Published 2 November 2026 · By Jatin Dua, Broker of Record, RE/MAX Quantum Realty
My top five parks in North York are Edwards Gardens with the Toronto Botanical Garden, Sunnybrook Park, Earl Bales Park, Downsview Park and Charles Sauriol Conservation Area. None lists an entry fee, though Edwards Gardens has paid parking and some storm-closed ravine trails, and Earl Bales lift tickets run $21.29 to $40.65 before tax.
This guide is for North York families, newcomers and anyone thinking about buying or renting in North York in 2027. You get my five favourite parks, what each one is like, who it suits, what it costs to visit, and what to check first, using details from the City of Toronto, the Toronto Botanical Garden and Downsview Park.
What are the best parks in North York?
My five picks are Edwards Gardens with the Toronto Botanical Garden, Sunnybrook Park, Earl Bales Park, Downsview Park and Charles Sauriol Conservation Area. North York is laced with ravines, and these five show its range: a formal garden, a huge ravine estate, a city ski hill, a large urban park that opened in 2012, and a quiet paved trail just off the Don Valley Parkway.
| Park | Where | Best for | Cost to visit | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edwards Gardens and Toronto Botanical Garden | 755 Lawrence Ave E (entrance on Leslie St) | Gardens, photos, cherry and rhododendron blooms | Free entry; paid parking | Gardens dawn to dusk |
| Sunnybrook Park | North of Leaside, south of the Bridle Path | Ravine walks, birding | No entry fee listed | City park hours |
| Earl Bales Park | Bathurst St, North York | Skiing, forest trails, summer concerts | Free to walk; lift tickets $21.29–$40.65 | Ski season January to mid-March |
| Downsview Park | Off Carl Hall Rd, Canuck Ave and Downsview Park Blvd | Open space, dogs, free programs | No entry fee listed | 5:30 a.m. to midnight |
| Charles Sauriol Conservation Area | East of the DVP, north of Eglinton Ave E | Paved trail, fall colour, biking | No entry fee listed | Year-round trail |
Source: City of Toronto garden, trail and ski pages; Toronto Botanical Garden; Downsview Park; checked 10 November 2026. Lift ticket prices are before tax.
1. Edwards Gardens and the Toronto Botanical Garden
What it is like
Edwards Gardens is North York’s showpiece garden at Lawrence Avenue East and Leslie Street. The City describes perennials and roses on the upper level, and wildflowers, rhododendrons and a large rock garden in the valley below. The land belonged to Alexander Milne, who hoped it would become a public park, and the City bought it in 1955. The pavilion, finished in 1963 by Moriyama and Teshima Architects, is a fine example of the modern design that shaped North York.
The Toronto Botanical Garden sits at the entrance, with greenhouses, a teaching garden and the Dandelion Cafe, open May through November. In spring, 10 to 12 cherry trees bloom west of the fountain, and the rhododendron dell flowers for two to four weeks in May.
Who it suits
Garden lovers, photographers and anyone who wants a calm walk close to the Don Mills area. If you are looking at homes nearby, my guide to choosing a realtor in Don Mills covers that market.
What it costs and what to check
- Admission is free. The gardens are open dawn to dusk, and the visitor centre is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Parking is a paid, enforced lot run by the Toronto Botanical Garden. Members park free.
- Dogs are not permitted, except trained service animals.
- Storm damage in 2026 washed out parts of the ravine trails and bridges at Edwards Gardens. As of 17 September 2026, the affected areas were closed until further notice with no reopening date.
2. Sunnybrook Park
What it is like
Sunnybrook Park is a 154-hectare former country estate, donated to the City in 1928, in the ravine lands north of Leaside and south of the Bridle Path. It is home to Glendon Forest, which the City has named an Environmentally Significant Area for its plant and animal diversity. The City calls it one of the top spots in Toronto to see birds. A trail along Wilket Creek links it north to Edwards Gardens.
Who it suits
Runners, cyclists, birders and dog walkers who want long, shaded paths. It is also the big green space for the Bridle Path and York Mills area; my Bridle Path real estate guide explains that market.
What it costs and what to check
- No entry fee is listed.
- Because the Wilket Creek route connects to Edwards Gardens, check the Toronto Botanical Garden closure notice before planning a through-walk.
3. Earl Bales Park
What it is like
Earl Bales Park on Bathurst Street is home to the City of Toronto’s ski and snowboard centre. The City lists a beginner hill with a rope tow, three runs served by a four-person chairlift (Main Hill, Race Hill and South Hill) and an accessible chalet at the top. Outside ski season, the park has a band stage and trails through a tall deciduous forest of maples, oaks and ash that the City says puts on a spectacular show of fall colour.
Who it suits
Families who want kids to learn to ski without a long drive, and walkers who want shade in summer.
What it costs and what to check
- Lift tickets range from $21.29 for two hours (18 and under, or 60 and over) to $40.65 for a full day, before tax. The rope tow is $13.14 a day.
- The season usually runs from January to mid-March, depending on snow. In 2026 it opened on 7 January and was scheduled to close on 22 March.
- The 2027 season start had not been announced in November 2026. Check the City’s ski centre page for status alerts before you go.
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4. Downsview Park
What it is like
Downsview Park officially opened in 2012, on land the park notes was important to Indigenous communities as a ridge linking the Don and Humber rivers. Today it has forests, ponds, trails, play areas, fields, gardens, an orchard and an urban farm, plus Dogsview Park, an off-leash area. The park’s owner is now Build Canada Homes, a federal Crown corporation. The park runs free programs, such as outdoor storytime and nature sessions for toddlers.
Who it suits
Families, dog owners and anyone who wants wide open space. It also has the best transit access of any park on this list. If you are looking at homes in the area, my guide to choosing a realtor in Downsview covers the local market.
What it costs and what to check
- Park hours are 5:30 a.m. to midnight. No entry fee is listed.
- By transit, use Downsview Park GO/TTC station, Sheppard West or Finch West stations, or bus routes 41, 84, 101, 106 and 108B. There are Bike Share stations in and around the park.
- Visitor parking is off Carl Hall Road, Canuck Avenue and Downsview Park Boulevard. There is no commuter parking, and overnight parking is not allowed.
- The park has warned that some events are being falsely promoted as taking place there. Check its own events page before you buy a ticket.
5. Charles Sauriol Conservation Area
What it is like
Charles Sauriol Conservation Area sits just east of the Don Valley Parkway, north of Eglinton Avenue East. The City describes a paved trail you can use all year for walking, hiking and biking, through calm meadows and a canopy that turns bright in the fall. You also pass under the well-known “Rainbow Bridge” that drivers see on the DVP.
Who it suits
Cyclists, runners and anyone who wants a paved route in nature. It is a quiet alternative to the busier Edwards Gardens.
What it costs and what to check
- No entry fee is listed.
- Ravine trails can wash out after big storms, as Edwards Gardens did in 2026. Check the City’s trail updates before a long ride.
Which North York trails are worth walking?
Many of North York’s best walks follow the branches of the Don River. Three I recommend:
- Wilket Creek: runs south from Edwards Gardens to Wilket Creek Park and Sunnybrook Park.
- E.T. Seton Park: just south of North York in the Thorncliffe area, it links the Lower Don, West Don (near the Ontario Science Centre), Taylor Creek and East Don trails.
- Earl Bales Park forest trails: short, shaded loops that, in my view, are at their best in October.
If you are thinking about a home that backs onto one of these ravines, my guide to riverfront and ravine lots in the GTA explains what buyers should check.
In North York, a ravine at the end of your street can matter more than the size of your backyard. When clients compare homes, I walk them from each house to the nearest trail entrance. A five-minute walk to Sunnybrook or Earl Bales changes how you use your weekends. But I also remind them that ravine-side lots come with extra rules and maintenance, so the view should be a bonus, not the only reason to buy.
What do homes near North York’s parks cost going into 2027?
REALM data is reported by TRREB district, not by park. This table shows the districts that hold or sit next to each park.
| TRREB district (park nearby) | Detached median, Jan–Oct 2026 | Change vs 2025 | Condo apartment median, Jan–Oct 2026 | Change vs 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C06 Bathurst Manor, Clanton Park (Earl Bales) | $1,295,444 | -13.6% | $491,000 | -10.7% |
| C12 Bridle Path-Sunnybrook-York Mills (Sunnybrook) | $3,200,000 | -9.3% | $1,112,500 | +2.6% |
| C13 Banbury-Don Mills, Parkwoods-Donalda, Victoria Village (Edwards Gardens, Charles Sauriol) | $1,515,000 | -2.6% | $560,000 | -9.5% |
| W05 Downsview-Roding-CFB, York University Heights (Downsview Park) | $971,250 | -7.5% | $450,000 | -10.0% |
Source: TRREB MLS data via REALM, January–October 2026 vs the same period of 2025. District-level medians, not neighbourhood prices and not forecasts. North York is usually grouped as TRREB districts C06, C07, C13, C14, C15 and W05; I have added C12, which covers the Bridle Path and Sunnybrook. Community names from TRREB community reports. C12 had only 42 condo sales.
The spread is huge, from under $1 million for a detached home in W05 to over $3 million in C12. Most districts saw prices fall, which gives buyers more room in 2027. For the full picture, read my North York housing market outlook for 2027.
Storms in 2026 closed parts of the Edwards Gardens ravine trails and bridges with no reopening date as of September. Ravine trails across the city can flood or wash out after heavy rain. Check the official page the day you go, and if you are buying a home that backs onto a ravine, have your lawyer check what City and conservation authority rules apply before you firm up an offer.
What to do next
- Visit Edwards Gardens or Charles Sauriol this fall, and plan an Earl Bales ski day once the City announces the 2027 season.
- Check the Toronto Botanical Garden closure notice and the City’s ski page before you go.
- Take transit to Downsview Park once, so you know how it connects to the subway and GO.
- If you are house hunting, walk from each home you like to the nearest ravine trail and time it.
- Use the estimator on this page to see what your current home might be worth before you start looking.
Need help with this? Talk to me.
I’m Jatin Dua, Broker of Record at RE/MAX Quantum Realty, and I’m the best agent to do this kind of work for you in Toronto and across the GTA. Over $100 million in GTA sales and 100+ families helped sell. Feel free to contact me any time: call or text 833-330-1925 or email [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
What is the best park in North York?
Edwards Gardens, with the Toronto Botanical Garden at Lawrence Avenue East and Leslie Street, is the best-known park in North York and my top pick for gardens. For long ravine walks, Sunnybrook Park’s 154 hectares are hard to beat. Earl Bales Park is the pick in winter for its ski hill, and Downsview Park is the easiest to reach by transit.
Is Edwards Gardens free?
Yes. Admission to Edwards Gardens and the Toronto Botanical Garden is free, and the gardens are open from dawn to dusk. Parking is a paid, enforced lot run by the Toronto Botanical Garden, with free parking for members. As of September 2026, parts of the ravine trails and bridges were closed after storm damage, with no reopening date.
Can you bring dogs to Edwards Gardens?
No. The Toronto Botanical Garden says dogs are not permitted at the garden, except trained service animals. If you want to walk a dog in North York, Sunnybrook Park’s ravine trails and the off-leash Dogsview Park at Downsview Park are better choices. Always follow posted leash rules in City of Toronto parks.
How much is a lift ticket at Earl Bales?
Lift tickets at the Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre in North York range from $21.29 to $40.65 before tax, according to the City of Toronto. A two-hour ticket is $21.29 for ages 18 and under or 60 and over, and $26.91 for adults. An all-day ticket is $40.65 for everyone. The beginner rope tow costs $13.14 a day.
When does Earl Bales ski hill open?
Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre usually opens in January and closes in mid-March, depending on weather and snow, according to the City of Toronto. In 2026 it opened on 7 January and was scheduled to run until 22 March. The City had not announced the 2027 opening date as of November 2026, so check its status page.
How do you get to Downsview Park by TTC?
Downsview Park is served by Downsview Park GO/TTC station, plus Sheppard West and Finch West stations, and TTC bus routes 41, 84, 101, 106 and 108B, according to Downsview Park. Bike Share Toronto has stations in and around the park. There is visitor parking but no commuter parking, and overnight parking is not allowed.
What are the best trails in North York?
The best trails in North York follow the Don River ravines. Charles Sauriol Conservation Area has a paved, year-round trail east of the Don Valley Parkway, Wilket Creek links Edwards Gardens to Sunnybrook Park, and Earl Bales Park has shaded forest loops. E.T. Seton Park, just south in Thorncliffe, connects to the Lower Don, West Don, Taylor Creek and East Don trails.
Who owns Downsview Park?
Downsview Park is owned by Build Canada Homes, a federal Crown corporation, according to the park’s website as of November 2026. Build Canada Homes oversees the park’s operations. The park officially opened in 2012 and is open daily from 5:30 a.m. to midnight, and it runs free programs for families such as outdoor storytime.
How much does a house near Edwards Gardens cost?
In TRREB district C13, which includes Banbury-Don Mills near Edwards Gardens, the median detached home sold for $1,515,000 from January to October 2026, down 2.6% from 2025, based on TRREB MLS data via REALM. The condo apartment median was $560,000. These are district medians, not prices for homes beside the park.
Sources
- City of Toronto: Feature Garden Parks (Edwards Gardens)
- Toronto Botanical Garden: Plan Your Visit
- City of Toronto: Trails
- City of Toronto: Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding Centre
- City of Toronto news release: Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre opens for 2026
- Downsview Park: Visit the Park
- Downsview Park: About
- Downsview Park: Home
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About the author — Jatin Dua, Toronto and GTA real estate broker
I am Jatin Dua, Broker of Record and co-founder of RE/MAX Quantum Realty Inc., Brokerage, Unit 101, 799 The Queensway, Toronto. I work with buyers and sellers across Toronto and the GTA and have helped more than 100 families sell. Four-plus years of active GTA transactions and over $100 million in sales volume.
Reach me at [email protected] or 833-330-1925, or book a call.