10 Quiet Spots for a Sunday Picnic in the GTA
There are so many great parks and spots offering beautiful views in Toronto and the GTA for a picnic. The problem is, when the weather is nice and everyone wants to go outside to soak up the sun, it can be hard finding a quiet spot to relax in undisturbed. That’s why we’ve put together this list of some lesser known spots for a Sunday picnic where you can enjoy a quiet moment in nature while escaping the crowds. So pack your bag and get ready to enjoy a day catching up with family and friends outside at these 10 quiet spots for the perfect Sunday picnic in the GTA!
1. Bronte Creek Provincial Park
Location: 1219 Burloak Dr, Oakville
Image Credit: The Heart of Ontario
This provincial park and campground located between Oakville and Burlington has plenty of picnicking spots that can accommodate a large number of people. There are 1000s of picnic tables around the grounds that can be used on a first come first serve basis, some of which are sheltered. You are also permitted to bring a charcoal/propane BBQ. With five hiking trails, a ravine, a pool, and a children’s farm with live animals, you’ll have much to explore during your time picnicking at Bronte Creek Provincial Park.
2. Etiénne Brûle Park
Location: 10 Catherine St, Toronto
Image Credit: All Trails
Etiénne Brûle Park is located along the Humber River and has plenty of scenery and wildlife. Along with beautiful spots for picnics with firepits, you’ll also find a number of hiking and biking trails throughout the park. Etiénne Brûle Park is also known as a good spot for fishing and you may even spot salmon swimming in the river.
3. King Mill’s Park
Location: 105 Riverwood Pkwy, Etobicoke
Image credit: City of Toronto
Located south of Bloor Street West and the Old Mill Subway Station, King Mill’s Park is another scenic spot along the Humber River. A unique feature of this park is the Humber River marina launch, which is frequently used by kayakers and canoers. There are lots of grassy areas to set up a blanket and enjoy a picnic away from the city sounds. There is also an off-leash dog area so you can bring along your pooch.
4. Darlington Provincial Park
Location: 1600 Darlington Park Rd, Bowmanville
If you prefer to picnic on the beach, then you should check out Darlington Provincial Park. This park is made up of a sandy beach on lake Ontario and offers camping opportunities and hiking trails. The park has four large day use areas with picnic tables, BBQs, water taps, and washrooms. Three of these areas have picnic shelters available for rent.
5. Rouge National Urban Park
Location: 1749 Meadowvale Road, Scarborough
With forests, hiking trails, a beach, campgrounds, and marshes, Rouge National Urban Park offers a little something for everybody. This park, located near HWY 401 East and the Toronto Zoo, is the largest urban park in North America. After a full day of outdoor activities, such as guided tours and canoeing on the river, you can settle in for a relaxing picnic on the beach while enjoying the view of Lake Ontario.
6. Colonel Sam Smith Park
Location: 3145 Lake Shore Blvd W, Etobicoke
Image Credit: City of Toronto
Located in south Etobicoke, Colonel Sam Smith Park is known for its diverse variety of plants and wildlife. This park sits on the shoreline of Lake Ontario and offers grasslands, a wetland habitat, an off-leash dog area, trails, and platforms to view all the wildlife. There is a covered picnic area in the park that can be booked ahead of time. The park is also a designated Toronto Bird Sanctuary so is perfect if you want to birdwatch while you have your picnic.
7. Port Credit Memorial Park
Location: 40 Lakeshore Rd E, Mississauga
Image Credit: Culture Mississauga
Port Credit Memorial Park is a serene spot on the waterfront. With group picnic sites in the park, gathering the family for a picnic will be easy. The park’s hiking trails, playground, and recreation areas are also sure to keep the kids entertained.
8. Toogood Pond Park
Location: 280 Main Street, Unionville
Image Credit: Enjoy Ontario
Toogood Pond Park features a partially-naturalized pond and a marsh. Surrounding the pond are park benches and picnic tables so you can eat alongside the peaceful views. There is also a walkway circling the pond and a man-made dam and waterfall in the south-east end of the park.
9. Toronto Music Garden
Location: 479 Queens Quay W, Toronto
Image credit: City of Toronto
Inspired by Bach’s First Suite For Unaccompanied Cello, this enchanting park on Toronto’s inner harbour is the perfect quiet oasis for a picnic. The park is beautifully designed with features like Canadian Shield boulders, a wildflower meadow, and ornamental grasses. There are also various trails and curving paths for you to wander along.
10. Sunnybrook Park
Location: 1132 Leslie St, Toronto
Image Credit: City of Toronto
Sunnybrook Park used to be a farm, but was donated to the city in 1928 to be used as a park. Now, the park offers a variety of recreational amenities and serene nature spots, such as biking trails and a pond. It is also home to the Sunnybrook Stables. Along with plenty of grassy areas, there are also a couple of picnic sites in the park and BBQs available for public use.