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Step back in time at Todmorden Mills.
Who needs to leave town in search of picturesque outdoor event settings when Toronto is filled with pockets of expansive parkland and gardens just minutes from downtown? Even better, many of these outdoor venues not only offer sweeping green acres and educational programming, but also boast interior facilities that let planners hit an outdoor/indoor whammy.
As the guardian of most of these great green spaces (many carrying a heritage site designation), the City of Toronto is the first stop in the planning stage. Special permits are required and restrictions may apply to rental times and activities. Keeping that in mind, here are a few of our favourite nature-in-the-city sites:
Todmorden Mills
Ever wonder about the thin red-brick chimney visible from the Don Valley Parkway just east of Bayview Avenue? The smokestack marks the spot of a unique historical enclave of early Toronto industry. Nestled among 9.2 hectares of Don River Valley nature, the site consists of historic homes, the Brewery Gallery, the Paper Mill Gallery and Theatre and the relocated Don train station.
Sprawling expanses of lawn, picnic areas, wildflower preserves and nature trails are ideal for outdoor teambuilding, educational activities and tented events for up to 150 people. Guided tours of the property are also available. For after-five events, the recently renovated Paper Mill Gallery seats 80 for dinner expanding to 120 with inclusion of its art gallery area. The theatre seats 164. http://www.toronto.ca/todmorden/
Host events on the terrace or on the lawn at Spadina House.
Spadina House
When only classic elegance will do: Boasting a hill-top picture-perfect view of the city and with the stately Casa Loma as a neighbour, this 1866 estate sits on six acres of beautifully landscaped lawns and Victorian and Edwardian gardens. A beautiful stone terrace wraps gracefully around the mansion offering outdoor reception space for up to 50 guests. For an extended guest list of up to 120, lawn tenting is allowed.
Stage an old-fashioned scavenger hunt to ensure guests have an opportunity to explore the tiered footpaths that wind through exquisite flower and vegetable gardens. Step back into the past with historically costumed servers and an area for refined lawn games such as croquet. Inside the mansion, the East Sun Room accommodates up to 30 reception-style and the Third Floor, 40 sit down. http://www.toronto.ca/culture/spadina.htm
Fort York offers room to roam and a view of the city.
Fort York
While a building boom of high-rise condos takes place all around, the juxtaposition of old against new in the heart of downtown only adds to the uniqueness of this national historic garrison. The expansive grass military yard, with its ability to accommodate up to 5,000 people, plays host to an ever-increasing number of annual festivals and events.
Draw on the fort’s history for a tented outdoor strategic planning session, teambuilding drills or product launch (what a great place to introduce a new security system!). Guided Tours and military parade demonstrations also add colour and action into a corporate family day. For indoor gatherings, the restored Blue Barricks, an original War of 1812 building, offers a light-filled banquet and meeting space for up to 180 seated. http://www.toronto.ca/culture/fort_york.htm
Water and gardens make for pretty patios at Toronto Botanical Gardens.
Toronto Botanical Gardens
“Green” at this Leslie Street and Lawrence Avenue site isn’t just referring to the four acres of themed gardens, two beautifully landscaped open-air courtyards or the natural splendour of the adjacent Edwards Gardens. The charitable organization’s recently renovated facility also meets the Canada Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.
Use a horticultural- or environmental-focused teambuilding activity or tour to introduce a “cultivating business” theme into the day’s meeting agenda. TBG also makes for an educational corporate family day destination. Inside the facility, there are eight multi-functional rooms including the Floral Hall (240 sit-down) and Garden Hall (80 sit-down). Both have patios with Zen-like water features, perfect for cocktail receptions. http://www.torontobotanicalgarden.ca/
High Park features many amenities, from picnic areas to museums.
High Park
When your event is a picnic in the park, it’s hard to beat the natural beauty and many amenities of this west-end 161-hectare sanctuary of trees and greenery. The park offers 18 designated picnic areas (groups over 25 require a permit), cultivated gardens, Grenadier Pond (yup, you can fish with a permit), a zoo and the historic Colborne Lodge and Coach House museum.
For active outings, book a baseball or soccer field or stage an obstacle course race along the wooded cross-country nature trails. Throughout summer, marry an afternoon gathering with an evening performance in the Dream in High Park open-air theatre. On-site catering is available through the Grenadier Café & Teahouse or move your group indoors to the restaurant’s pretty Firelight room with outdoor terrace (120 sit-down capacity). http://www.toronto.ca/parks/highpark.htm 
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