Canoe Landing Park

That red dot and surrounding green space in the middle of condo-land have always intrigued us while we’re driving along the Gardiner Expressway. This summer, we finally stopped and made the trek to check out Canoe Landing Park.

Unveiled in 2009, the eight-acre park is part of the Concord CityPlace, an ever-growing condo development built on what used to be old railway land between Bathurst and Spadina along Fort York Blvd. The green space is a hub for the estimated 13,500 that live in this highrise neighbourhood. (Must say, I felt a bit old during our weekend morning visit — shirtless dudes running hills, women in heels walking their dogs, and some 20-somethin’s returning home in last night’s clothes.)

But let’s get back to the park. That red dot is a canoe, an artwork by Douglas Coupland situated on a bluff-like point. You can walk right in it (sadly there are some marks of vandalism) and have an amazing view over the Gardiner on to Lake Ontario and some cool views of the CN Tower. Below, there is a sculptural display of oversized colourful fishing bobbers with some spray features (good times in the summer,) a green space and turfed field, plus a pathway encircling the park called the Terry Fox Miracle Mile.

Happy (urban) trails everyone!

TRIP TIPS:

Getting there: Driving, there is some street parking ($2.25/hr) and a few private lots to the north. By TTC, you can take the 510 Spadina or 511 Bathurst streetcars to Fort York Blvd and walk a few blocks.

Food: Bring your own snacks. Some restos in the hood. Hunters Landing just north of Fort York Blvd. Sobeys a few blocks east.

Potty time: We spotted some port-a-potties.

Mark your calendar: Annual CityFest in August. Check out this video about the festival with great shots of the area and all it has to offer its community. Farmers’ Market on Tuesdays (3:30 to 7:30pm) until October 14.

Did you know: The park and elevation where the canoe sits were made from on-site excavated fill. Some 20,000-25,000 dumptruck loads of fill were diverted from landfills.

In the hood: CN Tower and Aquarium to the east; Fort York to the west. Next on our must-visit list in the area: Railway Museum the new Fort York Library.