Cedarvale

Undoubtedly, the most significant feature of this neighbourhood is the huge urban green space of Cedarvale Ravine that brings a piece of nature into the very centre of metropolitan Toronto.

One of the neighbourhood’s biggest parks, Cedarvale Park spreads over 35.7 acres of land and creates the natural border between the posh Cedarvale real estate to the north and the trendy neighbourhood of Hillcrest to the south. Cut diagonally by the Cedarvale Ravine, this beautiful green oasis is used for many forms of recreation. With more than enough space for multiple teams on the many playing fields and soccer pitches, there is also the Phil White Arena and tennis courts in the nearby community centre. The latest additions to the recreational activities in the park are the enclosed off-leash area for dogs and the progressive educational program, “Families in Nature”, run by over 300 volunteers, that conducts its activities in the middle of the park. The meadow has been converted to a wetland habitat that provides the perfect conditions for local ecosystems. The program is helping to take care of the wetlands and create a set of educational signs with information about its plants, birds, and animals for visitors walking along the footpaths.

Sir Winston Churchill Park is located at the south-east corner of Spadina Road and St. Clair Avenue. If running is your thing, this park offers a popular jogging route of a little less than two miles, which starts on Spadina with a number of stairs to test your fitness. Running down the gravel path, you pass along a big fenced-in dog park, a busy tennis court, and a little playground. Wrapping all around the park is the Nordheimer Ravine, which offers some quality picnic spots and a rustic wood path for a lovely walk.