Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Winter is most definitely upon us, so let’s shake off those post holiday blues and get out there and make the most of what this very Canadian weather has to offer. Without further ado, here are our favourite tobogganing parks in the west end.

Rennie Park at Ellis and The Queensway

One of our favourite parks all year round, it truly does shine as a winter destination for all ages.  With a fairly wide, medium height hill, the Rennie Park toboggan hill is perfect for all ages, and all types of sleds. From crazy carpets to GT Snow racers to the traditional wooden toboggans, perfect for the little littles, Rennie park is a safe, fun neighbourhood park enjoyed by all. The hill is located at the south west side of the park, near the school.  Here you can find many like minded neighbours looking out for each other and the kids on the hill. If walking up the hill after every run is becoming too much, opt instead for the outdoor skating rink nearby.  It is maintained by the city and even has a zamboni service.  Who doesn’t love watching a zamboni reveal fresh ice after a big snowfall?

High Park at Howard Park and Parkside 

Perhaps the most well known park on our list, High Park is west Toronto’s shining star of a park.  Another year round destination, High Park has many incredible hills, however not all are designated as tobogganing hills.  The main hill available for use as such is the hill at Howard Park and Parkside Drive.  A quick google search and you can see excellent images of former Torontonians enjoying these hills for over 100 years!

 It’s no secret that we LOVE the west end! Read these posts next to learn more about our favourite activities here:

• Everything You Need to Know About Living in Toronto’s West End
• Staying Fit in the West End this Winter
• Where do You Buy a Bike in the West End?

Cedarvale Park  at Arlington Ave. 

We love this meandering park with more amenities than you can shake a stick at!  Back in the day, this park is where Ernest Hemingway used to enjoy long walks while he was living in the Cedarvale area in 1923- 1924.  Once the Cedar Vale Ravine, the now filled-in water way makes for some pretty steep hills on either side. With steep hills, come steep climbs. So if you need a break from tobogganing, Cedarvale also has beautiful outdoor skating rink nearby. 

Christie Pits and Bickford Park at Bloor St. and Christie St. 

A famous park in the west end of Toronto, Christie Pits has a few toboggan options on offer.  If you have a need for speed, check out the hill east of the skating rink on the north side of the park.  This is the busiest and steepest area. For a more gentle slope, consider crossing Bloor street over to Bickford Park, where the inclines are little less intense and the crowds a bit more sparse. As mentioned earlier, Christie Pits also has a lovely outdoor rink available for when you need a break from the busy hill.

Humber Valley Park at Anglesey Blvd.

The last park on our list is best saved for the more experienced tobogganer in your life. This is definitely not a hill for small children.  Humber Valley Park’s hills are exceptionally steep and high, ensuring a very fast, exhilarating and wild ride to the bottom.  Like all our favourite hills in the west end, Humber Valley also has an outdoor skating rink, so you can definitely make a day of it.

With so may amazing parks and hills in the west end, this part of the city truly is a four-season destination. So get out there and make the most of this cold weather, life is too short to stay indoors, even when it’s -15!  Nothing beats a sunny winter day on the hills with some hot chocolate, good company and tons of fun!