A working farm in the middle of Cabbagetown — completely free. Meet pigs, chickens, goats, sheep, cows, and horses in a historic 7-acre farm setting that feels like the countryside dropped into downtown. The Victorian-style Simpson House, wooded pathways, and the Don Valley ravine backdrop make this one of Toronto's most unexpected free attractions.
Free: 201 Winchester St, Toronto · Season: year-round
Riverdale Farm is one of Toronto's most delightful surprises — a genuine working farm situated in the heart of Cabbagetown, just minutes from downtown, completely free to visit, and genuinely charming. Spread across 7.5 acres, the farm is home to pigs, chickens, goats, sheep, cows, horses, and ducks, all living in a beautifully maintained historic farm setting that feels like it was transported from rural Ontario and dropped into the middle of the city.
What to Expect
Riverdale Farm is not a petting zoo or a commercial attraction. It is a working farm that serves as an educational and community resource, demonstrating heritage farming practices and providing urban residents with a direct connection to agriculture and animal husbandry. The farm operates much as it would have in the late 19th century, with heritage breeds, traditional buildings, and farming methods.
The farm's setting is extraordinary. It sits on the edge of the Don Valley ravine, with wooded pathways, a bubbling creek, and the Victorian-style Simpson House as its centrepiece. The contrast between the farm's pastoral tranquillity and the downtown skyline visible from the adjacent Riverdale Park East is genuinely striking.
The Animals
Riverdale Farm maintains a rotating collection of heritage farm animals:
- **Pigs:** Usually Yorkshire Cross or Tamworth heritage breeds. The piglets in spring are a major draw.
- **Chickens:** Various heritage breeds roam freely in the poultry yard.
- **Goats:** Nubian and other dairy breeds, often with kids in spring.
- **Sheep:** Romney and other wool breeds. Spring lambs are a highlight.
- **Cows:** Jersey and Guernsey dairy cattle.
- **Horses:** Draft horses for demonstrations.
- **Ducks and Geese:** Free-roaming waterfowl around the farm ponds.
The animals are well cared for by the farm's staff, and their living conditions are designed to be both functional and educational. Interpretive signs explain each animal's role on a heritage farm.
The Buildings and Grounds
The Simpson House is the farm's centrepiece — a restored Victorian farmhouse that serves as the visitors' centre and interpretive space. The surrounding grounds include:
- The pig paddock and sty
- The poultry house and yard
- The sheep barn and pasture
- The dairy barn
- The horse stable
- The duck pond
- Heritage vegetable and flower gardens
- Wooded ravine pathways
All areas are free to explore. The pathways wind through the grounds, connecting the various animal areas and offering beautiful views of the farm and the adjacent ravine.
Seasonal Highlights
Spring (April–May): Baby animals — piglets, lambs, kids, and chicks. This is the most popular time to visit and genuinely magical. The gardens are planted, and the farm comes alive after winter.
Summer (June–August): All animals are active and outdoors. The shady pathways and the duck pond are pleasant on hot days. The farm runs additional programming in summer.
Fall (September–November): Harvest activities, fall colours in the surrounding ravine, and a quieter atmosphere. The farm's pumpkin and squash displays are charming.
Winter (December–March): The farm is quieter but still open. The animals are in their winter quarters, and the snow-covered grounds have a serene beauty. The Simpson House offers a warm retreat.
How to Get There
Riverdale Farm is at 201 Winchester Street in Cabbagetown. It is a 15-minute walk east of College Station on Line 1, or a 10-minute walk south of Castle Frank Station on Line 2. The 506 Carlton streetcar stops at Parliament Street, a 5-minute walk from the farm.
Accessibility
The farm's main paths are gravel and packed earth, which can be challenging for wheelchairs and strollers after rain. The Simpson House is accessible. Some animal areas have steps or uneven ground. The farm is committed to accessibility — contact them in advance for specific guidance.
Nearby Attractions
- **Riverdale Park East:** Adjacent to the farm — one of Toronto's best free skyline views
- **Cabbagetown:** The historic neighbourhood surrounding the farm, with beautiful Victorian houses
- **The Don Valley Trail:** Walk south into the ravine from Riverdale Park
- **Allan Gardens Conservatory:** 15-minute walk south on Sherbourne Street
- **The Distillery District:** 20-minute walk southeast
Photography Tips
The baby animals in spring are irresistible subjects. The Victorian Simpson House against the surrounding greenery is a classic composition. The skyline view from the adjacent Riverdale Park East (particularly at sunset) is extraordinary. Morning light is best for the farm's east-facing buildings. The contrast between farm animals and urban backdrop makes for unique, striking images.
Practical Tips for Tourists
- The farm is open daily, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, year-round (closed some holidays)
- Entry is completely free — no admission, no donation required (though donations are welcome)
- The farm is a working farm, not a petting zoo — follow staff guidance around animals
- Sturdy shoes recommended — the paths are gravel and can be muddy
- Bring a reusable water bottle — there are fountains near the Simpson House
- The adjacent Riverdale Park East offers the best free skyline view in the area — combine your visit
- The farm is popular with families — weekday mornings are quieter
Visitor tip
Open daily 9am–5pm. Spring is best for baby animals. The farm is right next to Riverdale Park East, which has one of the best free skyline views in Toronto.