50 trees in shopping carts will parade down the streets of Toronto this weekend

This weekend, Toronto is about to get a lot greener, and a just a little more quirkier.

On Saturday, July 5, dozens of trees will roll their way down to the city's waterfront as part of The Bentway's whimsical new public art installation, Moving Forest.

Picture this: 50 real trees in shopping carts, being pushed across the city by volunteers, forming temporary pop-up canopies in some of Toronto's sunniest and most exposed spaces.

Yes, it's exactly as it sounds. Do I have your attention?

Created by Amsterdam-based NL Architects, Moving Forest is both a playful spectacle and a serious statement. The initiative supports Toronto's ambitious goal to grow its tree canopy to 40 per cent by 2050, a plan that's as much about community well-being and environmental sustainability as it is about urban design.

But sparking city-wide engagement with trees? That takes a little imagination.

Cue the parade.

Starting from The Bentway at 250 Fort York Blvd, at 1:00 pm, the tree convoy will snake its way toward the lake, creating moments of shade, gathering, and conversation along the route. Once at the waterfront, these mobile trees will become part of an immersive, community-focused space under the summer sun. The parade ends at 3:00 pm.

The tree procession is part of The Bentway’s larger summer exhibition, Sun/Shade, which explores the role of light and shadow in shaping our urban lives. Alongside Moving Forest, the exhibition features works by Edra Soto, LeuWebb Projects, and Celeste, offering interactive and thought-provoking experiences throughout the season.

So, whether you're an urbanist, art lover, or just looking for the most unexpected thing to do this weekend, Moving Forest is a must-see, and a reminder that sometimes, the path to a greener future starts with a tree on wheels.