Joanna James
Although Toronto is the country's largest city, some of Canada's most coveted attractions for nature lovers are also located in its bustling capital. Here are five lush and verdant corners of Toronto every traveller should discover during a trip to the metropolis.
Whether you're based at Pan Pacific Toronto or any other city hotel, Evergreen Brick Works is one of the must-visit places in Toronto for conservation fans. Having been a brick factory for decades, the venue is one of the city's biggest eco success stories since it was transformed to include wetlands, gardens and walking paths. The award-winning conservation hotspot was designed following sustainable building practices while preserving the old smokestacks and kilns that were originally part of the structure. As a locale that frequently hosts public markets, Evergreen Brick Works is also a great place to buy native plants, seasonal fruits and handmade goodies.
Ranked among Toronto's best hiking hotspots, Rouge National Urban Park also holds the distinct honour of being the most expansive urban park not only in Toronto or Canada but in all of North America. Spread out across an impressive 7500 ha, this vast expanse not only contains hiking trails and marshlands but also meandering creeks, dense forests and farms. A safe haven for a large number of endemic plant and animal species, Rouge National Urban Park is a birdwatcher's dream destination. In addition to canoeing and walking, those with an interest in Canada's indigenous history can also sign up for a free tour of the park with a local guide.
Deemed Toronto's top outdoor recreational hub, High Park is where most residents head to for a long walk, a breath of fresh air and a break from the hustle and bustle of the downtown area. Lined with meadows, hills and picturesque trails, this family-friendly parkland is also home to one of the biggest playgrounds in the state of Ontario. Called the Jamie Bell Adventure Park, it is not the only highlight that draws visitors to this corner of the city as the High Park Zoo is also part of the landscape. Boasting a menagerie full of deer, peacocks, bison and llamas, the spring season is undoubtedly the best time to head over to High Park.
Occupying Lake Ontario, the Toronto Islands are easily accessible via a quick ferry ride from downtown Toronto. Offering nature lovers the bounty of nature at every turn, kayaking around the coast is one of the best things to do during a tour of the Toronto Islands. Those who are lucky enough to be exploring the isles during the heat of summer must also stop by Centre Island's Centreville Amusement Park. Often described as a beach lover's dream come true, some of the other points of interest found on these pristine islands include its well-maintained gardens and Hanlan’s Point.
Bordering Lake Ontario, the Toronto Music Garden was designed by none other than, Yo-Yo Ma, the world's most famous cellist in recent years. Divided into several zones that represent movements in Johann Sebastian Bach's popular cello suites, the venue frequently hosts concerts, dance recitals and other local festivals.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
