Toronto is a home to numerous parks. In fact, it is also called a “city within a park” as it has a total of 1,500 parks in it. Let us get to know two of the best, biggest, and most popular parks in this city – the High Park and Rouge National Urban Park.

High Park

High Park is the largest public park in Toronto. The 161-hectare park land is one of the most popular in Toronto, as it offers a wide variety of activities. Aside from the typical park activities, like walking, jogging, or running, the High Park offers many sports facilities including tennis courts, baseball diamonds, soccer fields, outdoor swimming pool, ice skating rink, and paved roads for biking.

Duck in High Park in Toronto

Dog owners love this park because of its wide leash-free dog park where they can play freely with their dogs. The area, however, is not fenced so keep your eyes on your dog to make sure they don’t run on other areas of the park where dogs without leash are not allowed.

If you want to peacefully enjoy the beauty of nature, you can start at its beautiful waterfront with frogs, ducks, and a lot of other birds. Boats are not allowed on the Grenadier Pond, but you can appreciate the great view along the waters. They also have a lovely and well-maintained zoo and plenty of trails full of plants and beautiful flowers.

The High Park is also a favorite spot for picnics. It has 18 picnic spots that can accommodate several families and groups of friends. However, if the group exceeds 25 persons, a permit must be secured first to reserve a spot. Barbeque is also not allowed in the park; you may bring foods or buy on Grenadier Café and other food vendors within the park. Families enjoy spending the day here while the kids excitedly play at its huge playground full of slides, swings, and castles.

High Park located in 1873 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Ontario and is open every day. Admission is free and open to the public.

Rouge National Urban Park

One of the best parks for camping and hiking, Rogue National Urban Park is also known as the Canada’s first National Urban Park and the largest one in North America. Its wide-ranging trails and forests will make you feel like you’re really far away from the city. Guided walks are available and you may call in or check their sites for schedules. Bring your binoculars for bird-watching, as the park is also a home to 225 bird species.

You can also enjoy a relaxing bike ride on the waterfront trail near the shore. Fishing and camping are also popular activities in this park. Nature photography is permitted but guests are reminded to respect wildlife and keeping themselves safe. The sunset and flowers in the park are great subject for photography too! If you’re into water sports, you’ll surely have fun kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding down the Rouge Marsh. Or just relax on sandy Rouge Beach and swim on Lake Ontario.

Rouge National Urban Park is located at Zoo Road, Toronto, Ontario. It is open daily and you can enter the park for free.

Both parks offer a variety of activities. Depending on your choice of activities, you may visit any of them for a relaxing and fun-filled weekend.

Up next, you’ll learn about the best activities to do on weekends in Toronto.

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