Come to Toronto, where you can see the forest and the trees.
A 2023 Tree City of the World, Toronto joins other major cities recognized for their leadership in urban forest management.
With 11.5 million trees across Toronto—and another 120,000 planted annually—The 6ix boasts forests, ravines and leafy pockets where you can hike, stroll and get in a mega- or microdose of forest bathing.
As a passionate tree lover (and tree hugger!) I can attest to these trails, parks, marshes and gardens being idyllic nature spots to immerse yourself in forest bathing surrounded by wildlife and endless tree species.
Here are 10 ways to go forest bathing in Toronto.
1. Go on an all-day forest adventure in the Rouge
With vast forests, creeks, trails and even a marshland, Scarborough’s Rouge National Urban Park is the perfect day trip for reconnecting with nature. It’s one of the largest urban parks in North America and has a variety of hiking trails for different abilities.
Explore the rare Carolinian forest, where it’s easy to be calm and centred among the trees in this vast interior woodland. You may even observe a rare ovenbird whose loud songs will guide you along.
For a quieter and more serene experience, consider the Vista Trail. Its bi-level platform offers pretty views of autumn colours and Beare Hill Park, one of the highest land points in Toronto.
2. Hike forest trails by the water
Etobicoke’s Humber Bay Park East and West combine for the ultimate excursion to feel at peace among trees such as red ash and white oak, scattered shrubs, tall grasses and pretty wildflowers.
Start in the east park (arrive early for spectacular sunrise views) and hike along the shore before checking out the Humber Bay Butterfly Habitat. It’s the perfect spot to sit quietly and observe the native shrubs and butterflies, including monarchs, red admirals and eastern tiger swallowtails.
The west part of the park juts into the flowing waters of Lake Ontario with shorebirds and swimming ducks, all against a CN Tower backdrop.
3. Go for a long walk into Lake Ontario
Tommy Thompson Park has paved trails to stroll for hours in a manufactured paradise that juts into Lake Ontario. Known by locals as the “Leslie Street Spit,” it’s open on evenings and weekends and easily accessible by public transit.
The main forest is poplar deciduous, and common tree species include Eastern Cottonwood, Trembling Aspen, balsam poplar and sandbar willow—a beautiful backdrop for sitting in silence and taking long, deep breaths.
Wild coyotes, raccoons, beavers, groundhogs, rabbits, small rodents and bats call the park home (always keep a 30 m [98 ft] distance from wildlife). The park plays an important role in bird migration, making it a top spot for bird watching, with 300+ recorded species welcoming you.
4. Discover hidden ravines and tree canopies
For a tree-lined haven in Midtown perfect for forest bathing, head to the scenic Moore Park Ravine. With an energizing six-kilometre loop nature trail, there is an abundance of towering maple, oak and beech trees forming a beautiful canopy where birds sing from above.
Enter Mount Pleasant Cemetery via the Beltline Trail, where your city escape to serenity begins. Extend your stay and find the bridge leading to Evergreen Brickworks—more on this gem and the Beltline below!
5. Run along winding tree-lined trails
Put on your trail runners, fill up your water bottle and jog to Toronto’s Beltline Trail. Built on an old railway line, this unique 9 km (5.6 mi) trail weaves through multiple neighbourhoods and parks, including Kay Gardner Beltline Park.
With multiple entry points, the abundance of trails, ravines and trees will help you destress and find peace among tall sugar maple, white pine, ash, white spruce, bur oak and red oak trees.
All these trees make anyone feel Zen—including your furry best friend. Dogs love the Beltline and will likely meet other pooches to share sticks with.
Also see: 6 Tips for Planning a Toronto Vacation With Your Dog
6. Bring the fam to High Park
Bring the kids for a family-friendly adventure in High Park to explore Toronto’s biggest public park.
The large leafy trees in the ravine include red oak, Norway maple, slippery elm and white birch making them the perfect backdrop for a good old game of hide-and-seek. On sunny days, these trees provide shade in the leash-free dog area. Black oaks also grow here, surrounded by grasses, pretty wildflowers and friendly squirrels.
Kids love the Adventure Park, so bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on a blanket among the trees or at one of the 18 designated picnic sites. Hopping frogs and ducks live in Grenadier Pond, and in the spring High Park shows off beautiful blooming sakura cherry trees.
Also see: 9 Underrated Spots to See Cherry Blossoms in Toronto
7. Chill with wise old trees
Trinity Bellwoods Park occupies a huge space (14.6 hectares [36 acres] to be exact!) on trendy Queen Street West. It’s a popular community hangout, especially on warm evenings and weekends, but it’s large enough for everyone to find some shade courtesy of big leafy trees.
There are over 65 tree species, including wise old trees over 100 years old. Rumour has it the oldest tree here is the bitternut hickory on the southwest fence of the tennis courts, followed by a slippery elm and the red oak. Fall foliage is magnificent here.
Also see: Leaf Peeping and Lattes: 8 Toronto Parks Near Beloved Coffee Shops
8. Stroll these tree-shaded recreational trails
Get lost among the Humber River, Old Mill and marshes, knowing you will find your way out more Zen than you entered. There are several access points, including behind Old Mill subway station.
For a specific route, the Humber River Recreational Trail is about 10 km (6.2 mi) long and is a popular hike. The paved multi-use trails are wheelchair-accessible and stroller-friendly, and large, breezy oak, maple, beech, ash and hickory trees lead the way.
The trees and marshes are home to a variety of bird species, including the eastern kingbird, green-winged teal and the stunning white trumpeter swan.
9. Take photos of fabulous fall foliage
Grab a pumpkin spice latte and a cozy sweater for one of the prettiest times of the year. Fall leaf-peeping provides the perfect backdrop to soothe your soul.
Evergreen Brickworks is a former historic quarry turned urban oasis surrounded by ponds, trails and a long boardwalk, all loaded with colourful trees.
Winding paved trails and dirt pathways lead to fabulous lookout points with views of stunning red oak and sugar maple trees worthy of every photo you take. The season typically starts in late September or early October.
Located at the heart of Toronto’s ravines, it’s part of the Don Valley system that includes Crothers Woods, Sunnybrook Park and Edwards Gardens—all of which will satisfy your autumn forest cravings.
10. Sit under a towering heritage tree
Can trees tell stories? Well, it depends on who you ask, but The Heritage Tree Program tells stories about trees in Ontario by bringing awareness to their social, cultural, historical and ecological value.
Visit the Beaches neighbourhood’s Kew Gardens to see a mighty red oak the height of a 12-story building. It’s beloved by locals and supports underground ecosystems with its massive root systems. Although its age is unknown, this ancient tree has survived hurricanes and likely reached maturity in the 1850s, predating Toronto’s urbanization.
The Waterfront area’s Coronation Park is home to a Royal English oak planted to commemorate the Coronation of King George VI in 1937. Surrounded by a ring of equally majestic maple trees, this shady grove also functions as a First World War memorial to honour Canadian troops.
Etobicoke’s Echo Valley Park is a unique testament to one man’s passion for nut trees. One of the heritage trees here is a 107-year-old Persian walnut tree planted in the early 1900s by George Corsan, a committed vegetarian and nut farmer.
In 1926, Corsan planted 15 diverse species of nut trees, which have now turned into 400+ thriving trees, including hazelnuts and black, English and Japanese walnuts.
