David A. Balfour Park (Vale of Avoca)

This park is currently under renovation. Half of the park is open. This is a leash on dog park and occasionally you will see dogs off lead. The upper level of the park has benches for sitting and boasts a lovely garden. The lower park hosts a neighbourhood party every May.

Often overlooked for those visiting Toronto are its ravines, and they provide one of the best natural parts of the city. This park starts off near St Clair and Yonge and then winds its way down to near Mount Pleasant and Bloor. It passes from a park on top of a reservoir and through small garden into the ravines. If not for the city noises, one might get convinced in the ravines that they are not even in a city anymore.

This is a great park to take your dog for an urban break. It is not a leash off park and occasionally you will see dogs off lead. The upper level of the park has benches for sitting. The lower park hosts a neighbourhood party every May. This is a great park to escape the concrete and bustle of the city.

I usually run on the Kay Gardiner belt line and didn't know that this park existed. It's so centrally located yet so far from the hustle and bustle of the city. I wouldn't run this alone as I'm clumsy but I did go with my husband. I entered through the trail, into the Mt Pleasant cemetery and then went east through a small fenced door. Look out for it or you may miss it. Oh and there are wild bunnies also hopping about!

Why is this place not rated?! I like to run different trails when I come to visit a city and came across this place when I was running along the beltline trail (coming from Mt Pleasant cemetery). I didn't know anything about this trail, I had just happened to come across it and it was everything I been looking for! It was like being out on a hike in the middle of nowhere but actually in the city. I went on a Sunday because I figured there would be plenty of people out roaming the area, since I was running alone. I never felt unsafe other than when crossing under the bridge but there were families around the corner which made me feel at ease. I'd recommend this trail if your looking for some nature and nice scenery.

David A.Balfour Park is a serene oasis with walking trails, gardens, playground, sports facilities & picnic areas. Well-maintained, clean & tranquil. Perfect for relaxation, family outings & community activities.

A serene park in Midtown.Tons of green space.Lots of dog walking. Today there was even two birds out for a walk in a bubble back pack.

Great park dogs are friendly highly recommended

The trail is a bit overgrown, and it's very slippery after it rains. Also it's a bit scary at night, but overall the trail is enjoyable and there's a nice river you can cross on rocks. The playground is nice too! The seesaw is very bouncy. Also there a nice toy car you can push your friends around in.