Miriam Porter

The name Toronto actually derives from the Mohawk word “tkaronto,” which some claim to mean “where the trees are standing in the water” and others translate to “a gathering place.” It should come as no surprise, then, that the best parks in Toronto are some of the most fabulous and beautiful around Canada. It’s always nice to find a park deep within a bustling city, especially after spending hours walking through the museums, historical attractions and fun markets that give Toronto its unique character. Sometimes, you just need to chill out, right? This Canadian city asks you to do just that when visiting the ample green spaces peppered across town. The best parks in Toronto range from family-friendly areas replete with playgrounds for the kids to adult-friendly spaces boasting bike and walking trails and even an impressively constructed summer ice rink.

The beach scene in Toronto is seasonal, as swimming in the frigid winter is probably not how you want to spend your day. But when the sun shines and temperatures rise, tourists and locals alike flock to the best beaches in Toronto. There are many sandy shores and splashing waves to choose from and several local beaches boast Blue Flag certification, an eco-friendly designation bestowed upon clean, accessible marinas and beaches that meet safety and water quality standards. Beware, though, if your eco-friendliness is of utmost importance, you should know that heavy rains and high water levels in Lake Ontario are often behind failures of local water quality standards. During those less-than-ideal beach days, we suggest you take the time to explore local attractions, delicious restaurants and, of course, awesome theatre offerings. Let’s think positive, though! Put on those bathing suits and get ready to tan and swim your way around the very best beaches around this Canadian gem of a city.