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.
Cost: Free
Address: 155 Gladstone Ave, Oshawa