Etobicoke is known for its scenic waterfront and sprawling green spaces, but it’s so much more than that!
Whenever we visit, we find ourselves discovering new hidden gems, whether it’s a gorgeous Hindu temple or a regional park tucked away from the hustle and bustle. We also make it a point to sample top-notch dishes from Etobicoke’s best restaurants.
There’s so much to do here that you might not know where to start. So, we’ve put together a handy guide to help you explore the best activities this district has to offer.
From outdoor adventures to trendy spots to grab a bite, here’s everything you need to make the most of your time in Etobicoke!
- Wander around Centennial Park
- Hang out at CF Sherway Gardens
- Chill out at Marie Curtis Park
- Explore BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
- Take pics at the Humber Bay Park East
- Be one with nature at James Gardens
- Have a blast at Pursuit OCR
- Check out the wildlife at Humber Arboretum
- Fantasy Fair
- Scale new heights at the Boulderz Climbing Centre
Wander around Centennial Park
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Website: https://www.toronto.ca/centennial-park-etobicoke/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centennial-park-etobicoke/recent/
Address: 256 Centennial Park Rd, Etobicoke
Hours: Mon – Sun: 7 AM – 11 PM
Contact: (416) 394-8750
If you’re looking for a perfect day out in Etobicoke, Centennial Park is a must-visit! This massive park was built to celebrate Canada’s 100th birthday, and it’s packed with activities for everyone to enjoy.
You can catch a game at the 2,200-seat stadium, hit the indoor hockey arenas, or even practice your swing at the public golf course. There’s even a Mini-Indy track, as well as tennis courts, playing fields, and even a pond with paddle boats!
Etobicoke Olympium is also located here, a multi-purpose recreational facility known for its amazing aquatics, rhythmic gymnastics, and aerobics programs.
Pro Tip:
When heading to the park via car, you’ll find the stadium and parking lot right in front of you on Centennial Park Road. If it’s packed, don’t worry—there’s a bigger parking lot just south of the stadium.
Hang out at CF Sherway Gardens
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Website: https://shops.cadillacfairview.com/property/cf-sherway-gardens
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cfsherway/
Address: 25 The West Mall, Etobicoke
Hours:
- Mon – Sat: 10 AM – 9 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM – 6 PM
Contact: (416) 621-1070
CF Sherway Gardens, known for its iconic tented roof, is a luxurious mall just minutes from Pearson Airport and Mississauga. From high-end fashion to family-friendly stores, Sherway Gardens has something for everyone.
If you’re looking to splurge, Saks Fifth Avenue is a must, complete with the indulgent Saks Food Hall by Pusateri’s, where you can grab some gourmet bites.
But don’t worry, you don’t have to break the bank. For more laid-back shoppers, there are plenty of affordable yet stylish spots like H&M, Vans, ZARA, and Lululemon. And for the little ones, head to Pottery Barn Kids, GapKids, and even the LEGO Store!
Pro Tip:
After a day of shopping, head to The Keg Steakhouse + Bar for a delicious meal. You’ll find it right by H&M and Gap—a great place to relax and refuel before you dive back into the mall!
Chill out at Marie Curtis Park
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Website: https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/complex/6/index.html
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marie-curtis-park/
Address: 2 Forty Second St, Etobicoke
Hours: Mon – Sun: Open 24 hours
Contact: (416) 392-2489
Marie Curtis Park is nestled where the mouth of Etobicoke Creek meets Lake Ontario. It’s not just beautiful but also historic—one of the few parks in Canada named after a woman, Marie Curtis, who was a key figure in developing Toronto’s parklands.
This space is perfect for those who love long walks on the beach, swimming, fishing, or just chilling with a picnic. The park’s multi-use trail is also popular for cycling, running, walking, or skating.
If you’ve got little ones (or you’re just a kid at heart), there’s a playground, a fun splash pad, and even a wading pool. And for all you dog lovers, the park has an awesome off-leash area where your furry friends can run around.
Pro Tip:
Good news—the park is super easy to get to. It’s just a 400-metre walk from the Long Branch streetcar loop, with connections to the Queensway 80 bus, MiWay Transit from Mississauga, and the Long Branch GO station.
Explore BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
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Website: https://www.baps.org/Global-Network/North-America/Toronto.aspx
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bapstoronto/
Address: 61 Claireville Dr
Hours: Mon – Sun: 9 AM – 7 PM
Contact: (416) 798-2277
Visiting the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is like stepping into a world of architectural beauty. This stunning Hindu temple, or Mandir, was hand-carved and built by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.
The Mandir is divided into two main parts: the traditional Hindu Mandir and the Haveli. The Haveli is a masterpiece on its own, with a wooden façade that leads into a beautiful courtyard; the detail in the craftsmanship makes for some incredible photo ops!
Festivals like Diwali & Annakut, Holi, and Ganesh Chaturti are celebrated on a grand scale here, with Diwali being one of the biggest events of the year.
Pro Tip:
The Mandir is also a hub for community service. They host an annual walk-a-thon to foster a spirit of service, and every fall, there’s a Health Fair where doctors volunteer to provide free medical consultations.
Take pics at the Humber Bay Park East
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Website: https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/complex/1073/index.html
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/humber-bay-park-east/
Address: 100 Humber Bay Park Road East
Hours: Mon – Fri: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Contact: (416) 392-2489
Humber Bay Park East is a fantastic green space located right on the edge of Lake Ontario. Whether you’re taking transit (the 501 Long Branch streetcar) or driving (just exit the QEW at Park Lawn and head south), it’s super easy to get there.
Here, you can have a picnic by the lake, explore the trails, or chill at the beachfront. If you’re into more niche hobbies, the park has fly casting and model boating ponds.
But my absolute favorite part is being at the water level; with rocks jutting out into the lake, the views from this park are just incredible—especially for photographers.
Pro Tip:
Head to the southeastern shoreline for the best view of the Toronto skyline. You’ll get an unobstructed shot of the city, with all the details of the buildings.
Bring a longer lens if you really want to capture all the architectural details up close.
Be one with nature at James Gardens
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Website: https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/complex/3/index.html
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/james-gardens/
Address: 99 Edenbridge Dr, Etobicoke
Hours:
- Mon – Sat: 9 AM – 8:30 PM
- Sunday: 9 AM – 9 PM
Contact: (416) 392-8188
James Gardens is a beautifully manicured garden located on the west bank of the Humber River. There are a few ways to get in—either through Edenbridge Drive or from the parking lot that’s marked by the cute duck-feeding pond and a big turtle statue.
Once inside, you’re greeted by soft green lawns, pruned trees, and flower beds that make up this lush 21-acre space. In the summer, the garden really shines with thousands of blooming flowers filling the landscape with color.
One of the highlights is the seven ponds, which are fed by natural springs and streams. The meditative bridges around the park also offer close-up views of the waterfalls.
Pro Tip:
If you’re up for an adventure, James Gardens connects directly to the Humber River pedestrian and cycling trail, so you can keep exploring all the beauty along the river. You might even see a couple of adorable chipmunks along the way!
Have a blast at Pursuit OCR
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Website: http://www.pursuitocr.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pursuitocr/
Address: 75 Westmore Dr Unit A, Etobicoke
Hours:
- Mon – Thurs: 2 PM – 9:30 PM
- Friday: 1:30 PM – 11 PM
- Saturday: 11:30 AM – 11 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM – 8:30 PM
Contact: (647) 467-8444
Pursuit OCR is an indoor obstacle course training center—a giant playground for adults where you can let loose, get active, and feel like a kid again. And the best part is that it’s open year-round, rain or shine!
You can race drift trikes, run, climb, crawl through the massive obstacle course, and dive into the world’s deepest ball pit. If that doesn’t sound fun enough, there’s also a giant bouncy castle and a 7,000-square-foot arena!
For $20, you get an All Day Play Pass that gives you access to the obstacle course, the cardio area, and independent training spaces.
Pro Tip:
Don’t forget to wear athletic shoes—closed-toe shoes are mandatory (sorry, no sandals, Uggs, or Crocs here!). Also, make sure you’re in comfy clothes because you’ll definitely be moving around a lot.
Check out the wildlife at Humber Arboretum
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Website: https://humber.ca/arboretum/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/humberarb/
Address: 205 Humber College Blvd, Etobicoke
Hours: Mon – Fri: 9 AM – 4 PM
Contact Details: (416) 675-5009
The Humber Arboretum is the perfect spot to unwind, explore, and learn something new—all for free! Nestled in the Humber River watershed in North Etobicoke, this place offers hundreds of acres of gardens and natural spaces.
It’s also an outdoor learning hub, where you can explore unique ecosystems, walk scenic trails, or even take part in discovery walks. It even offers on-campus employment and free workshops.
As for the wildlife, we spotted raccoons, squirrels, chipmunks, and rabbits, and they seemed to hang out most in the main area.
Pro Tip:
With over 150 bird species identified by citizen scientists, the Arboretum is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Great blue herons, American tree sparrows, blackbirds, and American robins can all be seen here!
Fantasy Fair
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Website: https://fantasyfair.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fantasy-fair/
Address: 500 Rexdale Blvd Unit F006, Etobicoke
Hours: Mon – Sun: 11 AM – 7 PM
Contact Details: (437) 880-8448
Since opening its doors in 1985, Fantasy Fair has been the go-to indoor amusement park, and for a good reason. With 12 full-size rides, it’s safe to say this Etobicoke spot has mastered the art of fun!
Parking and park entry are FREE, meaning you can just stroll right in and start exploring. It has practically everything—from the thrilling Drop & Hop Tower that bounces you 30 feet into the air to the XD Simulator.
They even offer six fun-filled party rooms and discounted rates for groups. Just imagine the kiddos celebrating a birthday after conquering all the exciting rides.
Pro Tip:
Make sure everyone (adults too!) brings socks because you’ll need them to enter, as health regulations require shoes to be off in the Play Village area.
Scale new heights at the Boulderz Climbing Centre
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Website: https://www.boulderzclimbing.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boulderzclimbingcentre/
Address: 80 The East Mall #9, Etobicoke
Hours:
- Mon – Fri: 9 AM – 11 PM
- Sat – Sun: 9 AM – 9 PM
Contact Details: (416) 255-6676
Boulderz offers everything you need for a thrilling climb at a reasonable price. The facility is perfect for group bookings, or if you’re just swinging by with a friend to tackle some routes or boulder solo; either way, you’re in for a good time.
Let’s talk about the walls—the first section is a two-level bouldering wall. On the lower level, you’ve got a whopping 131-foot-long wall that stretches up 14 feet—perfect for practicing your technique and building strength.
For something a little different, head upstairs to the traverse wall, which is 120 feet long and 9 feet high. It’s a great spot for those long, challenging climbs where you can really test your endurance.
Pro Tip:
If you’re just getting started, don’t miss the Beginner Lessons. You’ll need at least two people to book, but if you’ve got a group of six or more, you can even schedule lessons outside regular times.