Richmond Hill is north of Toronto and one of the rapidly growing suburbs of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). While known for its diverse neighbourhood, strip malls, cinemas, and golf courses, there’s also a plethora of tranquil parks, glacial lakes, and festivals to discover.
You’ll find plenty of green spaces but if you’re looking for the best parks in Richmond Hill, this list will breakdown which ones are must-visit to get away from the noisy crowds of the inner city.
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9 Best Parks in Richmond Hill
Urban planning plays a big role in why you’ll find so much green space in Richmond Hill. Another reason for its beauty is the Oak ridges Moraine which adds its own unique element to the region.
It’s also worth noting that Richmond Hill is a subdivision of York Region which is why you’ll find trails listed on their page as well.
In total there are 165 parks, parkettes, and gardens but if you only want the best parks in Richmond Hill, these are it.
COVID-19 Notice
Currently, all City of Richmond Hill parks are open to varying degrees. I recommend that you check the latest news from the city and individual park listings that I have linked to.
As a whole, most facilities are not open and that includes bathrooms.
1. Lake Wilcox Park
Lake Wilcox Park is a great family park to visit with many amenities. The Lake Wilcox Boardwalk is also a new feature in the park, it spans over part of the lake in a crescent shape, measuring 130 metres in length.
Here’s a look at what winter looks like at Lake Wilcox Park.
Located off Bayview Avenue, Lake Wilcox is situated along the Oak Ridges Moraine and features the largest of its ancient pools. In the summer, this is a popular park for swimmers and small boats. The sand at Sunset Beach is another great place to get away.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 55 Olde Bayview Ave, Richmond Hill, ON L4E 3C8
Hours: Skate park (10am-10pm). Rest of the park opens 24 hours.
Features: Waterfront Promenade, splash pad, playground, seating and picnic area, skate park, beach volleyball courts, boardwalk, self-guided tree tour, Lake Wilcox Fish & Wildlife Refuge, and boating. Fishing is only permitted at the fishing platform that can be accessed from across Jesse Vanek Park or Sunset Beach Road, located at 690 Sunset Beach Road, Richmond Hill.
Distance: 1.9 km
Difficulty: Easy
What’s nearby: Lake Wilcox Public School, Oak Ridges Community Centre, Oak Ridges Corridor Conservation Reserve, Moraine Park, Lake Wilcox Skatepark, DiamondBack Golf Club.
Bathroom: Yes
Parking: Yes. Paid parking from April 1 – September 30, free otherwise. A survey was done recently and there area total of 1,512 parking spaces available at the four parking lots and on-street parking areas.
Starting April, park users from outside the city will be charged $5/hour for parking at the main lot, located at the park entrance off Bayview Avenue at Stouffville Road.
The overflow gravel lot at the entrance off Olde Bayview Avenue, and Oak Ridges Community Centre Lots at the entrances off Bayview Avenue are $4/hour.
Residents of Richmond Hill can apply for a free parking permit.
Pets: Yes, as long as they are on-leash.
Fees: None
Guided trail: Download
Looking for more park inspiration?
For more ideas of where to go to catch a breath of fresh air in the GTA, head to our other lists of top parks.
2. Mill Pond Park
The gazebo at the Mill Pond Park is a lovely spot, it overlooks the fountain in the centre of the pond in the spring and summer. This park is great for bikes, walks, runs, and strolls especially with the Millennium Garden south of the main parking lot.
Recently a boardwalk was added and something you’ll really appreciate about this park is that there are so many benches and spots to sit and hang out.
Mill Pond Park is also a well-known venue for concerts, Winter Carnival, and the Mill Pond Splash Event.
This park got its name from being the site of an old sawmill operation that was powered by the pond. As a result, this region was an attractive place to settle in the late 1800s.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 321 Mill St, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 4B5
Hours: 24 hours
Features: Playground, boardwalk, gazebo, and skating.
Distance: 2.68 km
Difficulty: Easy
What’s nearby: Richmond Hill Central Public Library, Mackenzie Health Richmond Hill Hospital, Alexander Mackenzie High School, Pleasantville Park, Rumble Pond Park, and Don Head Park.
Bathroom: Yes. This is one of the few parks with a really new and clean bathroom.
Parking: Yes. Two parking lots available on the southwest corner of Mill St. and Trench St.
Pets: Yes, as long as they are on-leash.
Fees: None
3. Richmond Green Sports Centre and Park
In the heart of Richmond Hill is a mega-complex that offers a remarkable range of activities both indoors and outdoors.
The box below lists everything out but I love coming to this park for its outdoor ice skating trail (turns into a rollerblading trail in the summer), huge picnic areas in the summer, historic buildings, art exhibition space, and the amphitheatre.
If you’re into sports, there’s just about every single type available to you including lawn bowling, soccer, baseball, basketball, skateboarding, bocce, ice rinks and more that can be housed in its multi-sport dome.
It also holds large events and trade shows such as arts and crafts shows, fireworks, antique shows.
Lastly, if you’re a photographer, the dynamism of the space including its beautifully landscaped waterfalls makes for a great spot for a shoot. Just keep in mind that if you’re doing it professionally that you’ll need a permit.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 1300 Elgin Mills Rd E, Richmond Hill, ON L4S 1M5
Hours: Facilities are open 7AM – 11PM. Rest of the park opens 24 hours.
Features: Skateboarding park, inline skating, outdoor ice skating, splash pad, agricultural barn and paddock, soccer fields, baseball and softball diamonds, basketball court, outdoor amphitheatre, and picnic area and shelters.
Distance: 7.5 km
Difficulty: Easy
What’s nearby: Richmond Green Library, Richmond Green Secondary School, Richmond Hill Fire & Emergency Services, Richmond Hill Operations Centre, Costco Wholesale, RioCan Elgin Mills Crossing Shopping Mall.
Bathroom: Yes
Parking: Yes. Paid parking from April 1 – September 30, free otherwise.
Pets: Yes, as long as they are on-leash.
Fees: Fees/membership apply for bocce courts, indoor lawn bowling, sports dome.
Map: See the map
4. Oak Ridges Corridor Conservation Reserve
Oak Ridges Corridor Conservation Reserve (ORCCR) spans over 175 hectares with many entry points into the Oak Ridges Trail and is dominated by mature forests, wetlands, meadows, kettle lakes, and an expansive network of recreation trails.
There are multiple points of entry to the reserve and also intertwines with Bond Lake which is further down this list. You can enter from the west near Bathurst Avenue or as far east as Bayview Avenue.
What I like about this reserve is that it is relatively unknown. While many know about Bond Lake, most don’t know the full extent of the entire corridor with its many connector and secondary trails.
When planning a trip out here, just remember that it does lack trail loops which means you’ll have to double back or plan on doing the hike one-way.
This reserve is also significant because it is an ecological linkage to the Oak Ridges Moraine.
Something worth noting is that unlike many of the other parks that are managed by the City of Richmond Hill, this is managed and maintained by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA).
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 12461 Bathurst St, Richmond Hill, ON L4E 2B4 (one of the entrances to Oak Ridges Trail is Old Colony Rd, Richmond Hill, ON L4E 5B2)
Hours: 24 hours
Features: Hiking, cycling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, bird watching, and dog walking.
Distance: Oak Ridges Moraine is approximately 300 km, 103 km is in York Region.
Difficulty: Moderate
What’s nearby: Bathurst Glen Golf Course, William Bond Park, Bond Lake Public School, Lake Wilcox, Bond Lake, and Macleod’s Landing Public School.
Bathroom: No
Parking: Yes, free. Oak Ridges Corridor Bethesda Trail Head Parking Lot, Old Colony Road Trail Parking, Chabad Lubavitch of Aurora (12611 Yonge St, Richmond Hill, ON L4E 1A4), residential street parking on 110-116 Barnwood Drive.
Pets: Yes, as long as they are on-leash.
Fees: None
Trail map: Download
5. Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory
David Dunlap Observatory is a little hidden gem in a residential area that’s booming with development. You probably have passed through this area before but didn’t know a full range of telescopes sits atop the hill here.
The observatory opened in 1935 where a number of important research studies have been done here. Today, it’s part of the University of Toronto’s Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics.
While the buildings aren’t open to the public, there are a range of astronomy programs and tours available to book.
Even without a specific tour, you can come by for a picnic as there are tables scattered throughout the grounds and marvel at the historic site and its telescopes.
Trail-wise, there aren’t any large loops you can do and you have to be careful with some of the paths that lead to private property. However, in a few years, this area will be developed into a more complete park.
If you are a fan of the show Umbrella Academy, this is one of the filming locations which was the headquarter of the Commission where the Handler and Number Five worked.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 123 Hillsview Dr, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 1T3
Hours: 24 hours. Group bookings reservations in September – June.
Features: David Dunlap Observatory, and the Administration Building.
Distance: Within 1 km
Difficulty: Easy
What’s nearby: Richmond Hill Montessori Private School, Elvis Stojko Arena, Sixteenth Avenue Public School, and Hillcrest Mall.
Bathroom: No
Parking: Yes, free.
Pets: Yes, on-leash when outside. No pets indoors.
Fees: Reservations required for group bookings into the observatory and administration buildings for special events and tours are from September to June.
6. Bond Lake
Bond Lake is a 55-acre kettle lake which was formed by retreating glaciers and part of the Oak Ridges Corridor Conservation Reserve mentioned above.
This is a popular lake where locals hang out, it’s surrounded by an abundance of shaded areas, perfect for a picnic.
Preserved and protected by the Toronto Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), it is not recommended to swim and hike around the lake as it is a delicate kettle lake habitat. The water also isn’t tested for human use.
Permitted activities include hiking, biking, bird watching, on-leash dog walking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
“This is a tiny little oasis in the middle of the suburbs, with natural trails that make you feel like you are in the middle of nowhere.” says Kate Goodale, a TRCA project manager.
The primary parking lot to Bond Lake is quite small and is shared with a private property (their spots are marked) which means it will fill up early in the summer time.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 12691 Yonge St, Richmond Hill, ON L4E 0K8
Hours: 24 hours
Features: Bond Lake, hiking, biking, bird watching, and on-leash dog walking.
Distance: 4 km
Difficulty: Moderate
What’s nearby: Bond Lake Public School, Oak Ridges Corridor Conservation Reserve, Bond Lake Arena, Wilcox Lake, and Oak Ridges Trail.
Bathroom: No
Parking: Yes, free.
Pets: Yes, as long as they are on-leash.
Fees: None
7. Phyllis Rawlinson Park
This park has a long history dating back to 1830 and is the largest park in the Oak Ridges Moraine.
What makes the Phyllis Rawlinson Park special is that it is the only park in Richmond Hill with bbq facilities and fire pits. In fact, this is the only park in Richmond Hill that has charcoal barbeque grills (a total of 5). This makes this a great place for outdoor gatherings and family picnics.
There are two main trails that you can try here. One is the one that takes you around to the Commons and the Pond. This is probably the most scenic part of the park with a mix of grass, gravel, an iron bridge, and boardwalk trails. There is another forest trail through Celebration Forest that has one end that starts from the parking lot by the Robert Holland Interpretive Centre and eventually connects with the dog park.
Beautiful wood sign at the entrance One of two large community gardens Robert Holland Interpretive Centre Next to the interpretive centre is the trail into the forest Large gazebo shelter for picnicking 5 charcoal bbq’s on-site The Commons Trail towards the off leash dog park Entrance to off leash dog area Historic barns
With so much history here, you’ll also find significant historic structures on-site including an original farmhouse and a barn which is one of the region’s oldest designated buildings.
The Robert Holland Interpretive Centre is a historic “Shaw House” donated to Richmond Hill and is now the home base for a new generation of environmentally conscious residents wanting to explore through environmental activities and outdoor education programs.
And lastly, another main attraction of the park is that it has an amazing off-leash dog park. One side is for small dogs and you have a larger area for all other dogs. This is a great place to allow your dog(s) to socialize with other dogs and to stretch their legs and really go wild.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 11715 Leslie St, Richmond Hill, ON L4E 3R7
Hours: 7AM – 10PM. Park closed at dusk.
Features: BBQ facilities, fire pits, original farmhouse and barn, community garden, off-leash dog area, celebration forest, Robert Holland Interpretive Centre, George Forster House, and picnic tables and shelter.
Distance: 3.42 km
Difficulty: Moderate
What’s nearby: York Centre-Children’s Programme, Honda Canada, and 19th Avenue Farmer’s Market
Bathroom: Yes, behind the Robert Holland Interpretive Centre are public bathrooms. The bathrooms by the picnic shelter area is normally locked and meant for permit holders.
Parking: Yes. There is plenty of parking. One lot is right by the Robert Holland Interpretive Centre and the other is by the picnic shelter. Park gates will be locked at dusk, any vehicles remaining in the park will be locked in.
Pets: Yes. Animals must be on a leash but there are several other rules that must be adhered to as seen above. Note that from time to time, there are people that will check for dog licenses. Note the hours of use. There is also a community Facebook group if you’d like to connect with other dog owners in the area.
Fees: None
8. Trans Richmond Trail
The Trans Richmond Trail follows part of the underground TransCanada natural gas pipelines and passes through two river valleys hence some of the path is slightly elevated. The trail has a mix of wooden, gravel, paved, and steel path.
The Trans Richmond Trail is approximately 1,870 meters, it is excellent for walking, running, cycling, mountain biking and nature trips. This trail is good for all skill levels.
Parallel and just south of Gamble Road, this might not look like much on the map but it is a nice, continuous, and long-stretching trail with walks through the forest, some change in elevation, bridges, and is surprisingly full of life.
The trail can be done as a whole one-way trip or broken up between Trans Richmond Trail West and East. German Mills Channel is also part of this trail.
For a detailed map of the trail, a close up of the map is below which you can open up.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: Starts at 70-64 Casa Grande St, Richmond Hill, ON L4S 1R7
Hours: 24 hours
Features: Cycling, and running.
Distance: 3.13 km
Difficulty: Easy
What’s nearby: William Harrison Park, Trillium Woods Public School, Elgin West Community Centre & Pool, and the Salvation Army Thrift Store.
Bathroom: No
Parking: No, street parking only.
Pets: Yes, as long as they are on-leash.
Fees: None
9. Beaver Greenway Trail
This is a more of a bonus trail that you can do if you happen to be in the area.
You can find the Beaver Greenway Trail in the industrial area near East Beaver Creek Rd. and Highway 16. There is a pond here with a nice paved loop and an iron bridge in the middle which is perfect for cycling and running. There’s also wildlife to be seen on the pond as it’s a very quiet area despite its location.
Trailhead towards the pond
While certainly not remarkable as the trail is flanked by large industrial warehouses, it’s an easy walk to do and has a nice forested route that joins Mural St. to the pond.
Officially, this is a portion of the Lake to Lake Trail and is perfect for a recreation cycling or running day that connects with Spadina Parkette and Artisan Park to the north.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 100 Boake Trail, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3H1
Hours: 24 hours
Features: Cycling and running.
Distance: 2.4 km
Difficulty: Easy
What’s nearby: Hwy 404 & 16th Avenue, Toronto Buttonville Municipal Airport, Bayview Hill Community Centre & Pool, and Walmart Supercentre.
Bathroom: No
Parking: Yes, you can find parking in one of the commercial lots or street parking. The easiest is the lot for Mineral Medix Corp off of Mural Street (use 100 Leek Crescent) that seems to have spots perfect for the trailhead towards the pond. Another is the commercial parking lot on 50 Mural Street. Street parking is available around 100 Boake Trail, 39 Frybrook Crescent, and 38 Wingate Crescent.
Pets: Yes, as long as they are on-leash.
Fees: None
Map of Top Richmond Hill Parks
TIP: Open this map in a new tab (maximize icon) and click on the 3 vertical dots in the menu to “Copy map” to your own account. This way you can use the Google Maps app to open it up on your phone. You will need cellular data to access the map.
Additional Richmond Hill Hiking Trail Resources
I’ll be the first to admit that Richmond Hill doesn’t have the most friendly website and it’s not very clear who is the owner of information when it comes to parks, conservations, and trail systems.
The below is a list of resources that I’ve found helpful for more details and maps.
- Parks, Trails and Natural Areas – A breakdown of all parks but seasonally organized by relevant categories such as ones that are appropriate for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and winter walking.
- Guide to parks and trails in Richmond Hill – PDF of a brochure made by the city that highlights the parks and trails.
- All public parks in Richmond Hill – A no nonsense list of all the parks you can find in Richmond Hill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you’ll notice that all outdoor parks allow pets as long as they’re on a leash and you pick up after them. That said, most indoor facilities will not allow pets.
No, Richmond Hill parks do not charge an entrance fee. There are fees to consider when using facilities or parking during high season for some parks.
Richmond Hill parks are governed by the same drone laws in Canada that are laid out by Transport Canada.
For Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) parks, drones are strictly prohibited.
All rules around street parking in Richmond Hill can be found here along with their associated fines. An unwritten rule of parking in the city is that all spots are a 3 hour maximum if not specified. Generally, follow street signs and avoid parking overnight (between 1AM and 7AM).
Similar to Vaughan, York Region tracks blacklegged tick sightings and in Richmond Hill however as of the latest update, there haven’t been any identified. That said, smart protection against ticks should be applied in all areas especially in wooded or brushy areas. Richmond Hill has a general information page here.
York Region actively surveils the area for West Nile and tracks active human cases. While the numbers are low, it’s always a good idea to use mosquito repellant outside of winter.
The best park for pets is Phyllis Rawlinson Park with their large off leash dog area. There is also another off leash dog area at Tower Hill. Otherwise, all pets are welcome in Richmond Hill parks but they must be leashed.
Many people don’t know that part of the Oak Ridges Moraine is part Richmond Hill and it’s this geological feature that gives way to many of the green highlights of tie city.
With many parks and trails, it’s now time for you to discover your own list of best Richmond Hill parks!
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