Meditation is one of the best ways to improve our overall health. Even just a few minutes a day can help us reclaim our thoughts, which, over time, can lead to less stress and more focus. Combine fresh air and outdoor time on top of that and you have a practice that’s beneficial for the mind and spirit. Toronto’s handful of public parks, gardens, and trails may be few, but what the city lacks in quantity it makes up for in quality. Get in a mindful moment at one of these picturesque green spaces in the city and reset your whole outlook.
Here are our peaceful outdoor places to meditate in Toronto.
Edwards Gardens
This former estate garden right next to the Toronto Botanical Garden offers a vast expanse of manicured gardens and lawns and so much beauty. Come for a mindful walk on one of the walking trails or perch on the banks of Wilket Creek and let the sights and sounds of nature restore your calm. The gardens are free, and open year-round, from dawn until dusk, making it a perfect outdoor spot to meditate at.
Location: 755 Lawrence Ave E, Toronto
Click here for the website
Tommy Thompson Park
If you’re looking to feel one with nature, Tommy Thompson Park is where to come. Located on a peninsula that extends 5 km into Lake Ontario, the park is one of the top destinations in the city for wildlife watching. Here you’ll get picturesque views of the Toronto skyline and Lake Ontario that you won’t get anywhere else.
Location: 1 Leslie St, Toronto
Click here for the website
Grange Park
You can feel tapped into a sense of history at Grange Park. The 1.8-hectare space in the centre of the OCADU campus is home to the Grange historic house (the first home of the Art Museum of Toronto, today, part of the AGO), a large Henry Moore sculpture, and the Weston family fountain. While a splash pad and a dog’s off-leash area mean this park is not exactly sequestered, it’s an inspiring outdoor place to meditate to unwind and take in the sights and sounds.
Location: Beverly St and McCaul St, Toronto
Click here for the website
Allan Gardens
This park and botanical garden in the heart of downtown is home to six greenhouses filled with international flower and plant species. Take a mindful walk around and be surrounded by plant life ranging from cacti to jasmine to hibiscus and tap into some pure life force.
Location: 160 Gerrard St E, Toronto
Click here for the website
Corktown Common
Corktown Common was originally built as an athletes’ village for the Pan Am games back in 2015. Now, the 18-acre park at the foot of lower River Street and Bayview Ave is a unique and well-loved respite from the downtown core. Come for the stunning views of the city skyline, athletic field, bike paths, and boardwalk, and stay for the absolute tranquillity in this waterfront oasis.
Location: 155 Bayview Ave, Toronto
Click here for the website
High Park
There’s a reason High Park is one of the city’s favourite parks. You truly can get a sense of being out of the city, right in the heart of the west end. The city’s largest public park boasts 400 acres of forest, gardens and trails, and also the largest pond in Toronto, Grenadier Pond. In any season, this park will make you feel right at home. If you’re wanting some peace and quiet, however, avoid the crowds that come with cherry blossom season!
Location: 1873 Bloor St W, Toronto
Click here for the website
Articles You May Also Be Interested In
15 Beautiful Waterfalls To Explore Near Toronto
15 Covered Patios To Visit In Toronto Whether It’s Rain Or Shine
20 Of The Best Beaches To Visit This Summer In & Near Toronto
15 Of The Best Campgrounds That Are Less Than 4 Hours From Toronto
10 Incredible Events To Check Out In Toronto This Summer
Summer is all about finding ways to spend as much time outside, right? But if you’re someone who appreciates the finer things in life, you might think camping, cottaging, or hiking might not be for you. What if I told you that you could have it all — a fun outdoor experience while still staying true to your glam and chic needs?
These 7 products are sure to upgrade whatever outdoor summer experience you have planned!
Ooni Wood Pellet Fired Pizza Oven, $379
Instagram/@oonihq
Take your love for pizza with you when you go camping this summer. This pizza oven uses wood pellets as fuel and it gets as hot as 500°C in just 10 minutes, so you can satisfy that craving super fast. Not only can you create the ‘za of your dreams but you can use this baby to bake or roast anything you’d cook in your oven at home all to be enjoyed in the great outdoors.
Drake General Store Arborist Canada Onesie, $59
Drake General Store
Even though it’s summer, temps still drop in the evening. If you’re camping and cozying up around the fire pit, you might want to layer up a bit and a onesie is the way to go. There’s a reason why so many people are low-key obsessed with the onesies available at Drake General Store — they’re well made, super comfortable, and adorable so why not pack one with you?
All-Clad Stainless Steel 3-Piece Outdoor Cooking Set, $225
All-Clad
Just because you’re spending time camping or grilling outside, it doesn’t mean you have to use lack-luster cookware, right? Get your hands on All-Clad’s stainless steel outdoor cooking set and you’re all set — literally! Each of these versatile pans is designed for cooking meat, seafood and vegetables all to perfection. Plus, they can even withstand heat up to 700°F. PS. This would also make for a killer Father’s Day gift too, in case you’re living that last-minute life!
Star and Moon Steel Wood Burning Fire Pit, $139
Wayfair
Not going camping but still want to have a campfire experience? This fire pit with the star and moon cut-outs is so cute and it’s the perfect addition to any backyard or deck. Whether you’re gathering around for a jam session or roasting marshmallows for s’mores, get ready for all the magical summer nights to come!
L.L.Bean Camping Hammock, $129
Instagram/@gracevv22
It’s the weekend and you’ve earned yourself some time to relax and unwind. Take it and catch up on some zzz’s in this hammock from L.L.Bean. This item will quickly become your new favourite piece of outdoor gear as it holds two people and is easily set up using tree-friendly hanging straps and carabiners.
Merrell Gridway Shoes, $120
Merrell
Not into the look of hiking boots? Me either. If you’re struggling to find functional yet cute shoes to wear on your outdoor adventures, look no further. These shoes are super comfortable, lightweight, sustainable, and easy on the eyes. If you’re not a major hiker and aren’t in the market for heavy duty hiking boots, definitely give these a try!
Wacaco Minipresso, $79
Instagram/@wacaco_official
Even though spending time in the great outdoors is amazing for your mind and soul, you probably still need your morning cup of coffee. This portable espresso machine is lightweight and fits seamlessly in your pack and delivers a fab cup of joe in just a few minutes!
Featured Image: Instagram/@ontarioparks
Articles You May Be Interested In:
18 Essential Items For A Luxurious Camping Experience
7 Long Weekend Getaways Less Than 4 Hours From Toronto
Outdoor Retailer L.L. Bean Announces Their First Canadian Location
The Best Places To Go Camping Less Than 3 Hours From Toronto
This Is How You Can Go Camping On a Budget