The Best Places to Nordic Walk in Toronto: High Park & Mount Pleasant Cemetery
Map of the almost 400 acres of High Park, Toronto
Looking for the perfect locations to enjoy Nordic walking in Toronto?
Let me introduce you to two of the city’s best spots: High Park and Mount Pleasant Cemetery.
1. High Park – A Nordic Walker’s Dream
Spring in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto (200 acres)
High Park, located in Toronto’s west end, is famous for its variety of trails making it a fantastic destination for Nordic walking enthusiasts.
If you’re looking for a challenge, this park has some steep hills and staircases that will get your heart pumping. The wooded paths allow you to experience nature at its finest – towering forest, lush greenery, beautiful flowerbeds, and the sounds of singing birds.
One of the best parts of Nordic walking here is the peaceful atmosphere. Despite being a popular park, there is room for everyone and very little car traffic. On weekends the park is closed to cars making it a walker’s dream location.
2. Mount Pleasant Cemetery – Serene and Scenic
If you’re after a walking experience that is even more serene, Mount Pleasant Cemetery, in midtown Toronto, is the ideal choice.
The sprawling 200-acre cemetery offers smooth, flat roads, making it a perfect option for Nordic walkers of all skill levels, especially beginners who aren’t ready to tackle hills and stairs.
The beauty of Mount Pleasant lies in its peaceful environment – it is quiet, almost car-free, and dotted with beautiful headstones, sculptures, flower gardens, and fountains. The rich history and thoughtful design of the cemetery makes walking workouts both relaxing and energizing.
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While you can explore both High Park and Mount Pleasant Cemetery without poles, taking your Nordic walking poles adds multiple benefits.
With poles you will:
activate more muscles
burn more calories
enjoy a full-body workout.
Plus, research shows that people with Nordic walking training and who walk with a group are more likely to stick to their fitness goals and to exercise more frequently.
If Nordic walking sounds intriguing, check here for information on my 75-minute one-time Quick-Start Clinics and seasonal 12-week sessions. Where? You guessed it, High Park and Mount Pleasant Cemetery!