Our days of summer weather are numbered. If you haven’t yet celebrated the season with a picnic, the time is now to schedule in a trip to one of Toronto’s many picnic-ready parks for an alfresco meal. The key to a memorable (in a good way) picnic? Delicious, easy-to-eat fare. Don’t leave your provisions to the last minute. Plan ahead. Here’s where to go to stock your basket for an idyllic late-summer picnic in the city.
Here’s where to stock up on quality picnic foods in Toronto.
Mabel’s Bakery
Since 2008, Mabel’s Bakery has been known and loved for its homespun baked goods. With a variety of seasonal artisan breads, cookies, bars, and prepared food options, this bakery and takeout counter was built for picnics. Head to one of their four locations across the city to stock up before you hit the park.
- Multiple locations in Toronto
Eataly
Browsing the offerings at Eataly is an event in itself. Work up an appetite as you peruse the many market vendors and assemble your own antipasti of meats, cheeses, olives, bread and olive oils, and dolci. Or, grab take-out from one of the authentic Italian restaurants here and expedite the process.
- Location: 55 Bloor St West, Toronto
- Phone number: (437) 374 0250
- Store hours: Sunday to Thursday 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday to Saturday 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Daniel Et Daniel
Get a taste of Paris with Daniel Et Daniel’s prepared foods, including quiches, salads, paninis, and soups, prepared daily and on-site. Pair your picnic with some authentic French pastries and desserts, like pain au chocolat, macarons, or an award-winning cake slice.
- Location: 244 to 248 Carlton St, Toronto
- Phone number: (416) 968 9275
- Store hours: Monday to Saturday 9-6 p.m.; Sunday 9-5 p.m.
Good Cheese
This gourmet cheese boutique in east Chinatown offers much more than just cheese. They’re well-prepared for picnic-goers, with grocery items including tinned meats, fresh cheeses (including plant-based options), artisanal crackers and preserves, chocolates, and craft seltzers. Put together your own picnic basket, or order a ready-made charcuterie board. Orders made before 10 a.m. can be picked up that day.
- Location: 614 Gerrard St East, Toronto
- Phone number: (416) 285 8482
- Store hours: Monday to Sunday 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Harbord Bakery & Calandria
One of Toronto’s favourite (and longest standing) bakeries, Harbord Bakery is best known for its challah bread, but there’s much more to love, here. Their selection of savoury take-out options, including sandwiches, Mediterranean entrees, vegetarian and meat empanadas, and of course, sweets like tarts and cupcakes, make Harbord Bakery a one-stop shop for a picnic
- Location: 115 Harbord St, Toronto
- Phone number: (416) 922 5767
- Store hours: Monday to Thursday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday to Saturday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday CLOSED
This culinary destination in Little Italy offers patrons the opportunity to cook, eat and shop under one roof. Pencil in a cooking class, or just stock up for your picnic with this selection of lovingly prepared meals, baked goods, and a curated collection of hand-picked pantry items for snacking.
- Location: 587 College St, Toronto, ON
- Phone number: (416) 920 5559
- Store hours: Monday to Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
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It’s the perfect time of year to pack up your picnic essentials and head to one of Toronto’s gorgeous parks. Spend the day relaxing, eating and reading on your picnic blanket, or if you’re up for activities many of the parks feature trails, tennis courts and volleyball nets. It’s the perfect way to spend a weekend day or weeknight after work. Pack up your favourite food and drinks, a blanket, a book, and anything else you need for the perfect picnic day. Here are 6 of the best parks to picnic in around Toronto.
1. Trinity Bellwoods
Located in the heart of the city on Queen Street West, Trinity Bellwoods is Toronto’s quintessential picnic park, perfect for relaxing and people watching. You’ll be surrounded by plenty of other park-goers, many of them with four-legged friends. Make use of their tennis and volleyball courts, baseball diamond and off-leash dog area for some fun. And if you head there at just the right time in Spring, you can enjoy the gorgeous cherry blossoms.
Image: Instagram/ @cmejaski
2. Toronto Islands
Ferry over to the Toronto islands for a day of picnicking with your besties. You’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Toronto skyline while eating, chatting, and soaking in the sun. With beaches, green space, picnic areas and trails, there’s no shortage of things to do. Just a quick jaunt away from the city, it’s ideal for a day trip.
Image: Instagram/@daisysunshinevilla
3. High Park
With 18 designated picnic sites suitable for large groups, you can spread out your blanket and enjoy the scenery at High Park. There’s also plenty of picnic tables if you prefer. And if you don’t have time to pack your own food, you can head to any of the nearby cafes on Bloor Street to stock up your picnic basket. If you get restless, you can walk along the beautiful featured trails.
Image: Instagram/@sina7117
4. Scarborough Bluffs
The Scarborough Bluffs area is known to be an oasis away from the city. It’s a beautiful spot to take a leisurely walk and picnic your day away. You can spend time on one of the parks on top of the bluffs, such as Guild Park, or head to the beach. There are eleven parks stretched along 15 km of the Scarborough Bluffs that look over Lake Ontario.
Image: Instagram/@aishadahira
5. Ashbridges Bay Park
Located on the waterfront in the east end of the city, Ashbridges Bay Park is not only a great place to picnic but also features beach volleyball, swimming and an open beach. You can take a stroll along the Woodbine Beach boardwalk, go for a hike, or hop into Lake Ontario for a dip. Or of course, you can relax on your picnic blanket with a good book.
Image: Instagram/@erinhelcl
6. Morningside Park
The fact that this park is out of the city centre is what makes it so appealing. Located in Scarborough, you can escape the bustling city with this recreational nature park that features multiple picnic areas, walking and biking trails, and lots of hills and ravines. It’s a serene place to take a picnic and enjoy all your surroundings.
Image: Instagram/@san.scary
What is the best park to picnic in around Toronto? Share with us in the comments!
Featured image: Instagram/ @dia_khalilova
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