Where can you spend an afternoon wandering through Doric columns and brick archways? This week’s hidden gem is the Guild Sculpture Gardens in Scarborough, Ontario, and offers the chance to time travel to the Toronto of the 19th Century.
What is so unique about the Guild Sculpture Garden? Surrounding what began as a public hotel are architectural and sculpture fragments, once featured in buildings in Toronto, Ontario. These extensive gardens were the brainchild of Rosa and Spencer Clark, who undertook a personal conservation project to preserve fragments from demolished buildings.
Since 1978 the grounds have been a public park, and their unique setting atop the Scarborough Bluffs make them a treat for the history and nature lover alike.
Take a wander through our gallery of images from a November walk through the sculpture Gardens, and test your knowledge of Toronto’s architecture. Recognize any of the sculptures?
Architectural artifacts from the Royal Conservatory of Music 1887 – 1968, located at the southwest corner of College St. and University Ave. in Toronto.
Architectural artifacts from the Imperial Bank of Canada 1928 – 1972,
located at 802 Yonge St., (north of Bloor).
Ionic columns from interior, Bank of Nova Scotia 1903-1969,
located at 39 King Street West, Toronto.
Entrance to the Bank of Nova Scotia 1903 – 1969,
Located at 39 King Street West, Toronto.
Stone carvings from the facade of the Bank of Nova Scotia 1903 – 1969,
located at 39 King Street West, Toronto
Log Cabin, circa 1850, Scarborough
Once you’ve explored the gardens, wander to the south of the park and you’ll find yourself at the edge of the Scarborough Bluffs, with a spectacular view of Lake Ontario. With views like these it’s hard to believe you’re only a half hour east of Toronto!
Want more? The Scarborough Bluffs Trail at the foot of the bluffs that takes you on a meandering ramble along the Lake Ontario shoreline. For more gems in the Toronto area visit our website.
What is your favourite Toronto area hidden gem?