Places to have a picnic in Toronto

May 23, 2017

by José Gonzalez

With summer sun in the sky, there's no better time to pack up the picnic basket and enjoy your lunch outdoors. There are so many parks, gardens and green spaces in Toronto that are perfect spots to enjoy a meal in the fresh air, but here are some of the most scenic in the city. [Photo credit: iStock]

Places to have a picnic in Toronto

Bluffer's Park
One of the higher elevations available in Toronto, the bluffs offer a lovely view of Lake Ontario to accompany your meal. Quite possibly the most beautiful spot in all of Scarborough, it's popular with nearby residents, and worth the trip if you're coming from other parts of the city.

Colonel Samuel Smith Park
This west side park twists and turns along Lake Ontario, offering some lovely backdrops to your meal. Space can be a bit limited at this relatively small park, but its location is remote enough that you might not have to worry about fighting for a spot, depending on when you get there.

Dufferin Grove
Conveniently located in the west end, this park is a popular spot whenever the weather is nice. The picnic areas are right next to play areas for the kids and fields for outdoor games for anyone a bit older.

  • Picnic Sites: 1
  • Where: 875 Dufferin Street
  • More Info

High Park
The biggest park in the city has the most variety when it comes to picnic spots. You can sit on the finely kept lawns, take a spot near the Grenadier Pond, enjoy the carefully maintained gardens, or sit in the unkempt wilderness areas of the park. There's also plenty to do at the park after the picnic, like checking out the Zoo or enjoy some history at Colborne Lodge.

Morningside Park
This Scarborough park is right next to University of Toronto Scarborough, and when campus attendance dips in the summer, that means the park is a bit quieter, giving you the chance for a peaceful picnic amidst the greenery. This park feels more like the wilderness than the more precisely maintained grounds of other parks.

Riverdale Park East
A great place for a picnic after a visit to Riverdale Farm, or maybe just because the park itself is so beautiful, this is one of the most popular parks in the east. This park is easy to get to, and it's easy to find a place to enjoy your picnic. This park was also home to a quidditch team – you might catch a glimpse of them if you're lucky.

  • Picnic Sites: 2
  • Where: 550 Broadview Avenue
  • More Info

Sunnybrook Park
A lovely park with several bike trails and other summer activities, there’s plenty to do here, including the opportunity to check out the Sunnybrook Stables. The park is spacious and has a surplus of great spots to set up your picnic.

  • Picnic Sites: 2
  • Where: 11332 Leslie Street
  • More Info

Toronto Islands
You'll have to take the ferry to get there, but once on the Islands there are numerous spots near the water and among the greenery to set your basket and blanket down. The islands are big enough that you might be able to nab a quiet spot for your group, or you can join the mass of city folk who have taken a break from the city for the relative peace on the islands.

Trinity Bellwoods Park
One of the bigger parks downtown, the plentiful picnic and play areas make it a popular spot. With that in mind, you might have to arrive a bit early to find a spot, but the convenient location means it's easy enough to get to. There’s also plenty to do in the area once the picnic finishes up. Keep your eye open for the park's special resident; an albino squirrel.

Woodbine Beach
Since its one of the biggest beaches in the city, a picnic here wouldn't be complete without a swimsuit and some suntan lotion! You might also want to consider bringing along a Frisbee or volleyball to have a bit of beach fun while you're there.

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