Tommy Thompson Park (Leslie Street Spit)

A wild, man-made peninsula jutting into Lake Ontario, Toronto's accidental urban wilderness and a top birdwatching spot, with flat trails, skyline views and no cars. Free and wonderful for walking or cycling. Note: it's weekends-mainly for full access, and a 2026 bridge closure limits weekdays.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Can you bike at Tommy Thompson Park?

Yes, and it's the ideal way to see it, the main road is flat, paved and car-free, so cycling lets you reach the lighthouse and tip without a long slog on foot. Walkers should know it's a long out-and-back.

Can I visit Tommy Thompson Park on a weekday?

Usually yes, but heads up, due to dredging work, the pedestrian bridge is closed to visitors Mondays 7am through Fridays 3pm from June 1 to December 18, 2026, which limits weekday access to parts of the park. Weekends remain open, so plan around that in 2026.

Is Tommy Thompson Park worth visiting?

For nature lovers, cyclists and anyone wanting skyline views away from crowds, yes, it's a genuinely unusual urban-wilderness experience and it's free. If you want quick, easy, car-accessible sightseeing, the distance and limited access may frustrate you.

Is Tommy Thompson Park open to the public?

Yes, and it's free. It's fully open on weekends (roughly 5:30am to 9pm), which is when it's designed for public recreation, so that's the main window to plan around.

Why is it called the Leslie Street Spit?

It's a five-kilometre-plus man-made peninsula built from construction fill and dredged material over decades, which nature then reclaimed into a thriving habitat. Locals still call it 'the Spit,' while Tommy Thompson Park is the official name.

Is Tommy Thompson Park good for birdwatching?

It's one of the best birding sites in the city, a major spot for migratory birds, waterfowl and nesting colonies, with a bird research station on site. Spring and fall migration are prime, so bring binoculars.

How long does it take to walk Tommy Thompson Park?

Walking to the tip and back is several kilometres and can take a few hours, so many visitors turn around partway or bike instead. Budget two to four hours depending on how far you go and how much you stop to birdwatch.

How do I get to Tommy Thompson Park?

It's at the foot of Leslie Street on the eastern waterfront. There's no transit right to the gate, so people take the 83 Jones or 501 Queen streetcar and walk/ride down, or simply cycle, the flat paved main road makes biking by far the best way to cover the distance.

Nearby in Ask Toronto

• Cherry BeachBeach1.37 km · 17 min walk
• Ward's Island BeachBeach1.79 km · 22 min walk
• Corktown CommonPark3.25 km · 41 min walk
• Balzac's Coffee Roasters (Distillery)Café3.28 km · 41 min walk
• Distillery Historic DistrictLandmark3.3 km · 41 min walk