Tobogganing in Toronto: Best Sledding Hills

After a good snowfall, Toronto’s hills fill with families and sleds. The City of Toronto designates certain hills as tobogganing locations, which are checked for hazards; sledding on other hills is not recommended.

Popular sledding spots

• Riverdale Park East: a big hill with skyline views across the Don Valley.
• Christie Pits: a classic west-end bowl.
• Other designated hills are spread across the city, from Etobicoke to Scarborough.

The City publishes its current list of designated tobogganing hills each winter; check it before you go, as locations can change.

Safety tips

• Use a proper toboggan or sled, not a plastic bag or anything without steering.
• Wear a helmet: a ski or hockey helmet works.
• Sit or kneel, feet first. Never go headfirst.
• Check the run-out for trees, fences and roads.
• Walk up the side of the hill, away from sledders.
• Avoid icy conditions, which make hills faster and more dangerous.

Best tobogganing hills in Toronto

Popular hills that have appeared on the City’s designated list in recent years include:

• Riverdale Park East (Broadview Avenue): long, steep runs with a skyline view.
• Christie Pits (Bloor and Christie): a natural bowl that’s great for all ages.
• High Park: several slopes; check which areas are designated.
• Centennial Park (Etobicoke) and Earl Bales Park (North York): larger parks with ski hills and nearby sledding areas.

Always check the City of Toronto’s current list of designated hills before you go.

Choosing a sled

• Toboggans: classic wooden or plastic sleds that seat two or three people.
• Sleds with steering: offer more control, good for older kids.
• Saucers and tubes: fast and fun, but hard to steer; use only on gentle, open hills.
• Sled sizes: small kids should ride with an adult or on a gentle slope.

What to wear

• A helmet (ski or hockey helmets work well).
• Waterproof snow pants and jackets.
• Warm boots, mittens and a neck warmer instead of a long scarf, which can get caught.
• Goggles or sunglasses on bright days.

When to go

The best tobogganing is right after a fresh snowfall, when hills are soft and fast. Weekday mornings during winter break are the least crowded. Avoid icy conditions, which make hills much faster and more dangerous.

Tobogganing in Toronto: FAQ

Is tobogganing allowed in Toronto parks? Only on hills the City has designated for tobogganing. Other hills may have hidden hazards.

What’s the best tobogganing hill in Toronto? Riverdale Park East is a local favourite for its size and views; Christie Pits is great for families.

Make it a day

Bring a thermos of hot chocolate and extra dry mittens. For more snowy fun, see skiing near Toronto and winter hikes.

More: winter break activities · Christmas in Toronto with kids