🏞️​ An Historic 111-Acre Urban Sanctuary & Lakeside Escape

​Nestled in the heart of St. Thomas, Pinafore Park has been a beloved destination for over a century. Originally developed in the late 1860s by the St. Thomas Street Railway Company, the park was created to encourage locals to explore the city by rail — and it’s been drawing visitors ever since.

Today, Pinafore Park continues to charm guests of all ages with its perfect mix of natural beauty, recreation, and history. Towering trees, century-old pavilions, and stunning seasonal flower beds set the scene for relaxing strolls, family picnics, and quiet moments surrounded by nature.

​For outdoor enthusiasts, the park offers hiking and cross-country ski trails, tennis courts, and the renowned Emslie Field, a top-tier baseball stadium that hosts exciting local games. Little ones can cool off at the Rotary Splashpad, explore the accessible playground, or feed the ducks by the small lake. There’s also a wildlife sanctuary and Memory Garden for those seeking a peaceful retreat.

​Catch baseball history at one of Canada’s oldest continuous ball diamonds! Nestled in the scenic heart of Pinafore Park, Emslie Field has been a cornerstone of local sports culture since it first opened for play in 1898.

The field is named in honour of St. Thomas native Bob Emslie, a former Major League Baseball pitcher and legendary umpire who spent over 33 years calling games. With its classic vintage grandstand backed by a beautiful Carolinian woodlot, this historic venue remains a premier destination for exciting local baseball, including the St. Thomas Tomcats. It is the perfect spot to grab a seat, soak up the classic park atmosphere, and enjoy a sunny afternoon game!

Community comes together at the historic Morris F. Jones Memorial Bandshell, home to free Sunday evening "Music in the Park" concerts throughout the summer. Framed by manicured botanical gardens and memory displays, Pinafore also features six rental pavilions (equipped with hydro and water), making it the city’s go-to spot for family reunions, weddings, and community festivals.

Planning a gathering? Pinafore Park features five rentable pavilions, each offering water and hydro access — perfect for birthday parties, family reunions, weddings, and community events.

📞 To book a pavilion, call 519-633-7112.

Come experience the vibrant heart of St. Thomas — where nature, history, and community come together at Pinafore Park.

Connected directly to the park's south end, Lake Margaret offers a tranquil, passive-use natural escape. A paved, multi-use trail loops around this serene body of water, making it a favorite local spot for quiet morning strolls, road cycling, stroller walks, and birdwatching. As a protected natural habitat, visitor activities are focused on low-impact trail enjoyment (please note: swimming, motorized watercraft, and ice skating are prohibited to protect local wildlife).
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