Queen’s Park is one of Toronto’s most well-known spots, located right in the heart of the city. The area features bike trails, the Ontario Legislative Building and monuments of the country’s most prominent figures. Did you know it’s also one of Canada’s oldest municipal parks?
Here’s everything you need to know.
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According to the Government of Ontario, “Municipal Parks are public lands set aside for recreation purposes or to protect natural and cultural environments.”
The Toronto park has a history that dates back all the way to the 1800s, making it one of the country’s first municipal parks.
The City of Toronto says the park was introduced to the city in 1859.
“In 1859 the city leased land here from King’s College, and in 1860 a park, named after Queen Victoria, was opened by the Prince of Wales, later Edward VII. Queen’s Park was long considered as a location for new parliament buildings and in 1879-80 their construction was authorized by the Ontario Legislature and city council.”
The first legislative session was held in Queen’s Park before the turn of the 1900s taking place on April 4th, 1893.
A huge part of the park are the statues of Canadian historical figures such as Queen Victoria, John Graves Simcoe, George Brown, King George V and Sir John A. Macdonald.
If you’re thinking of taking a stroll through Queen’s Park soon be sure to check out the white trillium garden!
Spring is a great time to visit as the white trilliums are in bloom around April-May. Fun fact, the white trillium is also Ontario’s official floral emblem!
Next time you’re out and about in Toronto, make sure to take a walk through one of the country’s oldest parks – Queen’s Park.
Queen’s Park
Where: 110 Wellesley St W, Toronto, ON
