Welcome to Etobicoke, one of Toronto’s most scenic and bustling suburbs. Here, you have access to every convenience you can imagine, along with endless options for shopping and dining. You can explore a different neighbourhood every day and still never see all that this incredible community has to offer.
Etobicoke is part of the busiest and most densely populated city in Canada. Still, you will find an endless array of beautiful green spaces where you can relax and unwind. Toronto is full of hidden and not-so-hidden parks and nature trails just waiting to be explored! In this post, we’ll take a look at a few of our favourite parks in Etobicoke, where you can spend a peaceful yet exciting afternoon away from it all.
Humber Bay Park
Humber Bay offers two parks in one! The east and west sides are joined by a bridge and wooden boardwalks weaving in and out of ponds. It’s one of the most scenic places in the city!
Humber Bay West is comprised of numerous small peninsulas with rocky beaches and a network of hiking trails. Though the City of Toronto does not monitor the water quality, you will find people splashing about on the beach during hot summer days. Several boating and dock clubs also meet here, making it a great spot for water enthusiasts.
The east side features more green spaces, where you can bask in the beauty of native wildflowers, shrubs, trees, and tall grasses. The sedges provide a butterfly habitat for multiple species throughout the spring months.
Thinking of making Etobicoke your next home? The resources below will help along the way:
- Must-Have Features for Luxury Home Buyers in Etobicoke
- 5 Signs You’ve Found The Right Home
- Should You Buy a Tear-Down House in Etobicoke?
Centennial Park
Can you imagine a 525-acre oasis smack-dab in the middle of the city? That’s exactly what you’ll find at Centennial Park, which offers so many amenities and activities you may never want to pack up and head for home again. What is there to do here? A better question may be, “What is there not to do?”
The park features the Centennial Park Conservatory, a 3,500-seat stadium, a go-cart track, a golf club, several baseball diamonds, a tobogganing hill, a BMX cycling facility, a skating arena, and acre upon acre of marshland and wetland trails to explore.
And let’s not forget the Etobicoke Olympium, which features an aquatic centre and gymnasium. If anyone in your family starts to complain that they’re bored, Centennial Park is the place to go.
Etobicoke Valley Park
Etobicoke Valley presents a scenic oasis of trees, greenery, and wildlife. All of this makes it the perfect escape from the stresses of the day. You will also find four baseball diamonds and a leash-free dog park, which means the more active members of your family will also be happy!
The stunning scenery consists of a rushing creek, a network of paved trails winding through wooded areas and grassy fields. Keep your eyes open for wildlife sightings that could include deer, foxes, beavers, muskrats, coyotes, and various species of birds and fish.
Marie Curtis Park
Located at the juncture of the Etobicoke River and Lake Ontario, Marie Curtis Park offers outstanding waterfront views dotted with forested trails. Many of the trees you encounter here are estimated at 150 years old! Your stress will melt away as you meander through meadows, savannahs, thickets, woodlands, marshes, and sand beaches on either side of the creek mouth.
Along the way, you’ll also encounter a playground, a leash-free dog park, and a wading pool. The park connects to the expansive Martin Goodman Trail and other nearby waterfront trails, making it a fun way to spend a day at any time of the year.
Colonel Samuel Smith Park
Stunning hiking trails with picturesque waterfront views, a playground right on the beach, and panoramic views of the city with the CN Tower in the background– these are just a few features at Colonel Smith Samuel Smith Park.
Observation decks allow you to watch wildlife from a safe distance, including turtles, over one hundred bird species, groups of baby ducks and swans, and maybe even the occasional beaver sightings.
A sheltered picnic area is the perfect site for a low-key, relaxing afternoon with your family during warm weather. In the winter, this park boasts one of the best skating trails you’ll find anywhere in the GTA, at least in our humble opinion!
The park hosts several events throughout the year, including a series of travelling fairs and amusement parks that draw visitors from all over the city and surrounding areas.
Mimico Waterfront Park
Once upon a time, this section of Toronto’s waterfront offered no public access. Now, Mimico Waterfront Park provides a host of recreational activities to nearby residents and visitors, including a multi-use trail along the shoreline where you can walk, jog, or even skate in the wintertime.
Nestled between Norris Crescent Parkette and Humber Bay Park West, the park features 1.1 km of shoreline activities amidst the backdrop of beautiful Lake Ontario. Whether you want to relax with a picnic lunch and cool drink, run and get your heart rate up or simply take in the views of boats soaring along the water, Mimico Waterfront will quickly become one of your favourite parks.
Want to turn your own home into a scenic oasis? The posts below will give you some ideas:
- Lighting Techniques That Give Your Home an Instant Facelift
- Redesign Your Home Decor With One Trip to Your Local Hardware Store
- Absolutely Fabulous! Secrets of Gorgeous Curb Appeal for Every Season
James Gardens
We’d love to say we’ve saved the best for last, but each Etobicoke Park is stunningly beautiful in its own way. That said, James Gardens is one of Etobicoke’s best hidden gems.
Located on the Humber River, it was once a private estate that the City of Toronto bought and transformed into a public park. Come and explore 21 acres of blooming gardens, bubbling creeks, and scenic bridges that look like they’re straight out of a fairy tale.
Depending on when you visit, you’ll discover rose gardens and over 75,000 tulips adorning the terraced trails. Sit on a bench and watch the world go by, admire a few of the sculptures and art pieces. Alternatively, you can perch on the lookout over the Humber River right into downtown Toronto. On clear days, the view is nothing short of spectacular!
Do you want to know more about the lifestyle Etobicoke offers? We are happy to show you the best highlights of the city! Reach out today to ana@asantos.ca or call 647.232.7317 for more information or to get started.