Queen's Park 150 Years Test

A statue of Queen Victoria by Marshall Wood,
located on the grounds from 1871-74.
Photo by A.R. Blackburn, 187-  ©Toronto Public Library, T11675

Introduction

On a rainy day in September 1860, Prince Edward, Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII), arrived by carriage to the north end of Toronto to open officially a new park on behalf of his mother, Queen Victoria. Thousands watched as the Prince laid the foundation stone of a future monument to the Queen, and cheered when they heard the name of the new public space – Queen’s Park.

150 years later, despite its location at the heart of a bustling city, Queen’s Park remains a green-space that draws people for gatherings, recreation and relaxation. It is an oasis where one can catch a glimpse of a swooping hawk, watch a busy squirrel, or contemplate Ontario’s history through the many plaques and monuments dotting the grounds.