Biidaasige Park sits on the newly formed island of Ookwemin Minising in the Toronto Port Lands neighbourhood, a landscape created through major waterfront restoration. Its name, pronounced bee-daw-si-geh, means “sunlight shining towards us”, reflecting both the natural setting and the park’s deeper purpose. Spanning 98 acres, the park celebrates restored waterways, cultural storytelling, and spaces for play. It also honours Indigenous placekeeping while offering trails, play areas, and gathering spaces for everyone to enjoy.
Address: 51 Commissioners St, Toronto, ON M5A 1A6
Exploring the Park
There’s plenty to do at Biidaasige Park. Kids can enjoy the playgrounds, fitness enthusiasts can use the outdoor fitness equipment area, and anyone can walk or cycle the trails, or relax with a picnic by the water. Here’s the ultimate guide for spending a day at Toronto’s newest green space.
Playgrounds
The park features four creatively themed attractions, starting with the Snowy Owl Theatre. This unique play structure has a stage built into the owl’s belly, where kids can perform or experiment with different sound features like drums and bells. There’s even a talk tube that lets children communicate from different areas of the stage. The owl also features a seating area around its base, designed to resemble a nest.
The park also features Dodems, which are animals that represent clans or family lines in Anishinaabe, Ongwehonwe, and Huron cultures. Each animal reflects specific clan characteristics and important community teachings. These carved play structures bring Indigenous stories and culture to life, inviting kids to explore and play around them. You’ll find Dodems of different animals, each offering a unique interactive experience.
The next attraction is the Badlands Scramble, a water play area where kids can work together to pump water down a series of ramps and channels. It’s a fun, hands-on way to explore how water moves while working as a team. The park also offers a mock beaver dam and a variety of swings for kids to enjoy.
Nature and Trails
Biidaasige Park isn’t just for play; it’s also a great spot to enjoy nature. All sections of the Biidaasige Park are connected by a trail or bridge designed to integrate natural landscapes with recreational spaces. The trails invite visitors to wander through restored wetlands, meadows, and areas filled with native plants.
Visitors can also keep an eye out for butterflies, birds, and other wildlife that have returned to the area. Along the paths, there are peaceful spots to sit and enjoy the scenery while soaking in the sun, perfect for a quiet morning walk, a morning jog, or even a picnic surrounded by nature.
The park also includes two off-leash dog areas, each with seating, K-9 artificial turf, water fountains, and waste bins. The first off-leash area spans 800 square metres and can be accessed from the main path of Biidaasige Park or directly from Commissioner Street. The second off-leash area is 1200 square metres and is on the east side of the Fire Hall 30 Community Recreation Centre Plaza. These areas make this park the ideal destination for dog owners, allowing you to include your furry friends in outdoor adventures and fun.
Picnic & BBQ Areas
Although there aren’t currently any on-site food or beverage options beyond water fountains, you can still enjoy a meal in the beautiful park. Biidaasige Park has two picnic and BBQ terraces: the Raccoon Picnic Terrace and the River View Picnic Terrace. Both are open to the public, but seating availability is on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s best to arrive early. However, visitors can also book the terraces in advance if they’re planning an event with a larger number of attendees.
How to Get to Biidaasige Park
Biidaasige Park is easily accessible by foot, bike, public transit, or car, and adventurous visitors can even arrive by canoe or kayak. Ride-share options are also available for getting to the park. The park is located near the intersection of Cherry Street and Commissioners Street, on Ookewmin Minising in the Port Lands.
For those arriving by foot or bike, Commissioners Street features both a sidewalk and a bike trail that lead directly into the park. You’ll also find bike lock-up areas and nearby Bike Share stations, making it easy to explore trails even if you don’t own a bike.
If you’re taking public transit, the TTC bus route 114 Queen’s Quay East stops at Cherry Street and Commissioners Street, right by the park. For ride-share users, note that pick-ups and drop-offs are not prohibited on Commissioners Street; instead, use 11 Munition Street as your location address. Parking in the area is limited, with only a temporary lot available at 11 Munition Street.
For those arriving by canoe or kayak, the park includes several designated landing areas. However, there is no storage on-site. It’s also worth noting that paddling in the East Harbour can be challenging due to strong winds, waves, and nearby freighter traffic. You can locate the specific access points on the official park map.
Toronto’s Eastern Waterfront
Biidaasige Park is part of a larger revitalization of Toronto’s Eastern Waterfront, which has transformed the Port Lands into a mix of green spaces and restored natural habitats. The next phase will introduce residential homes and commercial buildings, creating a “city within a city” and further shaping the area into a vibrant, mixed-use community.
A Park for Community, Culture, and Connection
From its creative play areas to scenic trails, picnic terraces, and dog-friendly zones, there’s something for every visitor to enjoy at Biidaasige Park. Whether you’re visiting for a day of family fun, mindful walks, or an adventure on the water, Biidaasige Park is a must-visit spot for locals and visitors alike.
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