North York, Bathurst and Sheppard
Earl Bales Park
An open amphitheatre on the plateau, and a few steps behind it the ground drops away into the wooded slopes of the West Don ravine.
Ideal if
"You want two very different looks in one park, clean architectural lines at the amphitheatre and deep green ravine slopes, without leaving the city."
Shooting here with me
Pre-wedding sessions from $351.25 → Wedding photography from $1,401.25 →
The Essentials
What to know before the shoot.
- 01
Walking
Medium
Upper plateau paths are flat and paved. Reaching the ravine floor is a steep unpaved descent.
- 02
Permits
Casual photos are free
A wedding or formal shoot needs a City of Toronto booking. Earl Bales is not on the City's named wedding photography list, so the rate is quoted by phone. Bookings cover the outdoor season only, roughly May 15 to September 30. The park holds a Holocaust memorial site.
How to book it
- Create the City booking account with both your names on it, yours and your partner's.
- Call 416-396-7378. Press 2 for Park Bookings. Give the park, the date, your two hour window and your headcount, and pay by card on the call. I tell you what to ask for. The City line is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sign and return the emailed confirmation the same day, and bring it with you on the day.
- 03
Parking
City lots inside the park
entered from Raoul Wallenberg Road off Bathurst Street just north of Sheppard Avenue West. The City publishes no parking fee and visitors report the lots are free. Lots fill on event nights and through the ski season, roughly January to mid March.
- 04
Travel
25 to 35 min from downtown
- 05
Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Photograph here
Want photos at Earl Bales Park?
Tell me your date. I shoot here often and know the corners and the light worth chasing.
Also worth scouting
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Each one scouted for light, variety, and feel. Not just for the photo, but for how the day flows.
Frequently Asked
Shooting at Earl Bales Park.
Do I need a permit to photograph at Earl Bales Park?
Casual photos are free. A wedding or formal shoot needs a City of Toronto booking. Earl Bales is not on the City's named wedding photography list, so the rate is quoted by phone. Bookings cover the outdoor season only, roughly May 15 to September 30. The park holds a Holocaust memorial site. To book it, create a City of Toronto booking account with both your names on it, then call Client Services, Park Bookings at 416-396-7378 and press 2.
Where do we park at Earl Bales Park?
City lots inside the park, entered from Raoul Wallenberg Road off Bathurst Street just north of Sheppard Avenue West. The City publishes no parking fee and visitors report the lots are free. Lots fill on event nights and through the ski season, roughly January to mid March.
How much walking is involved at Earl Bales Park?
Walking is medium. Upper plateau paths are flat and paved. Reaching the ravine floor is a steep unpaved descent.
When is the best time of year for photos at Earl Bales Park?
Earl Bales Park is at its best in Spring, Summer, and Fall.
How far is Earl Bales Park from downtown Toronto?
Earl Bales Park is about 25 to 35 min from downtown Toronto.
Ready?
Let's shoot at Earl Bales Park.
Let's talk about your vision and map the perfect session.