Known for its landscaped parks, ravine systems, and spectacular tree canopy, Toronto is a city with a green heart and a green thumb. From the expanses of the Toronto Botanical Gardens, High Park, Kew Gardens and more, it’s clear this city has its fair share of celebrated parks and gardens.
But if you’re hoping to get off the beaten path and explore a few lesser-known green spaces, look no further.
From hidden rose gardens and historic estate grounds to peaceful outdoor spots tucked just out of sight, here are 10 off-the-radar parks and gardens in Toronto that will feed your soul and inspire the gardener within.
Craigleigh Gardens
Nestled down a quiet street lined with stately homes, Craigleigh Gardens is a peaceful green space in Rosedale featuring a dog park and eight acres of parkland.
Once the site of a Victorian manor house owned by Sir Edmund Osler, one of the founders of the ROM, the current park was opened to the public in 1926 by Osler’s family in his memory.
To get here, take the trails up from the Don Valley Brickworks through Milkman’s Lane, or enter the park directly off of South Drive Pass through an ornate wrought iron fence and enjoy a quiet afternoon relaxing beneath a canopy of mature trees. Better yet, bring a picnic! The best part — the park is almost always filled with friendly dogs going for their afternoon stroll.
Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens
Named in honour of the great Canadian composer Alexander Muir, who wrote “The Maple Leaf Forever” (an anthem predating “O Canada”), this often overlooked park has been a North Toronto treasure since 1933.
Located just south of Lawrence and Yonge at the corner of St. Edmund’s Drive, come upon a high-wrought gate flanked by neatly trimmed hedges. Travel down tiered stone steps and enter a garden dotted with big trees, winding paths and colourful flower beds.
Because the garden is connected to an extensive ravine system, it’s a great starting point for onward exploration. Make a day of it and hike to Sherwood Park, Sunnybrook Park and even the Don Valley.
Garden of the Greek Gods and Rose Garden
Head south of the CNE’s Bandshell Park and come upon an unusual greenspace called the Garden of the Greek Gods.
Featuring 20 limestone sculptures carved by Canadian artist E.B Cox in the 1960s, enjoy spotting some of ancient Greece’s most famous gods tucked amid well-kept flower beds and mid-century-modern fountains.
Marvel at the curves of Aphrodite and the might of Hercules, or dare to gaze into Medusa’s eyes (let’s hope you don’t turn to stone as legend says). Throughout summer, enjoy the rose garden in full bloom and make your way over to the nearby Scadding Cabin for a dose of history while you’re at it.
Ivan Forrest Gardens
A magical spot in Toronto’s Beaches neighbourhood, Ivan Forrest Gardens is a lovely spot at any time of year.
Not far from the well-known expanses of Kew Gardens, this small garden on the northeast corner of Manor Road and Queen Street East offers walking trails hugged by abundant flowers and tall trees.
Find a relaxing bench and enjoy a peaceful moment listening to the cascading waterfall and birdsong before traveling further into the Glen Stewart Ravine trails. Recently rejuvenated, these peaceful paths go all the way to Kingston Road.
The Carrot Common Green Roof
The Carrot Common is a Riverdale staple for organic groceries, apothecary items and more. But did you know there’s also a green roof on-site?
Open to the public from springtime through fall (except when reserved for private events), this peaceful rooftop garden offers the perfect spot for a quiet coffee break with a book.
Up here, you’ll discover 8,000 square feet of eco-friendly greenspace, including a patio area, herb and veggies gardens, green walls, pollinator plants and even a beehive (don’t worry — it’s on a separate side of the roof!).
Located at 348 Danforth Ave., this Greektown oasis is also available for event rentals.
The U of T Grounds
Dotted across the city, the grounds surrounding University of Toronto’s faculty buildings offer some of the most picturesque green spaces in Toronto.
Head to Knox College just off St. George Street and discover a courtyard trimmed by flowers. A popular spot for weddings, there’s also a chapel onsite with plenty of old-world charm.
On the other side of Queen’s Park, visit the Lester B. Pearson Garden for Peace and Understanding, located on the perimeter of EJ Pratt Library. Here, you’ll find a gentle waterfall surrounded by curated foliage. Wander the cloistered walkway to adjoining Victoria College and laze away an afternoon under one of the many old trees onsite.
Bruce Bryden Rose Garden
Situated on the historic grounds of York University’s Glendon Campus at Bayview and Lawrence Avenue, the Bruce Bryden Rose Garden is an intimate green space favoured for photo shoots (and apparently a ghost).
Featuring a gazebo, a central water feature and an array of flowers and fragrant roses, this itty bitty formal garden is a welcome spot for a breath of fresh air.
While here, don’t forget to check out the rest of this tree-lined campus. Take one of the many footpaths, and explore several other green spaces, including the pretty front garden of the historic Glendon Hall.
Spadina House Gardens
In the shadow of impressive Casa Loma, the Spadina House Museum offers guests a spectacular garden to explore. Open to the public from Wednesday through Sunday, enjoy wandering nearly six acres of curated grounds maintained with historical accuracy.
Find inspiration in the kitchen garden, fall in love with the English flower gardens and spot botanical pleasures at every turn — including the Edwardian-era greenhouse, where much of the garden was seeded over winter.
After visiting the grounds, pop into the landmark villa for a free tour or visit nearby Casa Loma.
St. James Park
The area of St. Lawrence and Old Toronto is well-known for its historic buildings, many landmarks and scenic streetscapes — and not to be outdone are the formal gardens surrounding St. James Anglican Cathedral. Situated at the busy intersection of King Street East and Jarvis Street, a remarkable Victorian-inspired garden awaits exploration.
Filled with a rainbow of flower beds that bloom from spring through fall, you’ll also discover an open greenspace dotted with mature trees, cobbled footpaths and a three-tiered fountain encircled by benches. It’s the perfect spot for a lunch break.
Nearby on the south side of King Street, you can also explore the leafy solitude of the Sculpture Garden — a small courtyard featuring rotating art installations.
Ashbridge Estate
Tucked on the north side of Queen Street East between Leslieville and the Beaches, the Ashbridge Estate offers east-enders a quiet spot for unwinding on a sunny day.
Enclosed by a white picket fence, the grounds surrounding the Ashbridge historical house include an expansive rolling lawn dappled with old trees — including a massive weeping willow. Stop by in the warmer months and admire the small flower garden that lines the estate’s entryway.
Having belonged to the Ashbrige family for over 200 years, this unassuming greenspace is now open to the public to enjoy. On select Sundays, drop by to explore the Toronto Flea Market.
