Hidden Parks & Secret Gardens in Toronto | WTF Toronto

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best hidden parks and secret gardens in Toronto?

Toronto's best hidden parks and secret gardens include Guild Park's outdoor sculpture garden (architectural salvage from demolished buildings), Rosetta McClain Gardens (formal rose gardens on the Scarborough Bluffs with lake views), Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens (designed by the composer of 'The Maple Leaf Forever' with spring tulip beds), Osgoode Hall Gardens (a walled Victorian garden hidden behind iron gates in the Financial District), and Chorley Park (the forgotten site of Ontario's Government House in Rosedale).

Which secret Toronto gardens are best for photography?

Guild Park's outdoor sculpture garden is Toronto's most photogenic secret garden — 80+ architectural salvage pieces from demolished buildings arranged in a ravine park, including Greek columns, Victorian friezes, and carved cornices. Rosetta McClain Gardens offers formal rose garden photography with Lake Ontario as the backdrop. Osgoode Hall Gardens and Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens are excellent for formal garden photography in spring when the tulips are in bloom.

Are these hidden parks free to visit?

All the parks featured here are free to visit. Guild Park, Chorley Park, Rosetta McClain Gardens, Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens, and Osgoode Hall Gardens are all City of Toronto parks or publicly accessible spaces with no admission charge. Osgoode Hall's inner grounds have restricted hours (weekday business hours) — the exterior gardens on Queen Street are always accessible.

When is the best time to visit Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens?

Early May is the peak time for Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens, when the formal tulip beds are in full bloom. The formal garden layout is at its most beautiful from April through June when the beds are planted. The gardens are located at Yonge Street and Lawrence Avenue, easily accessible by TTC (Lawrence station on Line 1).