Have you heard the expression “it is no picnic”? This phrase is used to describe something difficult or unpleasant. If your current days seem like “no picnic,” maybe it’s time to look at it differently and bring “picnic” days into your life, especially on the eve of the International Picnic Day, which will take place on June 18th this year!
Despite the fact that this holiday’s origin is quite uncertain, it is celebrated in many countries, including Canada. So pack your gear, get outside and go on a picnic.
In this article we have put together a list of the best places to have a picnic in Toronto area.
High Park
High Park is a green icon for every Torontonian. The park boasts Toronto’s largest green space and is only a 20-minute subway ride from downtown. High Park is one of the first choices for a quick getaway from city life.
When it comes to picnics, High Park is still unbeatable. The park is huge and you can spread your blanket on a green lawn anywhere. For those who want more authenticity, it offers 18 designated picnic areas that require advance booking.
Sunnybrook Park
Sometimes you just need to reconnect with nature in order to leave your concerns behind. This is equally true of your dogs, if you have any. Sunnybrook Park is well-known for its dynamic landscape that includes forest and a big off-leash dog park. They also have great BBQ facilities, so you can plan a perfect daylong picnic, starting from a morning dog walk and end it with a delicious s’more* on a campfire at night. * A traditional campfire treat popular in Canada, consisting of a roasted marshmallow and a layer of chocolate sandwiched between two pieces of graham cracker.
Dufferin Grove Park
Even if you are a picnic lover, packing and carrying your favourite snacks and drinks to a picnic spot may still be an “it’s no picnic” process. That’s not a problem anymore if you decide to have a picnic in Dufferin Grove. Every Thursday you can enjoy shopping for organic groceries at the park’s farmers market. There are also outdoor wood-fired ovens you can use to bake your own pizza!
*photograph courtesy of AR Photography
Toronto Islands
Despite the short (15-minute) travel time to the islands, sailing across the water is still an exciting experience. Once you get there, you can totally forget about the city noise and shift your brain into picnic mode.
The best picnic sites are on Centre Island, Olympic Island and Hanlan’s Point.
You can also explore the island by bicycle, in order to find your favourite hidden gem.
Bluffers Park
Bluffers Park is located at the bottom of the Scarborough Bluffs in the city’s east end. It is best known for its wild and spectacular view from the bluffs overlooking the lake.
The beach receives an annual Blue Flag certification, the international eco-label that ensures high quality of water and safety standards. The park is also known as a good spot for fishing, so don’t forget to pack your swimsuit and a fishing rod!
Sugar Beach
There are many beaches in Toronto and Sugar Beach is mostly for those who just want to relax and ONLY relax. This little beach with white sand and pink parasols doesn’t have enough space for throwing a frisbee. So if you are looking for a place for a nice quiet picnic this beach is an ideal spot.
In August you can also enjoy outdoor movie screenings, making Sugar Beach an ideal place for romantic couples.
Rouge park
Once you have gotten settled in the city, you might begin to forget about that you are in Canada, a country renowned for its nature. Rouge Park, one of North America’s largest urban parks, will surely remind you where you are.
This giant park spans 47 square kilometres in the eastern sector of the Greater Toronto Area, where you can encounter biodiversity and magnificent wild landscapes. In case you want to stay longer after having a picnic, the park has camp ground, where you can camp out in a tent after sunset.
Discover more at: http://www.rougepark.com
Attention!
All the public picnic sites require a permit if you are in a group of 25 people or more.
In order to reserve a spot, call the City of Toronto at 416-392-8188.
For more information visit http://www1.toronto.ca
Ai Watanabe
