A Guide to Visiting Toronto's Riverdale Farm

Not far from the rushing cars of the Don Valley Parkway, a donkey named Dusty brays for attention. Welcome to Riverdale Farm, an oasis of calm farm life in the middle of Toronto.

Riverdale Farm is free for everyone, and is open year-round from 9am to 5pm. The kitchen and farm shop are open from 10am to 3pm.

Riverdale Farm on the City of Toronto website

While the farm is very scenic, most people still go for the animals. Regular residents of the farm include the aforementioned Dusty the donkey, two Clydesdale horses named Rooster and Dolly, the two Nubian goats Porsche and Rose and their most recent offspring, and a collection of cows, sheep, chickens, ducks, turkeys and geese. A sow is often brought to the farm in the spring to give birth, so with the right timing you can see some piglets as well.

From May to October a Farmer's Market takes place just outside the farm's main entrance. Head to Riverdale Park West between 3pm and 7pm on a Tuesday to see what the local growers have in stock.

The city also runs several of their recreation programs at the farm, so check the Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation Fun Guide to see what classes are scheduled at the farm in the near future.

The Friends of Riverdale Farm is a volunteer group dedicated to supporting and nurturing the farm. They run the kitchen and gift shop, bake bread, and organize events like the Farmer's Market. If you're interested in volunteering or would just like to keep track of what the Friends of Riverdale Farm are doing, visit their informative website, friendsofriverdalefarm.com

You can also volunteer on committees that make decisions about the farm's management by going through the city. Visit their Riverdale Farm website to learn more.

Location
Riverdale Farm isn't actually in Riverdale, sitting instead on the west side of the Don Valley in Cabbagetown. It's connected to Riverdale Park West and bordered by Winchester street to the north, Carlton to the south and Sumach Street to the west.

TTC/Walking
Take the Gerrard streetcar to River Street. Walk north on River and you'll see a path into Riverdale Park West. Follow it and you'll soon see cows.

Another TTC option is the Parliament bus to Winchester Street, which is a bit north of Carlton but makes for a nicer walk. Head east on Winchester and you'll end up at the north end of Riverdale Park West.

Cycling
The Don Valley Trail has a staircase north of Gerrard that goes up to the bridge connecting Riverdale Park East and West. Head west and follow the trail up the hill. But please note your bike is not allowed inside the farm (and neither are rollerblades), so please lock it up on the racks before you enter.

Driving
If you're coming from the north, Bayview is likely your best option. Exit onto River Street, then make a right onto Gerrard, a right onto Sumach and a right onto Carlton. From the south you can come straight up Sumach, which connects to both Dundas and Gerrard.

Riverdale Farm does not have any parking available especially for it, however there is street parking on Sumach and Winchester. There's also a small strip of parking on Carlton Street east of Sumach.

Accessibility
The paths leading around the farm are paved, making them suitable for use by wheelchairs and other mobility devices. The washrooms are also accessible. Please note however that all of the pathways are fully exposed, so on days when it is snowing mobility will become a greater issue.