Here are the more popular North York parks:

Earl Bales Park, with view of North York highrises

Alexander Muir Park

Yonge Street, Toronto (just south of Lawrence Avenue)
416-392-8188

This centrally located park is a pleasant landscape of formal gardens and horticultural displays. Open every day, all year round.

Earl Bales Park & Ski Hill

4169 Bathurst St, North York, ON M3H 3P7
(Bathurst Street, south of Sheppard Avenue)

This 144 acre (36 hectare) park is located on the site of the old York Downs Golf Course in the West Don River valley. The historic 1824 Bales homestead is intact at the north-west corner of the park. The park has almost 3 km of trails, and is adjacent to the Hinder Property (which lies north of Sheppard). The park also has the 1500 seat Barry Zukerman Amphitheatre, and an Alpine ski-centre with full snow making facilities, equipment rental and coaching programs. The forested area has mature stands of Sugar Maple, Black Maple, American Beech, and Black Walnut. There is lots of parking, a picnic area and public washrooms.

TTC: take either the Sheppard West 84 and the Bathurst 7 buses

Edwards Gardens & Toronto Botanical Garden

777 Lawrence Avenue East, Toronto
(SW corner of Leslie Street & Lawrence Avenue East)
416-397-8186

3.5 acres of garden featuring perennials and roses on the uplands, and wildflowers, rhododendrons and an extensive rockery in the valley. There is a greenhouse and a Garden Information Centre to answer horticultural questions and a research library. Wheel Chair Accessible. Open dawn to dusk every day, year round

TTC: Eglinton Station (Yonge Subway) and take Lawrence East Bus 54 or 54A