A park of flowers, trees and gorgeous plants

High Park has so many different plants and trees and flowers that you will discover a new species or pick a new favourite tree each time you visit the park. The most famous part is Hillside Gardens which starts by the restaurant in the middle and ends by the lakefront.

The Hillside gardens are spectacular every day of the day. There are several waterfalls in the middle of the gardens and two small bridges and the flowers around the water are breathtakingly beautiful. Don't forget to bring your camera!

Probably the best known landmark in the park, however, is the the maple leaf at the bottom of Hillside Gardens, which is also clearly visible from satellite images. Depending on the season the leaf is made up of blooming, colourful flower, ivy, or other plants. You can get a great view (perfect for pictures) from the top of the hill but you can also walk into the "maple leaf circle" and take a close look at the leaf.

Most first time visitos stay near Hillside Gardens but there is so much more to see - you must return to High Park over and over again! The lakeside trail is perfect for a long walk and if you start by the maple leaf you can make your way up north and into the West Ravine Trails winding between the trees of this mini forest.

Similar hiking trails can be found on the east side as well - some are pretty steep but an alternate path is always near by.

Nature photography is allowed as long as you stay on marked trails and don't disturb the parks ecosystem. I've seen photographers who jumped the fences and setup their tripods and destroyed vegetation to get a nice shot - such behaviour is not appreciated or permitted!

Please note that wedding photography, however, is not permitted at Hillside Gardens. (Can you imagine several wedding parties rumbling through the gardens every weekend?) For wedding photography information call 416-392-8188.

Cherry blossoms

High Park attracts many visitors in the spring to admire the beautiful cherry blossoms. Many people asked us about the best time to see the cherry trees in full bloom: your best bet is to pay a visit in late April or early May. Most of the Sakura cherry trees are located around Hillside Gardens and there are a few by the Duck Pond as well.

The first Japanese Cherry Tree was planted here in 1959 and it was present from the citizens of Tokyo.

The pictures in the slideshow are from April 18, 2010 when I visited the park in the morning hours. Good thing I came early because by 10am there was no parking left and the park was flooded with photographers.

Mink in High Park Toronto Jon sent in this picture of a little creature. It's most likely called a "stoat"...but nope...it turned out in the meantime that it's a mink (thanks Mike!)

More of Jon James' photos of High Park.

High Park, 1873 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, M6R 2Z3, Canada