DK Travel : Toronto : Outdoor

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High Park

Several miles of bicycle and walking trails meander through formal gardens, wooded ravines, and a rare oak savanna habitat in downtown’s largest park. At the south end is Colborne Lodge (see Colborne Lodge) and Grenadier Pond, where locals fish in summer and skate in winter (see High Park).
Hiking

Toronto Field Naturalists (TFN) offer daily tours of natural areas, led by knowledgeable volunteers. The 500-mile (800-km) Bruce Trail, running along the Niagara Escarpment from Niagara to Tobermory, has many access points. The Bruce Trail Association (BTA) is a mine of information.
Humber Arboretum

Set near the West Humber River, this nature center has self-guided trails through woodlands and meadows, and fine exhibits on plants and wildlife.
Humber Bay Butterfly Habitat

Native flowers and shrubs attract butterflies at this lakeshore park with a great view of the city’s skyline. A demonstration garden highlights butterfly-attracting flowers for home gardens.
Humber Bay Park East

Views of the city don’t get much better than those from here. Easily accessible by bicycle on the Waterfront Trail, the park is also great for exploring on foot. Major habitat restoration such as wildflower meadow plantings attracts birds and butterflies (see Humber Bay Butterfly Habitat). Walkways and interpretive signs complement a series of interesting storm water cleansing ponds.
In-Line Skating

Daring in-line skaters take to the streets, but recreational rollers head to the lake-hugging Martin Goodman Trail (see Martin Goodman Trail).
Jogging

Extensive park and ravine trails mean lots of choice. Head to the Beach boardwalk (see The Beach), High Park (see High Park), or the more secluded paths by the Don River.
Kortright Center

This premier conservation area hosts hands-on activities and guided nature walks for all ages – the nighttime “owl prowls” are very popular. Some 11 miles (18 km) of trails lead through forests, meadows, and Humber River valleylands.
Leslie Street Spit

Also known as Tommy Thompson Park – after Toronto’s first commissioner of parks and the official who peppered them with welcoming “Please Walk on the Grass” signs – this secluded nature reserve is a man-made peninsula extending 3 miles (5 km) into Lake Ontario. More than 290 bird species have been observed in this prime wildlife viewing spot, and its wetlands, meadows, and forests contain many rare and unusual plants. The lighthouse at the southern tip is a common destination for bicyclists.
Martin Goodman Trail

Hugging Lake Ontario, the 12-mile (22 km) trail connects the waterfront parks and is popular with joggers, cyclists, and in-line skaters.