Just minutes from downtown Toronto lies a historic park that looks like it was plucked from the pages of ancient history. You’d think these sculptures and stone structures are ruins of Greece and Rome, but no, it’s Guild Park and Gardens, a “sculptural sanctuary” with beautiful greenery.
The Guild Park and Gardens is known for its outdoor art and serves as a perfect outdoor experience.
Full of history
According to the City, the park, formerly known as Guildwood Park, has an interesting history. It “reflects famous artists, powerful political figures and contributions made to the art community.” And it’s true.
In 1914, the Guild Inn was built as a white stucco, arts and crafts style mansion. It was originally surrounded by over 400 acres of gardens and woodlands.
It was built for Colonel Harold C. Bickford, a decorated war hero then purchased by Rosa Breithaupt Hewetson in 1932. Breithaupt Hewetson, who, along with her husband, modelled it after a famous New York centre for the arts.
Per the city, the site “provided a home and a forum for artists and artisans,” and that many “of the artists were contemporaries or students of members of the Group of Seven, and the influence can be seen in the work they produced.”
During the Second World War, the property became a training base for the Women’s Royal Naval Service, as well as a military hospital for victims of shell-shock.
Then, in 1978, the property was sold to the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority to be used as a public park.
The inn closed in 2002; however, the outdoor grounds remain open to this day.
The site is a part of the famous Scarborough Bluffs, so the entire destination makes for a great outdoor afternoon. Considering it’s such a beautiful place, it’s used for ceremonies and photography too. For bookings, call the City of Toronto at 416-396-7378.
On the next beautiful day in the city, do yourself a favour and explore the grounds. Rest, relax and snap some pictures!
Where: 201 Guildwood Parkway, Scarborough
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Karen Doradea
Senior Staff Writer, Toronto – Karen is a multimedia journalist based in Toronto. With a strong knowledge of reporting and editing through all forms of media, she has a true passion for storytelling. She carries several years of journalistic experience and has covered the Toronto scene from local stories to national news. When Karen isn’t publishing fire content, you can find her binge-watching sitcoms on Crave, at a must-try restaurant, or scrolling endlessly on TikTok looking for the next best thing – News never sleeps.
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