James Gardens

James Gardens is a botanical park spanning about 21 acres in Etobicoke with broad lawns, rock outcrops, and natural trails throughout the grounds. The site features diverse plant collections, spring-fed ponds, and flowing streams that wind through the landscape.

The land was owned by Fred and Mary James, who purchased it in 1908 and developed it as a private garden over the following decades. Toronto's municipal government acquired the property in 1955 and opened it to the public as a community park.

The gardens serve as a popular venue for local weddings, with terraced pathways and flower plantings creating natural settings for ceremonies throughout the year. Visitors often gather here for celebrations and family photos among the landscaped grounds.

The park has accessible restrooms, water stations, and parking facilities throughout the grounds for visitor convenience. Several picnic areas with tables are scattered across the property, especially near the trails along the Humber River.

Archaeological discoveries within the grounds have revealed First Nations artifacts dating back roughly 4,000 years, indicating the site's deep connection to indigenous communities. These findings show that the location held significance for people living here long before European settlement in the region.

GPS coordinates: 43.67190,-79.51450

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:08