Sunny summer days in Toronto find people crammed into its most popular parks, aggressively staking out blanket space and trying to disguise bottles of Mateus rose behind tea towels. A crowded, lively park has its charm—but if the slackliners, devilstick jugglers and disc-chasing dogs start to cramp your style, why not head for a quieter spot? Check out Curbed's list of some out-of-the-way green spaces; they're not all secret, but most of them are a little less frequented than favourites like Trinity Bellwoods or Kew Beach. Some are a bit of a field trip (like Mississauga's Brueckner Rhododendron Garden), and some are unexpected little downtown oases, so you can pack up your lunch and a book and get away from it all without being more than a brisk walk from your desk.
Got a favourite urban getaway spot? Share in the comments, if you're feeling magnanimous.
· Cool Map Thing [Curbed Toronto]
· Some Great and Hidden Toronto Spaces [Globe]
· Art and Parks Hidden Between Buildings [Jane's Walk]
· Top 10 Makeout Spots on UofT Campus [blogUT]