Tree Identification Workshop for Beginners in Toronto's High Park
Sunday, September 20, 2026, 1-4PM
Ages: 18+ years
NOTE: Pre-registration is required for all our events, hikes and workshops. We do this to ensure we don’t exceed our capacity for indoor events or the maximum limits for group sizes on High Park’s ecologically sensitive trails. Please register on our website before coming to High Park.
We cannot guarantee availability of walk-in spots. If an event is at capacity, please put yourself on our waitlist. We will notify waitlisted participants if we open up new spots or sessions for our events. Please contact us if you have any questions.
Tree Identification Workshop for Beginners in Toronto's High Park
Celebrate the start of National Forest Week in Canada by learning how to identify some of the common trees in High Park and Toronto this fall. Focusing on 20 of the park’s most common species, you’ll learn to recognize key features such as leaves, bark, and seeds to use a dichotomous key to identify new-to-you species. The workshop combines classroom-style instruction with a guided walk through the park, giving you the chance to practice your new skills and see these trees in their natural setting.
This is a beginner-friendly workshop. All skills levels are welcome.
What to Bring: Please bring a hard cover notebook and a pen or a pencil to take notes and sketch your observations during the workshop.
Price: $35
Ages: 18+ years
Meeting Location: High Park Forest School, 375 Colborne Lodge Drive
Each year National Forest Week (NFW) is celebrated across Canada by many individuals and diverse governmental and non governmental organizations. During NFW, Canadians are invited to learn more about Canada’s forest heritage and to raise awareness about this valuable and renewable resource.
National Forest Week 2026 will take place between September 20-26. This year’s theme is “Forest Pathways: Innovation and Sustainability.” The sustainable future of Canada’s forests is shaped by science and innovation. From advanced monitoring technologies to evolving management practices, innovation-driven forestry balances ecological integrity with economic opportunity. By embracing science, innovation and diverse global perspectives, we support resilient forests that will provide environmental, social, and economic benefits in a changing world.
- Day: Sunday, September 20, 2026
- Time: 1-4PM
Please arrive on time.
This event will start at the High Park Forest School building located at 375 Colborne Lodge Drive.
We continue to recommend using the TTC or biking as the best way to get to High Park and the Nature Centre’s facilities.
Public Transit (TTC):
High Park Subway Station is the closest subway station to the High Park Forest School.
After exiting High Park Station through the High Park Avenue exit, walk south into High Park along Colborne Lodge Drive. The Forest School is the first building on your left, about 5 minutes from the subway station.
Please visit TTC’s website for route schedules, fares and passes, service advisories and alerts.
Cycling:
We have bike racks available at the High Park Forest School. Please bring your own bike locks.
There are also several Bike Share Toronto docking stations in and near High Park. Please visit Bike Share Toronto’s website for more information.
Driving:
A number of changes were made to the travel network within High Park as part of the High Park Movement Strategy that might influence your decision to drive to High Park.
- Weekends: High Park is closed to cars on weekends. If your event is on a weekend, you will need to park outside the park and walk in, or take transit. On-street parking is available on Bloor Street West. Precise Parklink parking lots are available just north of Bloor Street West off Pacific Avenue. Green P parking lots are available at the Keele and Runnymede Subway Stations.
- Weekdays: Due to limited street parking in the park, we strongly recommend you to park your car at the public parking lot near Grenadier Cafe, and walk to the High Park Forest School.
Visit our How To Get Here page to learn more about planning your trips to High Park.
General Admission (Adults and Seniors):
- $35
This event is for adults and seniors ages 18 years and above.
By registering for this event, attendees confirm they will be 18 years of age or older on the date of the event.
Please bring a hard cover notebook and a pen or a pencil to take notes and sketch your observations during the workshop.
It’s important to come prepared for an outdoor event. High Park Nature Centre events will run rain, snow or shine. We recommend checking the forecast before your event and preparing accordingly.
Please wear weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable, closed-toe footwear.
Depending on the weather and your personal needs, some optional things you may also wish to bring:
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
- Insect repellent
- A nut-free snack
- A refillable water bottle
We try our best to accommodate accessibility needs on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out to us about any accessibility-related questions you might have as soon as possible.
- Hike routes through High Park might include some uneven terrain and mild slopes.
- The High Park Forest School building is not yet an AODA-compliant facility.
Dogs and other pets are not permitted in our programs. However, certified service animals, such as registered therapy or guide dogs, are welcome.
Tree-Mendous Trees Online Course
Keep your curiosity and enthusiasm about trees in Toronto alive all throughout the year by signing up for our Tree-Mendous Trees online naturalist course!
Discover the biodiversity and complexity of trees in your neighbourhood. In this course, we’ll learn to identify different species in southern Ontario and explore their intriguing life cycles. Add tree identification skills to your toolkit and gain a deeper appreciation for trees and forests
Registration Policies
- General Cancellation Policy
- Extreme Weather-Related Cancellation Policy
- Behaviour Policy
