine fix? On Queen Street, there’s the legendary White Squirrel Coffee, named of course after the famous White Squirrels of Trinity Bellwoods. We love that they support local and environmentally-conscious producers & suppliers. Also, if the line is too long, check out Sam James Coffee Bar around the corner. Hey, why not try both?
This purveyor has some truly great sandwich options. The steak sandwich with caramelized onions, tomatoes, Dijon and mayo?! Friggin’ yuuuum! Or try the salmon sandwich with cucumber, lettuce and tomatoes!
This is a fabulous vegetarian joint, located just a little west on Queen Street – perfect fort grab and go. The Kimchi Burger, Toasty Tempeh Sandwich or the Superfood Burrito Bowl are great options! Oh, did we mention they do an all day breakfast?! (Photo courtesy of Hello123 Insta)
This one is another that’s a small walk away, but worth it. Not only do they have burgers and sandwiches, but you can also pick up some drinks. They have some pre-made mixes for their famous cocktails, if you want to enjoy a mocktail in the park… or live your best life and add a little something to the mix. (Photo courtesy of The Drake Instagram)
Looking for a whimsical cold treat? Just up Ossington is Bang Bang Ice Cream. There’s usually a line, but well worth the wait! So, don’t forget that mask! They’re menu changes daily, but they offer a wide variety plus vegan options! Perfect for dessert on a hot summer day. Here’s their sister company: Bakerbots Baking!
We hope you enjoyed these picnic-in-the-park suggestions! Just remember to clean up after yourself, wear sunblock, and social distance!!
Single or side by side, recreational or romantic, picnicking is a pastime that’s always on trend!
Trinity Bellwoods is one of the city’s most dynamic urban green spaces. You can learn more about it from the Friends of Trinity Bellwoods, a volunteer group that works together to improve the green space, including the cultural and recreational activities of the Park. With a community recreation centre (including swimming pool!), dog walking zone, weekly organic market, tennis courts, meandering hillocks, and loads of community events, this park is all you could desire in an urban oasis!
That’s why it’s so lovely for those located within a short stroll of it – like our new listing on Clinton Street! We’re proud to have just brought to market #3 (for the first time in 17 years!), which is a 2bed (open second bedroom) loft townhouse unit now SOLD!! We called it, – An Authentic Brick & Beam Loft Townhouse In Little Italy’s Button Factory. Take a peek – it’s GORGEOUS!!
Contact Steven Fudge: steve@urbaneer.com.
Here’s another nearby property we sold at 255 Crawford Street –> Living Hip, Just A Hop From Trinity Bellwoods Park!
Check out some of our other favourite parks!
Carefree At Christie Pits Park
Riverdale Park East In Toronto
We Adore Kew Gardens In The Beaches
East Lynn Park: The Heart Of A Community
Explore Expansive Sherwood Park In Midtown Toronto
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Thanks for reading!
-The Urbaneer Team
Steven Fudge, Sales Representative
& The Innovative Urbaneer Team
Bosley Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage – (416) 322-8000
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