1. Sherbourne Common
Waterfront Toronto, charged with revitalizing the city’s waterfront, completed Sherbourne Common last summer. The grassy park spans two blocks and doubles as a storm-water treatment facility. Treated water flows out of three sculptures into channels that cross the park and flow back into Lake Ontario. Permits must be obtained from the city for groups of over 25 or if food and beverages are being sold.
Photo: Courtesy of Waterfront Toronto
2. Toronto Zoo
The Toronto Zoo unveils its newest boarder, the white lions, this summer, just in time for picnic season. The zoo has three scenic group picnic sites: Simba Safari can accommodate up to 150 guests, Africa can hold 300, and Savanna has a capacity of 600 and comes with a 25-by-50-foot picnic shelter. Bring your own picnic or have it catered with a barbecue lunch.
Photo: Courtesy of The Toronto Zoo
Sugar Beach
A Waterfront Toronto project saw a parking lot transformed into an urban beach in August 2010. Named Sugar Beach in honour of the neighbouring Redpath Sugar Factory, the two-acre park includes a sandy beach dotted with pink umbrellas, grassy hills, and a promenade. To host a picnic for more than 25 people or an event where beverages or food will be sold, a permit is required from the City of Toronto.
Photo: Courtesy of Waterfront Toronto
6. Earth Bloor West
Earth Bloor West opened last summer. The spacious restaurant and event venue clocks in at more than 18,000 square feet and includes a rooftop patio. The 65-seat patio is available for events and the venue includes a number of private dining spaces inside in case the weather doesn’t cooperate. The entire space is available for buyout and can accommodate up to 735 guests.
Photo: Courtesy of Earth Bloor West
9. La Société
Parisian-style bistro La Société opened last June on Bloor Street’s "Mink Mile" and has multiple patios available for events. The second-floor terrace can host a reception for up to 100 guests or 60 for a sit-down dinner. The street-level patio has a built-in bar and can seat up to 80 guests or accommodate 200 for a reception
Photo: Carla Warrilow for BizBash
10. The Drake Hotel
The Sky Yard at the Drake Hotel never gets old, perhaps because it gets redesigned every few months under a new theme. Its first theme for the summer will be Lemonade Stand, complete with daybeds for lounging. The cocktail menu will boast refreshing lemonade cocktails such as its noted Lavender Lemonade (pictured).
Photo: Connie Tsang
