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| - I went over to High Park this past week to have breakfast, and then spent some time wandering around the park itself, always an enjoyable time. I have reviewed separately the restaurant under the Grenadier Café page (4-stars because of the nostalgic atmosphere), and the small zoo under the High Park Zoo page (3-stars as I was not impressed previously, although it has recently been looking better).
This park is excellent!!
Being so large, it probably has everything you would want within about a 20min walk. There are a variety of sports fields at the north end, at least 3 playgrounds in different parts of the park, and many picnic areas spread throughout. There is an ice skating rink in the winter, and outdoor swimming in the summer. There is also a large off-leash area for dogs in the center of the park. At the south end of the park is Colborne Lodge museum, the 19th-century home of architect John Howard who donated his land to build High Park. I believe it caters to a lot of school trips, but is also open to the public most afternoons. And there is a 'trackless train' that tours the park on a limited schedule. Sadly, I have never managed to be there when it is operating, so still at least one new thing for me to experience.
Most of the west-side of the park is Grenadier Pond, very large for a pond. It features a lot of different plants and wildlife, with numerous information signs along the shore, and allows fishing at the lower end. There are also a few other smaller ponds on the east side. Except for the sports and garden areas of the park, much of it consists of large sections of forests, great for just quietly walking along the various trails. A few sections are cordoned off for protection or regrowth projects. Much of the garden space is south of the restaurant going down the hillside, and culminates in a huge maple leaf design. The park also features a lot of Japanese cherry trees that bloom in white during the spring.
Altogether a very strong recommendation based on my many enjoyable visits. Whether I want a quiet exploration walk or to get some exercise or to get together with a group of people, the park suits me well.
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