Summer time in Toronto is the best. With flip flops, shorts, and tees, it’s time to take advantage of the warm weather and spend time with family and friends. A great idea is to gather a group together to go barbecuing but the big question becomes which ones actually allow you to bring your own grill? Let’s clear things up and list out the top 7 Toronto parks you can BBQ in with your own grill.
Since our summer sun sets close to 9PM, there are a ton of BBQ options throughout the day. In a city like Toronto, there are a plethora of places to go to where all you need to do is bring a portable grill, throw some meats and vegetables in the cooler and pair it with your favourite local brewery beers. And if you really want to get fancy, bring some pineapples and cinnamon too! That’s all it takes to feel like a cottage weekend without having to leave the city.
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Which Toronto Parks You Can Bring Your Own BBQ To
This certainly isn’t a full list of all the parks you can use. As you’ll find out below, with an approved permit, you can practically bring your portable BBQ grill to any park in the city of Toronto.
Alternatively, you could just risk it and bring your own grill to a park. You’ll see a ton of them out in parks in the summer and in most cases, that’s what you’re seeing. The chances of you getting a ticket from a bylaw officer is low but that’s not to say that it won’t happen as people have received them.
The list below are some of the city’s best parks where you can bring your own grill (BYOG).
COVID-19 Notice
Due to the current pandemic and province-wide lockdown, all bookings of picnic sites for permits have been suspended until such orders are lifted. For the latest information, all COVID-19 updates can be found here.
Also, the annual priority picnic booking date of January 4, 2021 has been postponed. No word yet on when this will be rescheduled to.
COVID-19 Updates1 – Bluffer’s Park and Beach
Nestled at the foot of Scarborough, Bluffer’s Park is a great place set up a picnic with friends and family if you’re on the East end of town. The park is situated between the dramatic white 20-story cliffs and crystal clear water of the beach and marina.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 7 Brimley Rd S, Scarborough, ON M1M 3W3
Hours: 24/7
Website: Bluffer’s Park
Features: Fishing
Good to know:
- Wheelchair accessible in certain areas near marina.
- Be careful parking here. Read marina parking signs carefully and pay attention to what’s considered to be trailer parking. In the off-season parking is free but in the summer, meters are:
- Each half an hour: $1.50
- Mon-Fri max. 5:00pm-9:00pm: $6
- Sat/Sun/holidays max. 9:00am-8:00pm: $12
- TTC: 175 Bluffer’s Park bus that runs between Kennedy Station and Bluffer’s Park Beach every 15 minutes during the daytime and early evening, on weekends and holidays.
- Very busy on summer weekends.
- Some parts of the bluffs and the cliff edges are quite dangerous due to erosion so it’s advised to follow warning signs.
2 – Milliken Park
Also located in Scarborough, this is a great family-oriented park in the middle of town that has a large playground for kids and a lake. In this park, you’ll find picnic benches all around to set up your own BBQ/picnic.
This is also one of the parks ranked in the best parks in Scarborough.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 5555 Steeles Ave E, Toronto, ON M9L 1S7
Hours: 24/7
Website: Milliken District Park
Features:Bike trails, playgrounds, and splash pad
Good to know:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Parking is free at the two entrances – 5555 Steeles Ave E (between McCowan & Middlefield Road) and at Milliken Park Community Recreation Centre at 4325 McCowan Rd.
- TTC: From Finch Station, take Bus 53A or 53B to right past Steeles Ave. and McCowan Rd.
- Can get pretty busy on summer weekends and especially packed during special events like Canada Day.
3 – Ashbridge’s Bay Park, and Woodbine Beaches Park
This might be one of my favourite spots to BBQ. You get access to the beach, there’s the perfect set up for beach volleyball, there’s the boardwalk that can take you across the parks AND there’s a ton of green spaces to set up your grill.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 1675 Lake Shore Blvd E, Toronto, ON M4L 3W6
Hours: 24/7
Website: Woodbine Beach
Features: Beach volleyball, boardwalk, bird watching
Good to know:
- Parking is free in non summer months but switches to paid during the peak season. That said, drive around the neighbourhood behind the beach and even north of Queen Street to find free street parking.
- TTC: The easiest way to get here is by taking the 501 streetcar west from the Queen Street subway station.
- There are lifeguards on the beach in the summer.
- Change rooms and bathrooms are available near the beach.
4 – Earl Bales Park
In the winter, Earl Bales Park turns into ski and snowboarding center but in the summer, the area turns into a lush green playground with a ton of open space to set up a gathering of friends and family.
Surrounding the ski hill are numerous trails with picnic benches and space for grilling.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 4169 Bathurst St, North York, ON M3H 3P7
Hours: 24/7
Website: Earl Bales Park
Features: Amphitheatre, bike trails, firepit, splash pad, ski hill, dog park
Good to know:
- Wheelchair accessible.
- Plenty of lots and parking here.
- TTC: Take the subway to Sheppard/Yonge station and transfer to bus 84A towards Weston Road and get off at Bathurst Street.
5 – Centennial Park
On the west end you’ll find Centennial Park which is full-service park of sorts. As a large regional park, there are a ridiculous number of features of this park to make this one of the most well-rounded parks in the city. It’s rare to find a park that has features like a conservatory, cricket pitches, disc golf course, go-kart track, marshlands and a man-made pond. You can easily spend a full day here with family setting up the BBQ for lunch and then going around the park to play.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 256 Centennial Park Rd, Etobicoke, ON M9C 5N3
Hours: 24/7
Features: Multipurpose field, wading pool, playground, ball diamond, fitness club, arena, 3 green houses, go-kart track, cricket pitch, golf course, disc golf
Good to know:
- This is a very large park with areas to set up your BBQ in many places so feel free to drive around first before picking your spot.
- Wheelchair accessible.
- Free parking.
- TTC: Accessible from Royal York station. Take the Anglesey bus 2, stop at Elmcrest Road.
6 – High Park
High Park is a staple when it comes to Toronto parks. It’s quite literally a haven for picnic-ers, there are open and shaded green spaces all around the park to set yourself up. This will probably be your go-to park if you live in the downtown core.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 1873 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, M6R 2Z3
Hours: All-year round 24/7
Website: High Park
Features: Zoo, off-leash dog park, Japanese cherry trees, sports facilities
Good to know:
- Wheelchair accessible.
- Available parking in the park is free.
- TTC: Get off at High Park Station on the subway, take bus 80 Queensway, streetcar 508 Lakeshore or streetcar 506 Carlton.
7 – Toronto Island Park
Toronto Island Park is a popular park amongst family with young kids. The Centreville amusement park and the Far Enough Farm is a sure win for children. You can also rent bicycles on the island, for a more cost effective option, you can bring your own bike or rent a city bike downtown to get on the ferry to the island. It’s a nice 15-20mins walk to Gibraltar Point Lighthouse from the main bicycle rental area but you cannot go up the lighthouse. The highlight has to be the view of downtown Toronto, so go early and find yourself a picnic table with a view!
Toronto Islands is a popular BBQ spot, but do note that propane or gas BBQs are not allowed on the Ferry Boats for safety reasons, so only bring charcoal BBQs.
You’ll also need to know the ferry schedule and fares if you’re planning on making a trip down here.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 9 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2H3 (Jack Layton Ferry Terminal)
Hours: Check ferry schedule
Website: Toronto Island Park
Features: Centreville amusement park, Far Enough farm, skyline of Toronto
Good to know:
- Wheelchair accessible.
- Parking is challenging in the core so make sure to make use of Best Toronto Parking for lots near the ferry terminal
- TTC: Walking from Union Station is your best bet. You’ll find the ferries at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay West, just west of the Westin Harbour Castle hotel. Enter the Ferry Terminal via the walkway between the Westin Harbour Castle hotel and the Harbour Castle condominiums.
What Are The Rules Around Bringing Your Own BBQ Grill?
For the City of Toronto, the bylaw to focus in on is Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 608, sub section 10b which states:
While in a park, no person shall use any portable barbeques unless authorized by permit or where posted to allow the use.
In reading this, you’d easily jump to the conclusion that they’re not allowed but it is allowed if:
- You have a permit – Go to this page to learn how to get a permit. You’ll need this permit to reserve a picnic site. From a Toronto Parks representative: “When you do book a picnic site, it tell you in the conditions of use that the BBQ should be propane and not Charcoal (reversed for Toronto Islands).” This means that all permit bookings include the use of a portable BBQ automatically.
- You’re using it in an area that’s designated for portable barbecues – I have reached out to the City of Toronto and they said that while the bylaw does say this, in practice, they’ve never done this where they’ll designated a specific area that’s allowed for portable BBQs.
When Do You Need A Permit?
Many Torontonians may not be aware, but there are a couple of scenarios where you need a permit from the city. These permits are typically to book specific picnic sites at designated parks.
- Social gatherings larger than 25.
- You’d like to use a portable BBQ.
As we covered in the specific bylaws of Toronto, if you want to bring your own grill to a picnic, you’ll need a permit (even if your gathering is 25 or less).
The cost of a permit is $92.02 + HST a day.
Also it’s worth mentioning for clarity that when we say “permit”, we’re essentially talking about a “picnic permit”. You’re not only asking permission from the city to either have a gathering of more than 25 people, or using a portable BBQ, or both, you’re also securing a specific picnic site.
There are also some special picnic shelter areas that can only be used by permit only. In the above, Thomson Memorial Park has a number of these special picnic areas.
How Do You Obtain A Permit?
To obtain a permit, you should first familiarize yourself with the BBQ rules which are laid out by the city. In this article, you’ll find much of the information you’ve read in this article.
There are two ways you can get a permit. You can either book online or you can call in.
Calling to obtain a permit
Call the Parks, Forestry & Recreation customer service call centre at 416-396-7378. Their hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30AM to 4:30PM.
Their reps will walk you through the permit booking process.
Obtain permit online
There are a couple of steps you need to follow to submit for a permit online. The City of Toronto booking platform is quite rudimentary but it gets the job done.
- Before you book online, you’re going to need a family/organization number and PIN. You can obtain this by calling 416-396-7378.
- Book online on this City of Toronto website. Click on the “Picnics and Fire Pits” tab at the top.
- Payment is done online and a receipt will be issued to you.
- Print out your receipt. This is your physical copy of the permit.
Picnic Permit Tips
- Groups are allowed to permit one picnic site per event. So you can’t have one giant event and book multiple adjacent picnic sites to assemble a larger one.
- With a permit, you can bring your own portable BBQ grill.
- In regards to propane, they must be set up 10 feet from any combustible material.
- Make sure you print a copy of your receipt and bring it with you. This will act as your official permit on-site.
- Permits are non-refundable and non-transferrable. So if you end up being rained out let’s say, you won’t be able to get your money back.
- Use this map to figure out where all of the picnic sites in the city are.
- The maximum gathering size is 200 although it’s unlikely that you’ll hit that number (no this is not a challenge!).
When don’t you need a permit
To clarify a few things, let’s talk about the scenarios where you don’t need a permit.
- For the permanent grills you see in parks around the city, these don’t require you to obtain a permit if your group is 25 or smaller. The exception is if you want to reserve the picnic site, that’s when a permit/booking is required.
- If you just want to use a picnic table and you’re a group of 25 or smaller, no permit is required.
Bring Your Own Grill Ideas
Here are a few ideas to think about as you prepare for your own bbq session at one of the local Toronto parks.
Propane, electric, or charcoal?
Much of this comes down to preference but the key distinction that you need to know is that charcoal is what gives food that smoky grill flavour. On the other end of the spectrum are electric grills. While it tastes healthier, it isn’t able to replicate that authentic grill taste. That said, electric grills are much easier to control whereas coal is requires a bit more management and difficult to maintain at lower temperatures.
The middle ground is a gas such as propane or butane. Flavour-wise, it’s closer to charcoal but not quite the same. Gas is easier to control than charcoal and definitely less messy as well.
When you’re thinking about a portable grill though, electric isn’t a common choice because there typically isn’t a power source to plug into unless you’re at a campsite with outlets or you’re near your camper/RV. Portable electric grills are also quite expensive.
If I were to choose, I’d stick with propane because you don’t have to deal with the challenges of lighting charcoal and lugging heavy bags of coal around and you get a close-enough flavour profile. Gas is just much more portable and easier to use.
What grill should I buy?
- Charcoal – Weber Charcoal Go-Anywhere Grill
- Disposable charcoal grill – Zip Instant Light Disposable Grill
- Gas – Weber Go-Anywhere Gas Grill or the Napoleon TravelQ
- Affordable Gas – Char-Broil Portable Gas Grill
- Electric – Weber Q 1400 Electric Grill
Bottom Line
I wish bringing your own grill to a Toronto park is as easy as it should be but as you’ve read above, officially, you need to get a picnic permit.
However, as you’ve probably seen around the city, most people don’t get permits and just go for it knowing that the chances of getting a ticket is low but possible.
Once you’ve figured that part out, it’s just a matter of picking a park to picnic in. There’s plenty to choose from with the parks listed above.
If you need more ideas, these are the best parks in Scarborough.
Frequently Asked Questions
There’s no exact number here but anecdotally, the chances are low. That said, people have gotten them so whether it’s someone calling the police on you (unlikely) or being unlucky and having a bylaw officer in your park that exact same day and time (more likely) are the two scenarios you’re looking at.
Currently picnic bookings and application for permits have been put on pause. During the Ontario province-wide shutdown, outdoor recreational amenities are officially closed. Fixed barbecues in parks are also closed.
The easy answer is to head to this Toronto.ca website which has a list of all firepits and permanent BBQs.
If a park has a fixed BBQ, you are permitted to use it (unless there is some sort of lockdown in effect). This is laid out on this Toronto 311 article. You are only allowed to use charcoal or briquettes. Any sort of fuel is not allowed. Permits are only required if your group is larger than 25. If you’re under this number, you are free to use these.
If you have a gathering of over 25 people, you need a permit. If you’d like to reserve a designated picnic site, you need a permit. Having a permit effectively allows you to kick anyone off of the area if you have it booked.
Priority picnic booking for permits starts in early January for that same year if you’re looking for a specific spot. That said, you can book online at anytime afterwards. The season runs from May to September 30 from 10AM to 8:30PM. You can book online or call customer service (416-396-7378). For more information, go to the page on one-time booking of park & recreation facilities.
The full list of permit fees can be found here. Picnics, picnic shelter, and social gatherings in a specific spot is $92.02 + HST for up to 200 people.
You will need to reach out to the permits line to discuss off season permitting exceptions. Call 416-396-7378 in this case. The exception for this are parks that can be booked all year round (Carlton Park, Christie Pitts Park, Dovercourt Park, Greenwood Park, Orchard Park, Stephenson Park, and Withrow Park).
Designated fire pits in Toronto parks is on its own with its own permit and fee (starts at $28.06 for up to 25 people). Insurance is available but not mandatory. All fire pits are marked on this map.
The e-mail address for specific questions about permits should go to [email protected]. If you have more general questions, use [email protected].
No, technically drinking alcohol is not allowed in parks.
All of the picnic sites are identified on this map.
A by-law infraction ticket is $365.
What are you guys waiting for? With this list of Toronto parks you can BBQ in, it’s time to pack you grill, bring your lawn chairs, load your cooler with food and drinks, and head on out.
It’s time to get your grill on!
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