It is really hard to find the farm in winter time and especially in downtown Toronto. Luckily, thanks to my roommate, I have been to Riverdale Farm today which is located in a park setting in the heart of the downtown community of Cabbagetown and see how farm going in Toronto. This is not the first time I have been to farm but not in this extremely cold weather which gave me valuable experiences as well.
Riverdale Farm officially opened on September 9, 1978. Originally owned by John Scadding, the City of Toronto purchased what was to be Riverdale Park in 1856. In 1894, the Riverdale Zoo opened to become Toronto’s first zoo, but eventually it was closed in 1974 with the animals relocated to the new Toronto Zoo in Scarborough. From 1974 to 1978, many of the Riverdale Zoo buildings were removed and the site leveled. The Residence, the Donnybrook, and the Island House buildings are the only zoo buildings left remaining on the Riverdale site.
This park features: Historic working farm, scenic pathways, programs and seasonal events which I found and interesting event will be held on March Break from March 16th to Mach 21st, pig and poultry barn, historic Francey Barn, Simpson House, Meeting House, the “Residence”, Old Zoo Ruins
The Francey Barn
This barn is located inside the main gates. Originally built in 1858 on a farm in the Markham Township, it was donated by Mrs. Garnett Francey to the City of Toronto in 1977. The Francey Barn is a rare type of architecture, known as a Pennsylvania Bank Barn. Bank Barns are built on the side of hills or river banks. This has the advantage of having an upper and lower floor accessible from ground level. The animals are housed on the lower level, while upstairs the Francey Barn holds tonnes of hay, straw and feed.
The Simpson House
The Victorian-style farmhouse, named after the restoration architect ( Napier Simpson Jr.) who built it, is to the left of the main entrance. It is a reproduction of the original Francey farmhouse to complement the Francey Barn. Public washrooms are located on the ground floor. Wheelchair access is on the north side of the Simpson House.
The Pig and Poultry Barn
This Barn is located to the east of the Simpson House. Domesticated waterfowl, chickens, turkeys and pigs are found in and around this barn. During the day our waterfowl can be found visiting the Duck Pond located across from the Meeting House. The Farm regularly replenishes the flock of chickens and turkeys.
The Driveshed
At Riverdale Farm, this building serves a number of purposes and the lower level is open to the public for special events and seasonal education / interpretive programs.
The Meeting House
The three-storey building, completed in 1993 is located at the east-end of Riverdale Farm by the duck pond. Recreational and interpretive activities are offered to the public inside the Meeting House. The farm’s lost and found, first aid, public washrooms and baby changing facilities are all found on the main floor. Pottery and spinning/weaving rooms are located downstairs. Classes are offered seasonally from September to June. The Meeting House is the home base of the Farm’s Summer Camp Programs.
The Old Zoo Ruins
From 1894 to 1974, the Riverdale Zoo was located on this site. When the Metro Zoo opened in Scarborough in 1974, the site was restored as a farm to provide city children the chance to see how a farm works.
Three buildings remain from the old Riverdale Zoo:
1. Donnybrook Ruin stands beside the cow paddock. It was originally a two-storey building, but a tower and a main floor is all that remains today.
2. Island House sits in the middle of the lower pond. It housed many different kinds of birds and animals during the eighty years of the zoo.
3. Resident Zookeeper’s House is located beside the Meeting House. It was built in 1902 by prisoners of the Toronto Don Jail and functioned as a residence, a staff building, zoo hospital, and temporary morgue for the Necropolis Cemetery. Today, the “Residence” (as it is now called) is used for a variety of farm-related and community-based programs.
I loved my time at Riverdale Farm, despite the cold Toronto weather! Was excellent seeing all the farm animals which all seemed happy and in a fun mood. It helped create a fun, country feel which was a nice change of pace to the rest of Toronto. It is free of charge, although donations are welcome (and worth it in my opinion).
I chose not to do any of the Discovery Walks due to poor weather an some parts of farm was closed but will return in warmer months as I imagine they're fantastic when in full bloom. Is a fantastic attraction to take kids to as they get to see all the farm animals without having to venture too far from the city. My favorite parts were the chooks, hyperactive pigs and clydesdale horses.
Plenty of animals here in various barns and all fairly organized, the upper part of the farm is where the animals are and two very beautiful ponds are in the lower part.
they have all kinds of farm animals here chickens, ducks, goats, cows, pigs and a bunch of other stuff.
It's a great place to see some animals and go for a walk.
Riverdale Farm is picturesque. The path that winds throughout the park area of the Farm is a nice place to take a brief stroll.
