This Winter, Vow to Toboggan these Top GTA Thrill Hills

by Mike Friskney

Winter officially begins on Dec. 21st and ends on March 20^th, which means it lasts approximately 12 weeks long. For some people, this can feel like an eternity…but it doesn’t have to be that way. This winter you can turn every week into a fun-filled, adrenaline rush by vowing to sled and slay a different GTA toboggan hill every seven days.

To get the adventure started, we’ve compiled a list of 12 recommended toboggan hills in Toronto and the GTA!

 

1. Riverdale Park East, Toronto

For years, Riverdale Park East has been the favourite tobogganing destination for many Torontonians. Why? Because it has it all: a long, wide hill so it can accommodate lots of sledders; it’s steep so it will satisfy your need for speed; nice, long run; no trees or barriers to steer clear of; and, every time you climb back up to the top, you’ll be rewarded with an awesome view of the city skyline.

Location: 550 Broadview Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 2N6

 

2. Sir Winston Churchill Park, Toronto

Multiple toboggan enthusiasts have rated Sir Winston Churchill Park as being home to one of the steepest hills in the city. This hill puts the crazy in carpet. Seconds into your descent, you’ll be hitting warp factor speed. If you really get going, be prepared to steer like you’re starring in The Fast and the Furious or to roll off your sled in order to avoid obstacles like garbage cans and light posts. Of course, if the hair-raising main hill has you shaking in your boots, the park offers some other runs that take the speed factor down a notch or two.

Location: 301 St Clair Ave W, Toronto, ON

 

3. Lithuania Park, Toronto

Locals love Lithuania Park for tobogganing. If you’re looking for something other than a straight down run, this hill features a bend. Combine that with the hill’s height, steep angle, a bump near the bottom for catching air, and a generous run off area, and you’ve got all the makings of an awesome sledding shredding outing.

Location: 155 Oakmount Rd, Toronto, ON M6P 2M3

 

4. L’Amoreaux Park, Scarborough

Venture east to Scarborough and just south of the L’Amoreaux community centre where you’ll find a somewhat undiscovered gem of a hill. Situated in the Toronto Hydro corridor, this hill is steep, has a nice long run and is usually not too busy. And with the top of the hill being the highest point in the area, you can enjoy a nice panoramic view as you catch your breath after the climb back up.

Location: 2000 McNicoll Ave., Scarborough, ON

 

5. Pine Point Arena Hill, Etobicoke North

This slope is Etobicoke’s version of the Riverdale Park East toboggan hill as it also features a wide expanse that can easily accommodate many sledders at the same time, a steep run, and large run-out area at the bottom. At Pine Point Arena Hill, you’ll find a run to satisfy every tobogganer in your group, from gentle slopes for beginners to runs that boast drops, potholes and a rollercoaster rush.

Location: 15 Grierson Rd, Etobicoke, ON M9W 3R2

 

6. Colonel Sam Smith Park, Etobicoke South

Located right near Lake Ontario, Colonel Sam Smith Park is an awesome two-for-one deal. The toboggan hill here is wide and welcoming, and provides a decent thrill and run for sled sliders of all ages. When you’ve had your fill of the hill, you can switch out your ‘boggan’ for your blades and head over to the beautiful, 250-metre ice skating trail.

Location: 3145 Lake Shore Blvd W, Etobicoke, ON M8V 4B6

 

7. Birchwood Park, Mississauga

Residents of Mississauga know that if they’re in need of a shot of adrenalin, there’s nothing better than a day of sledding at Birchwoood Park. The hill is steep, has a huge run and nothing to get in your way.

Location: 1547 Lakeshore Rd W, Mississauga, ON L5J 4T4

 

8. Erindale Park, Mississauga

This hill is not as steep at Birchwood Park but it still provides a fantastic, long ride. There’s lots of room so you can make it down to the bottom without having to be on high alert for trees, light posts or other obstacles.

Location: 1695 Dundas St W, Mississauga, ON L5C 1E3

 

9. Appleby College, Oakville

For more than 40 years, the hill at this private school in Oakville has been earning top marks for delivering speed, distance, thrills and spills.

Location: 540 Lakeshore Rd W, Oakville, ON L6K 3P1

 

10. Major Oaks Park, Brampton

Head to the burbs of Brampton and enjoy the incredibly long runs at Major Oaks Park. Lots of space between sledders, a good angle of descent, and multiple lanes to try.

Location: 410 and, Williams Pkwy, Brampton, ON

 

11. Albion Hills Conservation Area, Bolton

For a real winter escape from the every day, venture out to the beautiful, natural setting of the Albion Hills Conservation Area. But don’t let the calm, serene surroundings fool you…the long, fast toboggan hill here is definitely good for a scream!

Location: 16500 Peel Regional Rd 50, Caledon, ON L7E 3E7

 

12. Boyd Conservation Area, Woodbridge

Can’t get enough of the great outdoors? Then plan a visit to Boyd Conservation Area in your calendar. Like Albion Hills, you’ll be surrounded by nature’s beauty and you’ll have a beauty of a toboggan hill at your disposal. Super wide with a variety of daring descents. Note: during the winter, the front gates are closed so you’ll have to park your vehicle by the road and trek in.

 

Have fun, stay safe, and don’t forget to let us know which is your favourite!