High Park, Toronto (must see)

High Park, situated in Toronto, is a municipal park offering a blend of recreational and natural spaces. It boasts an array of facilities such as sports grounds, cultural venues, educational establishments, gardens, playgrounds, and even a zoo. A notable portion of the park, approximately one-third, remains untouched, featuring a rare oak savannah ecosystem.

The park was originally made accessible to the public in 1876, thanks to a generous land bequest from John George Howard to the City of Toronto. Encompassing a vast area of 161 hectares (400 acres), it stands as the second-largest municipal park in Toronto, second only to Centennial Park.

Located west of downtown Toronto, north of Humber Bay, High Park falls under the stewardship of the City of Toronto Parks Department. Its borders span from Bloor Street West to The Queensway, just north of Lake Ontario, while being bounded by Ellis Park Road and Grenadier Pond on the west and Parkside Drive on the east.

The park's topography is characterized by undulating hills and is marked by two deep ravines that stretch across its entire north-south expanse. Several natural areas within the park hold significant provincial designation as Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest.

High Park boasts numerous attractions that captivate visitors. These include the historic Colborne Lodge museum, delightful hillside gardens, the zoo, the Grenadier Cafe, and an amphitheater. Additionally, the park offers sports fields, a hockey rink, a pool, tennis courts, playgrounds, nature trails, and picnic spots.

During the spring and fall seasons, visitors can enjoy a unique experience aboard the "trackless train." This train, pulled by a tractor, features several wagons cleverly designed to resemble a red and white train. The train operates on a 30-minute schedule, allowing passengers to tour various areas of the park. Stops along the route include Bloor Street, the northwestern playground, west of the Grenadier Cafe, Grenadier Pond, south of Colborne Lodge, and the Bell playground. To board the train, tickets can be purchased directly from the train conductor.