Native trees, wildflowers, and sedimentary rock were added to a landscape that once functioned as a parking lot. At its centre is the Ravine, where two stone walls, linked by a bridge, frame a dramatic first view of Lake Ontario, and the 1.3-kilometre William G. Davis Trail winds through the park. Developed in consultation with communities across Ontario, including the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, the space reflects an effort to reconnect the land with its natural and cultural history.
The views alone are worth the visit. The park offers one of Toronto’s most expansive waterfront skyline views, with the CN Tower rising above the city and Lake Ontario stretching beyond it. Unobstructed sightlines create some of the city’s most impressive waterfront sunset views, with golden light lingering across the water long into the evening. Photographers, couples, and locals seeking a moment of quiet have long appreciated this waterfront retreat, which remains surprisingly under the radar.
From June through September, free weekend yoga sessions take place beside the Pavilion overlooking the Toronto skyline and Lake Ontario. Visitors need only bring a mat or blanket and settle into a practice that feels more restorative than strenuous. With the skyline in one direction and open water in the other, the setting offers a rare blend of urban energy and cottage-country calm.
Picnics are among the park’s greatest pleasures. Visitors can spread a blanket on the grass, enjoy a meal, and watch the light shift across the lake. For a more memorable evening, bookable fire pits provide a gathering place beside the water. Far removed from crowded patios and restaurants, the experience is simple, relaxed, and focused on conversation and connection.
Nature Reclaimed
Walking is one of the easiest ways to experience the park. The trail winds through native plantings and along the waterfront, offering a different atmosphere throughout the day. Morning joggers enjoy the quiet, while afternoon and evening walkers take in lake views and the illuminated skyline. Families, couples, and dog owners share the paths, moving at their own pace through a landscape designed for reflection rather than destination.
The park changes with the seasons—summer brings free live music performances featuring jazz, a cappella, crossover acts, and DJs, with visitors gathering on the grass to enjoy music against a backdrop of sunset views. Spring introduces fresh blooms and greenery, while fall paints the landscape in vibrant colour. Winter offers a quieter experience, with fewer crowds and some of the clearest skyline views of the year.
Perhaps the park’s greatest feature is its transformation. What was once a parking lot is now one of Toronto’s most inviting waterfront spaces, replacing asphalt with trails, native landscapes, gathering areas, and lakefront views.
Today, visitors can practice yoga, gather around a fire pit, stroll along the waterfront, or watch the sunset from the grass. It stands as an example of how underused urban space can be reimagined as a destination for recreation, nature, and community gathering.
The Need To Know Details
- Location: 955 Lake Shore Boulevard West, Toronto. Located on the Ontario Place waterfront with panoramic views of the Toronto skyline, CN Tower, and Lake Ontario
- Yoga classes: Free outdoor yoga beside the Pavilion overlooking the Toronto skyline and Lake Ontario. Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., June through September. Bring a yoga mat, water bottle, and sun protection.
- Picnicking: Ample space to spread blankets. Picnic tables throughout. Muskoka chairs scattered for seating. Park benches available. Bring your own blanket and food. Fire pit reservations available (book in advance, bring your own firewood)
- Activities: Walking/jogging trails. Biking/cycling along waterfront. Picnicking. Fire pit gatherings. Photography. Yoga practice. Dog walking (leashed)
