High Park is closed to car traffic on public holidays and weekends. The closure begins Friday night at approximately 11 p.m. and ends Monday morning at approximately 7 a.m. Limited street parking is available on Bloor Street.
Recognized as one of the most environmentally significant areas, over one-third of High Park remains in a natural state. Environmental management efforts within the Ravine Strategy and Biodiversity Strategy ensures the protection and preservation of this park. A jewel in the city’s park system, residents and visitors can enjoy its many wildlife, attractions, playgrounds and natural features year-round.
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) offers subway, bus, street car and wheel transit to take you to High Park.
High Park has four vehicle entrances and four main roads within the park.
There is limited free parking available within the park.
Green P Parking is available on Bloor Street and south of High Park along Lake Shore Boulevard West Access High Park via a short walk up Parkside Drive. There is a small lot east of Keele Subway Station, off of Indian Road.
Precise ParkLink is available on the north side of Bloor Street West, off of Pacific Avenue.
Street parking is available on the east side of Parkside Drive.
High Park is closed to visitor vehicles on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. High Park remains open to vehicles on weekdays.
Car-free weekends were first introduced in the spring of 2020 in order to provide more space for park visitors to safely physically distance. The City is currently evaluating car-free weekends through the High Park Movement Strategy.
Bicycles are permitted on park roads including within vehicular lanes and bike lanes. Drivers must provide at least a one-metre (three feet) distance when passing a cyclist. Bicycles are also permitted on paved trails. People cycling must yield to pedestrians and people using mobility devices on multi-use trails – slow down, be courteous, and be prepared to stop.
Bicycle parking can be found throughout the park and near some park buildings. Please do not lock bicycles to other structures or trees. Bike Share Toronto operates 10 stations within and around the park including at main entrances and facilities. For more information on cycling infrastructure available in and around High Park, visit the 2022 Toronto Cycling Map.
Cycling is encouraged within City parks and people cycling must observe applicable by-laws, including traffic by-laws and parks by-laws in Chapter 608 of the Toronto Municipal Code. Learn more about cycling safely on Toronto’s streets and trails.
There are six natural trails that lead into High Park, from:
There are six paved trails and/or sidewalk entrances to High Park:
Dogs are welcome in High Park. Owners and/or commercial dog walkers should make sure all dogs are leashed unless in the dogs off-leash area. Remember to dispose of pet waste in the appropriate waste receptacle or green bin located throughout the park.
Dogs off-leash areas are located:
Fishing is allowed in Grenadier Pond along a designated section of the pond’s shoreline from the Maple Leaf Garden down to the park entrance at The Queensway and Colborne Lodge Drive. Grenadier Pond is an environmentally significant area. When fishing, be sure to follow all Ontario fishing regulations and rules.
Allotment gardens are for individuals to plant flowers and vegetables. Garden allotments are in high demand. Existing allotment bookings can renew and new bookings must join a waitlist for available space.
The High Park Children’s Gardening and Teaching Kitchen has registered and drop-in gardening, nature and cooking programs for children and youth.
Jamie Bell Adventure Playground located by Duck Pond offers a unique display of children’s play with castle tops, ropes, swings, ladders and slides.
Skate at the artificial ice rink in High Park during the winter. It is located north of the outdoor pool along Colborne Lodge Drive and is open from November to March (weather permitting).
Permit holders take precedence over general court use.
Visit Swim and Water Play for complete information on swimming in Toronto.
Situated across from the Grenadier Café, watch performances presented by Canadian Stage.
Built in 1837 by John and Jemima Howard, Colborne Lodge is a museum nestled on the south-end of High Park. It’s an active hub for community events in High Park, with cottage and garden tours, special events, workshops, and more.
Established in 1893, the High Park Animal Display is Canada’s oldest animal attraction, originally housing deer. Fast-forward to today, the facility is home to many different animal species from around the world such as bison, llamas, peacocks, reindeer and highland cattle.
The High Park Nature Centre is located in the former High Park Forest School and is a non-profit organization supported by the City that offers programs for all ages. Programs include nature walks, workshops and camps.
Take a two-hour journey through High Park and view the public art showcased through ArtworxTO. Many of the works date from the 1967 International Sculpture Symposium. The majority of the tour uses paved trails and sidewalks but there are certain works that are only accessible by natural trails.
This scenic ride weaves through the park, picking up other passengers along the way. A ticket allows for one stop-over, so you can take the train to your favourite spot, enjoy your stay in the park and hop back on.
Special group rates may be available.
The Grenadier Café is operated by the Grenadier Group and is located in the heart of High Park off of Colborne Lodge Drive.
Black Oak Café is a seasonal fast food restaurant located on West Road in the northwest part of the Park.
All Star Café is a seasonal fast food restaurant that is located on Colborne Lodge Drive nearby picnic area 15.
High Park has 15 picnic areas throughout the park that are available for booking from May to September. Groups are allowed to permit one picnic site, per event, per day. Leave the area cleaner than you found it. Dispose of your litter and recycling into the closest waste and blue bin or take it home with you.
High Park contains remnants of Black Oak savannah, a globally rare and threatened ecosystem. Only one per cent of this ecosystem remains after European settlement. Although this ecosystem can be found in other parks such as Lambton Park and South Humber Park, High Park contains the most significant area of the savannah ecosystem in Toronto with about 23 hectares.
High Park is home to many cherry blossom trees which are located throughout the park and is just one of many locations across the City to view them. Peak bloom usually occurs in late April, early May and blossoms typically last between four to 10 days, depending on weather conditions.
This extensive collection of gardens lies in the centre of High Park and features a dynamic mix of cultivated and more natural plantings. It runs from Cherry Hill down towards the pond and back up to Colborne Lodge Drive.
The hanging gardens is located in the centre of High Park that features a trellis structure with hanging flower baskets with annual flowers that is only up in the spring and summer months.
Officially open by Queen Elizabeth during her visit to Toronto in 1958, the maple leaf garden is an impressive floral display that is in the shape of a giant maple leaf. It’s located at the bottom of Cherry Hill beside Grenadier Pond.
The sunken garden is located in the centre of High Park and features pools and fountains landscaped by hedges. Adjacent to this garden are magnolia and eastern red buds trees.
Grenadier Pond is home to many species of flora and fauna. For a number of years, this area of High Park has been designated as an Environmentally Significant Area and an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest. In 2022, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry designated Grenadier Pond as a Provincially Significant Wetland Complex based on a wetland evaluation conducted by the Toronto Region and Conservation Authority.
Immerse yourself in nature and adventure through some of the many natural trails located throughout High Park. All trail users have a responsibility to be considerate and respectful to all. Please stay on the designated paths and follow all posted signage and rules.