Forget the sand for a minute: Woodbine Park is the east end green space you’ve probably walked right past.
WAIT, ISN’T THAT WOODBINE BEACH?
Nope! Woodbine Park sits just north of Lake Shore Boulevard, across the road from Woodbine Beach. Our latest @mytorontonews reel calls it one of the east end’s most overlooked green spaces, and we couldn’t agree more.
WAS THIS REALLY A RACETRACK?
It sure was. For 119 years this land hosted horse racing, starting as the Woodbine Riding and Driving Park in 1875. It became Old Woodbine, was renamed Greenwood in 1963 and ran its final races in December 1993. The Queen’s Plate was even run here for decades.
Today, the western part of the old track site is Woodbine Park, and homes fill much of the rest.
WHAT MAKES IT SO SPECIAL?
Winding paths, a peaceful pond with a fountain and wildflower meadows make it a calm escape just steps from busy Queen Street East. Bring a coffee, take a slow loop and enjoy the quiet.
WHERE CAN YOU FIND IT?
Woodbine Park is in the Beaches area, between Queen Street East and Lake Shore Boulevard East near Coxwell and Woodbine avenues. The 501 Queen streetcar will get you close.
While you’re here, explore the shops, cafés and restaurants along Queen Street East, then wander south to the lake and the Beaches Boardwalk.
Have you discovered Woodbine Park yet? Watch our reel, then tell us in the comments: what’s your favourite overlooked Toronto park?
Watch the reel on Instagram: @mytorontonews