A one of a kind oasis of natural wilderness, nestled in the heart of the urban cityscape, the Tommy Thompson Park is as much a sanctuary for the wildlife that is found here, as it is for locals who are looking to escape the mayhem of urban life.
This park is located at the northern tip of the Leslie Street Spit, which is man-made peninsula, designed to reach five miles into the magnificent Lake Ontario. The water face which surrounds the peninsula has created a unique habitat which houses many threatened and rare species of plants and animals. The park has literally been created by nature herself, with a diverse terrain encompassing wetlands, meadows and forests, each of which support a different ecosystem. More than 290 species of birds have been observed here, of which around 45 breed in the park itself. You can expect to find ring-billed gulls, black crowned night herons and even the elusive double-crested cormorants here.
The park is very popular with cycling enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The Park offers interpretative courses during the summer and on weekends and holidays as well as nature walks where you can learn about the history of the park and the development of the various habitats that have formed over the course of time. These walks also educate visitors about the various species of plants, birds and animals that they may see in the park, thus making their visit a more informative experience.
If you visit the Tommy Thompson Park between May and October, you can also avail of the free transport that is arranged by the TRCA from the main gate to the pedestrian bridge. This area has also been awarded the status of an Important Bird Area due to the diverse species of birds that are found here. You can visit the park between 9 am and 6 pm on weekends in summer and from 9 am to 4 pm in the winter months. The park is also home to the Aquatic Park Sailing Club.
For further information, you can call the Tommy Thompson Park at (416) 661-6600.
