PLENTY OF PATHS, PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS NEAR KING WEST

As we venture into a summer full of long weekends and vacation time you probably think a drive to cottage country is in order to explore new running trails or natural park-like environments. Would you believe us if we told you that King Blue couples, urban adventurers and families with children alike can enjoy the outdoors in your own backyard (and leave the holiday gridlock on the DVP to the tourists)? It’s true – wonderful paths, parks and playgrounds are all within of short hike or bike of King West. Take a look!

Paths

Did you know that the city of Toronto has five watersheds? An extensive network of natural trails wind these watersheds together, where a leisurely walk can bring you face to face with deer, muskrat, songbirds and herons. If you are new to the Toronto Trail System, the Discovery Walks are the best way to start exploring the city.

The newest of the Discovery Walks is the Shared Path, with the fifteen kilometers of trails best enjoyed with history-buff pals interested in the Seneca, Ojibway and Huron-Wendat heritage of the city.  Accessible from the waterfront, just a short distance from King Blue Condominiums, these informal trails can be discovered throughout the city –  trails that have been naturally created by frequent use by cyclists, runners and hikers. Put on your favourite outdoor gear and go!

Parks

If you asked us to name my three favourite parks in Toronto we’ll give you three B’s: bluffs, butterflies and Brick Works. Go beyond the yachts at Bluffer’s Park to the breathtaking bluffs along Lake Ontario. This day-use park has a sandy beach and shaded natural trails perfect for family walks. Budding home gardeners will love the Humber Bay Shores Park, where you can learn about the plants and techniques you can incorporate into your personal garden bed to attract native butterflies. The park is the first of its kind to have an area devoted to plantings that attracting butterflies.

Our list of favourite parks can’t be complete without mentioning Evergreen Brick Works. Formerly a mish-mash of falling apart heritage buildings, the Evergreen charity stepped and along with countless volunteers, restored the watersheds and buildings to absolute glory. Named to National Geographic‘s 2010 list of best geotourism destinations, Evergreen Brick Works is both a destination for green-minded families and children and the heart of Evergreen’s conservation initiatives. Ongoing programs at Evergreen Brick Works include bike repair workshops, children’s DIY gardening how-to events and the  popular clothing swap.

Playgrounds

It’s a pleasant surprise to many King West residents to find that Toronto prides itself on the number of playgrounds within the city limits geared towards children. Family favourites such as the Franklin Children’s Playground on Toronto Island and the Jamie Bell Playground in High Park allow children to play safely for hours, explore the natural environment, meet interesting animals and exercise both their bodies and imaginations.

What’s your favourite Toronto park? Tweet us @KingBlueCondos or join the conversation on Facebook.