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Your Guide to Toronto’s National Parks and Historic Landmarks

July 23, 2025
toronto national parks guide

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.

Toronto History, toronto toursim, Uncategorized

5 Reasons to Live in Midtown Toronto

January 3, 2024

Midtown, Toronto is one of the most vibrant and exciting neighborhoods in the city.

There’s a lot to love about this part of the city, including nightlife, great shopping, entertainment, dining and many other essentials. Plus, when you live in Midtown Toronto there’s always something new happening and a full calendar of festivals and events.

Here are some of the reasons why you should live in Midtown Toronto:

1. It’s Accessible Via Public Transport

When you live in Midtown, it’s easy to get anywhere else in the city relatively quickly. Eglinton Station provides you with quick transport to downtown via subway. Plus, you’ll have several easy bus connections to different areas of Toronto. Plus, the Eglinton Crosstown LRT is planned and will travel as far as Mount Dennis – so this area will become even more well-connected in the future.

2. The Shopping Malls Have a Lot to Offer

Let’s take the gargantuan Yonge and Eglinton Centre for example. Not only does it have a staggering selection of shops (featuring everything from clothing to accessories to electronics and more), it is also home to a supermarket, a food court, a Goodlife Fitness and a Cineplex cinema. Finding everything you need under one roof is pretty convenient! (Plus, the Yonge and Eglinton Centre is just one of the shopping centres in Midtown. Check out our post about shopping in Midtown for more details.)

3. There Are Plenty of Green Spaces

Midtown has plenty of pleasant parks and playgrounds where you can have a picnic, go for a walk and simply enjoy the great outdoors. Watch the squirrels leaping in the trees, listen to the birds chirping and seek out a quiet bench of your own. For example, the Beltline Trail offers a beautiful shady walking trail through Mount Pleasant Cemetery, the Moore Ravine and the Evergreen Brickworks.
live in midtown toronto

4. The Main Streets Are Vibrant

Midtown Toronto has many main streets that are lined with lively local businesses, such as Eglinton and Yonge, Bayview, Spadina and Mount Pleasant. The streets aren’t just lined with the cookie-cutter brands, there are so many one-of-a-kind businesses that you won’t find anywhere else. Walking down these streets is a delight, as you’ll find friendly local cafes and eateries, quirky boutiques and other interesting shops. It’s easy to spend hours exploring – and chatting to the friendly business owners who make up the community.

5. The Food Selection Is Fantastic

Another one of the perks of living in Midtown Toronto is the food. Some evenings you might not feel like cooking. Or, you might want to treat yourself to something special. You’ll have so many great choices within walking distance. There’s the legendary brunches at Boom Breakfast, the juicy Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches at Banh Mi Boys, the handmade desserts at Caffe Demetre and much more.

If you want to live in midtown Toronto, we offer a selection of short term apartment rentals right in the heart of the action. Click here to see our Midtown properties.

Customer Service Experience, Family Vacations in Toronto, Lifestyle talk, Toronto Family Travel, Uncategorized

Kid-Friendly Furnished Apartments in Toronto

September 17, 2023
Kid-friendly, furnished apartments, suites, Toronto, Family Friendly

Looking for a kid-friendly furnished suite for your vacation in Toronto?

As you plan and pack for your family vacation, you go through a lot of effort so that your whole clan will enjoy their trip. By the time you reach your destination, you’re all looking forward to enjoying a little extra quality time. 

As soon as you start unpacking, you don’t want to feel restricted by space, you want to be able to enjoy, cook together, and have space to relax on the couch and watch a movie together. This all comes down to finding a kid-friendly furnished suite that allows you to enjoy these moments.

Finding a kid-friendly furnished suite that’s right for you

As a parent, it’s reassuring to know that when you’re staying at a Delsuites downtown Toronto apartment, your family will be in an environment that’s as safe as your own home.  With a few simple adjustments such as cabinet latches, edge guards for tables and outlet safety covers, your fully-furnished suite can instantly be transformed to fit your family’s needs.

When you’re speaking with the Guest Service Team, it’s important to let them know what child-friendly items you may need during your stay. Right from the beginning of your stay, your complimentary airport pick-up will be equipped with comfortable CSA-approved child car seats, making your journey a safe and comfortable ride for everyone.

For infant bedtime, cribs and rocking chairs will help parents transition their babies into a new environment while bed rails and water-proof mattresses help to ensure that toddlers and older children are sleeping safe and sound. Child-friendly step stools offer your little one the independence they need to brush their teeth and wash their face at bedtime and in the morning. 

Among the other family-friendly services, a professional child minder can also be scheduled should you need in-suite child care.

On arrival, each child also receives an age-appropriate welcoming gift, a simple touch that offers parents the assurance that they’ve chosen the right home away from home for their family vacation.

Choose your kid-friendly suite here for your next 30+ day trip

Are you looking for a kid-friendly furnished apartment for your next trip? DelSuites have fully furnished units with full kitchens, separate rooms, laundry services and great amenities to help you. Look for furnished short-term rentals available now for Etobicoke, Toronto, Markham, Scarborough, North York and more!

Downtown Toronto, Entertainment, Family Vacations in Toronto, Lifestyle talk, Markham, Mid Town, Mississauga, North York, Toronto Family Travel, Uncategorized

Visit the Beach throughout Your Stay in Toronto

May 8, 2023

At the Beach!

While Toronto may not seem like your typical beach destination, as the temperature rises, there’s definitely no shortage of sun, sand and surf. Situated on the shore of Lake Ontario, Toronto’s shoreline is peppered with a variety of sandy beaches, each with its own unique atmosphere. In fact, the city even boasts a community that’s fondly known as The Beaches. So whether you’re living in the downtown Toronto core or a suburban area in your furnished apartment, pack your sunscreen, towel and swimsuit and check out one of these must-see destinations.

Bluffer’s Park

1 Brimley Road South, Scarborough

Featuring a breathtaking view of Lake Ontario against the rugged backdrop of the Scarborough Bluffs, Bluffer’s Park Beach is a natural haven for picnicking with family and friends or enjoying a quiet dinner at Bluffer’s Restaurant. Remember to bring your hiking shoes if you’re up to exploring this geographically diverse area.

The area is pedestrian-friendly but public parking is available.

Where To Stay

Kew & Balmy Beach

2075 Queen Street East, Toronto

One warm weekends, this eastern beach location is heavily populated with a mix of locals and suburbanites who descend on Toronto’s infamous community known as The Beaches. From swimming and beach volleyball to picnicking and playgrounds, this kid-friendly location is ideal for young families. Want a break from the sun and sand? Take a stroll up Lee or Kenilworth Avenue and browse the local shops or tuck into a local eatery for a quick bite.

Where To Stay

Beach VolleyballLake Front Promenade

800 Lakefront Promenade Mississauga

Combining beach and parkland the Lakefront Promenade is a summertime retreat that’s got plenty of activity. From playgrounds that feature splash pads to recreational sailing and boating, this area is also home to an abundance of wildlife.

Where To Stay

2012624-Kew-Balmy-Beach-9351

Stay Close To Enjoy Summer In The City

Even if you’re staying in your short-term rentals Toronto isn’t a vacation, you can still make the weekends feel like a getaway by getting out and exploring your local beach community.

Who knew that summer in the city offered all the fun of a beach destination? Well, we did and now so do you!

Lifestyle talk, toronto toursim, Uncategorized

The Best Cheap Eats in North York, Toronto

April 19, 2023

Vibrant and multicultural North York is a delight to explore on an empty stomach.

Whether you’re looking for authentic Asian cuisine, friendly bakeries or laid back cafes, you’ll discover plenty of places where you can eat your fill without breaking your budget.

So, if you are craving big tastes at a small expense, here are some great local recommendations for the best cheap eats in North York.

Wilson’s Haus of Lechon

This humble eatery is a great place to bring your family or a group of friends. Together, you can share an entire lechon chicken for as little as ten dollars. This is a special Filipino way of roasting meat that is traditional to the city of Cebu – where the family who runs the restaurant is from. A lechon feast is enough to feed several people – and the crispy roasted skin is irresistible. You can also have enough chopped pork lechon (sold by the pound), or treat yourself to a chicken leg or pork skewer combos for less than you would expect.

Angus Pho House

There’s nothing quite like a big, satisfying bowl of Pho – with that warm meaty broth, complex flavours and delicious noodles. At this small and cheerful restaurant, you’ll sometimes struggle to find a seat, as the Pho has become pretty popular. The servings are generous and the main dishes won’t set you back more than $10 at most. This is a local favourite for cheap eats in North York.

Haida Sandwich

If you are looking for a cheap, filling lunch forget about Subway. The tasty, fresh sandwiches at Haida Sandwich are better – and they are also very easy on your wallet. A crowd favourite is a Lamb Special footlong with tomato, romaine hearts and special sauce. They also serve up pizza and mouth-watering ice cream sundaes.

Sultan of Samosas

Is there anything better than biting into the flaky pastry and warm spicy filling of a crispy, deep-fried samosa? The gorgeous little triangles of potatoes, carrots, green beans, and corn are all tossed in a secret blend of hot Indian spices and they are simply addictive. You can eat your fill even if you are on a small budget.

Looking for a short-term rental in North York?

To find your short-term furnished apartments in North York, Toronto, be sure to start your search now for apartments for rent in North York.