- Play Zone Closure (Nov 27-28, 2024)
Park
The Play Zone will be closed from November 27-28 to complete painting of the play structures.
Park
This tag represents the zone where this can be found at Downsview Park
Contact
The Hummingbird Circle is an open space outdoor gathering area situated in northern part of the Park near parking lots, the Discovery Centre, and washrooms.
Why is it called the Hummingbird Circle? The aim is to create a hummingbird-friendly space that will attract these pollinating birds to the area. Through our volunteer program, we removed invasive species such as garlic mustard, Dog strangling vine and thistle. Moreover, we planted 639 trees, shrubs and flowers in this space! Some hummingbird-specific species planted include Blue Wild Indigo, Foxglove Beardtongue, and Great Blue Lobelia.
This sign marks the start of the Park’s hummingbird area, a gathering place for humans and hummingbirds. Plants and animals are essential to this gathering. The plants of the hummingbird sign feature flowers that give hummingbirds nectar or host insects that the hummingbird hunts for. The plants in this sign are cliff adapted, they have all evolved to survive Toronto’s hottest and dries spots. Buildings, and in this case signs, are cliffs!
Did you know hummingbirds sleep in a hibernation state called torpor every night? Torpor allows them to lower their body functions (i.e., body temperature, heart rate, breathing) at night so that they can conserve energy to fly around during the day to find food. Their body temperature can drop almost 50 degrees Fahrenheit, heartbeat slowing down from 500 beats per minute to less than 50, and breathing can stop momentarily.
Want to be in a cozy, outdoor space surrounded by trees, flowers, and hummingbirds for your picnic, party, or gathering? This is the space to hold your event!
Booking is easy – fill out our form and we’ll go from there.
Book the Hummingbird Circle
FAQ
Where is the Hummingbird Circle?
The Hummingbird Circle is located just south of the Play Zone. See map on how to get there.
How many different plant species are planting here? What are they?
There are 5 species of flowers in the Hummingbird Circle to attract these nectar-loving birds: Blue Wild Indigo (Asclepias tuberosa and Baptisia australis), Obedient Plant (Physostegia virginiana), Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis), and Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica).
How large is the area? What is the capacity?
The area is approximately 425 square metre (4,576 square feet).
The capacity for exclusive access of the Hummingbird Circle is 60 people.
How much does it cost to rent the space?
The cost for booking exclusive access to the space is $500.
When can I book the Hummingbird Circle?
The Hummingbird Circle can be booked from 9am and 6pm.
Bookings must be made a minimum of 2 weeks in advance.
Where is the closest washroom?
The closest washroom is by the Play Zone and 70 Canuck Avenue parking lot area.
Is the Hummingbird Circle accessible?
To get to the Hummingbird Circle, the paved Circuit Path is accessible. Once you are at the entrance of the space, there is a slightly narrow grassed path with an incline into the grassed space.
What equipment is provided?
No equipment is provided. Individuals are welcome to bring their own tables and chairs.
Can I set up a tent?
No. Tents and any form of staking are strictly prohibited.
Can I BBQ within this space?
No, BBQ within the Hummingbird Circle is strictly prohibited. BBQ are only allowed in wide open areas not surrounded by ecologically sensitive plants.
I don’t need to use the space exclusively. Can I just have a gathering here for free?
It depends. Please fill out our booking form with more details about your planned gathering and we will go from there.
Do I need insurance to book an event?
Yes, we require commercial general liability insurance. The coverage amount will be determined by the type of event that is held.
Does the Hummingbird Circle have any power?
The event space does not have access to power but may in the future.
Can I run a fitness, yoga or Zumba type class here?
Yes, however, you will require commercial general liability insurance, a permit and the associated fee. Please fill out the form and select permits.
What events and activities have been held here before?
Fitness classes (permit required)
School programs
- Planting events
Gallery
More things to do
From trails to snails, there’s always something interesting to do and see.
Things to do
- Whether you’re looking to walk off the beaten path or take your dog to the off-leash Dogsview Park, we have an endless list of things for you to do.
Events
- We host and organize a variety of events throughout the year, bringing people together from far and near. Come and share in the park and experience the sights, sounds and arts!
