Centre Island

Ok so if you only had an hour and REALLY wanted to feel like you'd left Toronto, the BEST thing to do is grab  a sweater or wind resistant jacket, and hop on the ferry to Centre Island. You don't even need to get off the boat. Once you feel the wind in your hair, and smell the water, you will be transported.

It's a romantic start to an evening because you can see the city skyline sparkling with lights. During the day, you can roller blade, walk, or bike the kms of pathways that take you around the island--even over to the south shore beaches.

As I recall the restaurants are kind of grim fast food fare, so bring a picnic and a towel or blanket (lots of geese in the grassier areas).

There's a petting zoo and small amusement park called Centreville. The log ride is ALWAYS fun.

You can buy ferry tickets online now--probably a great idea as line-ups can be long. This website has some additional advice on how to get there by transit as well as extra sights to see. Take the Centre Island  or Ward's Island ferry. Nude beaches (for men) at Hanlan's Point. A reminder to check when the last ferry leaves the island so that you don't miss your ride home!

Of course, you can always kayak over to the island... and there are some fun canals to explore once there. Rental kayaks at Harbourfront Canoe and Kayak rental located S.W. corner of Queens Quay W. & Rees St/Robertson Crescent neighbours to the Marine Police Station.

Riverdale Park

You've probably heard of Cabbagetown, that quaint section of Toronto filled with victorian brick townhouses and some of the earliest carpenters' homes. What might be a secret is that there is some great parkland just East of Parliament, south of Bloor. It flanks both sides of the Don River, and can also be accessed from Broadview. TTC it to Broadview subway stop and walk South, or take the College/Carlton streecar east from Yonge St. and get off at Parliament (west side of river)  or Broadview (east side).

There are baseball diamonds, a petting zoo that little kids love, and lots of pathways.

Access to Riverdale Farm is just North of Carlton East of Parliament off of Winchester St.

This website gives you a good overview of the area with some great photos and background history of the area formerly known as Royal Drive.

Evergreen Brickworks

In Spring, this is a nice spot to go to view flowers in bloom. It's not as wild as some of the TO parkland, so you can walk around comfortably in your work clothes. Good spot to meet someone for a networking coffee and a walk. Best way is to drive there it's on the west side of Bayview Ave, just North of the Danforth.

We used to go there as kids and play around in the abandoned brick factory. Now it's a nice spot to hang out over food with friends.

High Park

There are lots of entrances to High Park and different experiences depending on time of year. Great spot to view autumn colours due to all the giant maple trees. If you have a dog, the dogs off leash areas are the best in the city. If you have a kayak, access the park by paddling upstream from the bridge down at Lake Ontario. The Humber River flows through High Park giving it lots of water.

Seniors seem to like lunch at the Old Mill restaurant which overlooks the river.

There is fishing, kms of cycling and running paths, a little zoo, Shakespeare in the Park, skating and hockey in winter. Check out the park's website.

You can get there by subway--Bloor west line High Park stop, or Keele Subway Station walk south (crossing Bloor Street West). From the 506 College Streetcar west get off at High Park Loop. From the 501 Queen Streetcar get off at Colborne Lodge Drive (I like this one the best as it's most wild).

Or by car. This website gives directions.

Bluffers Park

Feels like a world away. Maybe a little more effort to get here, but it's worth it. Stand atop, or "hike' below sandstone cliffs and clear blue water. Yes, clear blue in Lake Ontario!

There is a nice beach to stroll along, and a marina with coffee shops nearby.

There are lots of different parks that make up Bluffer. which is East of the city off of Brimley Road.

Learn more here.