Check out Toronto's New Park in the Port Lands • HUNGRY 416

Toronto’s east end has a new park, one that looks and feels different from most green spaces in the city. Biidaasige Park just opened on a new island in the Port Lands, and it’s part of a bigger shift in how this area is being rebuilt. The park’s name, which means “the sunlight is shining toward us” in Anishinaabemowin, was chosen in collaboration with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. It marks the start of a larger public space network meant to reconnect the city with the Don River and the lake. This park was created to support Indigenous Placekeeping and provide opportunities for people to learn more about Indigenous cultures in public spaces. The name relates to the hopeful light of a new day shining on waterway restoration and reconciliation.

Everything About Biidaasige Park in Port Lands

New Island, New Landscape

Biidaasige Park sits on Ookwemin Minising, a manmade island that didn’t exist a few years ago. It was created during a major flood protection project that rerouted the Don River. The land around it was reshaped to handle stormwater and reduce flood risks, but it was also designed to be used. That’s where this park fits in. The space is open, walkable, and tied into the surrounding water systems without feeling over-designed.

Location: Cherry Street & Commissioners Street
Size: Over 50 acres now, with more opening in 2026
Landscape: Wetlands, natural shoreline, open lawns
Managed by: Waterfront Toronto

Not Your Usual Playground

The play area here doesn’t look like most in the city. A huge snowy owl sculpture sits at the center, kids can climb it, sit inside it, and use it as a mini stage. There’s also a zipline, plus a sand-and-water play zone where kids can move water around using working pumps. The layout gives them space to move, build, and figure things out without following a fixed routine.

Designed by: Monstrum (Denmark)
Features: Zipline, owl structure, water play area
Ages: Works for a wide range of kids

You Can Bike, Paddle, or Just Walk the Loops

Biidaasige Park Port Lands — *Photo via CBC*

Biidaasige connects to existing trails like the Martin Goodman and Lower Don, so you can bike in from other parts of the city. There are wide boardwalks, riverfront walkways, and places where you can sit close to the water. Some of the river access areas double as canoe and kayak launch points. Even if you’re just walking, it’s a quiet place to step away from the downtown pace.

Trails: Connected to major routes
River Access: Boat slips and walkways
Seating: Built into slopes and ledges

Built with Native Plants, Not Just Grass

The planting here goes beyond what most parks offer. It’s full of trees, shrubs, and wetland plants that support local wildlife and help clean stormwater. Instead of flat lawns, the landscape rises and dips around small paths, planting beds, and open stretches of grass. It feels natural but intentional—designed to change with the seasons and grow into itself over time.

Trees: Over 5,000 planted
Plants: Nearly 2 million total
Wildlife: Birds, fish, turtles already spotted

Getting There & What to Expect

TTC Park Port Lands — *Photo via Narcity*

There’s no on-site parking, but the park is easy to reach by bike, TTC, or weekend shuttle. The space is fully accessible and has water fountains, shaded picnic areas, and two off-leash dog zones. If you’re visiting for the first time, bring water and wear comfortable shoes, there’s a lot of ground to cover.

Closest drop-off: 11 Munition Street
TTC: Routes 72, 114, and 504A (weekends)
Amenities: Washrooms, water stations, picnic spots
Dog-friendly: Yes, fenced areas included

Biidaasige Park isn’t just a new place to hang out. It’s the first step in a bigger effort to rebuild the Port Lands as a livable, walkable part of the city. The space reflects a shift toward public parks that do more, supporting the environment, reconnecting with the shoreline, and making room for play that doesn’t follow the usual rules. It’ll keep growing over the next few years, but it’s already worth a visit. Also, if you’re into places that are a little off the usual map, check out our blog on a new speakeasy that just opened on top of a steakhouse. It’s one of the more interesting spots to land in Toronto lately.

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Check out Toronto’s New Park in the Port Lands