How long does it take to walk through High Park?

A comprehensive walk usually takes 2.5 to 4 hours. The duration depends on how much time you spend at the zoo and whether you stop for a break at the Grenadier Cafe or the pond.

Is this walking tour Toronto suitable for families?

Absolutely, this route is very family-friendly. Highlights like the High Park Zoo and the Jamie Bell Adventure Playground make it one of the best areas in the city for children to explore.

When is the best time to see the cherry blossoms in High Park?

Cherry blossoms typically bloom in late April or early May. This is the park's busiest time, so it is best to visit on a weekday morning to avoid the largest crowds.

Can I bring my dog on this self-guided walk?

Yes, dogs are welcome in High Park. There is a large off-leash area known as 'Dog Hill,' though pets must remain on a leash in other areas, including near the zoo and gardens.

Are there hills in High Park?

Yes, the terrain is quite hilly. The walk from the north end (High Park Station) down to the south end (Grenadier Pond) involves several steep inclines, making it a moderately challenging walk.

Is there food available inside High Park?

Yes, the Grenadier Cafe is located in the center of the park and offers full meals and snacks. There are also several designated picnic areas if you prefer to bring your own food.

What is the best way to get to High Park?

The easiest way is via the TTC Subway Line 2 to High Park Station. Alternatively, the 506 Carlton streetcar and the 501 Queen streetcar both have stops near the park entrances.

Is a guided tour Toronto style necessary for High Park?

While some prefer a guide, a self-guided walk is ideal for High Park. It allows you to explore the vast acreage and stop for wildlife photography or meditation at your own pace.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

High Park is Toronto’s largest public park, a sprawling 400-acre oasis that offers much more than just a simple escape from the city’s skyscrapers. This self-guided walk invites you to explore a landscape shaped by glacial retreats, Victorian ambition, and modern conservation. Unlike a standard walking tour Toronto visitors might expect, this route dives deep into the 'Wilderness in the City,' taking you through rare black oak savannahs, past historic homesteads, and along the banks of a massive glacial pond. You will begin your journey at Colborne Lodge, the 19th-century home of John and Jemima Howard, who gifted this land to the city. From there, the path winds toward the High Park Zoo, a local favorite that has been operating since 1893, and continues through the cultural heart of the park at the High Park Amphitheatre. As you navigate the challenging-hills and winding trails, you will encounter the serene High Park Labyrinth and the expansive Grenadier Pond. This neighborhood stroll is perfect for those who want to see a different side of Toronto—one where nature and history are inextricably linked. Whether you are interested in the architectural details of a Regency cottage or the ecological significance of a 4,000-year-old ecosystem, this walking route provides a comprehensive look at the crown jewel of Toronto’s park system. It is a favorite for families and nature enthusiasts alike, offering plenty of space to breathe while discovering hidden gems that even many locals overlook. By following this self-guided adventure, you can explore at your own pace, stopping to admire the reflection of the willow trees on the water or the unique flora that makes this park a critical ecological site. This experience is a reminder that even in Canada's largest metropolis, the wild is never far away.

Highlights

The 19th-century Regency architecture of Colborne Lodge

Rare high-altitude black oak savannah ecosystems

High Park Zoo, home to the famous Toronto capybaras

The peaceful and meditative High Park Labyrinth

Birdwatching and scenic views at Grenadier Pond

The site of the famous Shakespeare in High Park performances

Tour Stops (6)

Colborne Lodge

Welcome to the starting point of your self-guided walk. Colborne Lodge was built in 1836 by John George Howard, one of Toronto's first architects and surveyors. This Regency-style cottage was the home he shared with his wife, Jemima. The Howards were forward-thinking; they deeded their 165-acre estate to the City of Toronto on the condition that it remain a public park forever. As you look at the lodge, notice the wrap-around veranda and the original stucco. Inside, it remains one of the best-preserved examples of early Victorian life in Canada, featuring the Howards' original furniture and John’s own watercolor paintings of early Toronto.

High Park Zoo

Continue your stroll to the High Park Zoo, which has been a staple of the community since 1893. Originally established to house deer, it has grown into a cherished local attraction. While small, it is famous for its residents, including bison, llamas, and the notorious capybaras who made international headlines after a daring escape in 2016. The zoo is part of the park's long history of public education and animal husbandry. It is a fantastic spot for families to see animals that were once common in the Canadian wilderness, all while nestled within a modern urban environment.

Canadian Stage (High Park Amphitheatre)

Nestled in a natural bowl within the park is the High Park Amphitheatre, home to Canadian Stage’s 'Shakespeare in High Park.' Since 1983, this venue has hosted open-air performances under the stars, becoming one of Canada's longest-running outdoor theater traditions. The acoustics here are naturally enhanced by the surrounding hills and trees. Even when a play isn't in progress, the amphitheatre serves as a cultural landmark, representing the intersection of nature and the arts. It’s a place where the community gathers to experience stories that are as timeless as the oaks surrounding the stage.

High Park (The Savannahs)

As you walk through the central areas of the park, you are standing in a globally rare ecosystem: the Black Oak Savannah. Thousands of years ago, after the glaciers retreated, this sandy soil supported a unique mix of prairie grasses and hardy oak trees. Today, High Park contains about one-third of the remaining high-quality black oak savannah in Ontario. The city uses controlled burns to maintain this landscape, mimicking the natural fires that historically kept the forest from becoming too dense. Look for the distinctive deeply-furrowed bark of the black oaks, which can live for over 200 years.

High Park Labyrinth

Tucked away in a quieter corner of the park is the High Park Labyrinth. Unlike a maze, which is designed to confuse, a labyrinth is a single winding path designed for meditation and reflection. This particular labyrinth was installed by volunteers and is modeled after the famous 13th-century design in Chartres Cathedral, France. It offers a moment of stillness amidst the park’s activity. Many visitors use this space for 'walking meditation,' following the circular path to the center and back out again, using the rhythmic movement to clear the mind and connect with the natural surroundings.

Grenadier Pond

Your journey concludes at the edge of Grenadier Pond, the largest of the park’s many ponds. This 35-acre body of water is a remnant of a much larger post-glacial lake. It gets its name from a local legend claiming that British Grenadiers fell through the thin ice during the War of 1812, though historians have found little evidence to support the tale. Today, the pond is a vital habitat for Great Blue Herons, swans, and painted turtles. The western shore offers a stunning vista of the water framed by weeping willows, making it the perfect place to end your self-guided adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, High Park is free to the public. This includes access to the High Park Zoo, the Labyrinth, and the various trails and gardens throughout the 400-acre grounds.