Summary: Allan Gardens and Cabbagetown Holiday Walk – December 5, 2022

On December 5, 2022, our group meandered through Toronto’s Garden District (College/Gerrard Eastbound area) and Cabbagetown. We stopped first at College Park parklands where we had a view of lone skaters taking advantage of the newly installed circular skating rink. We headed south past the recently opened downtown IKEA, then through the Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) quadrangle, pausing at the historic and intact frontage of the old College.

From there, we headed along Gerrard Street to Alan Gardens. Having been warned that the usual Christmas extravaganza was not available this year due to heritage renovations of the domed Palm House,  we accessed the southern greenhouses via Agricultural Avenue. We were overwhelmed by the plethora of poinsettias in hundreds of shades of red and colours never seen before such as orange and yellow.

We warmed in the moist tropical air by the water wheel crossing the bridge of the turtle pond then stopped at the breathtaking poinsettia-wrapped Koi pond where staff provided information on this amazing carp species.

Along paths of tropical plants abundantly displaying their seasonal splendor, we made a quick pass through the cactus wing and on to Cabbagetown, stopping at the Riverdale Farm including a walk-though one of the barns.

On the  route to our refreshment stop (Stout Pub), we stopped  to admire the extraordinary Christmas display on two adjoined homes on Dermott Place. We also chanced upon the  homeowner across the lane who generously offered us a tour of all 3 stories of his amazing and gorgeously renovated historic home. This also provided a view of the two houses across the street.

Come join us for the second of our holiday walks on Monday, December 19, 2022 departing at 2 pm from the lobby of the St. Clair Centre (Yonge/St. Clair).

Happy Holiday Season!