Fall Colours at Rouge National Urban Park
Rouge National Urban Park
Access to Vista Trail from the North trailhead (Zoo Road Day Use Area) is closed. There is no parking at Zoo Road Day Use Area at this time. Please visit the important bulletin for more information.
Autumn adventures await in Rouge National Urban Park! Plan your visit between late September and mid-October to experience the season’s vibrant colours and scenic landscapes.
Fall colours guide
Plan your visit
Closures: Keep in mind that Zoo Road Day Use Area is closed until 2027 for the construction of the Visitor, learning and community centre. There is no parking at Zoo Road Day Use Area at this time.
Parking: Familiarise yourself with parking availability before you go to avoid surprises. Parking lots open by 7:30 a.m. daily until 9:00 p.m (note: Bob Hunter Memorial Park opens by 8:00 a.m.).
Washrooms: Find the washroom facilities nearest to your location. Washroom facilities (portable and permanent) can be found at: 19th Avenue Day Use Area, Black Walnut Day Use Area, Bob Hunter Memorial Park, Twyn Rivers Day Use Area, South Mast Trail Parking Lot.
Time your visit: Expect larger crowds at popular spots, especially on weekends and in the afternoon. Have a backup plan and be ready to explore another area of the park in case your first choice is busy.
Avoid the crowds
Expect weekends to be busy, especially at popular destinations in the park. Two areas that tend to be very busy are:
- Twyn Rivers Day Use Area (trailheads for Mast Trail, Orchard Trail and Vista Trail)
- South Mast Trail Parking Lot (trailhead for Mast Trail)
For a more peaceful experience, consider:
- planning your visit for a weekday when the park is generally quieter
- arriving early in the morning, especially if you're heading to popular trailheads
- opting to explore less-travelled trails in the north, such as Central Trail, Harvest Trail or Northeast Trail
Plan your activities
Whether you’re hiking, biking, birdwatching or joining a guided walk, plan ahead to make the most of your visit:
- download the park map and trail guide
- check Important bulletins for closures, detours and other important updates that may impact your visit
Know your route
Before setting out, plan the route to your chosen destination in Rouge National Urban Park by visiting How to get here.
If you are driving, be aware of the parking lot opening and closing times:
| Parking lot | Opening time | Closing time |
|---|---|---|
| Zoo Road Day Use Area (Closed) | Closed | Closed |
| Bob Hunter Memorial Park | 8:00 a.m. | 9:00 p.m. |
| South Mast Trail Parking Lot | 7:30 a.m. | 9:00 p.m. |
| Twyn Rivers Day Use Area | 7:30 a.m. | 9:00 p.m. |
| Finch Meander Area | 7:30 a.m. | 9:00 p.m. |
| Woodland Day Use Area | 7:30 a.m. | 9:00 p.m. |
| Black Walnut Day Use Area | 7:30 a.m. | 9:00 p.m. |
| 19th Avenue Day Use Area | 7:30 a.m. | 9:00 p.m. |
| Glasgow Day Use Area | 7:30 a.m. | 9:00 p.m. |
| Rouge Beach and Marsh | 7:30 a.m. | 9:00 p.m. |
Accessibility and safety guidelines
Rouge National Urban Park offers several accessible trails and facilities. For details on accessible parking, washrooms and trail options and to ensure a smooth and inclusive visit, check out our page on Accessibility.
It's important to stay prepared for seasonal hazards on your visit.
- Watch for slippery conditions: Fallen leaves and wet trails can make paths slippery. Wear sturdy footwear with good grip.
- Dress for the weather: Fall temperatures can change quickly. Layer up and bring rain gear just in case.
- Be tick-aware: Ticks are still active in the fall. Stay on marked trails, wear long sleeves and pants and check yourself after your hike.
- Consider shorter daylight hours: Bring a flashlight or headlamp if you're out past sunset and consider wearing bright or reflective clothing as a precaution.
Visit our Safety and guidelines page to learn about other potential hazards, trail safety and seasonal tips to help ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
Useful information
Weather: Fall weather can be unpredictable, sunny one day, chilly or rainy the next. Check the forecast before you go and dress in layers to stay comfortable on the trails.
Leave no trace: Help protect Rouge National Urban Park by staying on marked trails, packing out all garbage and respecting wildlife. Click to learn how you can Leave No Trace of your visit.
Fall colour activities
Discover a range of activities to do this fall while immersing yourself in the splendor of the changing colours at Rouge National Urban Park.
Fall colours day trip guides
Whether you’ve got a few hours or a full day to explore, the team at Rouge National Urban Park have put together some sample itineraries to help you soak in the beauty of the season.
Guided walks
Step into the beauty of the season with a guided walk through Rouge National Urban Park, where guided walk leaders share stories, seasonal insights and hidden gems along trails less travelled.
Scenic drives
Take in the fall colours from the comfort of your car with a scenic drive through Rouge National Urban Park. Routes like 19th Avenue and Old Finch Avenue offer quiet views of the changing seasons.
Hiking
As folks flock to the park to check out the changing leaves, quieter paths like Central Trail offer peaceful views and a chance to experience the season’s colours and wildlife at your own pace.
Cycling
Coast into autumn’s quiet beauty on Rouge National Urban Park’s lesser-known trails, where golden leaves crunch under your tires and peaceful paths take you through forests, fields and farmland.
Exploring fall colours with kids
Celebrate the magic of autumn with Parka through activities that spark curiosity, creativity and outdoor fun for the whole family.
Wildlife watching
Check out Animals at Rouge National Urban Park to learn about the wildlife you can spot here year-round.
Farm markets
Discover the Rouge
Scan QR codes throughout Rouge National Urban Park to unlock Discover the Rouge, a digital companion filled with fun facts, behind-the-scenes stories and seasonal insights to enrich your autumn adventure.
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