Tommy Thompson Park - Free Audio Guide

Tommy Thompson Park, located on the Leslie Street Spit in Toronto, Ontario, is a unique urban wilderness created through decades of human intervention and land reclamation. Extending about 5 kilometers into Lake Ontario, the park is a product of landfill efforts initiated in the 1950s by the Toronto Harbour Commission, originally intended to create a breakwater for the city's Outer Harbour. Over the years, the Spit has transitioned from a construction site to an important recreational area and an environmentally sensitive habitat. It is recognized as an Important Bird Area, home to over 300 bird species, including 45 that breed on-site. The park provides opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, and enjoying nature, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors. Culturally, the park carries significance as it was named after Tommy Thompson, a former Toronto Parks Commissioner, and has been the focus of community advocacy groups like the Friends of the Spit, which have worked to promote its naturalization and conservation. The park features various amenities, including a bird research station operating during migration periods, contributing to its role in conservation and education. Tommy Thompson Park is open to the public during set hours and is a car-free area aimed at preserving its natural environment, making it an ideal spot for those looking to escape the urban landscape and connect with nature.