CIBC Square Park is the new downtown park in the sky.
When I first heard about this unique park I knew I wanted to find, explore and photograph it. Setting out, I followed some very convoluted and cryptic directions from a web forum that said to go through Union Station and follow a number of turns, elevators and hallways.
After 45-minutes worth of following or finding every dead-end and sealed-off passageway in Union Station, I took my frustrating search above ground. After a bit of exploration I found that the sky garden had a not-so-secret direct stairway off Bay Street, across from ScotiaBank Arena – 81 Bay Street to be exact:
CIBC Square Elevated Park is a one-acre public park situated above the downtown’s rail corridor. Spanning the fourth floor between the two new CIBC towers, the park features landscaped gardens, shaded areas and open spaces, offering a green oasis in the heart of the city:
The park opened to the public in 2024, but parts of it still look like a work in progress:
The park is designed for year-round use, with amenities such as an ice rink in winter and spaces for relaxation and socializing. It is accessible via elevators from the towers and the aforementioned direct stairway at 81 Bay Street.
This elevated park bridges the rail tracks and adds a botanically diverse connection between downtown and the waterfront. The park is conceived based on its specific location at the heart of a changing Financial District and uses views and connectivity as the foundations for its design and user experience.
I came upon this by accident with a friend when it was under construction. At the time we said we would come back and take another look at it. It seems to be well underway judging from your pictures. I think it is a wonderful idea and I would love to go back. I will look out for it in my future travels.