Riverdale Farm

Located in the heart of downtown community of Cabbagetown, his extrinsic farm offers 7.5 acres of scenic views along the pathways through wooded areas, around ponds, and into butterfly-herb-flower-vegetable gardens. The farm hosts many farm animals such as horses, cows, goats and chickens.


Did you know?

In 1894 the farm opened to become Toronto’s first zoo, but eventually it was closed in 1974 with the animals relocated to the new Toronto Zoo in Scarborough.The park features three buildings that remain from the old Riverdale Zoo! Although the farm isn’t that big in size, it is an urban gem, being located just blocks from the downtown core.

Recreation
Learn and chat with the farmer during daily chores that may include animal feeding, egg collection, cow milking or goat milking, horse grooming, and mucking out the stalls-pens-paddocks. These products will be later sold at a farmer's market.

Bluffers Park

To the east of the city, but West to the historical area of Guildwood, lies one of the most beautiful and breathtaking beaches in the city. The gorge is hidden from the rest of the cities bustling life, with only a few steep stairs to hint at its existence. Bluffers Park boasts pristine sandy beaches, incredible rock formations, and a popular marina, which in the summer time plays host to many recreational activities such as boating, sailing, swimming and more.

Located at the edge of the Scarborough Bluffs at 1 Brimley Road, the park stretches 14km along the Lake Ontario shore from the eastern beach of Toronto to West Hill. Bluffer’s park was designed to improve public access to the waterfront, and is Toronto’s only full service marina in the summertime. Even during the colder months, the park has major hiking trails, including a trail up to the parks highest point, Cathedral Bluffs, which rises 90 meters above Lake Ontario!

Did You Know? The unique geological rock formations of Bluffers park resulted from the accumulation of sedimentary deposits when the Wisconsin Glacier advanced and retreated nearly 12,000 years ago. Natural processes of wind and water erosion from Lake Ontario formed the resulting cliffs. 

Environmental Tip: Taking the TTC or carpooling is much less stressful then taking a car. I hear that parking in the summertime is horrid, apparently drivers get into scraps over parking spots, and it’s not free. The best TTC route is to take the Kingston Road 12 Eastbound bus from Victoria Station. Lessen your carbon footprint, and save your money!

High Park

High Park is the largest public park in Toronto. Located in Toronto’s west end near Keele Station, this park features many hiking trails, sports facilities, a man made lakefront, dog park, zoo, playground, eateries, greenhouse, picnic areas, and much much more!

What could you do in March? High Park can satisfy every hikers need - Grenadier Pond is a man made lake, which features long and winding waterfront trails. The zoo is also a really great way of engaging children young and old! It is open all year around from 7am till dusk. The zoo features bison, deer, llamas, peacocks, cattle and more, and best of all – it’s absolutely free! High park also has an amazing playground haven for children. What makes this playground so special exactly? Well it was designed in part by children for one, and consists of castles, ropes, swings, ladders, slides and artwork by kids and volunteers.

Another great winter activity is skating – the summer tennis courts are converted into a skating rink during the cold months, so there is something to do during every season! The hiking trails also make for perfect cross-country skiing. I’m not too sure how much snow we will continue to get in March, but you never really know with Toronto’s crazy weather!

The park also hosts a wide variety of events. Last March, the park hosted a large 5k Run and 1k walk to support Gaza charity. This years events for March have yet to be posted, but the events calendar below can be viewed for any upcoming events:

http://www.highparktoronto.com/events.php