Toronto's best tobogganing hill — Riverdale Park West's slope gives a clear run with the downtown skyline as a backdrop. On a good snow day, hundreds of Torontonians gather with sleds and toboggans for the kind of collective winter joy that only comes from hurtling downhill together. The CN Tower visible from the top seals the deal.
Neighbourhood: Cabbagetown / Riverdale · Address: Riverdale Park W (access from Winchester St and Sumach St), Toronto, ON · Hours: Snow-dependent — best after a 10cm+ overnight snowfall
Why Visit
Riverdale Park's west hill lets you rocket down a long, steep slope with an unobstructed view of Toronto’s downtown skyline the whole way. It’s one of the few places in the core where tobogganing feels epic, not cramped.
What Makes It Unique
Unlike most city toboggan hills that are small and patchy, Riverdale’s slope is impressively long and clear, making it a real thrill for both kids and grownups. The sightlines are unbeatable—few Toronto sledding spots have the CN Tower looming in the background. On big snow days, the communal energy is wild, with everyone from uni students to parents squeezing in runs.
Riverdale Park East in Cabbagetown is Toronto's best tobogganing hill — a steep, well-maintained slope with a genuine descent that produces the kind of fast, slightly terrifying run that makes tobogganing worth the walk up and the cold. The park's combination of an excellent hill, a spectacular downtown skyline view from the top, and the surrounding neighbourhood character makes it the most satisfying winter outdoor experience available within the city limits for families, couples, and the solo adult who refuses to let winter be merely endured.
The hill descends from the Riverdale Park East plateau down toward the Broadview Avenue side, with views of the downtown skyline to the west from the top that are among the most photogenic winter perspectives in the city. The CN Tower, the Financial District office towers, and the Victorian residential neighbourhood below appear in a single frame that rewards arriving at the hill for the view even on days when the snow conditions aren't ideal for tobogganing.
The hill gets natural snow accumulation and sees city maintenance during heavy snowfall periods. The run length and pitch provide real speed — children who have graduated from bunny hills and adults who want an actual physical rush rather than a gentle glide will find Riverdale appropriate. The park has sufficient width that multiple sleds can run simultaneously without the crowding anxiety of smaller hills.
The surrounding Cabbagetown neighbourhood — Victorian row houses, independent cafes, and the Don Valley ravine system immediately adjacent — provides the natural complement to a tobogganing afternoon. Warming up at one of the Cabbagetown cafes on Parliament Street after a session at the hill, watching the snow from inside with something hot, is a Toronto winter experience that requires no tourist infrastructure whatsoever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Riverdale Park East tobogganing hill good for families?
Yes — the hill provides a genuine fast descent that engages children who've outgrown beginner slopes, while the wide surface allows multiple sleds simultaneously. The spectacular downtown skyline view from the top adds an adult dimension to the experience.
Do I need to bring my own toboggan to Riverdale Park?
Yes — the park doesn't provide equipment. A standard plastic toboggan, crazy carpet, or inflatable tube all work well on the hill. Equipment can be purchased at Canadian Tire and similar retailers before the visit.
How do I get to Riverdale Park East?
Riverdale Park East is on Broadview Avenue in Cabbagetown. The 504 King streetcar connects to the Broadview Avenue area, or walk north from the Broadview stop. Broadview station on Line 2 is nearby. Street parking is available in the surrounding neighbourhood.
When is the best time to toboggan at Riverdale Park?
After a significant snowfall, fresh snow conditions make for the best runs. The hill is best in the 24–48 hours after accumulation, before the snow packs too hard or melts. Weekday afternoons are less crowded than weekends; early weekend mornings before families arrive are ideal if you want the hill to yourself.