About Sunnybrook Park
Sunnybrook Park is a large green space in Toronto’s Don River valley, spanning over 170 acres. It offers woodland, meadows and wetlands alongside trails, sports facilities, picnic areas and an off-leash dog park. The park is free to enter and open year-round.
Its accessibility has been enhanced by the Sunnybrook Park Stop on the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, which connects the park with Toronto’s wider transit network (Metrolinx).
History
The land was once owned by Joseph Kilgour, who, with his wife Alice, developed a working estate with prize-winning livestock and hosted social events. In 1928, Alice Kilgour donated 170 acres to Toronto—the city’s largest-ever private parkland gift (Toronto.com).
During WWII, part of the land was used to establish Sunnybrook Hospital. The adjacent hospital was established in 1948 as a military hospital and is now one of Toronto’s major healthcare institutions. The Don River valley also includes places of Indigenous and early settler significance (Toronto.com).
What to see and do
Trails, wildlife and nature
The park has over 25 km of walking and cycling trails, many connecting to the Don Valley trail network. The trails vary in difficulty and suit visitors of all ages (torontoforyou.com).
Sunnybrook is a popular Toronto birdwatching spot, with species including Great Blue Herons and Red-winged Blackbirds. Adjacent Glendon Forest supports diverse flora and fauna. The Don River, mature forests, meadows and wetlands provide habitat for wildlife and contribute to the area’s biodiversity and waterways (Plan and Tour; torontoblogs.ca).
Sports, recreation and picnics
Facilities include soccer, rugby and cricket fields, tennis courts, playgrounds and Sunnybrook Stables, an equestrian centre. Sports fields can be reserved through the City of Toronto (torontoforyou.com; City of Toronto Parks).
The park also has picnic sites with tables and barbecue stands; some can be reserved for large groups. Open lawns provide space for relaxing and gatherings.
Seasonal highlights and events
Spring and summer bring lush greenery, wildflowers and active wildlife. Autumn foliage is popular for photography, while winter offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowy landscapes.
Sunnybrook Park and nearby green spaces host community festivals, nature walks, sports tournaments and birdwatching outings. Edwards Gardens, a short walk north, offers guided botanical tours and family-friendly educational programs (Toronto Parks). Seasonal tours and events are also available; check the City of Toronto Parks website for current listings.
The park is a community gathering place in North York and the wider Toronto area, hosting sports leagues, charity runs, cultural festivals and family gatherings (Plan and Tour). Its proximity to Edwards Gardens and the Toronto Botanical Garden adds to its appeal (Destination Toronto).
Practical visiting information
Hours, admission and facilities
- Hours Open daily, from dawn until dusk—generally around 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with extended hours in summer (Toronto Parks).
- Admission Free; no tickets are required.
- Fees and reservations Horseback riding at Sunnybrook Stables, guided tours and large group events may require registration or fees. Permits are required for group events and sports field reservations.
- Dogs Dogs are welcome, and the park has an off-leash area.
- Accessibility The park’s internal pathways are paved and wheelchair-friendly. Main pathways and restrooms are accessible.
Getting there
Public transit: The Sunnybrook Park Stop on the Eglinton Crosstown LRT (Line 5), at Leslie Street and Eglinton Avenue East, provides direct, barrier-free access. The stop has accessible platforms, ramps, real-time arrival screens and Presto machines. Community advocacy helped secure the stop (Metrolinx; Wikipedia: Line 5 Eglinton).
Several TTC bus routes serve the area, including the historic 124 SUNNYBROOK, which connects the park with Lawrence Station and Sunnybrook Hospital. Routes 54 and 34 also serve the area, among others.
By car: The main entrance is at 1132 Leslie Street, just south of Eglinton Avenue East. Multiple parking lots are available; most are free, but they can fill during busy periods. Accessible spaces are available near major facilities. Check parking signs to avoid tickets (Reddit).
By bike or on foot: The park connects directly to the Don Valley trail network and can be reached by bike or on foot from many parts of Toronto. Bike racks are available in the park and on some transit vehicles (torontoforyou.com).
Tips
Early mornings and weekdays tend to be quieter. Check the City’s event listings for current information, and note that sports fields and group events may require reservations or permits. The Audiala app is listed as a resource for guided tours, trail maps and real-time updates.
Nearby places
- Edwards Gardens and Toronto Botanical Garden About a 17-minute walk north, with horticultural displays and events (trek.zone).
- Sunnybrook Hospital Adjacent to the park.
- Ontario Science Centre About 34 minutes away by transit.
- Leaside and Bridle Path Neighbourhoods known for scenic streets and local dining.
- Aga Khan Museum A short drive away, with Islamic art and culture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are Sunnybrook Park’s visiting hours?
The park is open daily from dawn to dusk, generally around 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with extended hours in summer.
Is there an admission fee?
No. Entry is free, though some activities may require fees or reservations.
Is the park wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Main pathways and restrooms are accessible, and internal pathways are paved and wheelchair-friendly.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes. Dogs are welcome, and there is a large off-leash area.
How do I get there by public transit?
Take the Eglinton Crosstown LRT to Sunnybrook Park Stop or use TTC buses, including the 124 SUNNYBROOK, 54 and 34.
Are guided tours available?
Seasonal tours and events are offered. Check the City of Toronto website for details.
