Introduction to Nature Sketching with Alan Li in Toronto’s High Park
Sunday, October 4, 2026, 1-4PM
Ages: 18+ years
NOTE: Pre-registration is required for all our events, hikes and workshops. We do this to ensure we don’t exceed our capacity for indoor events or the maximum limits for group sizes on High Park’s ecologically sensitive trails. Please register on our website before coming to High Park.
We cannot guarantee availability of walk-in spots. If an event is at capacity, please put yourself on our waitlist. We will notify waitlisted participants if we open up new spots or sessions for our events. Please contact us if you have any questions.
Outdoor sketching is a fantastic way to connect to the wonders of nature. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to get started as a sketcher, fundamental sketching techniques and how to develop a personal sketchbook practice that is fun. Beginners are most welcome.
Event actions are closed
Responses and planning are no longer available for this event.
This is a beginner-friendly workshop. All skills levels are welcome.
Materials Extra:
Please bring your own art supplies, but keep it simple and don’t spend too much money.
Aim for a coil bound sketchbook that measures approx. 6×8 inches. That costs around $5. Local shops like Gwartzman’s Art Supplies or Aboveground Art Supplies will have what you’re looking for. Toss in a few basic office supplies like a mechanical pencil and a black pen (ballpoint or fineliner) and you’re good to go.
Colour is optional. If you have previous art experience and wish to bring colour pencils or watercolour paint that’s fine too.
Dress for the Weather:
This workshop will take place in the savannahs and woodlands of High Park. Please dress for the weather and be prepared for walking the trails. A lightweight, portable chair or folding stool is highly recommended.
In the event of rain, we’ll spend the workshop indoors sketching natural history specimens.
Price: $50
Meeting Location: High Park Forest School, 375 Colborne Lodge Drive
Register Now
Alan Li
Artist and conservationist Alan Li uses pencil, ink and paint to document the wonders of the natural world. Alan’s mission is to build connections to nature through arts-based education. Since 2015, he has been partnering with non-profit environmental organizations to lead nature focused art programs and workshops. He also supports conservation efforts through the sale of his artwork and as an active volunteer. Alan believes that drawing can open people’s eyes to the planet’s diversity, and show them that it matters.
Learn More
Date & Time
Day: Sunday, October 4, 2026
Time: 1-4PM
Please arrive on time. We might not be able to connect late arrivals with the group once they depart.
Location
This event will start at the High Park Forest School building located at 375 Colborne Lodge Drive .
We continue to recommend using the TTC or biking as the best way to get to High Park and the Nature Centre’s facilities.
Public Transit (TTC):
High Park Subway Station is the closest subway station to the High Park Forest School.
After exiting High Park Station through the High Park Avenue exit, walk south into High Park along Colborne Lodge Drive. The Forest School is the first building on your left, about 5 minutes from the subway station.
Please visit TTC’s website for route schedules, fares and passes, service advisories and alerts.
Cycling:
We have bike racks available at the High Park Forest School. Please bring your own bike locks.
There are also several Bike Share Toronto docking stations in and near High Park. Please visit Bike Share Toronto’s website for more information.
Driving:
A number of changes were made to the travel network within High Park as part of the High Park Movement Strategy that might influence your decision to drive to High Park.
Weekends: High Park is closed to cars on weekends. If your event is on a weekend, you will need to park outside the park and walk in, or take transit. On-street parking is available on Bloor Street West. Precise Parklink parking lots are available just north of Bloor Street West off Pacific Avenue. Green P parking lots are available at the Keele and Runnymede Subway Stations.
Weekdays: Due to limited street parking in the park, we strongly recommend you to park your car at the public parking lot near Grenadier Cafe, and walk to the High Park Forest School.
Visit our How To Get Here page to learn more about planning your trips to High Park.
Price
General Admission (Adults and Seniors):
$50
Ages
This event is for adults and seniors ages 18 years and above .
By registering for this event, attendees confirm they will be 18 years of age or older on the date of the event.
What To Bring
Please bring your own art supplies , but keep it simple and don’t spend too much money.
Sketchbook (suggested: Coil-bound, 6″x8″)
Mechanical pencil
Black pen (ball-point or fineliner)
(Optional) Colouring pencil or water colour paints
(Optional) Portable, folding chair
It’s important to come prepared for an outdoor event. High Park Nature Centre events will run rain, snow or shine. We recommend checking the forecast before your event and preparing accordingly.
Please wear weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable, closed-toe footwear.
Depending on the weather and your personal needs, some optional things you may also wish to bring:
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
Insect repellent
A nut-free snack
A refillable water bottle
Accessibility
We try our best to accommodate accessibility needs on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out to us about any accessibility-related questions you might have as soon as possible.
Hike routes through High Park might include some uneven terrain and mild slopes.
The High Park Forest School building is not yet an AODA-compliant facility.
Dogs, Pets and Service Animals
Dogs and other pets are not permitted in our programs. However, certified service animals, such as registered therapy or guide dogs, are welcome.
Registration Policies
Please ensure you’ve read and understood our registration policies:
General Cancellation Policy
Extreme Weather-Related Cancellation Policy
Behaviour Policy
Read Our Registration Policies
Admission: $50
Sunday, October 4
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
We try our best to accommodate accessibility needs on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out to us about any accessibility-related questions you might have as soon as possible. Hike routes through High Park might include some uneven terrain and mild slopes. The High Park Forest School building is not yet an AODA-compliant facility. Dogs, Pets and Service Animals Dogs and other pets are not permitted in our programs. However, certified service animals, such as registered therapy or guide dogs, are welcome. Register Now Registration Policies Please ensure you’ve read and understood our registration policies: General Cancellation Policy Extreme Weather-Related Cancellation Policy Behaviour Policy Read Our Registration Policies Admission: $50 Introduction to Nature Sketching with Alan Li in Toronto’s High Park Sunday, October 4, 2026, 1-4PM Ages: 18+ years NOTE: Pre-registration is required for all our events, hikes and workshops. We do this to ensure we don’t exceed our capacity for indoor events or the maximum limits for group sizes on High Park’s ecologically sensitive trails. Please register on our website before coming to High Park. We cannot guarantee availability of walk-in spots. If an event is at capacity, please put yourself on our waitlist. We will notify waitlisted participants if we open up new spots or sessions for our events. Please contact us if you have any questions. Introduction to Nature Sketching with Alan Li in Toronto’s High Park Outdoor sketching is a fantastic way to connect to the wonders of nature. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to get started as a sketcher, fundamental sketching techniques and how to develop a personal sketchbook practice that is fun. Beginners are most welcome. This is a beginner-friendly workshop. All skills levels are welcome. Materials Extra: Please bring your own art supplies, but keep it simple and don’t spend too much money. Aim for a coil bound sketchbook that measures approx. 6×8 inches. That costs around $5. Local shops like Gwartzman’s Art Supplies or Aboveground Art Supplies will have what you’re looking for. Toss in a few basic office supplies like a mechanical pencil and a black pen (ballpoint or fineliner) and you’re good to go. Colour is optional. If you have previous art experience and wish to bring colour pencils or watercolour paint that’s fine too. Dress for the Weather: This workshop will take place in the savannahs and woodlands of High Park. Please dress for the weather and be prepared for walking the trails. A lightweight, portable chair or folding stool is highly recommended. In the event of rain, we’ll spend the workshop indoors sketching natural history specimens. Price: $50 Ages: 18+ years Meeting Location: High Park Forest School, 375 Colborne Lodge Drive Register Now Alan Li Artist and conservationist Alan Li uses pencil, ink and paint to document the wonders of the natural world. Alan’s mission is to build connections to nature through arts-based education. Since 2015, he has been partnering with non-profit environmental organizations to lead nature focused art programs and workshops. He also supports conservation efforts through the sale of his artwork and as an active volunteer. Alan believes that drawing can open people’s eyes to the planet’s diversity, and show them that it matters. Learn More Date & Time Day: Sunday, October 4, 2026 Time: 1-4PM Please arrive on time. We might not be able to connect late arrivals with the group once they depart. Location This event will start at the High Park Forest School building located at 375 Colborne Lodge Drive . We continue to recommend using the TTC or biking as the best way to get to High Park and the Nature Centre’s facilities. Public Transit (TTC): High Park Subway Station is the closest subway station to the High Park Forest School.
High Park Forest School · 375 Colborne Lodge Drive
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