Riverdale Farm, High Park Zoo, and conservatories now open in Toronto

The City of Toronto will continue to gradually reopen as Ontario is following the government’s directions during the coronavirus pandemic.

Riverdale Farm, High Park Zoo, and Toronto’s conservatories are opening on Tuesday, July 14, after closing in March to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

“The reopening of the Riverdale Farm, High Park Zoo, and conservatories in our city will provide families an opportunity to enjoy some of our city’s most treasured attractions,” Mayor John Tory said.

“By reopening these family-friendly attractions, we can provide kids a chance to participate in new and exciting experiences after a challenging few months. I want to thank staff for working hard to help us reopen these attractions in a safe and measured manner to ensure that residents are protected.”

Riverdale Farm

Admission to Riverdale Farm will be free of charge. The Farm is home to farm animals and “representative of a turn-of-the-century Ontario farm.”

You can tour the scenic 7.5 acres through wooded areas, around ponds, and into butterfly-herb-flower-vegetable gardens.

Only outdoor areas of Riverdale Farm will be open to the public. Signage is being installed and the regular cleaning of washrooms and other common facilities will take place.

Opening hours will be from 9 am to 5 pm.

Spent the morning at Riverdale Farm with my grandchildren and @KristynWongTam to celebrate the reopening of this working farm in the heart of our city. This builds on efforts we have made to safely reopen our city while creating opportunities for fun family outings. pic.twitter.com/gRV431BCqs

— John Tory (@JohnTory) July 14, 2020

High Park Zoo

The High Park Zoo is the city’s oldest zoo. There you can see bison, llamas, highland cattle and reindeer. You can even occasionally feed the capybaras.

Only outdoor areas of the High Park Zoo will be open to the public. Signage is being installed to reinforce physical distancing and admission rules. Washrooms and water fountains will be regularly cleaned.

Opening hours are from 7 am to dusk and admission is free.

Allan Gardens and Centennial Park Conservatory

Both of these Toronto conservatories will be opening daily from 12 to 4 pm. Admission will be free.

Visitor capacity will be reduced in order to respect physical distancing measures.

Masks will be required and one-way foot-traffic will be in place.

“Exploring our own city can be the best and least expensive adventure of all. There’s just so much to see and our farms, zoos and conservatories should be on everyone’s ‘To-do’ list,” Councillor James Pasternak (Ward 6 – York Centre), chair of the infrastructure and environment committee