The Ultimate Local’s Guide to High Park, Toronto: What to See, Do & Eat
Planning a Toronto Day Out? Here’s Why High Park Is Worth It
If you’re looking to explore more of Toronto beyond the usual downtown spots, make some time for High Park. It’s one of the city’s biggest green spaces and a personal favourite when I want nature, trails, and fresh air without leaving town.
High Park sits in the west end and has everything from walking paths and gardens to a free zoo, seasonal cherry blossoms, and a ton of family-friendly spots. It feels like a proper escape from the city without needing a car or a full day off.
Whether you’re visiting with kids, meeting friends for a walk, or just want a quiet place to sit under a tree, this guide will show you what to expect, where to go, and how to enjoy the park like a local. I’ll also share some easy planning tips and a few quiet spots that are often overlooked.
1. Stroll or Hike the Trails
One of the best ways to experience High Park is simply by walking through it. The park spans nearly 400 acres, and within it, you’ll find over 8 km of scenic trails that wind through wooded ravines, open meadows, and quiet lakeside paths.
If you’re not sure where to start, I recommend heading toward Grenadier Pond — the main western entrance near Colborne Lodge Drive. From there, you can follow a natural loop that takes you up through the forested hills, around the pond, and past wildflower gardens and lookout points.
It’s peaceful, shaded, and especially magical during golden hour when the sun filters through the trees. In spring and fall, the colours are stunning — cherry blossoms in May, and fiery maple leaves in October.
Best Trails to Explore
- Cherry Blossom Loop (May)
This seasonal favourite circles around the Sakura Grove near Hillside Gardens. If you’re visiting in early May, this is the trail to walk. Expect crowds on peak bloom weekends, but early weekday mornings are quieter. - West Ravine + Grenadier Pond Loop
A quiet and slightly more rugged trail that wraps around the pond and climbs into the ravine system on the western side of the park. Look out for herons and turtles along the water’s edge. - Main Paved Path (Family-Friendly)
If you’re visiting with kids or strollers, there’s a wide paved loop running from Bloor Street to the park’s southern tip. Easy to navigate and dotted with benches, fountains, and playgrounds along the way.
📝 Tip: Wear good walking shoes, especially if you plan to explore the wooded trails — some areas can be uneven or muddy after rain. And download the AllTrails app if you want a GPS-friendly map to follow (search “High Park Trail Loop”).
2. Catch Cherry Blossom Season (Sakura Trees)
If you’ve ever seen photos of soft pink petals cascading through High Park in spring, you already know why cherry blossom season is such a big deal here. In fact, High Park is Toronto’s most popular spot to see cherry blossoms — and for good reason. It’s the largest and oldest grove of sakura trees in the city, gifted by Tokyo in 1959.
When Do the Cherry Blossoms Bloom?
The blossoms typically bloom between late April and early May, depending on the weather. There’s usually a small window of just 4–7 days when the petals are in full bloom, and trust me — the park gets busy. If you’re planning a visit during this time, it’s worth checking the City of Toronto’s blossom tracker for real-time updates on bloom status.
Best Viewing Spots in High Park
- Hillside Gardens: This is the most iconic and photographed area. The cherry trees here line a winding path that gently slopes down toward Grenadier Pond. On a clear day, the light hits just right for dreamy shots.
- Cherry Blossom Hill: Just southwest of Hillside Gardens, this area is slightly quieter and offers wide-open space where you can sit and enjoy the view.
- Near the Duck Pond: You’ll find a few scattered cherry trees near the Duck Pond and the children’s playground, which are especially beautiful when reflected in the water.
Local Tips
📸 Photo tip: If you want that soft morning light and minimal crowds, arrive before 8 AM on a weekday. Weekends get very packed – especially mid-morning to late afternoon.
👟 What to wear: Paths can still be muddy in spring, so wear waterproof shoes or boots if you plan to wander off the main walkways.
🧺 Want to picnic? Bring a blanket and snacks – just be mindful of litter and park rules (no alcohol, no fires, no drones).
🚫 Note: During peak bloom, parts of the park may have vehicle restrictions. TTC and walking in are usually your best bet. Shuttle buses sometimes operate from major subway stations like Keele or High Park during blossom season.
🗺️ Want to explore more cherry blossom spots in Toronto?
Check out my Top 10 Breathtaking Spots to See Cherry Blossoms in Toronto – perfect if you want to go beyond High Park.
🌸 Looking for an in-depth guide just for this park?
You’ll love my High Park Cherry Blossoms Guide, where I break down the best photo ops, crowd tips, and what to expect throughout the season.
3. Have a Picnic at Grenadier Pond
Grenadier Pond is one of those rare city spots that instantly feels peaceful. Tucked on the western edge of the park, it offers beautiful waterfront views, open skies, and lots of grassy patches that are perfect for lounging, reading, or spreading out a picnic blanket.
You’ll spot benches and a few picnic tables near the path, but honestly, I prefer bringing my own setup – especially on warmer weekends when the built-in seating fills up quickly. A simple throw blanket, snacks, and a thermos of something iced is all you need.
If you’re coming from the west end or Roncesvalles, grab takeout from one of my go-to spots:
- High Park Brewery (great for craft cans and pub-style sandwiches)
- The Cheese Boutique (a bit farther but totally worth the detour for gourmet goodies and charcuterie)
What to know:
- The pond is catch-and-release for fishing (if that’s your thing), but swimming isn’t allowed.
- It’s a designated environmentally sensitive area, so stick to the trails and help protect the local wildlife.
- Watch for turtles and herons – especially around dusk!
📍 Best picnic areas:
Head to the east side of the pond near the willow trees for the best shade and views. If you want more privacy, wander a bit further south where the trails widen and the crowds thin out.
4. Visit the High Park Zoo (Yes, It’s Free!)
One of the sweetest surprises inside High Park is the High Park Zoo – a charming, low-key animal haven that’s been around since 1893. Tucked between the trees just south of the playground, this little zoo is perfect for a slow stroll, especially if you’re visiting with kids (or just love animals).
Don’t expect lions or giraffes – this isn’t the Toronto Zoo. But what you will find are unique and endearing residents:
- Llamas that sometimes lounge in the sun like they own the place
- Bison and highland cattle that look straight out of a Canadian postcard
- Peacocks that casually roam the paths (and sometimes get a little sassy)
- Plus reindeer, sheep, capybaras, and other barnyard animals
It’s small, walkable, and shaded, making it one of the most relaxing corners of the park. You’ll often see families pausing at each enclosure or toddlers trying to “baa” at the sheep.
🎟️ Entry is free and open daily from around 7 AM to dusk. There are donation boxes and QR codes throughout the zoo if you’d like to support the animals and their care – which I always recommend doing if you can.
🗺️ How to find it:
Start from the Bloor Street entrance near High Park Subway Station and walk downhill toward the Children’s Playground – you’ll see signs leading to the zoo path from there.
📸 Pro tip: Visit around feeding time (usually late afternoon) for the most active animal-watching experience.
5. Explore the Hillside Gardens
If you’re someone who loves quiet corners and landscaped beauty, the Hillside Gardens in High Park are pure joy. Tucked away from the busier paths, this section feels almost like stepping into a private botanical retreat. Designed with layers of seasonal flowers, curated walkways, and mini waterfalls, it’s the kind of spot where you’ll want to linger longer than expected.
The gardens change with the seasons — from tulips and daffodils in the spring to vibrant foliage in the fall — and are filled with little discoveries, like hidden benches, shaded pergolas, and storybook-worthy bridges. It’s a popular spot for engagement photos and solo strolls alike, and easily one of the most peaceful areas in the park.
If you’re someone who appreciates slower moments on a walk, bring your coffee, grab a seat in the shade, and just people-watch. You’ll see families, artists sketching, and even wedding parties passing through for a few photos.
If you’re looking for a quiet and scenic pocket of High Park that feels almost like a hidden retreat, the Hillside Gardens are absolutely worth a stroll.
Just north of Grenadier Café, these landscaped gardens offer winding pathways, rock features, small waterfalls, and blooming seasonal plants that shift with the seasons. You’ll see tulips and daffodils in spring, roses and lush annuals through summer, and rich fall colours as the leaves turn in autumn.
It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down — whether you’re taking a reflective walk, enjoying a peaceful moment on a shaded bench, or snapping photos by the stone bridges and vine-covered pergola in the back.
📍 Where to find it
Enter from the Colborne Lodge Road entrance and follow the signs toward Grenadier Restaurant. The gardens are just behind it, near the central loop.
6. Watch a Shakespeare in the Park Show
There’s something magical about sitting under the open sky, surrounded by tall trees, and watching Shakespeare come to life on stage. Every summer, Canadian Stage brings their beloved outdoor theatre series to High Park with full-scale performances of classic plays like Romeo & Juliet or A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The experience is low-key but immersive – think blankets, friends, snacks, and great storytelling.
The shows typically run from late June through August and take place in a natural amphitheatre setting. General admission is open seating on the hillside, and while it’s technically pay-what-you-can, tickets now officially start at $32.50 for adults and $20 for kids under 16 (with some discounts for students and seniors). Booking in advance is a smart idea, especially for weekend performances or if you want a good viewing spot.
Bring a cushion, sweater, and snacks – and know that washrooms are nearby. If you want the full High Park summer evening experience, this is it.
