Best Parks in North York: Your Complete Guide to Green Spaces, Trails & Playgrounds
North York is home to over 20 major parks spread across 12 neighbourhoods, connected by 58+ km of trails through three river valley systems. From the 291-acre Downsview Park to hidden ravine walks along the West Don River, this guide covers every green space worth visiting.
Quick Answer: Best Parks in North York
The top parks in North York are Earl Bales Park (127 acres, ski hill, splash pad, off-leash dog area), Edwards Gardens (botanical garden with ravine trails), and Downsview Park (291 acres, Canada's only national urban park). All are free to visit and open dawn to dusk year-round.
Top 8 Parks in North York
These are the parks locals return to again and again. Ranked by size, variety of activities, trail access, and year-round appeal.
Earl Bales Park
- Address
- 4169 Bathurst St, Bathurst Manor
- Size
- 127 acres
- Hours
- Dawn–dusk (year-round)
- Admission
- FREE
- Highlights
- Ski & snowboard hill, splash pad, sensory garden, off-leash dog area, outdoor amphitheatre, fire pits, paved trails
Why locals love it: Earl Bales is the most versatile park in North York. In winter, it is one of the only parks in Toronto with a ski and snowboard hill. In summer, families pack the splash pad while dog owners use the fenced off-leash area. The outdoor amphitheatre hosts free summer concerts, and the sensory garden is a peaceful accessible escape.
Edwards Gardens
- Address
- 777 Lawrence Ave E, Don Mills
- Hours
- Mon–Fri 9am–5pm; Sat–Sun 10am–4pm
- Admission
- FREE
- Highlights
- Formal garden beds, rock garden, rose garden, ravine creek, Toronto Botanical Garden (17 display gardens), Wilket Creek Trail access
Why locals love it: Edwards Gardens is where North York meets botanical beauty. The formal flower beds and rock garden are stunning in spring and summer, while the adjacent Toronto Botanical Garden hosts 17 display gardens. Walk south through the ravine to connect with the Wilket Creek Trail and the broader Don Valley trail network. A favourite for photographers and morning walkers.
Downsview Park
- Address
- 35 Carl Hall Rd, Downsview
- Size
- 291 acres (Canada's only national urban park)
- Hours
- Dawn–dusk
- Admission
- FREE
- Highlights
- Aviation-themed playground, basketball court, sharing circle, farmers market (May–Oct), multi-use trails, ecological restoration areas
Why locals love it: Built on a former military airfield, Downsview Park is Canada's only national urban park and the largest single park in North York. The aviation-themed playground (opened 2017) is a hit with kids, and the seasonal farmers market draws food lovers from across the city. Wide-open meadows and ecological restoration areas make it feel like countryside within city limits.
G. Ross Lord Park
- Address
- 4801 Dufferin St, Wilson Heights
- Size
- 190+ acres
- Hours
- Dawn–dusk
- Admission
- FREE
- Highlights
- 4+ km trails (West Don River valley), 2 cricket pitches, 3 soccer fields, fenced off-leash dog area, fire pit, picnic sites
Why locals love it: Assembled in 1972 for flood control, G. Ross Lord Park is a rugged haven in west North York. The 4+ km of trails wind through the West Don River valley with natural forest and meadow. It is one of only two North York parks with a fenced off-leash dog area. Cricket players love the two dedicated pitches, and the fire pit and picnic sites make it a favourite for group gatherings.
Sunnybrook Park
- Address
- 1132 Leslie St, Don Mills / Lawrence Park
- Hours
- Dawn–dusk
- Admission
- FREE
- Highlights
- Equestrian centre (Sunnybrook Stables), Don Valley Trail access, large picnic areas, sports fields, connects to Edwards Gardens
Why locals love it: Sunnybrook Park is the gateway to North York's best trail network. It connects directly to Edwards Gardens and the Don Valley Trail, making it a starting point for long walks and bike rides. The equestrian centre at Sunnybrook Stables is a rare urban horse-riding facility. Expansive picnic lawns make it a go-to for weekend barbecues.
Serena Gundy Park
- Address
- 58 Rykert Cres, Leaside / Don Mills
- Hours
- Dawn–dusk
- Admission
- FREE
- Highlights
- 1.2 mi trail loop (West Don River), cricket/rugby/soccer/field hockey, horse stables, BBQ picnic areas (group reservations for 15+)
Why locals love it: Serena Gundy is the park that most North Yorkers drive past without knowing. The 1.2-mile trail loop along the West Don River is stroller-friendly and quiet. It is the best park for group picnics — BBQ-equipped areas can be reserved for groups of 15+. Sports fields host cricket, rugby, soccer, and field hockey leagues.
Edithvale Park
- Address
- 121 Finch Ave W, Willowdale
- Hours
- Dawn–dusk
- Admission
- FREE
- Highlights
- Artificial pond with bridges, 2 playgrounds (junior & senior), splash pad, soccer field, baseball diamond, tennis courts, ducks & geese
Why locals love it: Edithvale is the quintessential family park in Willowdale. The artificial pond with walking paths and bridges is a year-round attraction — kids love feeding the ducks and geese. Two separate playgrounds (junior and senior) mean age-appropriate play for every child. The splash pad is packed on hot summer days, and the tennis courts rarely have a wait.
York Mills Valley Park
- Address
- 3885 Yonge St, York Mills
- Hours
- Year-round
- Admission
- FREE
- Highlights
- Paved trail along West Don River, playground, picnic areas, tennis courts, 5-min walk from York Mills subway
Why locals love it: One of the most transit-accessible parks in North York — a 5-minute walk from York Mills subway station. The paved trail along the West Don River is ideal for a lunchtime walk or after-work jog. Playground equipment and tennis courts round out a compact but well-maintained park in the heart of the Yonge corridor.
Best Trails in North York
North York's trail system is defined by three river valleys — the Don River, Black Creek, and West Don. These 58+ km of connected trails let you walk from Bathurst Manor to Don Mills without leaving green space.
Don Valley Trail
The major north-south spine connecting Earl Bales Park to Edwards Gardens to Sunnybrook Park and Serena Gundy Park. Paved sections are great for cycling; unpaved stretches through ravines reward hikers. Access points along Leslie St and Bayview Ave.
Finch Hydro Corridor Trail
The best cycling route in North York. A flat, paved 15 km trail running east-west from Bayview Ave to Jane St under hydro lines. Bike Share stations along the eastern half make it accessible for casual riders. Multiple entry points along Finch Ave.
East Don Parkland Trail
A paved multi-use rail trail following the East Don River from Sheppard Ave E to Steeles Ave through ravines, forests, and valleys. At 10.3 km with 252 ft of elevation gain, it is the most scenic long trail in North York. Well-maintained and popular with runners and cyclists.
West Don River Trail
Connects G. Ross Lord Park south through York Mills Valley Park to Serena Gundy Park. A quieter alternative to the main Don Valley Trail, winding through natural forest and meadow. Access from Dufferin St, Yonge St, and Leslie St.
Black Creek Trail
A more rugged, natural trail connecting Northwood Park through Downsview Dells to Derrydowns Park. Follows the Black Creek ravine with unpaved paths ideal for trail running and nature walks. Less crowded than the Don Valley trails.
Cultural & Unique Parks Worth Visiting
These parks stand out for their cultural significance and one-of-a-kind features you will not find anywhere else in Toronto.
Lee-Lifeson Art Park
- Address
- 223 Gladys Allison Pl, Willowdale (Yonge & Sheppard)
- Admission
- FREE
- Highlights
- Limelight Bandshell, interactive megaphone sculptures, stepped-stone amphitheatre, rock benches, Rush tribute
Why it is special: Named after Rush band members Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, who grew up nearby in Willowdale. The interactive megaphone sculptures amplify your voice across the park, the Limelight Bandshell hosts summer concerts, and the amphitheatre seating is built into the landscape. A must-visit for music fans and one of the most distinctive parks in Toronto.
Dempsey Park
- Address
- 250 Beecroft Rd, North York Centre
- Admission
- FREE
- Highlights
- Heritage Dempsey Store (1860, relocated 1996), Precambrian rock installations, bronze sculptures, animal-track inlays, climbing structures, big slide, sandbox
Why it is special: A farmstead-themed park steps from North York Centre subway. The relocated Dempsey Store (1860) is a heritage landmark, surrounded by Precambrian rock installations and bronze sculptures. Kids love the climbing structures, big slide, and sandbox, while the animal-track concrete inlays along the winding path teach local wildlife identification. History meets playground in one compact space.
Mel Lastman Square
- Address
- 5100 Yonge St, North York City Centre
- Hours
- Open daily
- Admission
- FREE
- Highlights
- Water feature, public seating, event space, adjacent to North York Central Library, Sheppard-Yonge subway access
Why it is special: North York's civic heart. Mel Lastman Square hosts community festivals, concerts, and seasonal celebrations year-round. In winter, the outdoor skating rink is a local favourite. Its central location beside the North York Central Library and steps from Sheppard-Yonge subway makes it the most accessible public gathering space in the district.
Where Are the Best Splash Pads in North York?
North York has 4 parks with splash pads, all free and typically open late May to Labour Day. Here is the quick list:
North York Splash Pads
- Earl Bales Park — 4169 Bathurst St, Bathurst Manor (large splash pad near the playground and sensory garden)
- Edithvale Park — 121 Finch Ave W, Willowdale (splash pad plus pond walks and two playgrounds)
- Willowdale Park — 75 Hollywood Ave, Willowdale (splash pad with nearby tennis courts and playground)
- Brookbanks Park — York Mills Rd, Don Mills (splash pad along Deerlick Creek trails)
Tip: Splash pad open dates vary by year. Check toronto.ca/parks each spring for the current season schedule.
More Neighbourhood Parks Worth Knowing
Beyond the top 8, these smaller parks serve their communities well and are worth a visit if you are nearby.
Brookbanks Park
- Address
- York Mills Rd, Don Mills / Parkwoods
- Size
- 26.6 hectares
- Highlights
- Paved & unpaved trails along Deerlick Creek, bridges over creek, 2 playgrounds, splash pad
Willowdale Park
- Address
- 75 Hollywood Ave, Willowdale
- Highlights
- Tennis court, picnic tables, playground with slides/swings, splash pad, public washrooms
Havenbrook Park
- Address
- 15 Havenbrook Blvd, Henry Farm
- Size
- 8.1 acres
- Highlights
- Henry Farm Tennis Club (45+ years, late Apr–mid Oct), baseball fields, walking trails, dog area
Parkway Forest Park
- Address
- Don Mills Rd & Sheppard Ave E, Parkway Forest
- Size
- 5.2 hectares
- Highlights
- 3 lit outdoor tennis courts, ball diamond, multipurpose sports field, basketball court, ball hockey pad, 2 playgrounds
Northwood Park
- Address
- Grandravine Dr to Sheppard Ave W, Black Creek
- Size
- 25 hectares
- Highlights
- Black Creek ravine trails, fire pit, bike trails, picnic sites; connects to Derrydowns Park and Downsview Dells
Community Gardens in North York
North York has a growing network of community gardens where residents can grow food, flowers, and native plants. Here are the main ones.
Toronto Botanical Garden
- Address
- 777 Lawrence Ave E, Don Mills (inside Edwards Gardens)
- Hours
- Mon–Fri 9am–5pm; Sat–Sun 10am–4pm
- Highlights
- 17 display gardens, educational programs, funded by donations and memberships
Eglinton Park Heritage Community Garden
- Address
- 200 Eglinton Ave W, North Toronto
- Season
- Spring–Fall
- Highlights
- Established 1995; heritage and native flowers, vegetables, food sharing, environmental education
Parkview Neighbourhood Garden
- Address
- 44 Parkview Ave, Willowdale
- Season
- Spring–Fall
- Highlights
- Neighbourhood-run garden in the heart of Willowdale
For more community garden plots, visit the Toronto Community Garden Network or the City of Toronto Community Gardens Program.
What Can You Do in North York Parks by Season?
Spring
- Cycling (Finch Corridor, Don Valley)
- Hiking (Serena Gundy, G. Ross Lord)
- Birdwatching (Edwards Gardens, Brookbanks)
- Farmers market (Downsview Park, May–Oct)
Summer
- Splash pads (Earl Bales, Edithvale, Willowdale, Brookbanks)
- Tennis (Havenbrook, Parkway Forest, Edithvale)
- Cricket (G. Ross Lord, Serena Gundy)
- Outdoor concerts (Lee-Lifeson, Mel Lastman, Earl Bales)
Fall
- Trail running (Don Valley, Finch Corridor)
- Nature walks (Serena Gundy, Northwood ravine)
- Fall hikes guide
Winter
- Skiing/snowboarding (Earl Bales Park hill)
- Outdoor skating (Mel Lastman Square)
- Snowshoeing (G. Ross Lord, Northwood ravine)
- Skating schedules
Related North York Guides
- Best Spring Hikes in North York 2026 — wildflower trails, guided walks, and mud-free routes
- Best Fall Hikes in North York — peak autumn colours and top trails
- Cherry Blossoms in North York 2026 — Edwards Gardens, JCCC SakuraFest, bloom forecast
- Skating Times — live drop-in skating schedules at North York arenas
- Cycling Guide — best cycling routes, group rides, and Finch Hydro Corridor details
- Kids Activities & Playgrounds — 30+ indoor and outdoor play spots