Field guide
Running and hiking the High Park loop in Toronto
Official information for running or hiking in High Park, Toronto. Find details on the park loop, weekend road closures, parking, and public transit access.
High Park is a large, 399-acre park in a central location. It combines maintained parkland and recreational facilities with extensive natural areas, with approximately two-thirds of the park remaining in a natural state.
This guide provides official information for runners and hikers about the park environment, access by vehicle and public transit, and rules for visitors.
Official facts at a glance
- Park description
- A large, centrally located park that combines extensive natural areas with maintained parkland, recreational facilities and popular attractions that can be enjoyed year-round.
- Natural state percentage
- Approximately two-thirds of High Park remains in a natural state.
- Park size
- 399 acres
- Main address
- 1873 Bloor St W
- Total vehicle parking spaces
- 276 (except during peak cherry blossom period)
- TTC Bus access
- Bus route 203 High Park operates seasonally between High Park station on Line 2 Bloor–Danforth and other destinations in the park.
- TTC Streetcar access
- Streetcar route 506 Carlton also runs between Main Street Station on the Bloor-Danforth Subway and the High Park Loop.
- Dog rules
- Dogs are welcome. Owners and/or commercial dog walkers should make sure all dogs are leashed unless in the dogs off-leash area.
- Visitor vehicle access
- Permitted within High Park from Monday to Friday (except on statutory holidays and during peak cherry blossom period).
- Weekend vehicle closure
- High Park is closed to vehicular traffic on Saturdays and Sundays.
Sources: High Park (toronto.ca), High Park (toronto.ca), Colborne Lodge (toronto.ca). Official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026.
The park environment for runners
The park's 399 acres offer a mix of environments for running and hiking. The combination of maintained parkland and extensive natural areas provides a variety of surfaces and scenery.
Approximately two-thirds of the park is in a natural state, offering a different experience from the more developed sections with recreational facilities.
Getting to the park and vehicle access
Public transit options are available. The seasonal TTC bus route 203 operates within the park, connecting from High Park station. The 506 Carlton streetcar route also stops at the High Park Loop.
Visitor vehicles are permitted from Monday to Friday, but not on statutory holidays. The park is closed to all vehicular traffic on Saturdays and Sundays. On weekdays, there are 276 parking spaces available, except during the peak cherry blossom period.
Rules for park users
Dogs are welcome in High Park. Runners and hikers should be aware that all dogs must be kept on a leash. The only exception is within the designated dogs off-leash area.
Before you go
- Vehicle access is permitted only from Monday to Friday.
- The park is closed to cars on Saturdays, Sundays, and statutory holidays.
- A total of 276 parking spaces are available on days when cars are permitted.
- Public transit options include the seasonal 203 bus and the 506 streetcar.
- Dogs must be on a leash unless they are inside the designated off-leash area.
Nearby options: running and active spots in Toronto. All cities: City running and hiking guides.