You don’t have to be Roger Federer or Serena Williams to have a blast playing tennis. These 10 outdoor courts in Toronto are perfect for swinging a racquet with friends, whether your aim is to improve your skills or just have fun in the natural elements. Just remember that public courts are for sharing!
Whenever there’s decent weather (i.e. no hail or snow storms), parks are filled with active people, including tennis lovers. You won’t have to wait long to play at Trinity Bellwoods Park, which boasts four outdoor courts serving players of all skill levels practicing their serves and returns. The surroundings are prettiest in early spring when the cherry blossoms are in gorgeous bloom.
Some of the most beautiful parkland in all of Toronto, close proximity to the Don River Trail, easy access to the Don Valley Parkway and Broadview Station, and awesome coffee at the Rooster Coffee House nearby – the list of reasons to play tennis here is endless. Best of all, the seven outdoor courts are rarely fully occupied.
Since this club offers 10 outdoor courts, you’re privy to one of the lowest player-per-court ratios anywhere in town. Of course, you’re paying for the privilege – the Boulevard Club is private – but with that comes an array of other benefits and amenities. You can show up and play your own game or opt for professional instruction from certified coaches carefully paired with your skill level.
From late in April to the end of October, you can enjoy playing tennis with an awesome view of Lake Ontario out of the corner of your eye. This not-for-profit club has been around since the ’60s, but they’ve put plenty of effort and money into renovating the clubhouse. You can choose between clay or hard courts, with lighting to keep you swinging into the night.
Just a couple of blocks south of Coxwell Ravine Park you’ll find five of the best-quality hard courts in East York. There are court fees but they’re reasonable as far as private locations go, and you get the perks of a clubhouse, nighttime lighting and gorgeous scenery. There’s ample parking on-site but it’s also accessible by public transit.
Once you see all the amenities at Ramsden Park – an off-leash dog area, baseball diamond, wading pool and two playgrounds – you might be hard-pressed to remember you came here to play tennis. But the sound of balls thwacking off racquets will soon bring your attention back to the game. The well-landscaped grounds are in an upscale neighbourhood, steps away from Rosedale station.
If you’re ever in the Bathurst and Eglinton area, enjoy one of the four tennis courts at Cedarvale Park. They’re maintained to one of the highest standards in the city, with nets and other fixtures worthy of a private club. Bring your dog along, too, because there’s an off-leash area for Fido that’s ideal for your post-match cool down.