This Toronto wilderness park has a floating bridge & secluded beaches

You don’t need a car to immerse yourself in the wilderness — in fact, you’ll find this amazing nature park just steps away from the concrete jungle. If you haven’t been to Toronto’s Tommy Thompson Park, we’re here to tell you why it’s worth a visit.

Located on the water’s edge in the Port Lands, this park is easy to get to by car, transit, or bike.

It’s one of the best places for wildlife watching in the city with over 300 recorded species, not to mention beautiful skyline views.

What makes this park special is that it is entirely man-made.

The 500 hectares of land it sits on is entirely made from concrete, earth fill, and degraded sand, transforming discarded waste into a thriving wilderness park.

Today, you’ll find all kinds of lagoons, secluded shorelines, and sand peninsulas that are enjoyed by humans and animals alike.

It provides a critical roosting spot for migrating butterflies and birds — so, be sure to look up at the sky because you’ll definitely see all kinds of winged species flying through the air.

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Another attraction at Tommy Thompson is the floating pedestrian bridge. The bridge is so scenic that it was once used in a movie — The Sentinel starring Michael Douglas, Kiefer Sutherland, and Eva Longoria back in 2006.

And those looking to enjoy the waterfront without the crowds will not be disappointed here.

The rocky beaches at Tommy Thompson tend to be quieter than other hot spots like Woodbine Beach and the Toronto Islands.

The paved trails and scenic wilderness paths are enjoyed by joggers and cyclists in the warmer months, and those brave enough to endure the cold also come here to ski and snowshoe in the winter.

For many locals, the park is a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle.

Be sure to visit this spot at least once while the weather is warm — when you see the sun setting over the skyline, you’ll know exactly why we sent you!

Tommy Thompson Park

Where: 1 Leslie Street, Toronto