Calendar of events
Rouge National Urban Park
Filter by date
24 upcoming events
-
Butterflies of the Rouge
Nature.png?modified=20260623120019)
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PMLocation(s): Rouge National Urban ParkJoin Geri on a walk to discover and identify various butterfly species, while learning about their unique habitats and fascinating life cycles.
Leaders: Geri, Gary
Location: Tallgrass Trek
Transit accessible: No
Meeting point: 7277 14th Avenue, Markham – oTENTik (A-frame cabin)
Distance: 3 km – 5 km
Difficulty: Easy, flat/paved or gently uneven
Pace: Easy
Age range: Adults
Service dogs only -
Agriculture past and present
Nature
Time: 01:00 PM - 03:00 PMLocation(s): Rouge National Urban ParkRich in agricultural heritage, farms still operate in the Rouge today. Join Judy for a walk on the trail flanked by farm fields and learn about its rich history and what’s growing there today.
Leaders: Judy, Maria, Ompreet
Location: Harvest Trail
Transit accessible: No
Meeting point: 7445 Elgin Mills Road East, Markham – parking lot
Additional parking: 7535 Elgin Mills Road East, Markham; 10725 Reesor Road, Markham
Distance: 5 km – 8 km
Difficulty: Easy, flat/paved or gently uneven
Pace: Moderate
Age range: Families
Dog friendly -
Trees of the Rouge
Nature
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PMLocation(s): Rouge National Urban ParkJoin Moaz on the historic Mast Trail to learn about trees found in the Rouge that have helped shape Canada’s history, culture and economic development.
Leaders: Moaz, Michael T.
Location: Mast Trail
Transit accessible: No
Meeting point: 55 Twyn Rivers Drive, Scarborough – parking lot
Distance: 3 km – 5 km
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult, depending on experience, with some steep hills and stairs
Pace: Moderate
Age range: Adults
Service dogs only -
Spiders 101
Nature
Time: 01:00 PM - 03:00 PMLocation(s): Rouge National Urban ParkOften a source of fear, spiders are actually one of nature's best janitors. Take a walk with Richard and get to know how these tiny predators help control pests and tidy up nature’s messes in the Rouge and even in your own backyard. Keep an eye out for webs and their clever creators!
Leaders: Richard, Donna
Location: Reesor Way
Transit accessible: No
Meeting point: 7277 14th Avenue, Markham – oTENTik (A-frame cabin)
Distance: 3 km – 5 km
Difficulty: Moderate, possible hills and/or stairs
Pace: Easy
Age range: Families
Dog friendly -
Rouge in bloom
Nature
Time: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PMLocation(s): Rouge National Urban ParkRouge flowers are a remarkable sight! Join Marie and appreciate all the flowers in bloom this time of year.
Leaders: Marie, Marilyn
Location: Tallgrass Trek
Transit accessible: No
Meeting point: 7277 14th Avenue, Markham – oTENTik (A-frame cabin)
Distance: 3 km – 5 km
Difficulty: Easy, flat/paved or gently uneven
Pace: Easy
Age range: Adults
Dog friendly -
It’s hot out there!
Nature
Time: 02:00 PM - 04:00 PMLocation(s): Rouge National Urban ParkCan we learn from nature as we bask in summer’s glow? Join Katharina for a stride along Reesor Way to discover how plants and animals adapt to the heat.
Leaders: Katharina, Richard
Location: Reesor Way
Transit accessible: No
Meeting point: 7277 14th Avenue, Markham – oTENTik (A-frame cabin)
Distance: 3 km – 5 km
Difficulty: Moderate, possible hills and/or stairs
Pace: Moderate
Age range: Families
Dog friendly -
Need for green
Nature
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PMLocation(s): Rouge National Urban ParkExplore protected park lands of the Rouge with walk leader Doug and discuss ways to restore, protect and preserve natural areas.
Leaders: Doug, Courtney, Colin Mck.
Location: Vista Trail
Transit accessible: No
Meeting point: 55 Twyn Rivers Drive, Scarborough – parking lot
Distance: 3 km – 5 km
Difficulty: Moderate, possible hills and/or stairs
Pace: Easy
Age range: Families
Dog friendly -
Agriculture past and present
Nature
Time: 01:00 PM - 03:00 PMLocation(s): Rouge National Urban ParkRich in agricultural heritage, farms still operate in the Rouge today. Join Judy for a walk on the trail flanked by farm fields and learn about its rich history and what’s growing there today.
Leaders: Judy, Maria
Location: Northeast Trail
Transit accessible: No
Meeting point: 10725 Reesor Road, Markham – parking lot
Additional parking: 7445 Elgin Mills Road East, Markham ; 7535 Elgin Mills Road East, Markham
Distance: 3 km – 5 km
Difficulty: Easy, flat/paved or gently uneven
Pace: Moderate
Age range: Adults
Dog friendly -
Invasive plants in the Rouge: Identification and impact
Nature
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PMLocation(s): Rouge National Urban ParkInvasive plants aren't only in the Rouge. On this walk, we'll identify common species, understand their impact on ecosystems, and share methods to mitigate their spread in the Rouge and at home. Techie alert! We will use apps like iNaturalist, Seek, and PictureThis to help us on the way. Please note that there is no washroom on site.
Leaders: Gary, Geri
Location: South Central Trail
Transit accessible: No
Meeting point: 7933 14th Avenue, Markham – parking lot
Distance: 3 km – 5 km
Difficulty: Easy, flat/paved or gently uneven
Pace: Moderate
Age range: Families
Dog friendly -
What’s in the pond?
Nature
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:30 PMLocation(s): Rouge National Urban ParkEnjoy a leisurely walk through Rouge National Urban Park while diving into the hidden lives of turtles. Bring your binoculars and keep your eyes on the water – you never know what you might spot along the way!
Leaders: Sue, Louise, Julie
Location: Monarch Trail
Transit accessible: No
Meeting point: 7277 14th Avenue, Markham – oTENTik (A-frame cabin)
Distance: 5 km – 8 km
Difficulty: Moderate, possible hills and/or stairs
Pace: Easy
Age range: Adults
Service dogs only -
Walking wisdom
Nature
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PMLocation(s): Rouge National Urban ParkEvery trail tells a story! Explore Rouge National Urban Park’s well-loved trails and uncover the stories they hold. Enjoy a relaxing walk as you unwind, connect with nature and leave your stress behind.
Leaders: Anne, Tiffany
Location: Orchard Trail
Transit accessible: No
Meeting point: 55 Twyn Rivers Drive, Scarborough – parking lot
Distance: 3 km – 5 km
Difficulty: Moderate, possible hills and/or stairs
Pace: Easy
Age range: Adults
Service dogs only -
Bug walk: Insects of the Rouge
Nature
Time: 09:30 AM - 11:30 AMLocation(s): Rouge National Urban ParkGet up close with the tiny creatures of the park! Search for beetles, butterflies, bees and more while discovering how these small but mighty insects keep ecosystems thriving. Please note that there is no washroom on site.
Leaders: Carrie, Meerab
Location: Woodland Trail
Transit accessible: No
Meeting point: 19 Reesor Rd, Scarborough – parking lot
Distance: 3 km – 5 km
Difficulty: Easy, flat/paved or gently uneven
Pace: Easy
Age range: Families
Dog friendly -
Bats – Facts and fiction!
Nature
Time: 05:00 PM - 07:00 PMLocation(s): Rouge National Urban ParkJoin walk leader Marilyn to learn – and unlearn – about these mysterious creatures of the night!
Leaders: Marilyn, Patrick, Ompreet
Location: Central Trail
Transit accessible: No
Meeting point: 7445 Elgin Mills Road East, Markham – parking lot
Additional parking: 7535 Elgin Mills Road East, Markham; 10725 Reesor Road, Markham
Distance: 3 km – 5 km
Difficulty: Easy, flat/paved or gently uneven
Pace: Moderate
Age range: Adults
Dog friendly -
How it's made: The geological history of the Rouge
Nature
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PMLocation(s): Rouge National Urban ParkJoin Brian as he explores the formation of the Rouge River Valley, highlighting surface features which tells fascinating stories.
Leaders: Brian, Jamie, Jane
Location: Mast Trail
Transit accessible: No
Meeting point: 55 Twyn Rivers Drive, Scarborough – parking lot
Distance: 3 km – 5 km
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult, depending on experience, with some steep hills and stairs
Pace: Moderate
Age range: Adults
Service dogs only -
Go with the flow: Water cycles in the Rouge
Nature
Time: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PMLocation(s): Rouge National Urban ParkJoin Geri to explore the journey of water through Rouge National Urban Park. From rainfall to rivers, discover how water moves through the landscape, sustains life and shapes the park’s unique environment.
Leaders: Geri, Gary, Colin Mck.
Location: Reesor Way
Transit accessible: No
Meeting point: 7277 14th Avenue, Markham – oTENTik (A-frame cabin)
Distance: 3 km – 5 km
Difficulty: Moderate, possible hills and/or stairs
Pace: Moderate
Age range: Adults
Service dogs only -
Spiders 101
Nature
Time: 02:00 PM - 04:00 AMLocation(s): Rouge National Urban ParkOften a source of fear, spiders are actually one of nature's best janitors. Take a walk with Richard and get to know how these tiny predators help control pests and tidy up nature’s messes in the Rouge and even in your own backyard. Keep an eye out for webs and their clever creators!
Leaders: Richard, Aman, Peter V.
Location: Tallgrass Trek
Transit accessible: No
Meeting point: 7277 14th Avenue, Markham – oTENTik (A-frame cabin)
Distance: 3 km – 5 km
Difficulty: Easy, flat/paved or gently uneven
Pace: Easy
Age range: Families
Dog friendly -
Spirituality of the forest
Nature
Time: 09:00 AM - 11:00 AMLocation(s): Rouge National Urban ParkJoin Susan to reflect on the spirituality of the forest using your own observations and teachings from many different traditions.
Leaders: Susan, Louise
Location: Orchard Trail
Transit accessible: No
Meeting point: 55 Twyn Rivers Drive, Scarborough – parking lot
Distance: 3 km – 5 km
Difficulty: Moderate, possible hills and/or stairs
Pace: Moderate
Age range: Families
Service dogs only -
Where are the birds?
Nature
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:30 PMLocation(s): Rouge National Urban ParkBirds can seem hard to find in the summer, but they are all around us! Join Gary to uncover what birds are really doing during the hottest time of the year. Binoculars and a bird ID app are recommended for this walk.
Leaders: Gary, Geri, Glenn
Location: Monarch Trail
Transit accessible: No
Meeting point: 7277 14th Avenue, Markham – oTENTik (A-frame cabin)
Distance: 5 km – 8 km
Difficulty: Moderate, possible hills and/or stairs
Pace: Easy
Age range: Adults
Service dogs only -
What do the Oak Ridges Moraine and the Rouge have in common?
Nature
Time: 01:00 PM - 03:00 PMLocation(s): Rouge National Urban ParkWhat do the Oak Ridges Moraine and the Rouge have in common?
Here’s a hint: they overlap! On this walk with Susan, you'll be walking on the Moraine while still being in the Rouge. This ancient land formation is a key element in preserving our natural heritage and supplying the water we drink.
Leaders: Susan, Michael T., Aleema
Location: Northeast Trail
Transit accessible: No
Meeting point: 1867 Concession Road 2, Whitchurch-Stouffville – parking lot
Distance: 5 km – 8 km
Difficulty: Moderate, possible hills and/or stairs
Pace: Moderate
Age range: Families
Service dogs only -
Welcome to the Rouge
Nature
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PMLocation(s): Rouge National Urban ParkJoin walk leader Moaz to learn about Canada's first and only national urban park while exploring its forests, meadows, rivers and wetlands.
Leaders: Moaz, Jamie
Location: Vista Trail
Transit accessible: No
Meeting point: 55 Twyn Rivers Drive, Scarborough – parking lot
Distance: 3 km – 5 km
Difficulty: Moderate, possible hills and/or stairs
Pace: Moderate
Age range: Adults
Service dogs only -
Bats – Facts and fiction!
Nature
Time: 05:00 PM - 07:00 PMLocation(s): Rouge National Urban ParkJoin walk leader Marilyn to learn – and unlearn – about these mysterious creatures of the night!
Leaders: Marilyn, Ompreet
Location: Harvest Trail
Transit accessible: No
Meeting point: 7445 Elgin Mills Road East, Markham – parking lot
Additional parking: 7535 Elgin Mills Road East, Markham; 10725 Reesor Road, Markham
Distance: 5 km – 8 km
Difficulty: Easy, flat/paved or gently uneven
Pace: Moderate
Age range: Families
Dog friendly -
Connection
Nature
Time: 09:00 AM - 11:30 AMLocation(s): Rouge National Urban ParkHike through Rouge Valley’s Carolinian landscape along a 200-year-old former logging route, discovering traces of its past. Together, we’ll reflect on our connections to the land’s history, nature and each other.
Leaders: Colin Mac., Sue
Location: Mast Trail
Transit accessible: No
Meeting point: 55 Twyn Rivers Drive, Scarborough – parking lot
Distance: 3 km – 5 km
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult, depending on experience, with some steep hills and stairs
Pace: Easy
Age range: Adults
Dog friendly -
Discovering the Carolinian life zone
Nature
Time: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PMLocation(s): Rouge National Urban ParkJoin Brian on a walk to discover and identify the diverse tree species that make up the Carolinian forest ecosystem, now only found in the Rouge and several other regions in Southwestern Ontario. Perfect for nature enthusiasts and curious explorers!
Leaders: Brian, Tiffany
Location: Reesor Way
Transit accessible: No
Meeting point: 7277 14th Avenue, Markham – oTENTik (A-frame cabin)
Distance: 3 km – 5 km
Difficulty: Moderate, possible hills and/or stairs
Pace: Moderate
Age range: Families
Service dogs only -
Bug walk: Insects of the Rouge
Nature
Time: 02:00 PM - 04:00 PMLocation(s): Rouge National Urban ParkGet up close with the tiny creatures of the park! Search for beetles, butterflies, bees and more while discovering how these small but mighty insects keep ecosystems thriving.
Leaders: Carrie, Judy
Location: Tallgrass Trek
Transit accessible: No
Meeting point: 7277 14th Avenue, Markham – oTENTik (A-frame cabin)
Distance: 3 km – 5 km
Difficulty: Easy, flat/paved or gently uneven
Pace: Easy
Age range: Adults
Dog friendly