High Park

Toronto's biggest and best-loved public park, 400 acres of trails, gardens, a small free zoo, ponds, playgrounds and the famous spring cherry blossoms. Free, genuinely great, and a local institution. The one caveat: cherry-blossom peak brings huge crowds and vehicle closures.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Is the High Park Zoo free?

Yes, the small High Park Zoo is free and open year-round, home to bison, deer, llamas, peacocks and more. It's modest but a genuine hit with young kids and costs nothing.

When is High Park least crowded?

Weekdays outside cherry-blossom season are calm and lovely. Avoid weekend afternoons in peak bloom, when the park is genuinely packed; if you must see the blossoms, go at dawn on a weekday.

What is there to do in High Park?

Loads, a free zoo with bison and other animals, walking and cycling trails, Grenadier Pond, gardens, playgrounds, a big outdoor pool, tennis, and summer Shakespeare in the park. It's the kind of place you can visit repeatedly and do something different each time.

When do the High Park cherry blossoms bloom?

Peak bloom is usually late April to early May and lasts only about 4 to 10 days depending on weather, in 2026 it was expected around May 1. Follow the official bloom trackers, because the window is short and the timing shifts each year.

Is High Park free?

Yes, the park and its little zoo are completely free to enter. You'd only pay for extras like the seasonal trackless train, the pool is also free, or food from the cafe.

How long should I spend at High Park?

A half day is ideal to wander the trails, see the zoo and pond, and relax, but you can easily fill a full day with a picnic, the pool and the playgrounds. It's big, so wear comfortable shoes.

How do I get to High Park?

Take Line 2 to High Park Station and walk into the north entrance, or ride the 501 Queen or 506 Carlton streetcars to the south and east sides. During cherry-blossom season the seasonal 203 High Park bus runs closest to the trees.

Can I drive and park in High Park?

Cars can enter and park Monday to Friday only, roughly 276 spaces at the Grenadier Cafe and zoo lots, but weekends and holidays are closed to vehicles, and during cherry-blossom peak the whole park closes to cars day and night. Transit is the safe bet.

Nearby in Ask Toronto

• Roncesvalles VillageNeighborhood1.1 km · 14 min walk
• Reunion Island CoffeeCafé1.16 km · 14 min walk
• Sunnyside BeachBeach1.19 km · 15 min walk
• Sorauren Farmers MarketMarket1.67 km · 21 min walk
• Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto (MOCA)Museum1.74 km · 22 min walk