Riverdale Farm and Cabbagetown

On Sunday morning, we went to Riverdale Farm — a small urban farm right in the center of Toronto, located on the grounds of the old zoo. The farm opened in 1978, and its main purpose is to show adults and children alike what life looks like outside a big metropolis. Here you can feel the atmosphere of the countryside without leaving the city.

The farm atmosphere

At the farm, we saw pigs, sheep, goats, cows, and different kinds of birds. Our daughter was thrilled, watching the animals and peeking into the pens. The air smelled of hay, and ducks were quacking in the pond — a true village idyll.

After the walk, we had a small snack right on the farm grounds, enjoying the warm weather and the greenery around us.

Walking through Cabbagetown

When we stepped outside the farm, we entered the Cabbagetown neighborhood. This is one of Toronto’s oldest and most colorful areas. Its unusual name goes back to the 19th century — according to legend, poor Irish immigrants grew cabbages right in front of their homes, which gave the area the name “Cabbagetown'. Today, the district looks completely different: cozy streets lined with Victorian houses, well-kept facades, colorful doors, and tidy little gardens. Many of the houses there are more than a hundred years old, and a walk through Cabbagetown felt like traveling back in time.

We strolled slowly through the streets, admiring the architecture and imagining what the neighborhood looked like a century ago. Despite being so close to downtown, it feels cozy and quiet here — like an oasis in the middle of the city bustle.

This walk turned out to be a real discovery for us: in just a couple of hours, we managed to visit animals on the farm and wander through the historic streets. Riverdale Farm and Cabbagetown are perfect for family outings, leisurely walks, and getting to better know Toronto’s history.

Written, Translated, and Revised by Aleksandra Tsygankova