Toronto has its own way of pulling you in. It’s big, busy, and buzzing with life. But also, it’s never too far from calm. One minute, you’re sipping coffee in a trendy, downtown cafe. And the next, you’re standing in front of a historic fort or walking along a quiet riverside trail.
It’s a city that lets you balance both energy and ease, which is part of what makes it a top summer destination.
If you’re planning a visit to Toronto, there’s no shortage of places to explore. With DelSuites by your side, comfort and convenience won’t be a problem.
In this guide, we’re laying out everything you need to know to make the most of your Toronto trip, one iconic location at a time.
Best Urban Parks and Nature Spaces in Toronto
From sprawling wooded valleys to reclaimed wetlands, Toronto’s trails and parks blend green space with urban life better than most. There are a variety of ways to enjoy the great outdoors when you’re here.
Here are some standout parks and natural areas to add to your travel itinerary.
High Park
Found in Toronto’s west end above Lake Ontario and below Bloor Street, High Park is the city’s largest and arguably most iconic urban park. Spread across nearly 400 acres, it offers a little bit of everything: hiking trails, wooded ravines, a small zoo, playgrounds, gardens, and a picturesque pond.
This park’s best known for its cherry blossoms in spring, but summer brings picnics, outdoor theatre, and quiet shade under massive oaks.
Travel tips when visiting:
- The park is walkable but hilly, so wear comfortable shoes.
- Free zoo access is a fun bonus.
- The Shakespeare in High Park series offers free outdoor performances in the summer.
Tommy Thompson Park
Jutting out into Lake Ontario, Tommy Thompson Park is one of the city’s best examples of accidental wilderness. Located on the Leslie Street Spit, it began as a man-made breakwater project in the 1950s using construction rubble. Over time, nature took over.
Now, the park is a haven for wildlife, with over 300 bird species found there. It’s a long, narrow stretch ideal for cycling or long walks. The park is open on weekends and holidays, with limited access during weekdays due to conservation efforts.
Travel tips when visiting:
- Bring water and snacks because there are no shops or water fountains on-site.
- It’s a terrific spot for cycling.
- Best visited during sunrise or sunset for lakeside views and fewer crowds.
Rouge National Urban Park
Rouge National Urban Park sits at the edge of Toronto’s eastern boundary, stretching into Markham and Pickering. It’s a protected zone that brings together forests, marshes, rivers, farms, and even beaches in one vast landscape. The area is also rich in Indigenous history, with evidence of settlements going back over 10,000 years.
With over 79 square kilometres of space, Rouge is ideal for serious hikers, nature lovers, and anyone looking to feel like they’ve left the city entirely.
Travel tips when visiting:
- There are multiple access points, with the Zoo Road and Glen Rouge Campground entrances among the easiest.
- Bring insect repellent when going near marshland areas.
- Combine with a visit to the Toronto Zoo, which borders the park.
Don River Valley
The Don River Valley is a green corridor that cuts through urban Toronto. Inside this valley are hidden gems like Crothers Woods, which is a dense forest with over 10km of multi-use trails popular for mountain biking and hiking.
Originally part of Toronto’s industrial zone, the Don River area has undergone decades of environmental restoration. Crothers Woods, in particular, has been protected and managed as a natural heritage site since the early 2000s.
Travel tips when visiting:
- Entry points like Pottery Road and Loblaws on Redway Road are convenient for parking and access.
- Cell service can be spotty in the lower valley sections.
- As it’s not well-lit, stick to daytime hours just to be safe.
Location: High Park
Top National Historic Sites in Toronto
Toronto may be known for its skyline and sports teams, but the city’s roots run deep. Many of these can still be explored today. Historic landmarks across the city give a glimpse of how Toronto became what it is now.
These memorable spots tell stories built into stone, brick, and waterfront views. If you’re planning a visit, make sure to include these in your Toronto itinerary.
Here’s what to expect at each historic landmark.
Fort York National Historic Site
Built by the British in 1793 to defend what was then called York, Fort York played a major role in defending Upper Canada during American takeovers. It’s now a national historic site tucked between modern condo towers and railway lines. It features original barracks, restored cannons, and guided tours that explain the battle strategies and life in the 19th-century military.
And because it’s right in downtown Toronto, it’s easy to work into your day without venturing far.
Travel tips when visiting:
- Take the Bathurst Street Bridge for an elevated view before you go in.
- Check ahead for reenactment dates or seasonal events.
- Stop by the visitor center for its modern design that contrasts well with the original fort.
Gibraltar Point Lighthouse
Located on the Toronto Islands, the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse is one of the oldest surviving lighthouses on the Great Lakes. Built in 1808, it once helped guide ships into Toronto Harbour and now stands as a haunting reminder of the city’s maritime past.
With no road access, you’ll need to take a ferry to get there, but the journey is part of the charm.
Local lore claims the lighthouse is haunted, which to some, adds charm to its weathered stone and remote setting.
Travel tips when visiting:
- Visit in the late afternoon for better lighting and fewer crowds.
- Gibraltar Point Beach is nearby, so pair your visit with a beach day.
Casa Loma
Perched on a hill above Davenport Road, Casa Loma is Toronto’s famed castle. It looks like something out of Europe, which is why it’s one of the most photographed places in Toronto. Built in 1914 by Sir Henry Pellatt, it was meant to be a dream home. But the dream didn’t last long, as he went bankrupt.
Today, visitors can tour grand ballrooms, towers with sweeping city views, and hidden passages. Seasonal exhibits and events (like escape rooms and Halloween transformations) keep the place fresh.
Travel tips when visiting:
- Download the self-guided tour app or rent an audio guide for historical context.
- The lower tunnels can get chilly, even in summer. Bring a light sweater.
- Don’t miss the view from the Norman Tower.
The Distillery Historic District
Unlike the usual quiet of some historic sites, the Distillery District is full of life. This pedestrian-only neighbourhood is built on the site of the Gooderham & Worts Distillery, which was once the largest distillery in the world.
The original Victorian-era industrial buildings have been converted into boutiques, galleries, cafes, and event spaces, all while keeping their brick-and-iron aesthetic.
It’s part history and part arts hub. Here, you’ll find public art installations, local designers, and food markets.
Travel tips when visiting:
- Wear shoes suitable for cobblestone walkways.
- Look for seasonal markets like the Christmas Market and summer pop-ups.
Location: Casa Loma
Plan a Stay That Works for You
Toronto’s mix of national parks and historic landmarks makes it one of the most well-rounded places to explore in Canada. The city is sure to offer something unforgettable in every corner.
But while planning your itinerary is exciting, where you stay shouldn’t be an afterthought. Comfort, convenience, and location matter, especially if you’re making the most of your days outdoors.
With fully furnished rentals across the Greater Toronto Area, DelSuites offers a home base that offers the comfort and privacy of a cozy home with the convenience and quality of a luxury hotel experience.
No matter how long your trip is, you’ll have space to relax, cook, recharge, and plan the next day’s adventure. DelSuites makes it easy to settle in and start exploring.
Contact us today for a stay that’s simple, flexible, and designed around your trip.
