Guild Park & Gardens

About Guild Park & Gardens, Scarborough – Toronto, Ontario, Canada

A beautiful sculptural garden located along the Scarborough Bluffs, Guildwood Park, was home to Rosa Breithaupt Hewetson & Spencer Clark, who were patrons of arts and preservationists. They acquired architectural remnants from lots of demolished buildings of early 2oth century and showcased it in the gardens. The Clarks sold the property to Toronto and Region Conservation Authority in 1978. The park known as The Guild, is also home to The Guild Inn, which was built in 1914. The Inn was in operation till 2002. Once a sanctuary to artists and artisans and the site of the innovative Guild of All Arts, the Guild covers about 88 acres; has gardens, and woodland trails.

In July, 2014, Toronto City Council approved Dynamic Hospitality & Entertainment Group’s proposal for a new banquet facility and ceremonial space to be connected to the historical Guild Inn building and restoration of Guild Inn (Bickford residence).

Things to do in Scarborough.

What to do at Guild Park & Gardens?

Attractions & Things to do at Guild Park

Enjoy a quiet time in the garden interspersed with representative architectural pieces from downtown Toronto buildings of late 19th /early 20th century.

The remnants include a facade of The Temple Building (62 Richmond Street West and Bay Street ) which was the tallest building till 1905, animal bas-relief panels from Bank of Montreal by famous artist Jacobine Jones, and a log cabin built in 19th century.

Pièce de résistance of the garden is the greek theatre, constructed with the ornate archways and eight pillars of the Bank of Toronto built in 1913. [Trivia – Bank of Toronto that stood on the southwest corner of Bay and King Streets was demolished in 1960’s to make way for the Toronto Dominion Centre] The pieces were erected together to form a greek theatre in 1982.

During the summer months, be entertained by the open-air productions by Guild Festival Theatre and other Art festivals held at the Guild gardens.

Stroll the woodland trails along the side of Lake Ontario. One can also catch a glimpse of the Scarborough Bluffs from the cliffs. (Once you cross the terracotta gates to the viewpoint over looking Lake Ontario – the path divides into two – the left takes you back to the parking lot, and the right path along Lake Ontario stretches till Livingston Road.)

Take pictures with beautiful backdrops. Wedding photography is also allowed.

Admission is Free

When to visit Guild Park & Gardens?

Guild Park Hours

Open year round – Day light hours recommended.

Guild Festival Theatre open air production at the Greek Theatre – 2018

Guild Festival Theatre presents “Pygmalion”: July 11 to August 12, 2018 | 07:30 PM

Guild Alive with Culture : July 28-39, 2018

Also check Friends of Guild Park & Gardens for updates and events & walking tours.

Doors Open Walking Tours

Traditional Christmas Tree Lighting: During First Weekend of December

Events include visit by Santa Claus, carolling & more!

How to get to Guild Park & Gardens?

Guild Park & Gardens Location & Directions

Situated along Scarborough Bluffs overlooking Lake Ontario, Guildwood Park is located at 201 Guildwood Parkway, Toronto, in the historic residential neighbourhood of Guildwood (Guildwood village), Scarborough.

For detailed directions, see the map tab.

Trip planning by public transit – here

Plenty of free parking available on site.

Parking may not be available during Guild Alive with Culture festival – See here for details

What about amenities & accessibility at Guild Park & Gardens, Toronto?

Accessibility

Though not completely paved, the trails and garden pathways are mostly accessible.

Washrooms available.

Other Info

Care should be taken at the Lake Ontario lookout, as the ground drops steeply.

Bikes, pets and picnicking are not allowed inside the Guild gardens.

The Guild Inn Estate for weddings and other social events.

You may like to visit Port Union Waterfront Park, Scarborough.