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Parks #26 in Toronto

Queen's Park

4.5 · 4,301 reviews
Civic and serene
Queen's Park, 111 Wellesley St W, Toronto, ON M7A 1A2, Canada
Interesting facts
1

The land was originally part of King's College before becoming a public park in 1860.

2

The park is officially named in honor of Queen Victoria.

3

The Legislative Building's central rotunda is composed of Italian marble.

4

The site hosts a notable collection of military memorials, including the 48th Highlanders monument.

5

The park's distinctive pink sandstone used in the legislature is quarried from the Credit River valley.

6

It is one of the few places in Toronto where land ownership involves a complex lease agreement with the University of Toronto.

7

The statue of King Edward VII was originally located in New Delhi, India, before being moved to Toronto.

8

The park remains a popular site for local protest and political assembly due to its proximity to the seat of government.

Overview

Queen's Park serves as the official site of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, housed in a distinctive Richardsonian Romanesque building completed in 1893. The park grounds, opened by Prince Edward, Prince of Wales, in 1860, feature a formal layout surrounding the provincial legislature. It contains several significant monuments, including statues honoring Queen Victoria and various historical figures associated with Ontario's political development. The park acts as a central green space within the University of Toronto campus area. It is managed under a long-term lease arrangement between the University of Toronto and the provincial government. The site remains a focal point for provincial civic activity and public demonstrations. Large mature trees, primarily oaks and maples, provide canopy cover throughout the central lawns. The park's southern tip connects to the urban core while the northern section remains more heavily wooded. It functions as both a municipal park and a formal government precinct.

Photo spot

The south-facing view of the Legislative Building's main entrance from the central pathway.

Insider tips

Combine a stroll through the park with a visit to the nearby Royal Ontario Museum.

Check the official legislative website for tour availability of the interior chambers before arriving.

Visit during the weekday lunch hour to witness the local political atmosphere and activity.

What to avoid

Do not mistake the nearby university buildings for public government facilities.

Etiquette

Respect the solemnity of war memorials and refrain from climbing on statues.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
45-60 minutes
Best time to visit
Late spring for the cherry blossoms or mid-autumn for foliage changes.
Address
Queen's Park, 111 Wellesley St W, Toronto, ON M7A 1A2, Canada
Website
43.664, -79.392
Get directions
Details
Shade & rest areasAbundant mature oak and maple tree canopy with scattered benches throughout.
Key featuresOntario Legislative Building and multiple historical monuments.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 45-60 minutes to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Late spring for the cherry blossoms or mid-autumn for foliage changes..

The south-facing view of the Legislative Building's main entrance from the central pathway.

Close by you'll find Royal Ontario Museum, CN Tower, Art Gallery of Ontario.