Brianna HarrisonWhile the 6ix is a gorgeous city, its fast-paced energy can be overwhelming once in a while—so much so that sometimes we just need to destress. Luckily, serenity is just around the corner!
Tucked away in the heart of midtown, Sherwood Park offers a peaceful escape from the city’s chaos. It’s perfect for dog owners looking for off-leash fun, nature enthusiasts craving fresh air, families looking for some wholesome fun, and everyone in between.
In this guide, lovingly crafted by nature-loving locals, we’ll take you through everything Sherwood Park has to offer. From the best picnic spots to hot tips on the park’s scenic trails, you’ll find insider info to make the most of this urban oasis.
About Sherwood Park
Website: https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/complex/149/index.html
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sherwood-park-toronto/
Address: 190 Sherwood Ave
Contact: (416) 392-2489
Sherwood Park is located in the Sherwood Park neighborhood, which was originally known as Campbelltown. In 1956, the name was changed to Sherwood Park, a nod to the legendary Robin Hood of Sherwood Forest.
Spanning many acres in north Toronto, Sherwood Park is home to trees that have stood for over 15 decades! Also, a portion of the park is actually part of the historic Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Forest, which once covered the area.
Where is Sherwood Park?
Sherwood Park is tucked away in midtown Toronto, between Mount Pleasant Road and Bayview Ave. It sits just north of Sherwood Avenue, providing a serene green space within the Leaside and Davisville Village neighborhoods.
How to Get to Sherwood Park
By Subway: Start at St. Patrick Station on the Yonge-University line (Line 1) and take the train north toward Finch Station. Exit at Eglinton; from there, it’s about a 20-minute walk to Sherwood Park, though you can also opt for a short bus ride.
By Bus: The nearest bus stop to Sherwood Park is located at Mt. Pleasant Rd at Sherwood Ave, which is just a short 6-min walk from the park entrance.
By Car: Head east on University Ave, continue along Queens Park and then onto Queen’s Park Crescent E. Turn right onto Wellesley St W, then left onto Jarvis St. Merge slightly right onto Mt. Pleasant Rd, and turn left onto Sherwood Ave.
As a bonus, Sherwood Park offers ample parking, though spots can fill up quickly. If the main parking area is full, additional parking is available at the corner of Mt. Pleasant and Sherwood.
Best Time to Go to Sherwood Park
The best time to visit Sherwood Park is during summer when you can enjoy outdoor activities in the baseball diamond, playground, pool, and dog park under good weather.
Summer highlights also include the annual Summer Festival and RavenWood Music Festival, which feature music, food, games, and fun.
What to Do
Go hiking
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Sherwood Park features a variety of trails, making it perfect for hikers, walkers, and runners. Boardwalks have been laid down in several areas, especially on steeper paths, ensuring the trails are both accessible and eco-friendly.
You can walk on concrete pathways or venture onto the designated hiking trails. Some popular trails to try include the scenic route towards Blythwood Ravine or paths leading deeper into the wooded areas where nature truly surrounds you.
Have a picnic
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For a relaxing afternoon, bring a blanket and have a picnic at one of Sherwood Park’s dedicated picnic sites or under the picnic shelter. The park offers a peaceful escape from the city, with plenty of grassy spots to spread out and enjoy a meal.
Pretty close to the children’s playground at the east end of the park, you’ll find picnic tables and a sitting area, making it a perfect spot for families to gather and enjoy a meal in nature.
Let your kids play
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If you’re visiting with kids, Sherwood Park has a fantastic playground located near Blythwood Ravine. Families can spend hours here, where children can run, climb, and make new friends.
On warmer days, the wading pool is a popular spot for little ones to splash around and cool off. Meanwhile, the nearby ball diamond often hosts baseball or softball games, filling the air with excitement, cheers, and laughter.
Let your dogs roam
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Sherwood Park is also a dog lover’s paradise! In fact, the park features one of Toronto’s best off-leash areas, where dogs can roam freely in a wooded, fenced-in environment.
Dogs will love accompanying you on the trails, with the off-leash area covering a large portion of the park, including sections of the boardwalk. It’s the perfect place for your dog to run, play, and explore while you enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Go birdwatching
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At Sherwood Park, keep your eyes peeled for common favorites like cardinals, woodpeckers, and bluejays. There are also some more elusive species such as chickadees or nuthatches that frequent the wooded areas.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or just love the sound of birdsong. Sherwood Park provides plenty of serene spots for observing Toronto’s feathered friends. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars!
Where to Eat
The Homeway
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Website: https://www.facebook.com/Homewayrestaurant/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehomeway/
Address: 955 Mt Pleasant Rd
Hours:
- Mon – Fri: 9 AM – 3 PM
- Sat – Sun: 8 AM – 3 PM
Contact: (416) 488-3242
After a refreshing hike in Sherwood Park, there’s no better place to refuel than The Homeway, a beloved North Toronto staple since 1948. Known for its cozy, neighborhood vibe, this charming spot is perfect for breakfast or brunch.
After your park adventure, you deserve to get their “Not-So Traditional Club,” which is highly recommended (by us!). It features a juicy, chicken breast paired with double-smoked bacon, Swiss cheese, and classic club toppings.
Byblos Uptown
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Website: https://byblosdowntown.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byblostoronto
Address: 2537 Yonge St
Hours:
- Mon – Wed, Sun: 5 PM – 10 PM
- Thurs – Sat: 5 PM – 11 PM
Contact: (416) 487-4897
Byblos Uptown is one of the best Lebanese restaurants in Toronto. The space, complete with booths and candlelight, makes it perfect for a date night or a casual get-together—plus, it’s super Instagrammable!
For starters, you can’t miss the Turkish manti dumplings stuffed with eggplant and topped with molasses and chives. Don’t forget to save room for dessert—the cheesecake and lemon olive oil cake are must-tries.
La Vecchia
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Website: https://lavecchia.ca/uptown/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lavecchia_uptown/
Address: 2405 Yonge St A
Hours:
- Mon – Thurs, Sun: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM – 11 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM – 11 PM
Contact: (416) 489-0630
La Vecchia is a lively Italian spot that feels like a step back in time with its vintage decor and black-and-white photos. It’s got a cozy vibe, with outdoor seating and a private dining room, plus plenty of veggie-friendly options to keep everyone happy.
Their Pizza Stagioni is a fan favorite—a thin-crust pizza loaded with prosciutto, black olives, and artichoke hearts, served with a fresh mixed green salad. And if you’re into pasta, the penne arrabbiata and penne vodka are solid choices.
PAI
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Website: https://paitoronto.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paitoronto/
Address: 2335 Yonge St
Hours:
- Tue – Thurs: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
- Fri – Sat: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 2 PM – 9:30 PM
Contact: (416) 901-4724
PAI Uptown is the go-to spot when you’re craving bold, authentic Northern Thai flavors. Even celebrities like Jacob Elordi and Oscar Isaac are fans!
They’re known for their green curry, served in a freshly chopped young coconut—it’s rich, creamy, and spicy.
Another must-try is the Miang Kung, a shareable platter that you wrap in fresh betel leaves. This dish features chilled baby black tiger shrimp alongside ginger, garlic, shallots, lime, chili, roasted coconut, ground-dried shrimp, and juicy pomelo.
Where to Go Nearby
Toronto Botanical Garden
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Website: https://torontobotanicalgarden.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tbg_canada/
Address: 777 Lawrence Ave E
Hours: Mon-Sun: Open 24 hours
Contact: (416) 397-1341
The Toronto Botanical Garden is a beautiful escape right in the city with stunning themed gardens, walking trails, and peaceful spots to sit and relax.
The garden is also a great spot for workshops, classes, and events; you can dive into everything from gardening to environmental sustainability. It’s a local gem where you can enjoy the beauty of nature and even pick up a few green thumb tips along the way!
The Yorkville Rock
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Website: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-yorkville-rock-toronto-ontario
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the-big-rock-in-yorkville/
Address: 131 Cumberland St.
Hours: Mon – Sun: Open 24 hours
Yorkville Rock is a fascinating piece of history right in Toronto’s Yorkville Park. Weighing 650 tons and estimated to be about a billion years old, this massive rock was originally part of an ancient mountain range from the Canadian glacial shield.
Now a centerpiece of Yorkville, the rock draws curious visitors who come to marvel at its size and history. It’s a great spot to relax and reflect on the ancient roots of our planet while sitting in the middle of a busy urban park.
Royal Ontario Museum
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Website: https://www.rom.on.ca/en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/romtoronto/
Address: 100 Queens Park
Hours: Tue – Sun: 10 AM – 5:30 PM
Contact: (416) 586-8000
The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is one of Toronto’s top cultural and educational attractions. With over six million objects in its collection, the museum showcases everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to dinosaur skeletons.
Beyond its impressive permanent exhibits, ROM hosts rotating special exhibitions. These dive into a wide range of topics, from contemporary art to global cultures and scientific discoveries.
Casa Loma
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Website: https://casaloma.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Casalomatoronto/
Address: 1 Austin Terrace
Hours: Mon – Sun: 9:30 AM – 5 PM
Contact: (416) 923-1171
Casa Loma is one of Toronto’s most iconic landmarks, a majestic castle perched atop a hill with stunning views of the city. Built in the early 20th century, this historic estate boasts sprawling gardens, secret passageways, and lavishly decorated rooms.
Visitors can explore its elegant halls, climb the towers for panoramic views, and learn about its fascinating history through self-guided tours. It’s ideal for people interested in the opulence of the past or simply want to wander through a real-life castle.
Where to Stay
Pan Pacific Toronto
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Address: 900 York Mills Rd, North York
Website: https://www.panpacific.com/en/hotels-and-resorts/pp-toronto/offers.html
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/panpacifictoronto/
Hours:
- Check-in time: 3 PM
- Check-out time: 11 AM
Contact: (416) 444-2511
Pan Pacific Toronto is set on 15 acres of lush parkland, providing guests with a serene environment while still being close to major attractions such as Sherwood Park. It features well-appointed, air-conditioned rooms, each tastefully decorated.
For those looking to relax, there’s a seasonal outdoor pool, and guests can also enjoy on-site activities like tennis or stay active at the modern fitness center. As a bonus, dining is a treat, with several restaurants serving international cuisine.
Novotel Toronto North York
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Address: 3 Park Home Ave
Website: https://all.accor.com/hotel/0910/index.en.shtml
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/novoteltorontonorthyork/
Hours:
- Check-in time: 3 PM
- Check-out time: 12 PM
Contact: (416) 733-2929
Novotel Toronto North York is an uptown hotel for travelers looking for comfort and convenience. With direct indoor access to the subway and a nearby shopping mall, plus easy access to major highways, this hotel makes getting around Toronto a breeze.
After exploring Sherwood Park, guests can enjoy global cuisine at the on-site Trio restaurant or get in a workout at their fitness facilities.
Families will love that up to two children, 15 years and under, can stay free when sharing a room with their parents!
Canopy by Hilton Toronto Yorkville
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Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/ytzpypy-canopy-toronto-yorkville/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canopytorontoyorkville/
Address: 387 Bloor St E
Hours:
- Check-in time: 4 PM
- Check-out time: 12 PM
Contact: (416) 921-3333
Canopy By Hilton Toronto Yorkville offers air-conditioned rooms, free WiFi, and complimentary bikes for exploring the city. It also boasts a fitness center and an inviting bar, with key attractions like the Royal Ontario Museum and Sherwood Park nearby.
Guests can start their day with a choice of à la carte, continental, or American breakfasts, with dining options that include vegetarian, dairy-free, and vegan dishes. The 4-star property also features an indoor pool and a terrace.
