Trinity Bellwoods Park is a 14.6-hectare (36-acre) City of Toronto park at 790 Queen St W, stretching from Queen Street West north to Dundas Street West between Gorevale Avenue and Crawford Street. It is the largest park in the downtown core. The grounds once held Trinity College, founded by Bishop John Strachan in 1851, and the ornate stone Trinity gates still stand at Queen and Strachan. Travelers come for more than 400 old and young trees, sports courts and a weekly farmers market, along with the everyday street life of the Queen West and Little Portugal neighbourhoods.
What to Expect at Trinity Bellwoods Park
The park was historically designated as an arboretum and contains some of the oldest and most unusual trees in Toronto. Mature maples, oaks and other old-growth specimens shade sloping lawns that dip into the ravine of the buried Garrison Creek. The Crawford Street bridge, now filled in, still crosses that hollow, and in summer the low ground fills with picnickers and slackliners. Volunteers from the Friends of Trinity Bellwoods Park have guided community stewardship since 2001. They run the Adopt-A-Tree program and support the park greenhouse.
Recreation is spread across the grounds. You’ll find tennis and volleyball courts, a children’s playground with a wading pool, and baseball diamonds. In winter there is an outdoor artificial ice rink. The Trinity Community Recreation Centre adds indoor facilities, including a pool and gym. The park is also known for its rarely seen white squirrels.
- Trinity Gates: The historic Victorian stone entrance on Queen Street West at Strachan Avenue, a remnant of the Trinity College era.
- Arboretum Canopy: More than 400 trees, including some of the oldest specimens in downtown Toronto.
- Garrison Creek Bowl: A sunken ravine lawn, popular for summer gatherings and dog walking.
- Farmers Market: A seasonal community market selling Ontario produce, organized with the Friends of the park.
- Outdoor Rink and Courts: Winter skating, plus tennis and volleyball courts from spring through fall.
Trinity Bellwoods Park at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 790 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1G3 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Queen West / Trinity-Bellwoods, beside Little Portugal |
| Operating Hours | Open 24 hours daily; facility hours vary |
| Admission / Price Range | Free ($) |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1 to 3 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | 501 Queen streetcar at Strachan Ave; 505 Dundas streetcar; limited Green P and street parking |
| Official Website & Phone | trinitybellwoods.ca; City of Toronto 311 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
On summer weekends the lawns fill by early afternoon. For a quiet walk under the canopy, arrive in the morning or on a weekday. The 501 Queen streetcar stops right at the south gates. The 505 Dundas streetcar serves the north edge, and Osgoode subway station is a short streetcar ride east. Driving is not recommended because parking nearby is limited.
Paved paths run through the park and give step-free access to most areas. The central bowl does have noticeable slopes, so wheelchair and stroller users may find the Queen Street entrance and the flatter perimeter paths easier. Nearby, you can browse the boutiques and restaurants along Queen Street West or eat at the Portuguese bakeries on Dundas West. The art galleries of Ossington Avenue are less than a 10-minute walk west.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Trinity Bellwoods Park open?
The grounds are open 24 hours a day. Mornings and weekdays are the calmest times, and warm weekend afternoons are the busiest.
Does it cost anything to visit?
Entry is free. Some recreation centre programs and court bookings go through the City of Toronto.
How long should I spend there?
A loop of the park takes about an hour. Budget two to three hours if you plan to picnic or visit the market.
Is it good for families?
Yes. The park has a playground, a wading pool in summer and skating in winter. Most paths are paved, though the central bowl has some slopes.
When planning your Toronto travel guide or comparing verified attractions and parks in Toronto, pair this stop with standout local spots including Fairmont Royal York, The Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto, Lalibela Cuisine, and 1 Hotel Toronto (1.1 km away).
