Toronto Music Garden and the waterfront
Green space, a musical landscape and a walk beside the water.
We took an Uber to Toronto Music Garden. It was a lovely place to spend time on the grass and slow down; our visit also included a marriage proposal taking place nearby, one of those unplanned moments that stay with you.
The garden was inspired by Bach’s First Suite for Unaccompanied Cello, in a collaboration involving cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Music is the starting point for its landscape, rather than simply an accompaniment to a conventional flower garden.
Its six sections correspond to the suite’s six movements. Curving paths, rocks and planting translate changes in musical character into spaces you can walk through. The rocks come from the Canadian Shield, connecting the musical inspiration with a distinctly Canadian landscape.
Our main recommendation is to keep walking along the waterfront after leaving the garden. The marina and views across the water extend the visit and give it a different rhythm from the city streets.
We enjoyed this combination as a gentle end to a busy urban day. After shops and attractions, grass, trees and open water are a welcome change of pace.
Summer concerts can add another reason to visit. Check the current Summer Music in the Garden programme for your dates rather than assuming a performance will be taking place.
Practical notes
Leave time for the waterfront as well as the garden.
Check the current concert programme if music is part of your plan.
Current opening, ticket or visitor information
Planning and booking
More from our Canada trip
Toronto Islands: quiet corners and a walk between Ward’s and Centre Island
Toronto’s summer events: leave space for surprises