What to know
- Toronto’s Biidaasige Park is unveiling a new 10-acre expansion in the Port Lands this weekend.
- The City is hosting free events on July 25 and 26, including guided walking tours, Indigenous cultural workshops, art activities and paddleboarding.
- A free shuttle will run between Evergreen Brick Works and Biidaasige Park from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.
- Biidaasige Park is part of Toronto’s $1.35-billion Port Lands flood protection and revitalization project and is the city’s largest park.
- Visitors are encouraged to use public transit or the free shuttle, as parking near the park is very limited.
The newly-launched Biidaasige Park is getting an expansion this weekend, and residents are being invited to celebrate it with two days of free family-friendly activities.
The park first opened last summer in the redeveloped Port Lands area, near Cherry St., taking the lead spot as the biggest park in the city, and is now getting even bigger, with an additional 10-acres expansion to be unveiled this weekend.
To celebrate the new space, the city is hosting a series of activities to allow residents to explore the park, with several free activities taking place on July 25 and 26.
Read More
Events happening this weekend
To mark the expansion of the park, the City of Toronto is inviting residents to explore it through a series of free, accessible events taking place on July 25 and 26.
Guided tour
Visitors can explore the new space through a guided tour of the newly opened western portion of the park, where they can learn about its transformation, naturalized habitats, restored river channel and recreational amenities. The tours will also offer visitors an opportunity to learn about Indigenous leadership and environmental innovation that went into the expansion.
This activity is perfect for those visiting the space for the first time or deepening their understanding of the landmark.
Recreate Place: Art-Making at the Biidaasige Park Expansion Celebration
Those looking for a hands-on activity can take part at a drop-in art making session along the Lassonde Art Trail. Visitors will explore newly-installed artworks, hear about Biidaasige Park’s history and have a chance to create their own art pieces based on place, nature, and community.
All ages are welcome to join the free event and no registration is required. This event will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 25 and July 26.
Waterfront Neighbourhood Space Rattle Teaching Workshop
Another event taking place on July 25 only is a space rattle workshop, where participants will learn about the importance of rattles and create their own rattle. Rattles are ceremonial instruments used by Indigenous Nations, which play a role in storytelling, healing and spiritual connection.
Sessions will happen on July 25 between 10:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Paddleboarding at Biidaasige Park
Those looking to explore the park in a different way can join a paddleboarding adventure, where visitors of all levels of experience can connect with nature and enjoy the park’s landscapes from a different perspective.
Sessions will run on:
- July 25 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Aug. 1 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Aug. 8 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Aug. 15 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Participants are advised to register for sessions using the links in the City of Toronto’s events calendar.
For more information and more events, visit the city’s calendar.
What is Biidaasige Park?
Biidaasige Park is located near Cherry Beach and is part of a $1.35-billion Port Lands redevelopment project that aimed to protect the neighbourhood from regional storms and flooding.
Its name is an Anishinaabemowin word that means “sunlight shining towards us,” and references the relationship between water, sky and land, and Indigenous protectors who guided the restoration.
Due to its considerable size, the park features a range of different spaces and activities, from green walks and outdoor fitness equipment to fishing and paddling spots.
How to get to the park?
There are multiple ways to access Biidaasige Park, with its closest major intersections being Cherry and Commissioners streets.
Those taking public transit can access the area through the 114 Queen’s Quay East bus route, which stops along Cherry Street and Commissioners Street.
Additionally, the 72D Pape bus, which stops at Saulter Street and Commissioners Street, leaves riders a short walk away from the park.
For those taking wheel trans, there are two drop-off locations in the park, one at Fire Hall 30 on 39 Commissioners St., which can be accessed with the code BIIDAAS-PK and 39 Commissioners St. as the destination. Using the code BIIDAAS-WE and 242 Cherry St. leaves riders at the drop-off near the west entrance of the park.
Visitors can also take the East‑West Water Shuttle service to access the park, travelling to the Ookwemin Minising stop near 242 Cherry St.
Drivers should note that parking is extremely limited in the area, with some on-street parking along Old Cherry Street, Villiers Street and Munition Street.
Free shuttle service this weekend
To celebrate the park’s expansion, this weekend there will be a free shuttle service connecting Evergreen Brick Works and Biidaasige Park, as both sites have been transformed into public spaces from once being industrial areas.
Shuttle buses will be running every 30–45 minutes, with pick-ups and drop-offs at the northeast corner of Cherry and Commissioners Street near the park and near Tiffany Commons at Evergreen Brickworks.
This service will be available between July 25 and July 26 between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. It can accommodate 20 seated and six standing passengers, and is wheelchair accessible, providing lifting to passengers who require assistance. Service animals are welcome to board the shuttle, but pets will not be allowed.
