Top 5 Biggest Parks in Mississauga
Published December 1, 2016 at 8:55 pm
It’s no secret that Mississauga has ample–and beautiful–outdoor space that’s perfect for everything from dog-walking to hiking to sightseeing.
While the city isn’t exactly famous for its parks (perhaps it would be if we had, say, a stunning waterfall), most people know that it boasts its fair share of spacious and well-maintained parks and conservation areas that welcome sightseers and nature enthusiasts all year round.
All that said, when it comes to size, not all parks are created equal. While we all know the city has plenty of parks, do we actually know which ones are the biggest?
If you’ve ever wondered that, consider your curiosity sated–we found out for you. Here are the top five biggest parks in Mississauga.
Jack Darling Memorial Park is a sprawling waterfront park with bona fide beaches (while people rarely associated Mississauga with beaches, we have some) that can accommodate up to 1,000 people. The spacious outdoor region also offers picnic areas, barbecues, a playground, washrooms, a spray pad, two tennis courts, a toboggan hill and a leash-free zone. Since the park is large, it also provides ample space for independent sports play (soccer, etc) and a plethora of walking and biking trails. There are two picnic areas (Picnic Area A and Picnic Area B) that seat 75 people each and offer drinking water.
Formerly known as Wildwood Park (it was renamed recently, along with the Malton Arena, to honor the hockey great), the Malton-area park (which is about to undergo some major redevelopment) boasts both the aforementioned arena and a picnic area, a shelter area, barbecues and water sources. It’s located on Derry Road at the corners of Derry and Goreway. The spacious park (Picnic Area A seats up to 400 people and Picnic Area B seats about 250) also features walking trails, basketball courts, bocce courts, a major and minor soccer field, two softball diamonds and a cricket pitch. The park also boasts a CF-100 aeroplane (which is fitting, considering its proximity to the airport), legion gardens, a children’s play area and views of Mimico Creek.
This area sounds elvish and fantastical and while it doesn’t really evoke images of mythical landscapes (it’s far truer to Mississauga’s indigenous roots in terms of look and feel), it is pretty special. Located in central Mississauga along the east bank of the Credit River, the Riverwood property comprises 60 hectares of space and boasts Visual Arts Mississauga (VAM) and The Riverwood Conservancy (TRC). If you love art, you’ll be happy to know that VAM offers programs for people of all ages. If it’s learning you’re after, TRC offers educational programs for students, families and adults. This place is absolutely ideal for photography, so feel free to snap some shots of the picturesque location on your phone while exploring the property. That said, note that you need the proper permits for group photography.
2) Meadowvale Conservation Area
This conservation area, located on Old Derry Road, offers visitors sheltered areas, picnic spaces, fishing, barbecues and nature trails. If you’re interested in hiking and sightseeing, you can access the Glassford Trail, the Credit River, cultural heritage sites and birdwatching hotspots. This sprawling area is also great for hiking, cycling and dog walking (residents are advised to please keep their furry family members on a leash in the area).
One of Mississauga’s most iconic outdoor destinations, Erindale Park is actually the city’s largest (89.88 hectares) park and one very commonly used for group picnics, hiking, jogging, cycling, cross-country skiing, bird watching and wedding photography. The park, located on Dundas, offers vast kilometres of trails along the Credit River, a playground for children and a ton of forested areas. The park also boasts three information kiosks, a ton of fish (it’s home to the very cool salmon run every year) and the David J. Culham Trail.
- Erindale Park
- Meadowvale Conservation Area
- The Riverwood Conservancy
- Paul Coffey Park
- Jack Darling Memorial Park