Things To Do In High Park In Winter

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Toronto’s High Park in winter is a vibrant place. As it’s right in the city, it provides Torontonians with a dose of nature without having to go too far. It’s one of our favourite trails in and around Toronto to explore.

And the best thing is that there are many things to do in High Park in winter. This is especially so after a fresh snowfall.

Looking back at some of my previous photos, I came upon those that I took while visiting High Park in December 2010.

Although I had spent my first ten years in Etobicoke and High Park was an occasional destination, I hadn’t visited for many years.

The scenery had changed quite a bit, mainly because all that seemed so big to me when I was a kid, had shrunk a bit as I had grown up!

Things To Do In High Park In Winter

Depending on the weather, you’ll want to dress warmly, grab a thermos of something warm and bring your comfortable walking boots.

Bird And Animal Watching

You may think there are few animals around during the winter, but chances are you’ll see many birds and small animals around. We’ve seen squirrels and even beavers in early winter. Ducks, as well as swans also like to hang out at Grenadier Pond.

Walking Trails

There used to be a “train” that went around High Park.  It would take families from one end of the park to the other.

The train route is now part of an extensive group of trails around the park. Most of the park is covered in an asphalt trail, but some sections are gravel and soil.

If there’s fresh snow, grab your snowshoes and cross-country skis for some winter wonderland activities. This is one of the best ways to get some fitness in High Park in winter.

The Big Hill And Colborne Lodge

One of the hot spots at High Park in winter is Colborne Lodge. Literally. It’s a place to warm yourself up.

As we were exploring High Park, we were making our way to Colborne Lodge when I had a little memory flashback.

The huge hill that I remember tobogganing down was now much smaller and with a hedge breaking the perfect route for a sleigh.

The historical attraction, Colborne Lodge, however, was as impressive as always. This cottage reminds visitors that the park’s lands once were considered a country retreat when the city of Toronto was much smaller.

It’s a museum with original furnishings and the original owner’s – John Howard – watercolour collection on exhibit.

In the winter, there are various events and activities such as greenery-making programs around Christmas time.

Points Of Interest For Photographers

So the view may be a bit drab brown or covered in snow. However, for photographers, High Park in winter is also great for photographing details.

From wild grasses and dried-up plants in the wind to distressed signage covered in graffiti, there’s always some sort of subject to photograph.

If it weren’t for John George Howard and his wife, who in the late 1800s donated their country property to the City of Toronto, we wouldn’t have the High Park we enjoy today. A visit to the park warrants a stop at their gravesite for a quick prayer and a thank you.

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PIn Me!

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How To Get To High Park

The best way is to take the TTC Subway to High Park station and walk south of Bloor Street. Entrances for cars are located on the north side at Bloor Street; off of Parkside Drive on the east, and from south at Queensway at Colborne Lodge Drive.

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QUESTION: Have you ever visited High Park in the winter? If you’ve visited, what’s your favourite part of the park and activity you enjoy doing?

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