7 Green Spaces to Explore While Studying in Toronto

Toronto, Canada's largest metropolis (and the capital of Ontario), is a beautiful concrete jungle with busy streets. However, as any Torontonian will tell you, the city is much more than a sea of skyscrapers. There are approximately 1,500 parks in Toronto, so there are plenty of great natural green spaces to explore. Indeed, with so many locations to visit, international students who are new to the city may find it difficult to know where to begin. Fortunately, we have you covered. Whether you're new to Toronto or a long-time resident, you'll want to check out these green spaces!

1. Riverdale Park

Riverdale Park spans the Lower Don River and offers one of the best views of Toronto's skyline. Aside from stunning views, the park is home to Riverdale Farm, which includes live cattle and is open all year. If farming isn't your thing, the park also has ball diamonds, a running track, seven tennis courts, and a nice picnic area. Riverdale is well-known for its ice skating and tobogganing in the winter. It's no surprise that Riverdale Park is regarded as one of Toronto's best green spaces, with so much to offer!

2. Village of Yorkville Park

The Village of Yorkville Park is located in one of Toronto's most fashionable neighbourhoods and shares its name with adjacent Yorkville University, one of the city's most popular institutions for international students. Yorkville Park is basically a reclaimed parking lot—and while that may not sound appealing, it has received numerous architectural accolades! The park is divided into 11 landscapes that showcase the diversity of Canada's topography. Although Yorkville Park is not Toronto's largest natural green space, its unusual design provides a welcome respite from the city.

3. University of Toronto St. George Campus

One of the nicest green places in Toronto is also one of Canada's top colleges. The enormous St. George campus of the University of Toronto, located near Queen's Park, is worth touring even if you aren't a student there. The school's distinctive design and calm walking areas have prompted similarities to Hogwarts in the Harry Potter series. You might even see folks playing Quidditch on the University of Toronto's athletic fields! The Bamboo Garden at the Donnelly Centre and the Philosopher's Walk are two sites worth seeing.

4. Trinity Bellwoods Park

Trinity Bellwoods Park is a popular spot, especially in the summer, because it is close to some of Toronto's greatest restaurants. You won't go hungry if you get your food from the local farmers' market or one of the outstanding restaurants on Queen West or Ossington. Though it might get crowded in the summer, the park has something for everyone. Trinity Bellwoods Park is a green space in Toronto worth visiting if you enjoy sports, relaxing, or taking your dog to the off-leash area.

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5. Corktown Common

Corktown Common, one of Toronto's newer open spaces, was originally created as an athletes' village for the 2015 Pan Am Games. This former industrial area in West Don Lands is now a striking park and community centre. Corktown Park, albeit modest in comparison to other parks in the vicinity, is definitely worth a visit for its unusual design. The park not only provides stunning views of the Toronto skyline, but also offers a range of activities and attractions. Playgrounds, a splash pad, wetlands, a lily pond, and a public fireplace are among the amenities. It's also an excellent place to go bird watching without having to leave the city!

6. High Park

For good reason, High Park is one of Toronto's most popular parks: there's so much to do! Hiking trails, dog parks, sports facilities, greenhouses, and even a zoo are all available in Toronto's largest public park. During the summer, High Park is also a major cultural centre, featuring free Shakespeare in High Park events. Early spring, when the cherry blossom trees are in bloom, is a particularly popular time to come. High Park may not be the best location to unwind if you dislike crowds, but it is still one of Toronto's must-see green spots!

7. Allan Gardens

If you want to avoid the crowds at High Park or Trinity Bellwoods Park, Allan Gardens is a fantastic option. In this park and indoor botanical garden, six greenhouses house around 16,000 square feet of colourful plants and flowers. Allan Gardens is a hidden gem among Toronto's tall buildings, conveniently located downtown on Jarvis Street. Check it out if you're looking for something a little different!