Toronto’s Stunning New Biidaasige Park Opens — And It’s Like Nothing You’ve Seen Before
Forget what you think you know about Toronto’s waterfront — because Biidaasige Park is rewriting the map.Tucked deep in the newly restored Port Lands, Toronto just unveiled its largest new green space in decades: Biidaasige Park (pronounced bee-daw-si-geh), meaning “sunlight shining toward us” in Anishinaabemowin. And the name couldn’t be more fitting.
A Park Born from Water, Culture, and Climate Action Spanning over 40 hectares (that’s nearly the size of 75 football fields), Biidaasige Park is more than just a park — it’s the result of a $1.35 billion transformation project that redirected the Don River, built new wetlands, and created flood protection for a huge part of Toronto’s downtown.
The entire space blends nature, culture, history, and climate resilience into one bold public vision. With Indigenous-designed spaces, historical structures, and landscapes inspired by water, wind, and fire, every corner of the park has a purpose — and a story to tell.
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What You’ll Find Inside
This isn’t your average city park with just a few benches and trails. Here’s what makes Biidaasige Park a whole new world:
Snowy Owl Adventure Playground
A massive playground where kids (and adults) can scramble up rock formations, zip across cable rides, and interact with sculptures inspired by Anishinaabe animal clans.
Paddle-Friendly River Access
The newly re-routed Don River now curves through the park, featuring dedicated canoe and kayak launch areas. Think Muskoka, but steps from the Gardiner.
Dog-Friendly Zones
Two separate off-leash dog parks include shaded seating, water stations, and turf — perfect for urban pet owners.
Culture, Art, and Heritage
The park preserves old landmarks like the Atlas Crane and Fire Hall 30, while introducing storytelling spaces, ceremonial circles, and traditional marker trees that honor Indigenous stewardship of the land.
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Getting There for the Opening Weekend
For its grand opening (July 19–20), the City of Toronto is offering free shuttle service from Nathan Phillips Square. TTC routes like the 114 and 72D will also take you directly to the entrance. Limited parking is available on-site, but transit is the best option if you want to avoid crowds.
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Why It Actually Matters
Biidaasige Park isn’t just beautiful — it’s a climate and culture win. This mega-green space:
• Adds flood protection for over 240 hectares of downtown Toronto
• Restores lost wetlands and boosts biodiversity
• Celebrates Indigenous knowledge and community input
• Helps reconnect the city to its natural shoreline
It’s Toronto’s boldest urban park project in a generation — and it’s open to everyone.
Quick Guide to Biidaasige Park
| Location | 39 Commissioners Street, Toronto |
| Size | 40 hectares |
| Transit Access | TTC 114, 72D or Free Shuttle |
| Dog-Friendly | Yes – two off-leash zones |
| Water Activities | Canoe & Kayak Launch Zones |
| Opening Weekend | July 19–20, 2025 |
Final Thought
If High Park and Ontario Place had a baby — and raised it on Indigenous stories, river water, and climate resilience — it would be called Biidaasige.
Whether you’re looking for reflection, play, photography, or peace, this park delivers something different. Biidaasige isn’t just a new Toronto landmark — it’s a reset button for how we think about public space.
