Things to Do In Scarborough, Ontario, Canada

Scarborough is a city located in the eastern part of Toronto City, in Ontario, Canada. The English town of Scarborough, North Yorkshire, inspires this city in Toronto due to its cliffs. Scarborough is a popular destination for immigrants and is the most diversely populated region in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The northeast corner of Scarborough has some of Toronto’s last remaining farms, making it one of the greenest regions in Toronto. Learn more about the best things to do in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada.

Things to Do In Scarborough

The Scarborough Bluffs

The Scarborough Buffs, or The Bluffs, is an escarpment in Scarborough. The Bluffs are home to nine parks, out of which The Bluffer’s Park is the only one with a beach. The Scarborough Bluffs stand above the shores of Lake Ontario. The Bluffs form majority of the eastern part of Toronto’s waterfront. The Bluffs is an area ideal for several outdoor activities like walking, hiking, picnicking, tenting, and more.

Bluffer’s Park

Bluffer’s Park is located along with the Scarborough Bluffs. The purpose of this park is to provide the public easy access to The Bluffs. The park has a sandy beach, picnic area, lookouts, boat launch and visitor’s dockage. Facilities in the park include a beach, bike trail, drinking fountain, outdoor volleyball court, outdoor shower, picnic site, changing rooms, and washrooms.

Rosetta McClain Gardens

Rosetta McClain Gardens is a picturesque area with rose gardens. The garden also consists of a pergola, rock fountain, and stunning views of Lake Ontario. It covers an area of 23 acres where you can go and sit back and relax while sipping a cup of hot coffee and watching the birds fly in the clear blue sky.

Cudia Park

Cudia Park is a family-friendly park situated atop the Scarborough Bluffs. It provides a great escape into nature with shaded trails, vegetation, and stunning views of Lake Ontario. Its location is perfect for experience stunning sunrise views overlooking the water and beach. Cudia Park is a hidden gem in the Scarborough Bluffs, which is ideal to spend with nature or walk your dog, as it is relatively less busy than most other parks in the area.

Scarborough Crescent Park

Scarborough Crescent Park is located in Undercliff Drive, Scarborough, Ontario. The park offers stunning views of the eroding sand cliffs that make up the Scarborough Bluffs and Lake Ontario. It’s a perfectly-manicured cliff top park with amazing lake views, a playground, a splash pad, and 4 tennis courts. The park is a great place to escape the busy lifestyle and noise of the city.

Cathedral Bluffs Park

Cathedral Bluffs Park is a park located along the Scarborough Bluffs. It provides breathtaking views on top of the Bluffs. The park provides stunning views of sunset over the beach. The location has a calm and romantic nature which is great for those traveling solo and as a couple.

Gray Abbey Park

Gray Abbey Park is an open green space of recreation that is located in the south end of Scarborough, overlooking the Bluffs. The park’s location is east of Guildwood Park. The park stretches along Lake Ontario. The Gray Abbey Trail takes you through breathtaking scenery with magnificent views of the bluffs. It is also a great picnic spot to enjoy with views overlooking the lake.

East Point Park

East Point Park, located in Scarborough, Ontario, is one of Toronto’s largest parkland areas situated along Toronto’s east waterfront. The park is famous as a migratory area for more than 178 species of birds and monarch butterflies. The park consists of trails, softball center pavilion, indoor lounge, umpire room, outdoor patio, changing rooms, showers, and washrooms. East Point Park consists of diverse ecosystem including, forest, meadow, beach, bluff, and wetland.

Guild Park and Gardens

Guild Park and Gardens is a public park located on the Scarborough Bluffs in Scarborough, Ontario. The park’s specialty lies in outdoor Greek stage and 19^th-century log cabin, which is among the oldest of its type in Toronto. The park consists of dense forests and paves way for the Lake Ontario access trail.

Scarborough Heights Park

Scarborough Heights Park is a park that is located in Scarborough. It has a large community garden and also offers an off-leash area for dogs. The park consists of dense vegetation which makes it harder to come by views of Lake Ontario.

Sylvan Park

Sylvan Park has a small area of cut grass and benches so that locals and tourists can enjoy the best views of Lake Ontario. The Doris McCarthy Trail is a pedestrian trail that leads you to the lake. The trail is named such because of the area’s popular artist, Dorothy McCarthy, who donated her house and property, in the area. As a mark of respect, her sculpture is located at the point where the trail meets the lakeshore.

Toronto Zoo

The Toronto Zoo is located approximately 9.6 km from Scarborough, in Toronto, Ontario. Spread across 710 acres, it is the largest zoo in Canada. The Toronto Zoo has a diverse collection of animals, including llama, polar bear, dall sheep, reindeer, Arctic wolf, Arctic fox, snowy owl, snow goose, and many more. There is also specialized areas like the Kids Zoo, Splash, Island, and Waterside Theatre for visitors to have a good time.

Aga Khan Museum

Aga Khan Museum is a museum of Islamic art located 15.2 km from Scarborough, in Toronto, Ontario. The museum is dedicated to Islamic arts, objects, and features. In 2018, Conde Nast Traveler recognized this museum as one of the best museums in Toronto. It has won several awards in different categories for its exhibits.

Toronto Botanical Garden

Toronto Botanical Garden is a botanical garden located 15.9 km from Scarborough, in Toronto, Ontario. This 4 acre large garden features 17 themed “city-sized gardens”. It is a non-profit organization that aims at connecting people with plants and the natural world through education, leadership, and inspiration.

Milne Dam Conservation Park

Milne Dam Conservation Park is located approximately 12.5 km from Scarborough, in Markham, Ontario. The location is a hot spot for bird watching. It is spread across 305 acres and offers trails, picnic areas, and fishing in the Rouge River.

Conclusion

Scarborough is a great destination to spend your vacation. The Bluffs are a highlight in the region. Next time you are in Ontario for vacation, make a trip to Scarborough to appreciate its natural beauty.