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The Best Toboggan Hills in the GTA
The snow may be on and off this winter, but when it's on, one of the most memorable and giggle-inducing activities you can do is to hit the hills and go tobogganing. Climbing those slopes is a great workout, it's low-cost fun, and the kids love it when we join in. Get out there and sled the sillies out! Just make sure the little ones have helmets.
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In the East End
What a collection of hills there is at Riverdale Park! There is plenty of room for everyone to sled, so avoiding collisions should be a cinch. The hills are steep, so maybe warm up on a smaller hill if the kids are new to sledding.
Good to know: Riverdale park boasts a lovely panorama of downtown TO. Take some photos of the kids and the skyline for great calendar shots for next year.
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Centre North
This is a nice wide hill that's not aggressively steep but still loads of fun. The hill is lit after dark for those weeknights when we want to do something fun with the kids but it takes until dusk to get ready.
Good to know: Crestview Park is also called Linus Park.
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In the East End
This is a good beginner hill. Although steep enough to move, it is short enough for beginner sledders to get a feel for how to control their speed (read: foot brake).
Good to know: There are stairs so that the wee ones don't have to try to clamber up the hillside while carrying their sled.
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In the East
This hill isn't the biggest in the city, but it is spacious: the kids won't run into each other, and there's nothing to hit at the bottom. (They'll eventually glide to a stop somewhere in the middle of a baseball diamond.)
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Mid-town
Sherwood Park has a plethora of great sledding hills—some gentle, some screamingly steep. There are no trees to avoid at the bottom and there is plenty of space to spread out, making it simply a great place to sled.
Good to know: Sherwood Park is also very popular with dogs as there is an off-leash area nearby. Remember to scan the sledding area for anything that would be unpleasant to encounter at top sled speeds.
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Central South
Christie Pits is a great park—big, with a lot of space to sled around. The good news is that if it is too crowded there both Trinity Bellwoods and Bickford Park are close enough in case you need to amble over to a new hill.
Good to know: These are city centre parks. Do a safety scan of the area and carefully remove any items that should not be there.
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West End
Fun slopes. ‘Nuff said. Oh all right, plus there's a children's playground in case the kids want a break from sledding.
Good to know: There's also a skating rink for even more winter fun!
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West End
Just to the west of the outdoor ice path is a hill by 23rd St. It's lots of fun, and populated with youngsters.
Good to know: The figure-eight shaped ice path in the park proper is a lot of fun.
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West End
Of course High Park is amazing for tobogganing—there are numerous hills of varying slopes, speeds, and wooded coverage. It's also a wild winter wonderland, so taking breaks from sledding can lead to some lovely winter nature hikes.
Good to know: Tobogganing is prohibited in some areas, like Hillside Gardens. Try the hill at Howard Park Drive Avenue and Parkside Drive.
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Oakville
This is a great hill for beginner sledders. As they grow in skill there are some steeper sections and handmade jumps. Plus walking the Joshua Creek trail is a good add-on activity.
Good to know: You can park in the Maple Grove Arena parking lot.
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Brampton
This great park has hills that are suitable for big and little kids. It's super accessible from the highways and could be a great stop on the way home from Collingwood.
Good to know: In need of a hot chocolate and a snack post-sledding? The food court at Bramalea City Centre can help with that!
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Markham
A perennial favourite, with loads of space and some steep hills. A nice long run makes the climb uphill worth it!
Good to know: Some of the hills are more appropriate for older kids. Try finding a quieter hill and start by only sledding down the last few metres of the hill with rookie sledders.
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Scarborough
This park is massive and that means lots of space, lots of hills and lots of fun to be had.
Good to know: It's got shelter in case the family wants to have a snack break—bring thermoses of hot chocolate and some oatmeal cookies!