Discovering the Charm of Kew Gardens Park in Toronto

Situated in the heart of the Beaches neighbourhood, Kew Gardens Park in Toronto is the perfect destination for beautiful day out with friends or family in any season.

Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxing stroll through the neighbourhood or a day at the beach, Kew Gardens has you covered with a charming library and a children’s playground complete with a splash-pad!

The park is a wonderful place to visit year round. It is one of my favourite Toronto parks to visit in the spring with its stunning gardens. In the autumn you can appreciate the colourful fall foliage and in summer you are right beside some of Toronto’s best beaches, including Woodbine Beach.

Kew Gardens Park in the Beaches, Toronto.

What is there to do at Kew Gardens, Toronto?

Kew Gardens is a large park that stretches from Queen Street down to the boardwalk and the lake. The paths will take you down to the beach, through beautiful gardens, and past a large children’s playground and wading pool.

The park has some historical significance in Toronto. It became a public park when the previous owners sold it to the city of Toronto in 1907. The park includes a combination of outdoor beauty and historical landmarks.

This image shows a long bench on a patio at the entrance to Kew Gardens Park Toronto. There is grass and large trees behind the bench in the park and the Beaches Library can be seen i nthe distance.

Gardens and Paths

Kew Gardens is the perfect spot to visit in spring as the gardens come alive with flowers and the trees begin to turn green. Although there are better locations in Toronto to see cherry blossoms, along the main path leading down from the library, you will find some of the most magnificent Magnolia trees in the city.

Be sure to stop to admire the gardens, take some photographs, or enjoy a picnic the next time you are here for a visit.

Several flower bushes are in bloom along the path leading to the Beaches Library branch in Kew Gardens Park Toronto. There is also a huge magnolia tree in full bloom along the path. The skies are blue.

Kew Gardens Playground

Looking for a fun activity to do with your little ones? Look no further than Kew Gardens playground!

This fenced-in structure provides a safe and secure environment for kids to play and explore. From the classic swings and slides to the three climbing structures, there’s something for every child to enjoy.

Local Tip: Tim Hortons is right across the street on Queen St., so go ahead and grab a coffee and a treat as you watch the kids play in this fenced playground.

The playground at Kew Gardens, Toronto includes three climbers, swings and slides.

Kew Gardens Splash Pad

Looking for a fun way to cool off on a hot summer day in Toronto? Look no further than the Kew Gardens Splash Pad! Conveniently located right beside the playground, the Splash Pad and wading pool is the perfect way for your kids to stay cool while having a blast splashing around in the water.

The Splash Pad is also fenced in, so you don’t have to worry about your little ones wandering out of the park.

When not used as a wading pool in the summer, children can ride their scooters or skateboards around the empty, concrete pool.

Kew Williams House (Gardener’s Cottage)

View of Kew Gardens' House, also known as the Gardener's Cottage, in Kew Gardens at the beach.

At the foot of Lee Ave. you will see Kew Williams House, or the Gardener’s Cottage. Over 100 years old, this is probably the most photographed and painted building in the Beaches.

Surrounded by stunning gardens, this historic house has quite a history. It became the home of the head gardener starting in 1911. Whether you’re a tourist or a longtime resident, it’s impossible not to be touched by the character and charm of this historic building.

The Beaches Library

Beaches Library located at Kew Gardens on Queen St at Lee Ave.

Located in on Queen St. at the top of Lee Ave., you will find the Beaches Library. The Toronto Beaches Library was built in 1916 and has been the heart of the community ever since.

It’s a lovely building that underwent some renovations in 2004. The library is open for anyone to visit. It has a fantastic children’s area, and there are lots of nooks to relax and read a book. You only need a library card if you want to use the computers or check out a book.

Local Tip: The library is a great place to escape the heat or the rain, and washrooms are always open to the public.

Toronto skyline with a bright orange sunset with Kew Beach and fences in the foreground. — Off-leash dog park on the beach at sunset.

Dogs are quite welcome in Kew Gardens and all along the beach. Located right on the beach at the water’s edge is a large off-leash dog park.

The area is completely fenced off from the rest of the beach, making it a perfect spot to let your dog run free, play with other dogs, and swim in the lake.

Appreciate the Kew Gardens Red Oak

The Red Oak is likely the oldest tree in Kew Gardens. It is estimated that the tree first sprouted in the early 1800s and produced its first acorns in the 1850s.

In 2021 the tree was measured to be 36 metres tall and 5.1 metres around the trunk. The age and size of this tree has made it a local landmark.

In this image there is a very large red oak that stretches very high into the sky. The tree is located in Kew Gardens Park Toronto.

Look for the Fairy Doors

If you look carefully, you may find a few of the hidden fairy doors located in the trees in Kew Gardens. If you come across one, leave a little gift for the fairies.

This image features a close-up view of a large, textured tree trunk with rough bark in the foreground. At the base of the trunk, there is a whimsical miniature door, suggesting a fairy tale or fantasy element, attached directly to the tree.

View the Doctor William D. Young Memorial

As you wander through Kew Gardens, you might have come across a lovely memorial dedicated to an exceptional doctor by the name of William D. Young. Erected in 1920, this monument honours the tireless work that Young did during the Spanish Flu pandemic.

Dr. Young was committed to providing free care for those who could not afford medical treatment. It’s truly inspiring to think about someone like Young, who gave so freely of himself to help others.

This image shows a neoclassical style monument in Kew Gardens Park Toronto, with a clear blue sky and lush green trees providing a serene backdrop.

Admire the Alex Christie Bandshell

A classic landmark in the middle of the park is the Alex Christie Bandshell. Often used as a venue for local performances, the bandshell was the original home of the Beaches Jazz Festival before it was relocated to Woodbine Park as it grew in popularity.

This image shows a large, open bandshell in the centre of Kew Gardens Park on a summer day with bright blue skies. The bandshell is open on the sides, has steps leading up to the base.

Appreciate the Kew Gardens Cenotaph

The Kew Gardens cenotaph is a striking memorial that serves as a powerful tribute to honour those who have served Canada in the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, Afghanistan, and the Boer War.

Constructed after the end of the Second World War, it stands as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have fallen in battle.

The location of this memorial is particularly significant, as it serves as the site for annual Remembrance Day services, where people gather to honour the memories of those who have given their lives for their country.

This image shows the cenotaph at the entrance to Kew Gardens Park in Toronto. The cenotaph commemorates Canadians who fought in various wars. The Canadian flag can be seen close to the cenotaph.

Go Skating at the Outdoor Ice Rink in Kew Gardens in Winter

Also located in Kew Gardens, close to the boardwalk, is the artificial outdoor ice rink. Used for pleasure skating and hockey in the winter and ball hockey, box lacrosse, and pickleball in the spring and summer, this is a popular year-round sports pad.

Skating hours are updated annually and posted on the City of Toronto website.

Local Tip: There are year-round washrooms and changing rooms located at the rink that are open all year, but there is no place to rent skates.

Take Your Dog to the Kew Gardens Dog Park

More Things to Do in the Beaches Neighbourhood

After you have wandered through Kew Gardens Park, there are so many more fun and interesting things to do in the Beaches Neighbourhood.

Along Queen Street there are a number of excellent restaurants and outdoor Beach patios perfect for a refreshment, snack or meal after your visit to the park.

Wander over to Glen Stewart Ravine, a perfect Toronto Instagram spot in any season. Walk along the boardwalk path along through the ravine where you can admire the fall leaves, the spring flowers, or appreciate some tranquility in the middle of a busy summer day in Toronto.

The Leuty Lifeguard Station sits on the beach and is visible through the autumn leaves. People walk along the Toronto Beaches Boardwalk in front of the beach.

The Beaches Boardwalk is one of Toronto’s hidden gems, in my opinion. This 3.5 km wooden boardwalk runs parallel to Lake Ontario from Ashbridges’ Bay in the west to the R. C. Harris Water Filtration Plant in the east. It will take you past several of Toronto’s beaches including Woodbine Beach, Kew Beach, and Silver Birch Beach.

The beaches neighbourhood also hosts several Toronto festivals and events throughout the year. Summer in Toronto brings the Beaches Jazz Festival, one of the best free music festivals in Canada. In the spring you can watch the Beaches Easter Parade or catch the Victoria Day fireworks at Ashbridges’ Bay.

View of Kew Gardens at Queen St. in the Beaches, Toronto.

Getting to Kew Gardens Toronto

There are several ways to get to Kew Gardens Park.

Take the 501 streetcar or bus along Queen St. Get off at Bellefair Avenue.
Take the 64 Main bus south from Main subway station to Queen. Walk one block west.
If you choose to drive, there is residential street parking or a very small Green P parking lot on Lee Ave. at Queen Street.

Kew Gardens, Toronto, FAQ

Is there Parking Near Kew Gardens Toronto?

There is a very small Green P parking lot located on Lee Ave. at Queen St. on the east side of Kew Gardens. This parking lot is a pay-and-display lot. There are very limited spots in this lot, so it does get full quite quickly.

Parking is always a bit of a challenge in the Beach, so it’s highly recommended that if you’re coming to visit for the day, and especially if you are coming during a special event or festival, such as the Fireworks at Woodbine Beach, that you consider taking the TTC.

What Events Take Place in Kew Gardens?

Kew Gardens hosts several events each year. Some of those events include Remembrance Day services at the Cenotaph, the Beaches Arts and Crafts Show, and the Beaches Artisan Market (various dates).

What is Kew Beach?

Kew Beach is the name of the beach located at the south end of Kew Gardens at Lake Ontario. It’s officially known as Kew-Balmy Beach, and it is right beside Woodbine Beach.

Are there Washrooms at Kew Gardens?

Yes. There are a couple of public washroom locations at Kew Gardens. Beside the Beaches n’ Cream Cafe near the outdoor rink, there are accessible public washrooms that are open all year round.

There are also washrooms located at the Kew Gardens playground and splash pad, although these washrooms are open seasonally. The Beaches Library is also an option for those looking for a washroom close to Kew Gardens.

Are dogs allowed in Kew Gardens, Toronto?

Yes! Leashed dogs are allowed in Kew Gardens Park in Toronto.

Final Thoughts: Kew Gardens in the Beaches, Toronto

Kew Gardens is a great destination for anyone looking to visit the Beaches neighbourhood in Toronto. A visit to Kew Gardens is the perfect start to a day at the beach, a stroll along Queen Street, or a picnic in the park.

Discovering the Charm of Kew Gardens Park in Toronto