Colborne Lodge

Colborne Lodge is the 19th century home of High Park founders, John and Jemima Howard. In 1873, the Howards deeded their 165 acre country property to the City of Toronto to be used as a public park. This deed included an agreement that the park remain 'for the free use, benefit and enjoyment of the citizens of the City of Toronto for Ever: and to be called and designated at all times hereafter "High Park"'. In 1876 and 1930, the City purchased properties to the east and west of the original Howard property, bringing the park to its current size of 399 acres.

Now a museum, the Lodge contains many original furnishings, artifacts, and some of Howard's watercolours of early Toronto. Colborne Lodge conducts a wide variety of workshops, educational programs and community events for all ages on the lives of the Howards and their legacy of High Park.

Colborne Lodge is located at the south end of the park, just north of The Queensway. The museum is open for public visits on weekends year-round, and on Tuesdays to Sundays from April to August, and October to December. Group bookings are possible 7 days a week. For more information on Colborne Lodge and its programs, visit www.toronto.ca/culture/colborne.htm, call 416-392-6916 or email to clodge@toronto.ca

January, February, April: Friday to Sunday, noon - 4 pm.

March: Thursday to Sunday and March Break, Monday to Friday, noon - 4 pm.

May to August: Tuesday to Sunday, noon - 5 pm.

September: Saturday & Sunday, noon - 5 pm

October to December: Tuesday to Sunday, noon - 4 pm.

John and Jemima Howard were avid gardeners. Thanks to Howard’s practice of keeping detailed records of the plantings, visitors to the Lodge today can enjoy a re-creation of their ornamental, kitchen and tomb gardens.

The recreated gardens are beautiful throughout the growing season. In late April a stunning display of spring bulbs introduces the iris, roses and peonies of late May and June. They, in turn, give way to the spectacular hollyhocks of high summer. Fall brings on the asters – a magnet for masses of migrating monarch butterflies.

For more information about the gardens, or to volunteer for the Friends of Colborne Lodge Gardens, phone 416-392-6916 or email clodge@toronto.ca. Supported by the Horticultural Societies of Parkdale and Toronto and the Swansea Horticultural Society.

Looking for a unique and fun program for your child’s next birthday. The Lodge offers a fun, activity-based experience for children 6 to 12 years, held within the historic house and facilitated by costumed interpreters. Only $95.24 + GST ($100 Total) for up to 12 children. Ask about party room rentals. Visit www.toronto.ca/culture/birthdays.htm for more information.