Toronto is rich in green areas, from the gardens of the Botanical Garden to the High Park, from the large spaces of the Toronto Islands to Christie Pits park. Today we present 5 parks that deserve to be visited but certainly the list does not end here. Because if the air quality in the Canadian metropolis is very high, it is also thanks to these expanses of greenery where nature reigns.
Centennial Park Conservatory
Centennial Park Conservatory, inaugurated in 1970, is a so-called “winter garden” located in Etobicoke. On its 1,100 m2 of land there are three greenhouses: a cactus house, with succulents, agave, opuntia and aloe, a tropical house and a show house. Seasonal shows take place within the latter. There is on in spring, during the Easter period, and is an explosion of colors with hyacinths, tulips, lilies and hydrangeas of all varieties. Every November 1st, however, there is the Chrysanthemum Show. While December, and until the first days of January, is the month of the Winter Flower Show. Thousands of charmingly colored poinsettias, vines and other lush plants turn the Centennial into a destination not to be missed.
The largest greenhouse also houses over 200 different varieties of tropical plants and fruit trees. Orchids of all kinds, hibiscus of various colors and then palm trees, banana trees, and papaya trees. In an adjacent greenhouse, over 300,000 plants are cared for to beautify the green areas of the whole city. In the garden, in addition, you can also find animal, such as goldfish, turtles and birds. The area offers many services. There are baseball fields, picnic areas, paddling pool. Not to mention the Etobicoke Olympium, the BMX track, the Arena and the stadium. In short, between plants, nature and sport, visiting Centennial Park it’s amazing. It is open every day, from 10am to 5pm.
Allan Gardens Conservatory
The other conservatory we mentioned is Allan Gardens. Built in the early 1900s, it is one of the oldest, located in the heart of the city. It has 1,400m2 surface and can be visited every day, freely. Annual shows are held here: Christmas, autumn and spring. It consists of six interconnected greenhouses, which house plants from all over the world. The main attraction is the palm house: under the glass dome it houses palm trees, pines and plane trees. And then there are the Tropical Landscape House, the Arid House, the Cool Temperate House for citrus trees and plants that require a damp environment.
And yet, exotic, annual and seasonal plants, green and in bloom. In addition, horticulture workshops are organized for children, to whom a play area is also dedicated. And in this splendid place, among plants, bridges and ponds, nice animals live: colored fish, turtles, squirrels and doves.
Berczy Park: among the 5 parks to visit in Toronto
It is a small green area with a particular triangular shape, in the center of Toronto, dedicated to the architect and surveyor William Berczy. It was built in 1980 to replace a parking lot and is intended for those with pets. In the center stands a splendid multi-level fountain. It is made up of 28 cast iron statues: 27 dogs, all concentrated in grabbing a large bone in the highest part of the structure, and a cat intent on looking at two birds perched on a lamppost. In the lower part, then, there is a tank that collects the water that flows from the mouths of the dogs. A bath from which our pets can drink.
And all around, over 50 trees help to better the city’s air. In addition, there is an irrigated flower bed, always in cast iron, intended for the needs of our four-legged friends. But there are also other expanses of herbs and a playground for children.
Ashbridges Bay Park
Located on Toronto’s waterfront in the bay that bears the name of Sarah Ashbridge, it was once a swamp on the Don delta. In 1912 it was decided to dry up and clean up the area but for the birth of the park we have to wait until 1977. It is an excellent place to organize outdoor picnics. In addition, you can stroll along the beautiful trails, fish from its boardwalks, access Woodbine beach or go sailing on Ontario. It is the ideal destination for birdwatching and to enjoy the fireworks show during Victoria Day and Canada Day. There is also a skateboard park nearby.
Tommy Thompson Park: one of the 5 parks to visit
The last of the 5 parks that we present today is Tommy Thompson Park. Ideal for those who love birdwatching, thanks to the over 300 species of birds that live there, and for lovers of landscape photography. But on the artificial ground of over 250 hectares of the TTP it is possible to carry out physical activities all year round: from trekking to running, from skating to cycling to cross-country skiing. The park struggle for the conservation and protection of animal species and the improvement of their habitats, both terrestrial and aquatic. A varied community of flora and fauna lives in Tommy Thompson Park.
Birds, butterflies and insects choose it as a resting place during their migrations. It is formed by layers of different materials and at certain times of the year, wetlands form on its surface which attract other migratory birds and turn into production areas for amphibians. The TTP also houses a poplar forest, home to birds and small mammals.
Featured image: Ph: Torontofiredancer – Own work – licence: CC BY-SA 4.0
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