Earl Bales Park Has A Load Of Fun On Offer (All Year Long!)
Earl Bales Park in Toronto offers a load of fun for the whole family, all year long!
In the summer, visitors can explore its expansive trails and picnic areas, or enjoy activities like barbecuing with friends or having a movie night under the stars in the amphitheatre. During the winter months, visitors can hit the ski hill for some outdoor fun.
The park also features 4 baseball diamonds, playgrounds, sports fields and an off-leash dog area to keep everyone entertained. With its diverse range of attractions, Earl Bales Park is an ideal spot for families to spend quality time together outdoors. So come on down and experience all that this amazing park has to offer!
Where Is Earl Bales Park Located?
Earl Bales Park is located in Toronto, in the north end of the city. It’s close to the intersection of Bathurst Street and Sheppard Avenue. Being just off the Allen Expressway makes it easily accessible from many parts of the city.
With its convenient location, visitors can enjoy all that the park has to offer without having to drive too far from home.
Who Was Earl Bales, Anyways?
Earl Bales was a Toronto businessman and philanthropist (and alleged dog-lover) who dedicated his life to helping others. He was the owner of several companies, including an insurance firm, business school and real estate office.
In 1971, he donated over 360 acres of land to the City of Toronto to create a park in his name that would be enjoyed by generations to come. Today, Earl Bales Park is one of the largest parks in Toronto and continues to provide visitors with a natural refuge for outdoor recreation and enjoyment.
Best Earl Bales Park Winter Activities
Earl Bales Park is a popular destination for outdoor activities, especially in the winter season. Here are some of the best winter activities you can enjoy at the park:
Hit The Slopes
During the winter months, the park’s ski and snowboard center operates a ski hill that provides skiers and snowboarders with a fun and accessible place to enjoy the slopes.
Day skiing at Earl Bales Park is a popular activity among local residents and visitors to Toronto. The ski hill offers a variety of slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels, from beginner to advanced. The slopes are groomed regularly to provide a safe and enjoyable skiing experience.
Hit The Slopes Again (This Time, At Night!)
Night skiing at Earl Bales Park is a popular activity. It provides skiers and snowboarders with the opportunity to enjoy the slopes under the lights. The park’s ski and snowboard centre operates a ski hill that’s illuminated at night, allowing skiers and snowboarders to continue their fun long after the sun has set.
The slopes are well-lit and groomed regularly, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels.
Stay Warm With A Fire Pit
One of the perks of Earl Bales Park includes a fire pit area where visitors can gather to stay warm during the colder months. Fire pits are a great way to add warmth and ambiance to outdoor spaces. You can also use them for cooking or roasting marshmallows.
To use the fire pit at Earl Bales Park, make sure you follow park rules and regulations. It’s important to keep a safe distance from the fire and make sure that it is extinguished completely before leaving the area.
We recommend you also avoid burning any materials that are not approved for use in fire pits, such as treated wood or green wood, as these can emit harmful chemicals into the air.
Best Earl Bales Park Summer Activities
Walk The Trails
The park has a diverse range of landscapes, including wooded areas, meadows, and wetlands, which makes for an enjoyable walking experience.
One popular trail in the park is the Earl Bales Park Trail, which is a 4.5 km loop trail that winds its way through the park’s various landscapes. This trail is great for a leisurely walk and offers several opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenery, including lookout points and picnic areas.
Another trail in the park is the West Don River Trail, which is a 7 km trail that runs along the West Don River. This trail is great for a more strenuous hike and offers views of the river and the surrounding parklands. The trail is also popular with cyclists and joggers.
Have A Picnic
The park has plenty of green space for you to spread out a blanket and enjoy a picnic with friends or family. Plus, there are options if you forget or don’t want to bring your own food… you can always buy snacks from the park’s concession stand.
Let Your Doggo Run Free At The Dog Park
Earl Bales Park has a designated dog park where you can let your dog run free and play with other dogs.
The dog park is a fenced-in area where dogs can run, play, and socialize on or off-leash. This is a great way for dogs to get some exercise and socialization. It’s also a great opportunity for dog owners to meet other dog owners and for dogs to make new friends in Toronto.
Catch An Outdoor Show At The Amphitheater
The Earl Bales Park Amphitheatre is a great place to experience live music and theatre performances during the summer months.
With seating for up to 500 people, it’s an ideal spot to relax and enjoy stunning sunset views while being entertained. You’ll also find a variety of activities available at the amphitheatre including concerts, festivals, plays, and workshops.
Related: These are the best parks in Calgary for a casual and relaxing stroll.
