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.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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4.5
185 reviews
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David R
Victoria, Canada48 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 21 March 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, Spain300 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 26 August 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.
Cherry_Wonderdog
New England4,745 contributions
Jul 2012 • Family
The Toronto Music gardens are like a little oasis in the middle of unsightly landscape. We searched for them along the wharf for a long time, and by the time we finally got there, we were relatively mesmerized by the otherwise less than stunning surroundings that proceeded them, dead grass, etc. The idea behind the gardens is ingenious, and if you’re lucky to come across a volunteer giving a free tour, you can see the thought process behind YoYo Ma’s design and selection of rocks, shrubs, and trees. The area is meticulously maintained, and it’s fun to wander the six gardens and map them to the musical term that inspired them. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of noise that infiltrates the peacefulness of the setting both from main street construction and boaters with their boom boxes. So conceptually, I’m a fan. I think it might have worked better in a better location, but this is what was possible given the funding (and after Boston declined the offer).
Appropriately enough, there are outdoor concerts arranged certain nights of the week. We caught a few musicians setting up but were too exhausted to stay for the show. In sum, if you’re in the area, you shouldn’t miss the gardens, and maybe if you get good directions and can arrive there more quickly, you’ll have a better overall experience.
Appropriately enough, there are outdoor concerts arranged certain nights of the week. We caught a few musicians setting up but were too exhausted to stay for the show. In sum, if you’re in the area, you shouldn’t miss the gardens, and maybe if you get good directions and can arrive there more quickly, you’ll have a better overall experience.
Written 12 July 2012
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
Midlands259 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 28 July 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, AZ128 contributions
Sept 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 12 September 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, Canada34 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 17 August 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, Canada578 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 18 June 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, Canada1 contribution
May 2018 • Couples
Trip advisor map selection sends you to Queen Street instead of Queens Quay. Kind of important mistake!
Written 30 May 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, Canada135 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 14 June 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 15 December 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.
How long the summer season is defined for 2017 at this garden?
Written 11 April 2017
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
Written 12 April 2017
Is this week a good time to visit?
Written 23 January 2017
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