20+ Walks to Enjoy Spring in Toronto and GTA

This spring, get outdoors and enjoy fresh air, exercise, and the beautiful nature and wildlife sites.

Magnolias, Royal Botanical Garden

No matter where you are located, these 20+ parks within Toronto and the GTA will provide the perfect opportunity to explore walking trails and outdoor recreation with friends and family.

High Park

Discover the beauty of cherry trees in bloom while strolling across the expansive grounds of High Park. The blooming peak occurs approximately mid to late April to May when the park is most popular. And beyond the viewing of cherry blossoms, there are plenty of paths and trails to discover during an afternoon walk. Details

Address: 1873 Bloor St W, Toronto
Cost: Free

Tommy Thompson Park

A trip to Tommy Thompson Park will provide a fresh, springtime walk, especially on a warm afternoon. Visit the Bird Research Station to view and study hundreds of feathered friends. This 250-hectare park is entirely human-made and easily accessible by car or TTC, making it a great place to walk while still escaping the bustle of the city. Details

Address: 1 Leslie St, Toronto
Cost: Free

Alexander Muir Gardens

This popular green space in midtown Toronto is well-maintained and landscaped, the perfect scenic spot for a walk this spring. It is also a popular destination for photography. The gardens also offer benches, smaller walking trails, and fresh, grassy mounds to enjoy a picnic in the warmer weather. Details

Address: 2901 Yonge St, Toronto
Cost: free

Toronto Botanical Garden

Catch May flowers in bloom as petals open up to greet the new season. If you are looking for a lush and colourful environment, a walk through the Toronto Botanical Gardens will provide an excellent spring excursion. Check out hundreds of plant and flower varieties and bird habitats. Details

Address: 777 Lawrence Avenue East, Toronto
Cost: Free admission

Evergreen Brickworks

The Evergreen Brickworks, located near the Don Valley in Toronto, offers an excellent area for springtime strolls. You can discover many trails and winding paths that will eventually lead you to the Don River Valley Park. Plus if you visit on weekends, you can attend their annual markets. Details

Address: 550 Bayview Ave, Toronto

Cost: free (event programming will include a cost).

Rouge National Urban Park

Rouge National Urban Park offers 75 square kilometres of luscious grounds to explore this spring. There are also ten different trails, ranging in hiking ability. Rouge Park also welcomes a diverse collection of wildlife, including 247 species of birds. Birdwatchers will love the various feathered creatures that nest within the park, including Goldfinches, Chickadees, ravens, and sparrows. Details

Address: Various, GTA
Cost: free

Humber Bay Park

Located in Toronto’s west end, Humber Bay Park is a popular destination for outdoor recreation. The area stretches 1.4 square kilometres, offering beautiful views of the harbourfront. In addition to the various walking paths to explore, this park also provides a home for birds, ducks, and other wildlife, surrounding Lake Ontario. It also has a butterfly park. Details

Address: 100 Humber Bay Park Rd W, Toronto
Cost: free to access, with additional parking costs after 5 pm.

East Point Park

East Point Park, located in Scarborough, is a scenic nature area and a bird sanctuary. Take a journey towards the east end of the waterfront, where you will find plenty of walking trails, meadows, and forests. East Point is also a mecca for nature lovers and walking along Lake Ontario.

Address: 101 Copperfield Rd, Scarborough
Cost: free

Humber Arboretum

The Humber Arboretum provides a public botanical garden and nature area over 250 acres. This spring, explore the various walking trails or book a guided tour. There are also plenty of educational group programs available for schools and local organizations. Details

Address: 205 Humber College Blvd, Etobicoke
Cost: free

Marie Curtis Park

There are plenty of features to explore at Marie Curtis Park, making these grounds the perfect area to explore this spring. The edges of this Etobicoke Creek are home to 150-year-old Alder trees, with walking trails that will lead to the waterfront and an off-leash dog park. Details

Address: 2 Forty Second St, Etobicoke
Cost: Parking fees may apply

Rattray Marsh Conservation Area

If you enjoy the quiet beauty of nature and wildlife, be sure to take a hike through the Rattray Marsh Conservation. Breathe in the fresh, spring air as you travel across hiking trails, encountering various species and lush forests. Or take your bikes and ride one of the many biking trails, or grab a pair of binoculars to catch some birdwatching. Details

Address: 1180 Lakeshore Rd W, Mississauga
Cost: free

Kariya Park

This tranquil, Japanese-inspired garden is home to majestic Sakura trees, rhododendrons, sculptures, and even a duck pond. Kariya, Japan, is considered a Sister City in Mississauga and was created in the 1950s to develop communications and an appreciation of culture between the two countries. Take a relaxing walk through Kariya Park and observe how the blooming flowers welcome the new spring season.

Address: 3620 Kariya Dr, Mississauga
Cost: Free

Riverwood Conservancy

Riverwood Park offers 150 acres of peaceful, scenic paths and some of the best walking trails to explore this spring. Best known for its ecologically diverse lands, Riverwood is home to 200-300-year-old trees, which protect hundreds of wildlife species and birds that call the park their habitat. Details

Address: 4300 Riverwood Park Ln., Mississauga
Cost: free

Spencer Smith Park

Spencer Smith Park is located in downtown Burlington, offering gorgeous views of the waterfront and is nestled against Lake Ontario. This sprawling park was named after a prominent former president of the Burlington Horticultural Society who was instrumental in helping to create green spaces within the area. The park includes a large playground, monuments, and walking paths to enjoy this spring. Details

Address: 1400 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington
Cost: free to access, but parking costs may be required.

Royal Botanical Gardens – Arboretum

Considered Canada’s most extensive botanical gardens, the Royal Botanical Gardens comprises four formal gardens across 1,100 hectares of land. Stroll along the various nature trails and view spring flowers in bloom, such as Magnolias, lilacs, and Irises. The walking trails provide access to historical sites as well as environmentally protected areas. Details

Royal Botanical Gardens

Address:

Arboretum: 16 Old Guelph Road, Hamilton

RBG Centre and Hendrie Park: 680 Plains Road West, Burlington
David Braley and Nancy Gordon Rock Garden: 1185 York Boulevard, Hamilton
Laking Garden: 1221 Spring Garden Road, Burlington

Cost: Free admission to the Arboretum.

Aurora Arboretum

The Aurora Community Arboretum is a vast, 100-acre park that includes many facets such as many flowering trees, ponds, wildlife, and bird habitats, and wildlife. In particular, the meadow is a wide, open space perfect for walking on a spring day while being mindful of the species that call that area home.

If you feel more adventurous, you can volunteer at the Arboretum or partake in the many community programs available. Details

Address: between Wellington and St Johns Side Road, Aurora
Cost: Donations are welcome. Some event programs may incur a cost.

Bronte Creek Park

This 6.4-kilometre park located in the heart of Oakville provides many fun, outdoor amenities, including a play barn, playground equipment, washrooms, and even a camping area. In addition, there are many paths to discover amidst lush, green surroundings and wildlife for those who want to enjoy a nice, long walk around the park. Details

Address: 1219 Burloak Dr, Oakville
Cost: cost per vehicle

Joyce Archdekin Park

This lovely, tranquil park is a favourite among local Brampton residents. Enjoy a quiet stroll through the grassy meadow and observe as the cherry blossoms bloom. Then, as the weather gets warmer and the ground becomes dry, you can bring along a picnic basket. Details

Address: Main St S, Brampton
Cost: free

Gairloch Gardens

Gairloch Gardens is a peaceful, down-to-earth spot in Oakville to see spring-flowering cherry blossoms and rhododendrons. Located south of Lakeshore Road near Morrison Road, Gairloch Gardens was part of the estate of the late James Gairdner, who bequeathed his estate to the Town of Oakville. Details

Cost: Free
Address: 1306 Lakeshore Rd E, Oakville

Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens

The venue of the famed Peony Festival is well worth the visit. Visit during May to enjoy the flowering trees and early June to enjoy the Peony Garden at the Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens. This is one of the largest contemporary peony gardens with over 300 varieties of peonies.