Parks are an indispensable part of Toronto’s urban landscape. For a municipality which often likes being dubbed “a city within a park,” Toronto boasts over 473 named parks and 839 sports fields. Here’s a list of five within walking distance (1-2 kilometres) of Innis!

Taddle Creek Park 

Located just north of campus on Bedford, this park shares its name with the third floor house of Innis Residence. In memory of now buried river, the park’s main attraction is a fountain made from over 4 km of stainless steel rod, the estimated length of the forgotten river. A busy dog park also makes the park popular with students during the exam period.

Jean Sibelius Square

Accessible via a short walk north of Bloor Street on Brunswick Avenue, this parkette named after a finnish composer hosts a jungle gym which can be fun for all ages. If you are lucky, some evenings you can even catch Annex-residents practicing guitar and having jam sessions in the park, providing an excellent soundtrack for your visit.  

The Grange Park

Located behind the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Grange Park is home to modern sculptures, a weekly farmer’s market, and splash pads. An excellent place to hang-out following a visit to the AGO or dinner on Baldwin Street, the park and the gallery can reached by walking south on St. George (Beverly Street) across College to Dundas.

Bickford Park

One of Toronto’s lesser-known parks, Bickford Park is accessible via a bicycle ride west along Harbord Street or a short bus ride on the 94 Harbord Bus west. The park, styled-off the more popular Christie Pits, provides visitors with amazing sunset views of the Toronto skyline, bat sightings, and a miniature graffiti gallery. In the area you can also find the retro malt shop, Bean and Baker.

Allan Gardens

Perhaps one of Toronto’s most popular parks, this 100 year old greenhouse and conservatory is home to exotic plants, flowing streams, and dozens of painted turtles. Open everyday until 5 pm, the conservatory is only minutes away from the College Streetcar.