Toronto Music Garden
Toronto Music Garden
4.5
About
Landscape designer Julie Messervy and a group of landscape architects from Toronto's Parks and Recreation Department designed the waterfront's Music Garden in such a way that it actually interprets in nature Bach's First Suite for Unaccompanied Cello. Starting off with the curves and bends of the riverscape, guests make their way through six sections of the garden ending at the Giant Grass Steps, which form a curved amphitheater where performances take place in the summer.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
182 reviews
Excellent
88
Very good
66
Average
23
Poor
5
Terrible
0
David R
45 contributions
Feb 2020
Walking along Queen's Quay is great on a nice, not too windy day. If you are there anyway you can take the little curvy paths through the Music Garden in among the vegetation. I have yet to hear the music, maybe it only happens at certain times? The Music garden is only a small part of the attractions along Queen's Quay. I would recommend the area if you like water.
Written March 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MariaESpain
Santander, Spain320 contributions
Aug 2022
It is a small park in front of the harbour where you can sit and relax under the shadow of a tree. However, it is nothing special but you have some chairs, benches and stairs and sadly, lots of annoying bees. No problem if you don't visit it.
Written August 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ShellTheBell
Midlands258 contributions
Jun 2019 • Couples
Whilst in Toronto we walked along the Harbour to the Music Garden many times. There are lots of places to sit and watch the world go by. It's a really relaxing spot overlooking the boats on the lake and with the CN tower standing tall in view behind. The gardens are very well kept with an abundance of pretty flowers. I would highly recommend a visit to the Music Garden whilst you are in Toronto, it's hard to believe that the City is on your doorstep, but at the same time you have tranquility and beautiful views!
Written July 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ahahn063
Tempe, AZ131 contributions
Sep 2017 • Couples
Ok I love gardens of all kinds. this one I had read about in horticulture magazine this spring and wanted to try--planned a whole trip to Toronto for it. Don't do that. If you are in the area and walking along the harbor- sure stop by. its quiet and peaceful and free and takes about 10min to walk through. Well manicured and some very nice photo ops with plants and sculpture and boats on the harbor.
Written September 12, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ten-Seven
Toronto, Canada41 contributions
It took about 30 minutes to walk through this pleasant garden. I was a bit disappointed because I was expecting to hear music.
Admission is free.
It wasn't until the end that I noticed a sign that read headphones were available to rent for $6 at a location off the garden grounds.
Admission is free.
It wasn't until the end that I noticed a sign that read headphones were available to rent for $6 at a location off the garden grounds.
Written August 17, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rudysterr
Ottawa, Canada654 contributions
Jun 2018 • Couples
Last Saturday we went for an enjoyable 30 minute stroll through the Toronto Music Garden along Queen's Quay West. The winding pathways and views of the waterfront and CN Tower were complimented by the lush plantings and colourful floral beds. The cooling breeze from the lake was refreshing on a warm day.
Written June 18, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
msheppard777
Newmarket, Canada2 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
Trip advisor map selection sends you to Queen Street instead of Queens Quay. Kind of important mistake!
Written May 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
63Mark63
Toronto, Canada138 contributions
Jun 2017 • Family
Many tourists visiting Toronto see the CN Tower and the waterfront. But, few wander west along Queens Quay to the Music Gardens -- their loss!
The Gardens were designed by Cellist Yo Yo Ma, originally to be installed in Boston. But, when that fell through, an anonymous donor paid for the installation along Toronto's waterfront. The Gardens are designed with a musical theme that is explained on the many plaques dotting the Gardens.
There are grassy areas and lovely plantings that have been there long enough to be fully mature. There is also a promenade at water's edge, overlooking the Marina and the Toronto Island Airport.
Other thanThursday evenings and Sunday afternoons over the summer, when music performances are offered, the Gardens are quite sedate. No picnic tables, but some benches and some shady areas. And, close enough to the CN Tower, Ripley's Aquarium and the Dome for a pleasant picnic interlude from the work of sightseeing. Cold drinks and snacks can be got at one of the many variety stores along Queens Quay.
One tip: traffic is horrendous all day long and especially during the warm summer months, but public transit is very efficient, both the subways and the streetcars.
The Gardens were designed by Cellist Yo Yo Ma, originally to be installed in Boston. But, when that fell through, an anonymous donor paid for the installation along Toronto's waterfront. The Gardens are designed with a musical theme that is explained on the many plaques dotting the Gardens.
There are grassy areas and lovely plantings that have been there long enough to be fully mature. There is also a promenade at water's edge, overlooking the Marina and the Toronto Island Airport.
Other thanThursday evenings and Sunday afternoons over the summer, when music performances are offered, the Gardens are quite sedate. No picnic tables, but some benches and some shady areas. And, close enough to the CN Tower, Ripley's Aquarium and the Dome for a pleasant picnic interlude from the work of sightseeing. Cold drinks and snacks can be got at one of the many variety stores along Queens Quay.
One tip: traffic is horrendous all day long and especially during the warm summer months, but public transit is very efficient, both the subways and the streetcars.
Written June 14, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tervan
Ontario16 contributions
Jul 2015
There are many beautiful flowers of different varieties. You get great views of the city, harbour, and islands. Not one of the top city attractions, but if you're down by Harbourfront it's well worth a visit. Would be a great spot for a picnic.
Written December 15, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
llpk2014
Toronto, Canada64 contributions
Jul 2015
When someone the caliber or famed cellist Yo Yo Ma opened this garden, you know this is a quality place on Lake Ontaro.
He floated in on a small yatch, playing his cello. Then he walked from sculpture to sculpture, playing something different that responded to the art.. there were such talented people joining him at each stop... ballet, children dancing, young cellists, opera singers... truly awesome.
If you go, close your eyes and I'm sure you'll hear Yo Yo in your head.
Note: pay particular attention to Anne Robert's tall dynamic Maypole.
He floated in on a small yatch, playing his cello. Then he walked from sculpture to sculpture, playing something different that responded to the art.. there were such talented people joining him at each stop... ballet, children dancing, young cellists, opera singers... truly awesome.
If you go, close your eyes and I'm sure you'll hear Yo Yo in your head.
Note: pay particular attention to Anne Robert's tall dynamic Maypole.
Written October 28, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
charmingccc
Houston, TX21 contributions
How long the summer season is defined for 2017 at this garden?
Edita D
Toronto, Canada50 contributions
I would say from late May to end of September. If you want to catch the free shows check out the information on the the harbourfront Centre website under Venues.
Enjoy
MinaLim_KUL
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia562 contributions
Is this week a good time to visit?
Edita D
Toronto, Canada50 contributions
It's best to visit in the summer:)
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Frequently Asked Questions about Toronto Music Garden
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Toronto Music Garden Information
Excellent Reviews | 88 |
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Very Good Reviews | 66 |
Toronto Music Garden Photos | 127 |