When the sun is shining, all we want to do is soak up those rays. But with so many bustling picnic spots in the 6ix, it can be tough to find quiet Toronto parks to relax in. That’s why we’ve rounded up 11 hidden gems in the city so you can avoid the crowds on your next outing. If the Trinity Bellwoods chaos has you never wanting to go outside again, don’t fret. Some of Toronto’s less popular parks offer up the privacy we crave with all of the beauty we desire. From waterfront views and gorgeous canopy trees to statues and iconic monuments, there’s more than enough to enjoy at these low-key locations. Honestly, some of the parks and gardens on this list will have you wondering if you’re even still in the city. And, while some of them are naturally busy at peak times, you should be able to find a peaceful moment at all of them. So if you’re itching to escape the hustle and bustle, simply take a peek at the list below. And always remember to check the various park websites before heading out so you can get the most up-to-date information regarding rules, restrictions, and opening hours. Now pack up that picnic basket, it’s time for a peaceful escape. Etiénne Brûle Park Price: Free Address: 10 Catherine St., Toronto, ON Why You Need To Go: With winding hiking trails and perfectly adorable picnic areas, this quiet Toronto park will have you feeling totally at peace. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Monica (@eastendmony) on May 23, 2020 at 6:42pm PDT Website Sir Casimir Gzowski Park Price: Free Address: 1751 Lake Shore Blvd. W., Toronto, ON Why You Need To Go: You can find a calm green area to sit and relax or admire the monuments found here instead. View this post on Instagram #interestingmonument #kindascifi #picofmetakingapic #posing #posturing #selfietime #showoff A post shared by Jeannette Michelle (@jeannettejolicoeur) on Jun 13, 2018 at 8:08pm PDT Website King's Mill Park Price: Free Address: 105 Riverwood Pkwy., Toronto, ON Why You Need To Go: You can pull up a seat along the banks of the Humber River from this scenic park. View this post on Instagram Passeando no parque 🍁🌳☀️ Enjoying the park 🌳🍂 #weekend #toronto #almostfall #sunnyday #sunset A post shared by Lua Torres Melo (@luatmelo) on Sep 3, 2016 at 9:21pm PDT Website Craigleigh Gardens Price: Free Address: 160 South Dr., Toronto, ON Why You Need To Go: The antique gate and old canopy tree give this place a secret garden vibe and we're here for it. View this post on Instagram Hello Spring! 🌸☀️ #hellospring #springhassprung #may #dandelion #magnolia #flowers #puppy #blacklab #maplethelab #dogpark #toronto A post shared by M A R I E ॐ (@marie_lu.na) on May 21, 2020 at 12:40pm PDT Website Downsview Park Price: Free Address: 70 Canuck Ave., North York, ON Why You Need To Go: You can find peaceful nature trails scattered throughout this urban park where you can enjoy some peace and quiet. View this post on Instagram My favourite time of the year🌸 A post shared by 🦋Fażïa🦋 (@hime.estella) on May 24, 2020 at 7:06pm PDT Website Sunnybrook Park Price: Free Address: 1132 Leslie St., Toronto, ON Why You Need To Go: You'll find plenty of wide-open green spaces in this large Toronto park. It's a perfect picnic area, just watch those peak times! View this post on Instagram it’s monday, so we’ve replaced the tall can with the san pelly A post shared by @ rynicole_ on May 25, 2020 at 7:46pm PDT Website Rouge Urban National Park Price: Free Address: Zoo Road, Toronto, ON Why You Need To Go: You're sure to find a calm and quiet spot somewhere in this massive urban park. View this post on Instagram An evening stroll with a view that’s not around my living room 🌝 #optimalmoments #creativeoptic #moodygrams #explorecanada #Theimaged #canada #igtravel #ontario #depthobsessed #toronto #nowyouknow #qurantinelife #exploretocreate #agameoftones #staysafe #heatercentral #hiking #visualambassadors #gramslayers #fatalframes #illgrammes #vibegramz #welivetoexploreı A post shared by Trixie (@wheresblairr) on May 21, 2020 at 4:25pm PDT Website Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens Price: Free Address: 2901 Yonge St., Toronto, ON Why You Need To Go: If you're looking to bask in the sun and be surrounded by gorgeous flowers, this is the spot for you. View this post on Instagram •Não existe jornada sem obstáculos •⠀ ⠀ Não existe caminhada sem dificuldade. E quando você se deparar com elas, apenas continue! Enfrente cada um desses obstáculos como grandes ensinamentos. 🙌🏼⠀ ⠀ Se precisar reorganizar as estratégias, faça! Se precisar descansar, descanse. A única coisa que você não pode fazer é desistir. 👊🏼⠀ ⠀ Aprenda a ver a beleza oculta, agradeça pelos desafios que te fizeram mais forte e não espere pelas condições perfeitas - elas não existem!🥰⠀ ⠀⠀ Uma semana linda pra você, com poucos sonhos e muitas metas e objetivos.🙏🏼💪🏼⠀ ⠀ A post shared by Correndo no Canadá|Tali Amaral (@correndonocanada) on May 25, 2020 at 7:37pm PDT Website Don River Valley Park Price: Free Address: Don Valley Parkway, Toronto, ON Why You Need To Go: Aside from a few cyclists passing by, you can enjoy this space in relative peace most days. And with all the public art scattered throughout, there's lots to see. View this post on Instagram monsters for beauty installation A post shared by t. (@cpntuna) on Oct 9, 2017 at 6:16pm PDT Website Cedarvale Park Price: Free Address: 443 Arlington Ave., York, ON Why You Need To Go: You can stroll past a beautiful ravine and enjoy amazing nature views here. View this post on Instagram @juliarotenberg_ with the cherry blossoms in cedarvale park today 🌸✨ summer weather is back which means oakninespics is too :) A post shared by adam oaknine📸 (@oakninespics) on May 4, 2020 at 4:44pm PDT Website Ireland Park Price: Free Address: Queens Quay West, Toronto, ON Why You Need To Go: You won't feel alone at this unique spot that features a series of bronze human statues along the waterfront. The statues commemorate the tens of thousands who fled from Ireland during the great famine. View this post on Instagram "What can you learn from a statue? You can learn to stay calm whatever happens! #shadow #silhouette #toronto #everydaytoronto #torontomodel #torontoigers #torontocarnival #mytoronto #whatup #canadadiaries #canadaclicks #canadapictures #canadaphotography #canadaphotos #canada #torontotattoo #nvedi #instagram #instaupload #instaclick #instapic #colors #irelandparktoronto #statue #irelandparkstatues #irelandpark #irelandparkmonuments @toronto_insta @curiocitytoronto @thetorontostar @uoft @dailyhivetoronto @torontolife @toronto_cm @torontowolfpackofficial @Canada @explorecanada @facescanada A post shared by Mohamed Taabish (@mohamed_taabish) on Aug 28, 2019 at 6:33am PDT Website We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment.
