High Park – Toronto’s Urban Nature Retreat
Located on the western side of Toronto – one of the most popular parks, High Park, can be found. Measuring 161 hectares, this striking green space of central this city boasts cultural, historical and recreational amenities as well tourist worthy gardens, playgrounds and natural areas, as well as numerous trails for walking or cycling (running).
Regardless of whether one is interested in flowers, history, recreation or hiking or simply a parent with children who need to be entertained, High Park has it all. Stay tuned as we explore some of the best attractions and sometimes overlooked points of interest in High Park employing this awesome High Park map.
Spring Freshness is Coming
Statistically, the best time to visit high park is during spring because flowers start blooming and the cherry trees also, daffodils are also doing their twirls, baby animals are out of hibernation. High park has more cherry trees than any other park within Toronto. Some of the most outstanding features of scenery include beautiful cherry blossom trees mostly the Sargent’s which give pink flowers throughout April and early May.
For one of the loveliest spring views, go to the Cherry Hill at the southern end of High Park. Can’t miss the blossoms and skyline at Cobble Hill. The exact time of and number of blossoms in full bloom vary depending on the weather, so check with the City’s Cherry Watch for the best timing. It is also possible to walk through the Cherry Orchard and imagine it back in 1944 when more than forty thousand people united states to celebrate an annual cherry blossom festival started in 1959.
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High Park Zoo
Well everyone with dynamism for animals and more so kids will find it enjoyable to visit High Park Zoo located in the central park. This free-admission five-area site has been entertaining children right from 1893 that makes it one of the oldest zoos in North America.
Go face to face with llamas in the section on the Andean Highlands. Meet wallabies, peacocks, highland cow, guinea pigs, reindeer, bison and others out of 150 animals of the zoo under bison, farm animals, guinea pigs, birds and reptiles category.
When in the zoo don’t forget to get a look at the Grenadier Pond. During this spring and summer, do not fail to note signs of youthful reproduction that include little ducklings moving around behind their mothers and young goslings which are still learning how to walk on the ground.
The pond is also a bird watcher’s paradise that hosts over one hundred and odd migrating birds every year. Bring binoculars and a bird list guide to view passerines, birds of prey and water birds from numerous vantage points and sitting benches alongside the water.
Spring Hill and Valleys Hiking Trail
If you have on your boots and want to trek about High park natural paths, you are presented with over 11km of hiking paths across the park’s forests, meadows and ravines. Probably the most relaxing trail is known as Spring Creek Valley trail that begins in the north-western part of the park at Park side Drive.
Down wooden stairways into the densely wooded gully and along the valley creek which overlies rocks and logs. Ferns open on the steep grades as trilliums bloom at trail ends. It is an easy path, apart from short steep slopes at the end of the path which totals the length of 1.5 km of the loop.
This is also a good place to observe Atlantic salmon in their migration from Lake Ontario up the creek for spawning between November and December. Despite this giving the impression of a being deep in the natural boondocks, this is a five star escape located within minutes of the urban jungle.
Kid’s adventure playground for Jamie Bell
The best park playground for kids must be the Jamie Bell Adventure Playground situated on the northern side of the Grenadier pond. This aggressively whimsical play area opened in 2017 for Canada 150 featuring longtime High Park recreation supervisor Jamie Bell. Tap and explore through body movements, kids love it when they are free to go through particular physical tasks, take some risks, become independent with their movements and let their imagination work.
The complex construction with a living roof, zip lines, giant slides, climbing walls, logs, nets and tunnels will challenge any visitor physically and mentally making it impossible for them to be bored and still by the day’s end! For younger guests there is a relatively normal playground that can be used to entertain them.
Subsequently, walk over to the Jamie Bell Visitors Centre which has more than kid-friendly washrooms with change tables and a nursing room downstairs. Upstairs the Grenadier Café provides sandwiches, other light bites, coffee and cold drinks on a terrace over-looking the pond.
The Laburnum Archway Photo
As of late spring Lacrurnum Walkway close to the park’s entrance to the eastern gates becomes one of the main attractions in High Park on Instagram. This allée is also known as Golden Arch or Laburnum Tunnel; This covered walkway consist of more than hundred Laburnum trees with stems trailing yellow flowers.
The time for mass flowering is generally early to middle of May. That being said, the arch only has a 10-14 day bloom cycle so you better take a picture. Bright light comes through the orange flowers, making it look like a picture from a fairytale, or something similar. Remember To avoid photographing the monument during the day there are best times of the day when there are less tourists, early morning golden light or late in the evening.
When taking a picture of this natural beauty go ahead and take a closer look at its history. The laburnum walk was designed by Howard Scarlett Peacock who with his wife donated their neighbouring land now known as Peacock Point to the City of Toronto in 1967.
During your visit to Colborne Lodge, you should not miss to participate in the Afternoon Tea. History enthusiast will find it informative to visit Colborne Lodge Museum located to the northeast of Grenadier Pond. This Regency-style cottage was erected in 1837 to house artist and reformer, John George Howard and provides a glimpse of early Toronto.
Not only did John Howard design High Park but also this heritage home which stands surrounded by ornamental gardens. You could check out the gallery of the furnished period rooms and exhibits or also quench your thirst in the Tea Room available. Relax in the back Muskoka chairs for the terrace with view of park. Try out the culinary afternoon tea service with sandwiches, scones and a sweet treat daily. High Park isn’t complete without a visit to the gift shop that sell local handicrafts, including High Park branded items.
Arbeitstitel: Dream in the Stars at the Observatory
End a fantastic day in High Park with some stars gazing. There are only two public observatories in Toronto and High Park has one of them. Founded in 1935, this is one of the most important observatories in Canada; it is managed by the Toronto Astronomical Society and its main attraction is the 141⁄2-inch telescope.
Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from the middle of May to mid-October, amateur astronomers give public star gazing sessions. You can stare at something around the astronomical features that we can be seen by the scope like the crater of the moon, the rings of Saturn and other distant galaxies. Visit their webpage with online calendar of viewing schedules and themes from lunar eclipses to the Milky Way.
Guests will have an opportunity to look through the eyepiece for that out of this world- telescopic view. The only thing you have to remember is to wear the appropriate warm sweater.
A park so special as this needs to be preserved for many generations more. On foot, bicycles or roller blades, always use a High Park map and join us in falling in love with Toronto’s Jewel. Let new discoveries to be made and uncovered every bend as the pleasant and changing of the seasons sets in. See just why High Park continues to be one of the mecca parks in the city even after the creation of this parks over a period of 140 years.
