City life can be exhausting, especially in Toronto, with its endless high-rise buildings, heavy traffic, and a population of over 2.7 million people. It’s no coincidence that some of the best neighbourhoods in Toronto also feature parks with green space. Taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the city in one of Toronto’s beautiful parks is the reprieve that city dwellers need! My name is Britt Huggins and I’m a Toronto real estate agent on the SO&Co. team. Our goal is to educate our clients to make educated decisions when it comes to real estate. Let’s explore some of Toronto’s best neighbourhoods with parks!

Toronto’s Best Hoods and Parks

High Park

This is one of the biggest parks in the west end of the city where it truly feels like you’ve been transported to a different place. With over 400 acres of green space including forests, playgrounds, a zoo, a pond, and recreational activities; this park has something for everyone. 

Some of the most desirable neighbourhoods in the city surround High Park. To the north, you have Bloor West Village and The Junction. West lies the Roncesvalles and Swansea area. To the south you have Sunnyside. A major perk of living in any of these neighbourhoods certainly would centralize around the proximity to High Park. In addition, there are great bars, restaurants, and shopping in these areas. There’s a variety of housing options to choose from ranging from high-rise condos and rentals to Victorian-style homes and bungalows.

Riverdale Park

This park is so large that it is split into Riverdale East and West and is connected by the Riverside Park Bridge which runs above the Don River, Don Valley Parkway, and train tracks. The park itself is impressive with several baseball fields, a running track, a public pool, bike trails and the Riverdale Zoo. In Riverdale Park East, be sure to check out the epic view of Toronto’s skyline. 

The Riverdale neighbourhood is perfect for families and young professionals. There is great shopping, easy access to transportation, excellent restaurants and farmers markets, and of course, the proximity to the impressive Riverdale Park. The homes in this area are mostly charming Victorian-style houses with two or three storeys. 

Trinity-Bellwoods Park

Trinity-Bellwoods Park is a beautiful green space located just west of the downtown core. It’s a 36-acre multi-use green space that features recreational activities such as tennis and volleyball courts, baseball diamonds, picnic areas, playgrounds, an off-leash dog area, and an ice rink in the wintertime. Various events are held in the park throughout the year including movie nights, farmer’s markets, and arts and crafts shows. 

Living near Trinity-Bellwoods gives you the option of two excellent and super trendy neighbourhoods: West Queen West or Dundas West. The Toronto real estate in this area ranges from quirky apartments and lofts above stores to Victorian houses, and condos. You are just steps away from unique boutiques, independent bookstores, artisanal coffee shops, and some of the best restaurants in the city including those located on the Ossington Strip. 

Bluffer’s Park

A true escape from the city is Bluffer’s Park, located in Scarborough. It is a part of the Scarborough Bluffs which is an incredible rock formation that spans over 15 km along Lake Ontario. It’s a photographer’s dream and a must-visit for any Torontonian or visitor. There are over eleven parks in the Scarborough Bluffs with Bluffer’s Park being the most popular. The park offers breathtaking views, beach areas, and walking trails. Also located within the park are yacht clubs, a marina, and a beautiful waterfront restaurant. 

Close to Bluffer’s Park is the Cliffcrest neighbourhood. This area feels more like cottage country perhaps due to its proximity to the lake and Scarborough bluffs. This neighbourhood was developed in the 1940s and 50s. It is an ideal location for families. The types of homes in this area range from bungalows, semi-detached and detached, storey and a half and two-storey homes. There are also some cottages located south of Kingston Road that boast gorgeous views of Lake Ontario.

Christie Pits

If you are looking for 22 acres of green space located centrally in the city, then Christie Pits is the park for you. This park can be found near Bloor Street West and Christie Avenue. The park is actually similar to a pit with the majority of it sunken below street level. There are great places to picnic and play within the park. The park offers a ton of recreational activities as well including baseball, basketball, volleyball, soccer and a skateboard park. In the summer, there is a splash pad and pool while the winter offers an outdoor ice rink. 

Christie Pits is a vibrant and multicultural neighbourhood. While the park is a major draw of the area, you are also conveniently located near Dufferin Mall, Galleria Mall, and Korea Town. The Bloorcourt Village Shopping District hosts a festival every June highlighting local merchants and featuring live music and performances. The homes in this area vary between detached and semi-detached houses on typically narrow lots. 

When it comes to city living, it’s important to take a break once in a while and breathe some fresh air in one of Toronto’s many beautiful parks. When choosing a place to live, consider a neighbourhood that features a park so you are only steps away from the perfect city escape. Are there any parks with great neighbourhoods that we missed? Let us know in the comments below!

Sources:

https://www.destinationtoronto.com/things-to-do/outdoors-and-recreation/parks-and-green-spaces/

https://www.destinationtoronto.com/neighbourhoods/high-park/

https://www.neighbourhoodguide.com/toronto/east-end/riverdale/

https://torontorealtyboutique.com/living-trinity-bellwoods-neighbourhood/

https://www.neighbourhoodguide.com/toronto/scarborough/cliffcrest/

https://www.neighbourhoodguide.com/toronto/midtown/christie-pits/