High Park is one of Toronto’s largest and most popular public parks, situated in the city’s west end. Spanning 161 hectares (400 acres), the park offers a diverse range of attractions, from sporting and recreational facilities to cultural and educational areas. A significant portion of the park remains in its natural state, featuring a rare oak savannah ecosystem. High Park is also renowned for its cherry blossoms in spring, drawing thousands of visitors each year. This review compiles ratings and feedback from Google and TripAdvisor to help you determine if High Park is worth a visit.
Website Ratings:
Google: 4.7/5
TripAdvisor: 4.5/5
10 Must-Do Activities:
1. Explore the Walking and Hiking Trails
High Park is crisscrossed with walking and hiking trails that take you through forests, gardens, and around ponds. The trails range from easy, paved paths to more rugged trails for those looking for a more immersive nature experience. Be sure to explore the Grenadier Pond and the many scenic lookout points throughout the park.
2. Visit the High Park Zoo
One of the hidden gems of High Park is its zoo, which has been part of the park since 1893. The zoo houses a variety of animals, including bison, llamas, capybaras, emus, and peacocks. The best part? It’s free to visit (though donations are welcome to help with the zoo's upkeep).
3. Enjoy the Cherry Blossoms (Sakura) in Spring
If you’re visiting in late April or early May, you can’t miss the cherry blossoms (Sakura) in High Park. The Sakura trees, gifted to Toronto by Japan in 1959, bloom beautifully and attract visitors from all over the city. The Sakura Grove near Grenadier Pond is the best place to enjoy these delicate pink flowers.
4. Relax in the High Park Gardens
High Park is home to several beautiful gardens, including the well-manicured Hillside Gardens and the Rock Garden. Wander through the seasonal flower beds, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and take in the vibrant colors of the various plantings throughout the year.
5. Have a Picnic at the Grenadier Café & Picnic Areas
Pack a picnic and enjoy it at one of the designated picnic areas throughout the park. If you didn’t bring food, you can stop by the Grenadier Café, located inside the park, for a casual meal. The café serves a variety of comfort food, snacks, and beverages, and it’s a great spot to relax and refuel.
6. Visit the High Park Children’s Garden
For families visiting High Park, the Children’s Garden is a wonderful place to explore. It offers interactive programs that teach kids about gardening, sustainability, and the environment. Depending on the season, children can participate in gardening activities, learn about composting, and explore the natural world.
7. Play in the High Park Playground and Splash Pad
The Jamie Bell Adventure Playground is a large, pirate-ship-themed playground that’s a hit with kids of all ages. It’s one of the most elaborate and popular playgrounds in Toronto. In the summer, the splash pad near the playground is a great place for kids to cool off and have fun.
8. Relax at Grenadier Pond
Take a peaceful stroll around Grenadier Pond, a large pond located on the western side of the park. It’s a serene spot for birdwatching, especially for spotting ducks, swans, and other waterfowl. In the winter, the pond may be open for ice skating, and in the warmer months, it’s a great place for fishing (with a permit).
9. Attend Shakespeare in High Park
During the summer months, you can enjoy Shakespeare in High Park, Toronto’s longest-running outdoor theatre event. Hosted by Canadian Stage, the performances are held in the park’s natural amphitheater and offer a pay-what-you-can option, making it accessible to everyone. Bring a blanket, some snacks, and enjoy a night of classic theatre under the stars.
10. Explore Colborne Lodge
For a bit of history, visit Colborne Lodge, a historical museum located at the south end of High Park. It was the home of John and Jemima Howard, the original owners of the land that became High Park. The lodge is a 19th-century Regency-style cottage, and tours offer fascinating insights into Toronto’s history and the lives of the Howards, who donated the land to the city.
Official Website: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-recreation/places-spaces/beaches-gardens-attractions/high-park/
Main Positive Reviews:
Beautiful park with lots of green spaces and trails. Perfect for a family day out.
The cherry blossoms in spring are absolutely stunning. A must-see!
Great place for a picnic or just relaxing by the pond.
The park is huge and offers something for everyone, from playgrounds to a small zoo.
Easily accessible by public transport, making it a convenient escape from the city.
Loved the walking trails; they’re well-maintained and offer a peaceful experience.
The free zoo was a pleasant surprise, especially for kids.
Amazing views from the hills, especially in fall when the leaves change color.
Lots of wildlife to see, including birds and small mammals.
Great park for photography, especially during sunrise or sunset.
This is a great place to spend family time with kids.
Beautiful natural trails that are very cool during the hot summer. Bloor Street is lively with lots of restaurants and patios.
Plenty of space to stay active, play games, exercise, or play with dogs (some areas are off-leash). There’s also a pool, tennis courts, baseball fields, etc. It's not as busy on weekdays. In the evening: It's a great park for walking. Need to rest your feet? Then take the train around the park for just $7 for adults.
Dedicated bike paths are perfect for cyclists.
You’ll be surprised to find a mini zoo inside, and it’s free of charge. Wild goats, bison, capybaras, llamas, and even peacocks.
Main Negative Reviews:
The parking lot is closed, and the zoo's opening hours are very limited, so don’t plan on coming in the evening.
It’s still a beautiful place, but it looks neglected, with homeless people everywhere and cyclists going faster than ever before... The lack of education for cyclists is absolutely unbelievable.
Some visitors mentioned the Parking lot is closed on weekend or sometimes, couldn't find a way to reach the park.
The park can get very crowded during cherry blossom season.
Some reviews mentioned they couldn't see cherry blossom during the season.
Overall Analysis
Cost: Free (additional costs for activities like renting sports equipment or attending special events).
Based on a combined analysis of Google and TripAdvisor reviews, High Park enjoys an impressive average rating of approximately 4.6/5. The park is highly recommended for visitors of all ages, offering a wide variety of activities—from scenic walking trails and picnic areas to a small zoo and playgrounds. The cherry blossoms in spring are a particular highlight, drawing large crowds. However, it's important to note that the park can become crowded during peak seasons, and there are some issues with cleanliness, parking, and outdated facilities.
Is it Worth Visiting:
With ratings well above 3.0, High Park is definitely worth visiting if you are in Toronto. It offers a peaceful retreat within the city, with plenty of activities to keep visitors entertained. Despite minor drawbacks like crowding and limited parking, the park's natural beauty and diverse attractions make it a top destination.
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