The Riverdale Farm Photo Essay

The Riverdale Farm is a piece of farming life in the middle of a big city!

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We are introducing a brand new series of Photo Essays! Have a look at amazing Photo Sets all shot by talented photographers. Explore the vibe of the city, its hidden treasures, meet the Torontonians! This time, let’s have a look at Toronto through the lens of John Steven Fernandez!

Annual pancake breakfast at the farm and a friendly smile from the staff.

The Riverdale Farm

Riverdale Farm is a 3-hectare municipally operated farm in the heart of the urban area of Cabbagetown in Toronto, located on the grounds of the former zoo. After the Toronto Zoo opened in Scarborough in 1974, the site was restored as a farm, just as it would have been at the turn of the 20th century. Open to the public all year round, this place is enjoyed by the local community as well as many tourists. One of the main attractions, popular especially among families and kids, is the many animals that are bred in the barns scattered all over the grounds. Riverdale Farm also supports the work of Rare Breeds Canada, focused on preserving rare breeds of animals. Take a walk along the Lower Ponds on the grounds that create a natural refuge in the very heart of the city! This is a perfect location for a family day out!

The Annual Pancake Breakfast 2012

If you’re all about the local food, the farm produces many food items that you can purchase on the spot: from fresh eggs, vegetables, and milk to homemade bread that is baked in the heritage bread oven that’s still up and running! From May to October, visit the amazing Farmer’s market full of organic foods. During the summer season, there are also many special farm events not to be missed. One of them is the Annual Pancake Breakfast that was organized on September 9 this year. Many people came and enjoyed a perfect Sunday morning with a delicious breakfast for only $5 that goes toward supporting the farm. After the good food, you could take a nice walk around the farm and shop at the farmer’s market with many vendors who came to town especially for this occasion.

The Pancake Sunday

Alongside pancakes, sausages and beverages were served.

 

Young family enjoying the Sunday picnic

 

This Martin and Christine, husband and wife who run their own farm, Trillium Organics. Trillium Organics is a 100% organic farm, offering a wide range of vegetables. Their farm is located near Long Point, along the north shore of Lake Erie, 2 hours from Toronto.

A wide selection of cherry tomatoes and other colorful produce.

That morning the Pet Zoo was full of happy children

 

 

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Meet the Photographer

John Steven Fernandez (born 1990)

This Toronto based photography student, currently studying at Seneca College of Applied Arts, was born and raised in Toronto from Chilean-born parents. Growing up, John would often visit Chile, and would document every moment of his trips, which had a major impact on the style of photography he enjoys most today. John’s main disciplines of interest are street photography, photojournalism, news, and event photography. John’s greatest passion in life is to travel, experiencing other cultures and meeting new people. John’s dream is to one day travel the world documenting his experiences and communicating his emotions to the world through his lens.