Many might think that living in a big city means leaving behind all green spaces in exchange for a world of concrete. However, this is not the case, particularly in certain Toronto neighbourhoods.
Community developers increasingly recognize the value of incorporating green spaces among their designs to conserve nature and benefit those who dwell within their neighbourhoods. Some buildings even create green spaces within their structures, with green roofs or green spaces that allow for caring for plants from their tenants.
So, where can nature lovers seeking more green space go to live in the city? Look no further than all of these different Toronto neighbourhoods for nature!
High Park
To start the list, it should be no surprise that the High Park neighbourhood comes to mind first. After all, the entire neighbourhood is named after the park itself! High Park, which spans a massive 161 hectares, is the largest park entirely within Toronto and has something for everyone, including a recreational and natural park, gardens, playgrounds, sporting facilities, and even a zoo!
Many of the homes in High Park are stunning Victorian, Edwardian, and Tudor-style homes surrounded by lush and mature greenery. For purchasers searching for something cheaper, the neighbourhood also has condominium buildings, many of which have private balconies with spectacular views of High Park and Lake Ontario.
Given all of its lush outdoor spaces, it’s safe to say that High Park attracts people who enjoy being outside. The neighbourhood is quite diverse in its community, ranging from long-term residents who reside in the area’s historic mansions to young students and artists who help keep the community’s vibrant heart and soul alive.
The Bridle Path
The Bridle Path has been dubbed “Millionaires Row” by locals. Indeed, mansions in this neighbourhood fetch well over a million dollars. With that said, it’s hard to beat the scenic views of this neighbourhood. The Don River Valley and lush parks surround this private enclave of houses, providing the perfect background for The Bridle Path’s magnificent homes.
Residents of The Bridle Path may walk to Edwards Gardens, which is home to the Toronto Botanical Garden, one of Canada’s greatest public gardening resource facilities. Edwards Gardens include rockeries, perennial gardens, a pond, waterfalls, a rose garden, and the start of a nine-kilometre paved walk that runs through the Don River Valley to Warden Woods Park in Scarborough. The Edwards Gardens trail runs past Sunnybrook Park, which has top-notch cricket, field hockey, rugby, and soccer fields.
Birchcliff
Birch Cliff is a well-established, family-oriented community located against the scenic outdoor landscape design of the Scarborough Bluffs and Lake Ontario. The Birchcliff community, being adjacent to the lake, allows any nature lover to appreciate the beauty and calm of the water.
Aside from Lake Ontario’s waterfront, nature lovers can also visit Birchmount Park and Rosetta McClain Gardens, a beautiful garden park overlooking the Scarborough Bluffs. It also has excellent raised planters, flower beds, and a rock fountain.
When living in Birchcliff, the desirable “Fallingbrook” district is recognized for its lush ravine terrain and magnificent manor residences with views of Lake Ontario. Fallingbrook also has many properties that back onto the lovely grounds of the Toronto Hunt Club.
Furthermore, the new Birchcliff Urban Townhomes development is ideal for families or young professionals who want to be close to the lake, Queen Street, Danforth Village, and numerous parks, walkways, and trails.
Trinity Bellwoods
Trinity Bellwoods is another Toronto community with a “Central Park”-style green space, as well as fantastic shopping strips, day-to-day facilities within walking distance, and convenient access to major transportation lines.
Trinity-Bellwoods Park is a massive 14.6-hectare park on Queen Street West at Strachan Avenue that was previously the location of Trinity College, the University of Trinity College. The park includes:
- Three baseball diamonds.
- Eight tennis courts.
- Two volleyball courts.
- An off-leash area for pets.
- An ice rink.
- Designated picnic areas.
- A children’s playground.
Nature enthusiasts can enjoy this expansive outdoor park’s sights, smells, and sounds.
For living, the suburb has many exquisite turn-of-the-century Victorian residences that are still reasonably priced compared to other downtown neighbourhoods. Some lofts offer another type of housing choice for people looking for something even more inexpensive with no maintenance.
Riverdale
If you’re looking for a community-oriented region of Toronto with plenty of green space and, if you can envision it, calm surroundings, the Riverdale neighbourhood should be high on your list.
This neighbourhood’s streets are lined with trees, lush greenery, friendly faces, neighbourly porches, happy adults, and playing children. The many Edwardian and Victorian homes are ideal for families and young professionals seeking serenity close to the city.
To the east is Withrow Park. This park features two ball fields, a multifunctional sports field, two outdoor tennis courts, a volleyball court, a dog off-leash area, and a children’s playground, all part of this 8-hectare park on Logan Avenue just south of Danforth Avenue. Not only is Withrow Park a nice spot to relax, but one can also shop for fresh local vegetables at the popular farmers market that makes its home here.
The majority of the homes in the region are Victorian. South Riverdale is the spot to search if you’re looking for something a little less pricey.
Lawrence Park
Lawrence Park is one of Toronto’s most affluent suburbs. It is nestled in a serene environment with gently undulating hills, winding roads, and a lush landscape.
Lawrence Park’s businesses, schools, and recreational amenities are positioned on its outskirts, reducing traffic on residential streets.
Meanwhile, the Charles Sauriol Conservation Area is a great location to walk or picnic, and there are other lovely gardens and parks.
Waterfront
The waterfront has undergone a massive transformation in the last 10-15 years. Old parking lots and abandoned buildings have been replaced with new accessible, beautiful, and inclusive neighbourhoods in the last 15 years.
The main draw for nature lovers to this area is, of course, access to Toronto Island. Toronto Island is a collection of 15 islands linked together by pathways and bridges. The Island is around 5 kilometres long, giving you ample room to walk, run, or ride your bike there. You can also walk your dog here!
On the Island, children and adults of all ages will find something to do or see. Beautiful sandy beaches, sports facilities, bike rentals, kayaks and canoes, huge grassy picnic areas, nature pathways, and an amusement park are among the numerous sorts of recreation and natural landscape.
Work with Us
Our team at Harvey Kalles consists of some of the best real estate agents in Toronto, and we are well-versed in the city’s many neighbourhoods. Whether you want to sell your current home or discover your ideal new one, our agents are here to assist you at every step.
