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Toronto Zoo

admin — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 18:47:38 +0000

Toronto Zoo
361A Old Finch Ave
Scarborough, ON M1B 5K7
416-392-5929

The Toronto Zoo opened its doors to the public on August 15, 1974 and is located in the Scarborough district of Toronto near the Rouge River. The Zoo is made up of 287 hectares (710 acres) of land making it the third largest Zoo in the world and is home to over 5000 animals.

The Toronto Zoo is split up into 6 major sections which are sorted by zoogeographic regions. They are Indo-Malaya, Africa, Americas, Australasia, Eurasia and the Canadian Domain. Animals are displayed indoors in tropical pavilions and outdoors in naturalistic environments. There are many different levels and angled viewing areas to check out the animals.

The zoo attracts over 1 million visitors each year and has over 10 km (six miles) of walking trails for you to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Things worth a look at the Toronto Zoo are the award winning African Savanna, the incredible 10-acre Tundra Trek featuring an amazing 5-acre Polar bear habitat complete with underwater viewing area, the Gorilla Rainforest home to the Western Lowland Gorilla troop and Nassir, the Great Barrier Reef, and Zellers Discovery Zone featuring Kids Zoo, Splash Island and Waterside Theatre.

Regions of the Toronto Zoo

Indo-Malaya

The Indo-Malayan area contains two pavilions that exhibit plants and animals from the southern and southeast Asia. The featured animals in this part of the zoo include Indian rhinos, Malayan tapirs, lion tailed macaques, orangutans,mandarin ducks, spiny turtles, rare Sumatran tigers, and various freshwater fish. This section contains 4 outdoor exhibits. This region of the Toronto Zoo is located west of the park entrance.

Africa

The African Savanna was the largest expansion in the history of the Toronto Zoo. It opened in 1998 and combined with the African Rainforest Pavilion encompasses most of the Northern West (from entrance) third of the zoo. The featured species in the African Savanna includes lions, zebras, olive baboons, greater kudus, sable antelopes, white rhinos, elephants, hippopotamuses, hyenas and masai giraffe. Here you will also find the world?s largest indoor Gorilla exhibit.

Canadian Wilderness Domain

This area of the park is situated in the Rouge Valley, with plans to move it onto the zoo?s tableland. This section exhibits animals commonly found in Canada living in their native environment. The featured animals in this region of the zoo include, muskox, bison, moose, cougar and grizzly bear. This region of the Zoo is located North East of the park entrance, east of the African Savanna and North of the Americas.

Americas

The Americas region includes animals from both North and South American regions. Several monkey species can be found in this section and the Americas Pavilion also houses most of the zoo’s reptile and amphibian collection. The Mayan Temple Ruins features jaguars, spider monkeys and flamingos. In this region you will also find a wide variety of amphibians, reptiles, fish, and insects. Located east of the park entrance, north of Eurasia.

Australasia

The Australasian Pavilion features animals from the Australian mainland, as well as surrounding islands. Featured species in this area include yabbys, thorny devil stick insects, a variety of Australian reptiles, kangaroos, wallabies, emus, wombats, kookaburras, red-tailed black cockatoos, Matschie’s tree kangaroos and Komodo dragons. Here you can also check out the Great Barrier Reef exhibit. Located in the south eastern region of the zoo map, east of the park entrance.

Eurasia

Eurasia is the oldest section of the Toronto Zoo. The featured species in this section are Siberian tigers, snow leopards, Przewalski’s wild horses, red pandas, Barbary apes, and Bactrian camels. In June 2007, two rare snow leopards were born, this is the first birth in thirteen years. These snow leopards are some of featured animals in this section of the zoo. This area is immediately east of the park entrance.

Tundra Trek

The Tundra Trek opened in August 2009 and in this region Arctic animals are showcased. The animals that can be found in these state of the art exhibits include reindeer, polar bears, snowy owls, snow geese, arctic foxes and arctic wolf. Here you will find an amazing 5-acre Polar bear habitat complete with underwater viewing area. You can find this exhibit immediately east of the Americas.

Zellers Discovery Zone

This area consists of a kid?s zoo where a variety of animals are available for children to interact with. Also in this area is a water park titled Splash Island, which is an educational water park with variously-themed exhibits that teaches about the states-of-matter of water: solid (ice), liquid (water), and gas. Exhibits are grouped around variously themed groups of aquatic animals, as well as river, lake, and ocean themes. The last major feature of this region is an open-air theatre titled Waterside Theatre were the zoo demonstrates the natural characteristics of a variety of animals including alpacas, goats, falcons, turkey vultures, hawks, skunks, ferrets and hornbills.

Directions and Map to the Toronto Zoo

By Car

From the South or West: Take HWY 401 to Meadowvale Road (Exit # 389) and follow the signs or take the QEW / Gardiner Expressway East, merge on to the Don Valley Parkway (DVP) North until you reach the 401 where you will head East to Meadowvale Road (Exit # 389), follow the signs.

From the North: Take the 400 south until you reach the 401, head east on HWY 401 to Meadowvale Road (Exit # 389) and follow the signs.

From East: If you are west of Meadowvale Road head east on the 401 until Meadowvale Road (Exit # 389) and follow the signs, If you are east of Meadowvale Road head west until Meadowvale Road (Exit # 389) and follow the signs.

By Public Transit

The TTC operates two bus routes to the Toronto Zoo, from four rapid transit stations. At the Zoo, all TTC buses serve a bus stop conveniently located close to the main entrance.

The 86A Scarborough bus route operates to the Zoo from Kennedy Station every day during the summer. Buses run from about 6am to 8pm. After Labour Day, 86A Scarborough buses operate to the Zoo from Monday to Friday only.

The 85 Sheppard East bus route operates to the Zoo from Don Mills Station and Rouge Hill GO Station on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. 85A “Via Toronto Zoo” and 85B “To Toronto Zoo” buses serve the Zoo directly, from about 7am to 8pm. Other 85 Sheppard East buses serve the Sheppard Avenue/Meadowvale Road intersection, where customers can transfer to 86A Scarborough buses for the short trip into the Zoo.

Both TTC bus routes that serve the Zoo, as well as Don Mills Station, Kennedy Station, and Rouge Hill GO Station, are accessible to customers who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices.

For more route information, visit the TTC at ttc.ca or contact them at 416-393-4636

By Go Train

The Toronto Zoo is just minutes from the Rouge Hill GO Station. Board a TTC 85 Sheppard East bus to the Zoo right at the station. For GO Train information, please visit gotransit.com

Map of the Toronto Zoo Location

Toronto Zoo Video

Contact the Toronto Zoo

Email: tzwebmaster at torontozoo.ca
Phone: 416-392-5929

Adopt an Animal: 416-392-9114
Education Programs: 416-392-5947
Lost & Found: 416-392-5905
PR Marketing & Communications: 416-392-5938
Volunteer Services: 416-392-5942

Edwards Gardens

admin — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:44:49 +0000

Edwards Gardens
777 Lawrence Ave E
Toronto, ON M3C 1P2
416-392-8188

Edwards Gardens is a botanical garden located on the southwest corner of Leslie Street and Lawrence Avenue East. It is also the site of the Toronto Botanical Garden, a private not-for profit organization previously called the Civic Garden Centre.

This pastoral paradise is the legacy of businessman Rupert Edwards (who converted his 27-acre homestead farm into a garden) which to this day draws gardeners and walkers alike. The former estate garden, features annuals, roses and wildflowers and an extensive rockery.

The estate’s title was originally held by Alexander Milne, a Scottish weaver who settled to this area after the War of 1812 and left in 1832. The land and the woolen / saw mills were then obtained by Rupert E. Edwards in 1944. Edwards home was left in neglect and was purchased by the Municipality of Metro Toronto in 1955 and became Edwards Gardens in 1956.

Edwards Gardens is one of several parks located in Toronto’s ravines, many of which are connected by hiking and cycling trails ending on the shores of Lake Ontario. A popular time to visit is in the spring, when its famous rhododendrons are in bloom. The park’s manicured lawns and well kept flower beds make it a popular destination for wedding parties to take photographs.

Hours of Operation

Dawn to dusk every day, year round

Directions and Map to Edwards Garden

By Car

Located on the southwest corner of Leslie Street and Lawrence Avenue East, you can take the Don Valley Parkway HWY to Lawrence and head west towards Leslie, or if you are coming across the top of Toronto, take Highway 401 to the Leslie Street Exit. Drive south on Leslie until you get to the stoplights at Lawrence Avenue.

You may turn right at the intersection and take the first or second driveway on your left to enter Edwards Gardens.

By Public Transit

TTC buses pass the corner of Leslie Street and Lawrence Avenue regularly. Both the Lawrence East 54 bus and the 54A bus will deliver you right to the corner.

You can take the Subway by getting on the Yonge Subway line at the EGLINTON station and take the 51, 54 or 54A bus to LAWRENCE Avenue.

By Bicycle

Make your way into the Sunnybrook and Wilket Creek parts of the City of Toronto Parks system and you will find bicycle and walking paths up to Edwards Gardens.

Map of Edwards Garden Location

Video of Edwards Gardens

Contact Edwards Gardens

Phone: 416-392-8188

Private Toronto Botanical Garden Info
Email: info at torontobotanicalgarden.ca
Phone: 416-397-1340
Website: torontobotanicalgarden.ca

Riverdale Park

admin — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 23:06:10 +0000

Riverdale Park
550 Broadview Avenue
Toronto, ON
416-392-0751

Riverdale Park is a large park spanning the Lower Don River between Cabbagetown to the west and Broadview Avenue in Riverdale to the east. The park is divided in half by the Don River and is known for its breathtaking view of Toronto?s skyline.

Aside from the incredible view, Riverdale Park also has recreational fields for soccer and baseball available on both sides of the river with a swimming pool, tennis courts and outdoor hockey rink to the northeast, as well as a running track in the centre. Immediately to the west of the park in Cabbagetown is Riverdale Farm a city operated, publicly accessible farm where the farms barnyard and animals is a delight for children.

The land on the east side of the Don River was originally owned by John Scadding, one of the early settlers to Toronto and the estate manager and clerk for John Graves Simcoe, Governor of Upper Canada. In the 1970s the park was the original site proposed for a new 40,000 seat stadium, a project that would eventually become the SkyDome now known as the Rogers Centre. The plan was eventually abandoned, in part due to the strong objections of local citizens.

The DVP (Don Valley Parkway), a major city highway runs through the park beside the river. Trails have been built along the highway for joggers and cyclists to enjoy. Riverdale Park is also a popular spot for tobogganing and tubing in the winter. Its long steep hills makes the park fun for most winter activities.

Directions and Map to Riverdale Park

By Car

Riverdale park is located on the west side of Broadview Ave., south of Danforth, north of Gerrard St. E. Take the DVP and get off at the BAYVIEW Ave exit toward Bloor St, where you will merge onto the Bloor Bayview ramp and make a left at Castle Frank Rd. Take another left on Bloor St E until you approach Broadview Ave where you will make a right and the park should be on your right hand side.

By Public Transit

Closest TTC access: Streetcar Routes 504,505.

Map of Riverdale Park Location

Contact Riverdale Farm

Email: farm at toronto.ca

201 Winchester Street
Toronto, Ontario M4X 1B8
416-392-6794

High Park

admin — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:56:17 +0000

High Park
1873 Bloor Steet West
Toronto, ON
416-392-8188

High Park is the largest park in Toronto spanning 161 hectares (398 acres, 1.61 km²) of land. It is a mixed recreational and natural park, with sporting facilities, cultural facilities, educational facilities, gardens, playgrounds and a zoo. One third of the park remains in a natural state, with a rare oak savannah ecology. With over one million visitors annually, High Park is the jewel of Toronto’s park system.

The park features many hiking trails, sports facilities, diverse vegetation, a beautiful lakefront, convenient parking, easy public transit access, a dog park, a zoo, playgrounds for children, a couple of eateries, greenhouses, picnic areas, several squirrels and various events throughout the year.

The park is located to the west of downtown Toronto, north of Humber Bay. It stretches south from Bloor Street West to The Queensway, just north of Lake Ontario. It is bounded on the west by Ellis Park Road and Grenadier Pond and on the east by Parkside Drive.

High Park History

In 1836, John George Howard purchased a 160-acre (0.65 km2) property in the County of York, to the west of Toronto, for a sheep farm, at the cost of $1,000.00. On this land Howard designed and built Colborne Lodge, a high end home that complements its natural surroundings, for him and his wife to live in. The Howards named their property “High Park”.

Howard had a successful career as architect, engineer and land surveyor to the City of Toronto before he retired in 1855. The Howards agreed to convey their property to the City of Toronto in 1873 under the conditions that the Howards continue to live at their residence, no alcohol ever be served in the park, and that the City hold the park “for the free use, benefit and enjoyment of the Citizens of Toronto forever and to be called and designated at all times thereafter as High Park”.

High Park Features

Gardens and Nature

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 best known maple leaf landmark is located at the bottom of Hillside Gardens.

Waterfront

A walk along Lake Grenadier on the west side of High Park will make you forget you are in the largest city in Canada. High Park is bordered by Grenadier Pond on the west which is a fair sized pond, a calm and beautiful body of water. It starts on the North by Ellis Park Road where a tiny bridge marks the entrance to the park if you are coming on foot or by bicycle.

Off Leash Dog Park

High Park has a designated off-leash area for dogs. While the dog park is not completely fenced in, it is surrounded by natural borders such as thick bushes and trees. The off-leash area inside the park is located between Grenadier Restaurant and the High Park zoo. Dog walking on-leash is allowed in all areas of the park except for the children’s playgrounds.

Zoo

The mini-zoo at High Park keeps bison, llamas, peacocks, deer, highland cattle, yaks, and sheep. The hours are from 7 am until dusk and admission is free. The zoo dates back to the early 1900s when deer were kept inside High Park. The zoo is located on Deer Pen Road and is accessible via the Parkside Road entrance. There is plenty of parking just in front of the zoo’s entrance.

Sports

High Park offers many sports facilities for sports enthusiasts including 6 tennis courts, 3 baseball diamonds and 2 soccer fields. The open area of the park allows for many other sports that can be played on the large grassy fields. The park also has an outdoor swimming pool for the summer and an ice hockey rink for the winter. The park is also full of beautiful trails ideal for running, walking or jogging.

Picnic Areas

The 18 designated picnic areas seat hundreds of people. Bring food from home or prepare it in the park on the barbecue. Picnic areas are available by reservation only. For groups of more than 25 people you are required to obtain a permit from the City of Toronto. Each picninc area is marked with a wooden pole with a number on the top of it and reminders that no charcoal BBQs are allowed in the park.

Hours of Operation

Dawn to dusk every day, year round

Directions and Map to High Park

By Car

The park is located between Bloor Street and The Queensway and is bordered by Parkside Drive on the east. The main entrance is from Bloor Street – turn south at High Park Avenue.

The other car entrance is from Parkside Drive: turn west onto High Park Blvd.

The south entrance from The Queensway doesn’t get you too far into the park. You can drive up to Colborne Lodge and the children’s picnic area where the road loops around and leads you back out of the park. If you want to drive deeper into the park use the Bloor St or Parkside Dr entrances.

By Public Transit

Subway: Get off at High Park station on the Bloor-Danforth subway line between Keele and Runnymede stations. The park’s north entrance is a two minute walk from the station.

Streetcar: Take the 508 Lakeshore streetcar and get off at the Parkside or Colborne Lodge stops or take the 506 Carlton streetcar all the way to the High Park loop by Parkside Drive.

Bus: Take the 80 Queensway bus route which runs between Keele subway station and Sherway Gardens. Get off at the Howard Park Avenue stop on Parkside Road.

Map of High Park Location

Video of High Park

Contact High Park

Phone: 416-338-0338
Picnic Permit: 416-392-8188

Email: parks at toronto.ca
City of Toronto Parks Inquires: 416-392-1111

Toronto Island Park

admin — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 03:54:52 +0000

Toronto Island Park
9 Queens Quay W
Toronto, ON, M5J 2H3
416-392-8186
Ferry Info: 416-392-8193

The Toronto Island Park is a great view for tourists who want to see the Toronto skyline from across Lake Ontario. Getting to the park requires a ferry ride over to the Toronto Islands. More than 1,225,000 people visit this 230.388-hectare island park each year. The Toronto Islands consist of 3 main sections, Hanlan?s Point, Centre Island and Wards Island.

The Toronto islands park is a paradise for park lovers, as they will discover picnic tables, fire pits, an amusement park, flower gardens, wading pools, supervised beaches, a boardwalk, Centreville, a petting zoo, public marina, lighthouse, softball diamonds, volleyball courts, bicycle and freight wagon rentals, as well as boat rentals. The Toronto Islands is just mere minutes from the busy downtown Toronto and is a great escape for people who want to take a crazy break from the city life that is Toronto.

Centre Island is the main ferry stop and hub of most of the city?s tourist activity. This Island offers bike rentals for those who wish to cover plenty of ground in only a few hours, even tandem and quadricycles are available to tour the world of the Toronto Islands. Sports enthusiasts can choose to bike, roller blade, walk, or catch the trackless train that takes them several kilometers to either the east or west sides of the island.

Ferries run frequently daily in the spring, summer and fall and have a limited schedule in the winter. The Mainland Ferry Terminal is located at the Bay Street and Queen?s Quay West Intersection, in front of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel.

The ferry ride to the island is approximately 15 minutes long.

Hanlan?s Point Park Features

Pedestrian / bicycle trails

2.48 kilometres from Hanlan’s Point Ferry Dock to the Island Filtration Plant

Park facilities

3 fully accessible washrooms
1 washroom-changeroom
1 changeroom
8 drinking fountains
11 water taps
13 picnic areas with 4 fire pits
First Aid station

Food, recreation and fun

2 snack bars (seasonal operation)
Toronto Island Natural Science School
Bicycle rental
Historic Gibraltar Point Lighthouse
Serviced public boat moorings (48-hour limit)
2 wading pools
6 illuminated tennis courts
2 softball diamonds
3 volleyball courts
2 supervised beaches (July and August)
Island Yacht Club on Mugg’s Island (private)

Wards Island Park Features

Pedestrian / bicycle trails

1.11 kilometres from Island Filtration Plant to boardwalk
1.68 kilometres from boardwalk to Ward’s Island Ferry Dock
0.76 kilometres from Centre Island Ferry Dock to Lookout Pier

Park facilities

2 fully accessible washrooms
2 fully accessible washroom-changerooms
1 washroom and 1 washroom-changeroom
18 drinking fountains
10 water taps
21 picnic areas with 6 fire pits
2 First Aid stations

Ward’s Island

4 drinking fountains
2 water taps

Food, recreation and fun

4 snack bars (seasonal operation)
Iroquois Restaurant + Paradise Restaurant (licensed)
Bicycle and boat rental
Centreville Amusement Area
Far Enough Farm
Toronto Island Marina
Serviced public boat moorings (48-hour limit)
2 softball diamonds (Centre and Olympic)
3 wading pools
2 volleyball courts (Centre and Olympic)
Allan A. Lamport Regatta Course On Long Pond
The Island Church (Anglicanl)
Avenue of the Islands Gardens
Royal Canadian Yacht Club (private)
public phones on Centre and Ward’s Island
Disc Golf Course (PDGA approved course and one of North America’s premier courses)

Directions and Map to Toronto Island Park Ferry Dock

By Car

The Toronto Ferry Docks is located at the foot of Bay Street and Queens Quay, just West of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel.

From the South or West: Follow the QEW into Toronto, where it turns into the Gardiner Expressway. Take the York St exit towards Bay st / Yonge St. Make a slight left towards Bay St (follow signs for Yonge St / Queens Quay. Turn right on Bay St and left on Queens Quay and the ferry docks should be on your right hand side.

From the East: Take Highway 401 into Toronto and exit onto the Don Valley Parkway Southbound. As you approach Downtown, this will turn into the Gardiner Expressway continue on the Gardiner. Exit at Jarvis St. and merge onto Lakeshore Blvd E. Turn Left at lower Sherbourne St. and then right on Queens Quay E. You are now on Queens Quay, look for the ferry docks on your left hand side.

From the North: Take Highway 400 into Toronto, exiting onto Highway 401 West. Continue until you reach Highway 427 southbound. Follow Highway 427 to downtown via the QEW/Gardiner Expressway. Take the York St exit towards Bay st / Yonge St. Make a slight left towards Bay St (follow signs for Yonge St / Queens Quay. Turn right on Bay St and left on Queens Quay and the ferry docks should be on your right hand side.

By Public Transit

From union station take the 509 Harbourfront or the 510 Spadina streetcar south to the Bay and Queen’s Quay Stop.

Alternately, take the Bay Bus #6 southbound from the corner of Front and Bay to the Bay and Queen’s Quay stop.

The entrance to the ferry docks is on the south side of the street, just east of the Westin Harbour Castle hotel.

Map of Toronto Island Park Location

Video of the Toronto Island Park

Contact Toronto Island Park

Email: 311 at toronto.ca
Park Information: 416-392-8186
Ferry Information: 416-392-8193