Getting away from it all in Toronto is surprisingly easy, but there are some places that feel like more of an espace than others. We all know the favourites - Tommy Thompson, High Park, Crothers Woods - but if you're looking for a more secluded retreat, it's worth a trek to one of these little sanctuaries from the urban bustle.
Here are my picks for the top parks to get away from it all in Toronto.
Colonel Danforth
Get lost in nature for a few hours in this east-end park, where a ton of trails, green space and a ravine are all submerged in lush forestry. Rogue Park tends to get all the glory, but this nearby green space has a host of bike and walking trails that run alongside and around picturesque Highland Creek.
Wilket Creek Park
With 44 hectares of undisturbed woodland, this one is actually classified as a "wilderness park." Two kilometres of bike trails let you cruise through the trees for a while, or you can cosy up by one of the public fire pits and pretend you're off in cottage country.
Guild Park and Gardens
For an unconventional day in the park, spend an afternoon in this historic sculptural sanctuary. Guild Park is home to a collection of rustic stone pieces of art and architecture from Toronto's past, a greenhouse and a colourful garden. This is a little gothic paradise that's both eerie and relaxing all at once.
Cedarvale Park
This park is reminiscent of summer camp -- seemingly far removed from all things urban and industrial. It houses multiple bike and hiking trails as well as sports facilities, but it's when you get to the park's centre that you realize it feels like the city has been left behind. If it hadn't been for activist's like Jane Jacobs, this green space would be the Spadina Expressway.
Craigleigh Gardens
This quiet gem in the middle of Rosedale is the perfect place to be a hermit for a day. Craigleigh Gardens is hidden beneath a canopy of trees, and has access to the Don Valley Brick Works and a ravine trail. Best of all, however, is that it's basically never busy, so it's a good spot for some quiet, alone time.
What did I miss? Leave your suggestions in the comments.
Photo by Mark Su
Sunrise Records closed up shop last fall, but this newly opened indie shop is carrying the flame for the now defunct brand. Owned and operated by former Sunrise employees, the attention to detail showed in the merchandizing offers a bit of nostalgia, while the growing used vinyl offerings are helping to put the shop on the map for local collectors.
One needn't go very far into Norm Kelly's 
You'd be forgiven for not thinking much of Brock Avenue. Running for just over two kilometres between Queen and Bloor streets, much of Brock is composed of early 20th century Toronto homes, the architecture of which is immediately familiar to anyone who's spent a significant time in this city.
Despite its low key status, however, Brock Avenue gave rise to 
In the first couple of decades after the road was born, it was already home to three taverns. But it was the fortuitousness of its location that really helped build Parkdale. Queen Street (which when Brock was first built 
When Brock was built, Queen St. emerged as a major commercial thoroughfare and helped allow Parkdale to incorporate as a village in 1886. At the time, Brock itself was a busier place, particularly the stretch immediately north of Queen heading to the railway tracks, which used to pass at grade until 1910/11. 
I've lived on Brock for almost a decade, and I never cease to tire of the little facets of the streetscape that draw out its history. Old convenience stores that have now closed and become people's living rooms, artists' lofts that were once home to hard industry near the railway tracks, and just the hodgepodge of accidental architecture that's so unique to Toronto.
Next time you drive or ride by, take a closer look. Brock Avenue is more important than you might think.
Today in Toronto will have you listening to music live as Grounders, Mr Twin Sister, Shuggie Otis and more take to stages across the GTA. If you'd rather kick back with a few beers and show your skills at trivia, Hitch is hosting a comedy night this evening. 
The HOV lanes have been a major source of contention during the Pan Am Games. Not so for one Torontonian who filled his car with passengers and sped by 800 vehicles on his way to work.
Hungry office workers now have a new option for lunch and take-away dinners. At this just opened gourmet grocer, find a bounty of prepared foods ranging from cold salads, sushi, and sandwiches, to a buffet of hot foods including curries and Thai specialties.
When organizations seek to trademark certain commonly used words, many are left angry or confused. That's what happened after Pride Toronto submitted applications to trademark the phrases "
The Pan Am Games have been a hit in Toronto despite all the uproar about HOV lanes, unsold tickets, and an apparent general lack of interest. Sure, some of the venues haven't been filled to the brim, but through the first week the Games have picked up steam and spurred enthusiasm, particularly at venues like Nathan Phillips Square. Our readers have been out in full force capturing all the action and spectacle of this huge event.
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If you love hot dogs you're going to want to mark this coming Thursday July 23 in your calendar. For the third year in a row, 
Tired of waiting for the ferry to shepherd you across the Western Gap to the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport? You'll soon be able to walk the short distance using the new pedestrian tunnel, which finally opens July 30. 
Slide the City finally planted its 1,000-foot water slide in Downsview Park this weekend in what might have been the best weather imaginable for such an event. Despite the hour-long lineup in 30-degree heat, the slippery 90-second ride was a worthy way to spend the first real heat wave of the summer. Everyone got impatient in line before blissfully drenching themselves on the giant slip and slide.
The Panamania Live concert series took a turn for the trippy last night when Oklahoma pop-psyche troubadours The Flaming Lips took to the stage at Nathan Philips Square. The results were as colourful as the parade of flags that adorn the Pan Am games itself.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, two mushrooms and an inflatable rainbow," leader Wayne Coyne told the overflowing crowd, quick to introduce the cast of characters before than the rest of the band. A Flaming Lips show is a carnival with the frontman acting as the zany ringmaster. 
An explosion of confetti canons and giant balloons greeted the band on stage, proving once again that the Lips now how to create a spectacle. Coyne is a master of the photo-op as he rolled around and surfed the crown in his see-through ball. But the best moment was surely when the band rolled out a "Fuck Yeah, Toronto sign." And they say the city is so reserved...not on this night.
Brimming with positivity, the Lips ended the set by flashing the word "Love" on the display screens, which led to a group chant and was as powerful a moment as one could experience at a Toronto concert. As always, The Flaming Lips gave the city a show to remember.
SETLIST
Want to save money but work out, drink craft beer and see concerts all across Toronto? For either a monthly or one-time flat fee, you can revel in the opportunity to explore and discover new parts of the city all the while enjoying a unique experience. 
The best Chinese food delivery in Toronto is all about that perfect combination of taste, speed, and reliability. The stereotypical American-style Chinese food containers are still nowhere to be seen, but thankfully the deliciousness (and occasional MSG) is never lacking. So when you're craving Kung Pao but too lazy to get off the couch, consult this list.
Today in Toronto it's time to appreciate some art. Check out the 
This week on DineSafe, Agra Fine Indian Cuisine is shuttered by inspectors for a whopping nine infractions. The transgressions range from failure to wash hands and ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated to preventing gross unsanitary conditions and pest control. 
While Quebec City and Las Vegas may each get their own NHL franchise, Toronto will remain as an undivided Leafs Nation, except among those who (perhaps quite wisely after last season) choose to cheer for other teams.
