Parks and Play

A leafy downtown park at Elgin Street and Laurier Avenue, right beside the Rideau Canal, with mature trees, a memorial fountain honouring Colonel By and several monuments, including the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument. It is a pleasant place to sit or stroll, and it hosts big free gatherings such as Winterlude and Canada Day. The park is free to visit year round.

Ottawa's oldest park sits on a hill between the National Gallery of Canada and the Château Laurier, with wide lawns and great views over the Rideau Canal locks, Parliament Hill and the Ottawa River. It is a favourite spot for a picnic and one of the best places to see tulips in spring, with history panels along the paths. The park is free and open year round; seasonal washrooms run from May to October.

A hidden garden park near the Humber River, known for its formal gardens, stone pathways, spring fed pools, streams and mature trees. It sits next to the ecologically significant Lambton Woods, so look out for migrating birds, butterflies and hummingbirds. Free and open year round.

A beautiful city garden park with perennials and roses on the uplands, and wildflowers, rhododendrons and a large rockery down in the Wilket Creek valley. It sits next to the Toronto Botanical Garden and links to ravine trails. Entry to the gardens is free; note that the main parking lot is paid.

A waterfront park on Lake Ontario with a playground, lawns and a long water channel lined with tall sculptures. It is a pleasant stop on a walk along the harbour, a short stroll from Sugar Beach. Free and open year round.

A modern park at the foot of the Don River with rolling hills, a marsh with boardwalks, a playground and sports field, and great views of the downtown skyline. It is a great place for kids to run around and for a quiet walk by the wetland. Free and open year round.

A much loved community park across from Dufferin Mall, with a big playground, basketball and pickleball courts, ping pong tables, a skate spot, firepits and picnic sites. It has a lively neighbourhood feel and plenty of shade. Free and open year round.

A green downtown park right behind the Art Gallery of Ontario, with lawns, shady trees, a playground and a dog off leash area. It is a peaceful break from the busy streets of Chinatown and Queen West. Free and open year round.

A waterfront urban beach park with yellow umbrellas, sand and grassy mounds looking out over Toronto Harbour and the Islands. It is a relaxing place to lounge by the lake right downtown. Free and open year round.

Canada's Sugar Beach is an urban beach park on the waterfront with pink umbrellas, Muskoka chairs and sand beside the sugar refinery. It is a lovely spot to sit by the harbour and watch the boats. Free and open year round.

A big sunken park beside Christie subway station, with grassy slopes that make a natural amphitheatre around the baseball diamond. It has a playground, basketball and pickleball courts, a skate spot, ping pong tables, a firepit and picnic sites. Free and open year round.

One of downtown Toronto's liveliest parks, with big lawns, mature trees, a playground, picnic sites, tennis and pickleball courts and a popular dog off leash area in the hollow. It is a favourite spot for picnics and people watching right off Queen Street West. Open year round and free to enjoy.