Directions to Tommy Thompson Park

[Paul O'Toole]

If the Ringed plover is still around this weekend I was planning on taking a drive down Saturday morning and was wondering where is the best place to turn off from the 401. I don't visit Toronto much but with directions should be able to find my way down there. On google is shows turning south on the DonValley Parkway but is this the best place or can you turn off eariler and avoid less traffic etc. Where is a good place to park so I don't get towed or get a ticket   Thanks for any info.

[thouc]

If you go Saturday morning there shouldn't be much of traffic problems, so DVP should be the fastest route. There is parking inside the gates (not sure what times they open and close, but it should be posted) and also at the intersection of Leslie and Unwin just outside the entrance.

/Thomas

[Dr. John]

The DVP does get congested at the exit from the 401, but it is still the most direct way downtown.  Take the DVP all the way down and exit onto Lakeshore Blvd (left lane) instead of continuing on the Gardiner Expressway.  Take a left turn onto Lakeshore Blvd eastbound and continue until Leslie.  Turn right on Leslie (Canadian Tire on your right) and drive south to the entrance for TTP.

I haven't tried parking recently because I bike there, but I think there is legal parking on Leslie before the gate and also a parking lot just inside the gate (which closes around sundown, so don't linger).  Someone can correct me if they have more up-to-date info about parking.

[Paul O'Toole]

Thankyou both for the great directions. One last question, when I reach the fork in the road inside the park do I go left or right. See image from google street view,.

[Dinusaur]

Gate opens at 9 AM. Before that, park by the side of the road or there's a little parking area just outside of the gate as you turn right on Unwin Ave from Leslie Street. The picture you posted is a bit dated; however, go left at the fork and take the path that walk towards west - the newly constructed marsh area will be on your right past a fenced construction site.

[lovemypt]

Don't forget...its a long walk from parking lot to pond area, average 30- 45 min depending upon your walking speed, no water or washrooms out on spit and very dry out there

[Paul O'Toole]

Thanks kindly, will make sure I am good to go for water/hat etc. I may end up putting my folding bike in the car and bike in.