Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in Pickering

"Since the 1800s, when the Beach boasted amusement rides and quaint cottages, both tourists and Torontonians alike have flocked to this east-end neighbourhood. With tennis courts, a baseball diamond, wading pool in the summer and ice rink during the winter, not to mention the picturesque bandstand and playgrounds, it’s no wonder that Kew Gardens is the go-to venue for those in the know. The park regularly hosts events, with movie nights a favourite throughout the summer; it’s also home to the Beach Guild of Fine Art, a group of local artists who regularly host exhibits and sales in the Historic Gardener’s Cottage."

"The long sandy beach is popular with everyone from sunbathers and paddlers to dog walkers and joggers. The Martin Goodman Trail runs through Balmy Beach Park parallel to the boardwalk and beach so there's ample space for bikers, walkers and rollerbladers. Kew Balmy Beach Park is also home to bike trails, an off-leash dog area, outdoor fitness equipment, a snack bar, a playground and bowling greens."

"Kew and Balmy Beaches are beautiful beaches filled with history and charm. Parking is available. Where: Located on the shores of Lake Ontario in 2 Silver Birch Ave, Toronto"

"Another epic ice cream spot in Toronto is Fugo Desserts, which you’ll find near Dundas and University. Not only are their desserts absolutely delicious – they’re super Instagram-worthy as well!. They also have cute and Instagrammable mini donuts if you’re craving pastries instead!"

"For a rather freeing beach day, you’ll want to head to Hanlan’s Point Beach, a clothing optional area perfect for nudists or anyone looking to bare it all under the sun. Found on the western shores of the Toronto Islands, you’ll need to board the ferry to get here. Expect a bike trail, fire pit, volleyball and tennis courts, and a lighthouse to keep you entertained all day long."

"If you’re a GTA native or have been living in the area for a while, you probably know that Hanlan’s Point has a secret: there’s a nude section to this beach. But, if you don’t feel like bearing that post-quarantine body quite yet, there’s also a large expanse of beach that requires bathing suits."

"There are beaches on the island but know in advance that Hanlan’s Beach is a nude beach. You can catch a ferry to and from the island."

"Conveniently located right across from Christie subway station, you’ll find multifaceted Christie Pits Park. This large patch of green space has a lot going for it and is justifiably popular all year round thanks to the Alex Duff Memorial Pool (complete with water slide) in the summer and toboggan-worthy hills in the winter. The park is also home to three baseball diamonds, a multi-sport field, basketball and volleyball courts, an artificial ice rink, a children's playground and labyrinth, a splash pad, a wading pool, and a community garden."

"An 8.9-hectare park located at 750 Bloor Street West and Christie Street, the Christie Pits Parks is named after the famous Christie sand pits that were there until the early 1900s. The park is home to the Alex Duff Memorial Pool, basketball and volleyball courts, an artificial ice rink, a splash pad, a wading pool, and a multi-sport field. Besides, there is also a community area along with fire pit facilities."

"Covering an area of about 22 acres, Christie Pits is centrally located at the intersection of Bloor Street West and Christie Avenue. Originally called Willowvale Park, the area was nicknamed Christie Pits after the Christie Sand Pits which were housed here until the early 1900s. The park features a unique layout, sunken down below street level with sloping sides."

"Another little jewel of a park in Toronto is St. James Park. This hidden gem is sandwiched between towering buildings and the St. James Church you’ll find this lovely little sanctuary of green. Part of the park is set like an English garden park with a series of formal gardens, crisscrossing pathways, a gazebo, and a charming fountain."

"Sunnybrook Park was once the country estate of Joseph Kilgour, a prominent businessman back in the 1800s. At the time, it was known as Sunnybrook Farm, a 175-acre property that featured country homes and horse stables. When Kilgour passed away, his wife Alice donated the property to the city with only one requirement, that it be turned into a public park."

"A post shared by Rudy 🐾 (@rudythepotcake) on Mar 10, 2020 at 2:15pm PDT. This 154-hectare green space is the perfect place to spend an afternoon out of isolation. Located north of Leaside and south of The Bridle Path, this foliage-full park has 25 different biking trails, an off-leash dog park and many different walking trails."

"Why You Need To Go: You'll find plenty of wide-open green spaces in this large Toronto park. It's a perfect picnic area, just watch those peak times!"

"Located on the southeastern shore of Toronto Island Park away from major park facilities and activity areas, this is one of the quietest beaches on the Island. Ward's Beach is sheltered a bit by the Leslie Split, so its calm water is ideal for swimming. There is usually enough wind here for kites and wind boards, though."

"Image Source Located on the southeastern corner of Toronto Island Park, this stunning beach is away from the crowded places and offers peace like no other!. Looking for some nice beaches near Toronto?. This is surely the one to pick when you wish to relax and unwind with your loved ones on a serene beach."

"Ward’s Island Beach is a beautiful hidden gem with calm and clear waters. Take Ward’s Island ferry to get to the beach. Where: Located on the shores of Lake Ontario on Toronto Islands, Toronto"

"Situated close to the famous Rouge river, the charming Rouge beach is home to a wide range of wildlife species and you can also spend the entire day sunbathing and swimming in the soothing waters here. Camping is surely an option here as made available at the Rough National Urban Park. Other facilities at this beach include bike trails, washrooms, a massive volleyball court and changing rooms."

"Located at the mouth of the Rouge River at the east end of Lawrence Avenue, this beach is shared with the West Rouge Canoe Club. Near the beach is a marsh that provides a home to a variety of wildlife. Any time of the year, the picturesque scenery around Rouge Beach is calming and impressive."

"Located at the foot of the Scarborough Bluffs on the east side of the city, Bluffer’s Park Beach is one of the most scenic in the city thanks to those towering bluffs that create a dramatic backdrop. The soft sand beach here is popular for its length, the beautiful views you have while you’re here and the access to nearby hiking trails and bike paths. Facilities include drinking fountains, change rooms, washrooms, and a picnic site."

"Located at the bottom of Brimley Road (one of the steepest hills in the city), the beach at Bluffer's Park is one of the nicest in the city. Bounded by the Scarborough Bluffs to the north, the park is both scenic and well-manicured (as far as Toronto beaches go). Arrive early on summer weekends if hoping for a parking spot."

"Bluffer’s Beach is about a half hour drive east of Toronto, located at the bottom of the Scarborough Bluffs. Bluffer’s beach has a nice sandy beach that leads to sparkling blue waters that are Blue Flag certified. There are also picnic spaces, so make sure to bring some snacks!"

"A post shared by Yumei Sushi (@yumeisushi) on Mar 26, 2019 at 11:12am PDT. Yumei Sushi Japanese Restaurant is located at the heart of Queen East. This well-known establishment has been around since it opened its door to customers in 1995."

"The longest-running show of Toronto is considered the lousy dog theatre show where comedians are on a professional level, and home-in programs occurred. Almost 30years, this club train their comedian and specialized art of unscripted and unpremeditated performances held at the spot by any age of the person—the theatre train for excellent and affordable concerts and comedy. As theatres are small in size, but the laughter is enormous there."

"They have workshops for all levels of skill and confidence, whether you’ve never stood in front of a mic before or you’re fine-tuning a skill years in the making. The main focus at all classes is just having fun, so you’ll never feel put on the spot or pressured to step hugely out of your comfort zone. The biggest benefit of taking classes here is the history: Bad Dog is home to the longest continuously running improv show in Toronto."

"A post shared by maybe: carley (@carleythorne) on Jan 15, 2019 at 9:56am PST. Well-known for featuring comedy performances for more than 35 years, Bad Dog Theater Company is an award-winning comedy club in Toronto. It specializes in the art of improvised and unscripted comedy performances and entertains numerous visitors at quite affordable rates."

"The Royal Alexandra Theatre—or the Royal Alex, as it’s known—is a pretty spiffy affair. The newly restored 1907 Beaux-Arts triumph is, in fact, North America’s first properly royal theater. It gained its title thanks..."

"We are certainly not deluding ourselves by suggesting that the opera is suddenly gratis. However, there are a series of free concerts in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre from September to May in jazz, piano, vocal, dance, chamber and world music categories. Walking into the Canadian Opera Company and viewing the majestic staircases and grandiose ceilings, it will be hard to believe that you have paid nothing for a fine arts experience."

"The Canadian Opera Company hosts seasonal lunchtime concerts for free|© Klaus Lang / Alamy Stock Photo. From September through May, the Canadian Opera Company hosts free concerts during certain weekday lunch hours (check its website for the schedule). The opera’s company will perform, but visitors will also be treated to performances by everyone from acclaimed taiko (Japanese drumming) ensembles to famed pianists and string musicians."

"The Canadian Opera Company unveiled its amazing building in 2006 in the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. With majestic staircases, grandiose ceilings and pitch-perfect acoustics, going to the opera quickly became a dream of an evening in the heart of downtown Toronto. This is Canada's first and only custom-built opera house and it has a European vibe that beckons you to put on your best ballgown or bow tie."