Deer Park

A park with a children’s playground, a wading pool, and two tennis courts that has an access Toronto’s old Beltline Railway.

A deep ravine in the heart of Toronto with a reservoir underneath, it runs from the southern tip of Mount Pleasant Cemetery to Mount Pleasant Road just north of Roxborough Avenue. The park is part of Toronto’s history because in the ‘70s, this ravine was the most famous gay sex cruising ground. It would be filled with dozens of men each night. However, today the situation is different. The upper trail on the west side is ideal for joggers and cyclists, while the lower dirt path is a great place for hikers and dog walkers. Lined with many fallen trees, walking through certain sections can be pretty challenging. The east side is mostly flat and offers a less difficult route.

Overlooking Rosedale to the south and David A. Balfour Park to the east, Rosehill Reservoir Park is one of the best options for walking excursions within the City of Toronto. Home to unique flora and fauna (don’t be surprised to see a deer or fox), this park features a footpath used by many walkers, joggers, and cyclists. The three main entrances (at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, David A. Balfour Park, and from St. Clair Avenue at the Avoca Street bridge) make it easily accessible.

The western gateway of a five-kilometre-long network of gardens running from Yonge and Lawrence to the borders of Leaside is Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens. The trails are open all year long, and there is street parking available near the entrance.