Original source: Buffalo Spree
Take in the colors before entertainment
You’ve just finished trekking part of the 100-mile trail system. It’s now time to head to higher ground to appreciate the park’s stunning colors, a vibrant mix courtesy of mature oak, maple, birch, and cedar trees. The spectacular view of the forest canopy is reminiscent of an impressionist painting but what’s that on the horizon? The CN Tower which, true to its name, really does tower over Toronto’s skyline.
While not on the radar of most leaf peepers, the 494-acre Don River Valley Park is just one of Toronto’s several urban parks that does a superb job of showcasing fall colors. In most instances, they’re just a short drive from the downtown core, which means you can see the leaves, then take in the Leafs if you’re a sports fan. Or, for theatergoers, a post-peeper outing could be a performance of Six, which won a 2022 Tony for Best Musical Score.
Toronto has long been celebrated as a multicultural city, Canada’s version of New York when it comes to the diversity of arts, culture, and dining experiences. So if you want to pair them with foliage, here’s a rundown of the city’s green getaway options:
Don River Valley Park
Home to deer, fox, raccoons, beavers, and numerous bird species, the logical starting point in this park system is Evergreen Brick Works, a nineteenth-century brick factory turned dynamic public meeting space. On Saturdays, shop the city’s largest farmers’ market before hitting the trails. There are also artisan and vintage markets on Sundays through October 29. Other onsite amenities include a café, wine shop, and garden market.
donrivervalleypark.ca; evergreen.ca
Toronto Islands/Toronto Island Park
Another way to take in a sea of color is to travel the sea (Lake Ontario actually) to Toronto Island Park. By itself, the ten-to-fifteen-minute ferry from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal makes the visit worthwhile, as it affords postcard views of the Toronto skyline. Tip: for the best views, keep to the right or west side when boarding. Once disembarked, you’ll find yourself on 600-acre Toronto Island, an eclectic mix of green space, biking trails, and picnic grounds offering more great views of the city skyline. The fall ferry schedule runs daily from 8:30 a.m. to 11:20 p.m. with adult ticket prices running around $7 USD, less for kids and seniors.
destinationtoronto.com/things-to-do/outdoors-and-recreation/toronto-islands
High Park
When Ernest Hemingway called Toronto home during the late twenties, the 400-acre High Park was a natural draw; he went so far as to express concern for the livelihood of rare oak trees there. Thankfully, the park is still home to everything from rare oak black savannas to red oaks and hemlock trees. About two-thirds of the park comprise natural areas, with 549 different plant species, 309 of which are native. Other highlights include hiking trails, a thirty-five acre pond, manicured gardens, a labyrinth, and several sculptures. While High Park is one of Toronto’s most popular playgrounds, it has also become a focal point for environmental studies tied to ongoing conservation and restoration efforts.
Love Park
While you won’t see nearly as many trees or as broad a color spectrum as you do in other city parks, you will see a lot of red—in the form of a border around a massive heart-shaped pond. More than anything, Love Park is designed for visitors to enjoy the city’s downtown setting. A place for families, couples, and friends to relax that’s easily accessible on foot or public transit within the downtown core. This compact, two-acre park is also a testament to urban renewal, situated on the footprint of what was once an offramp for the Gardener Expressway.
Three As of GTA(Great Toronto Area)
Accommodation. Treat yourself to a stay at 1 Hotel, complete with nature-inspired interiors, organic cuisine, and daily sustainable sipping experiences. The hotel also boasts a rooftop infinity pool and bar area that gives you a panoramic view of the city. 1hotels.com
Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO). In addition to continual special exhibits, AGO features spectacular Group of Seven landscape painters that celebrate the great outdoors. AGO is also steps away from Toronto’s vibrant Chinatown.
Avling. You won’t get much closer to nature than this east-end microbrewery, which serves up a farm to table experience. Or more accurately, rooftop to table experience by virtue of the 4,000-square-foot rooftop garden. There, the restaurant grows the tomatoes, carrots, garlic, hot peppers, apples, and hops that end up on your plate or in your pint. avling.ca