High Park

At the extreme west end of downtown Toronto, High Park is an oasis of greenery and a year round playground. Extending from Bloor Street to Lake Ontario, the 400-acre park includes trails, flower gardens, picnic areas, a restaurant, swimming pool and much more. In winter, there are ski trails and skating rinks. As the biggest park in the downtown area, it's a treasure. Surrounding High Park are two distinct neighbourhoods. High Park proper is north and west of the park, and is an upscale and largely residential area. The real fun is in Roncesvalles Village to the east of the park. Formerly a traditional Polish neighbourhood, Ronces is now a lively mix of old and new, with European bakeries lined up against bohemian-chic boutiques and creatively whimsical cafes along the leafy street. It's also a wellness hub, with a plethora of health food stores, yoga studios and massage clinics.