Free guided walks - January schedule
Rouge National Urban Park
Guided walks may be cancelled without notice in inclement weather.
Access to Twyn Rivers Day Use Area from Sheppard Avenue East in Toronto is closed. Visitors can still enter the area from the other side of Twyn Rivers Drive, off Altona Road in Pickering.
Saturday, January 4
Adventures in the Rouge
From wildlife to enchanted forests, there’s much to discover in the Rouge. Join walk leader Richard on a great Rouge adventure!
- Leaders: Richard, Linda H.
- Time: 10 am
- Location: Vista Trail Loop
- Transit accessible: Yes
- Meeting point: 25 Zoo Road, Scarborough – Vista Trailhead
- Distance: 1 km – 3 km
- Difficulty: Easy, flat/paved or gently uneven
- Pace: Moderate
- Duration: 2 hours
- Age range: Adults
- Service dogs only
Sunday, January 5
Wings of resilience: Exploring the lives of bats
Explore the fascinating world of bats and the challenges they face such as white-nose syndrome. Join Glen to learn about the vital role these nocturnal creatures play in Rouge National Urban Park and how we can help protect them.
- Leaders: Glen, Michael T.
- Time: 1 pm
- Location: Reesor Way/Tanglewood Trail
- 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
- Duration: 2 hours
- Age range: Families
- Dog friendly
Saturday, January 11
Introduction to winter hiking
Always wanted to try hiking in the winter? Put on your boots and join walk leader Sarah to learn about the basics and all the great benefits that come with hiking.
- Leaders: Sarah, Feng
- Time: 1 pm
- Location: Central Trai
- 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: Easy
- Duration: 2 hours
- Age range: Adults
- Service dogs only
Sunday, January 12
It’s a great day to be outside!
Join Marilyn on a fun scavenger hunt as we dispel the myth that "there's nothing to see" unless it's a perfect summer day.
- Leaders: Marilyn, Jane
- Time: 10 am
- Location: Beare Wetlands Loop
- Transit accessible: Yes
- Meeting point: 25 Zoo Road, Scarborough – Vista Trailhead
- Distance: 1 km – 3 km
- Difficulty: Moderate, possible hills and/or stairs
- Pace: Easy
- Duration: 2 hours
- Age range: Families
- Dog friendly
Monday, January 13
Whispering shadows of the full moon
What do you see in the moon? Join us at the Rouge for some moonlit stories, moon gazing, and intriguing theories about its origins. Don’t forget to dress warmly!
- Leaders: Anne, Christopher
- Time: 4 pm
- Location: Vista Trail Loop
- Transit accessible: Yes
- Meeting point: 25 Zoo Road, Scarborough – Vista Trailhead
- Distance: 1 km – 3 km
- Difficulty: Easy, flat/paved or gently uneven
- Pace: Easy
- Duration: 2 hours
- Age range: Families
- Service dogs only
Saturday, January 18
Learning from landscape
How can you tell the Rouge was once covered by ice? By a lake? By forests? We will hike briskly across diverse terrain found in the Rouge today, learning about its past and likely future. Come follow the clues as we explore how climate has affected the features and creatures of the Rouge!
- Leaders: Katharina, Markus
- Time: 1 pm
- 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: Moderate
- Duration: 2 hours
- Age range: Families
- Dog friendly
Saturday, January 25
Winter whispers: A mindful journey in the Rouge
Join CK for an opportunity to connect deeply with the park's winter landscapes, tuning into the quiet sounds, sights, and sensations that often go unnoticed. Step away from the noise of daily life and embrace a reflective journey through this peaceful season.
- Leaders: CK, Shawn
- Time: 1 pm
- Location: Northeast Trail
- Transit accessible: No
- Meeting point: 10725 Reesor Road, Markham – oTENTik (A-frame cabin)
- 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: Easy
- Duration: 2 hours
- Age range: Adults
- Service dogs only
Sunday, January 26
Winter wonderland wildlife
Join Erik as we look for evidence and hope for sightings of elusive winter wildlife. You’ll be surprised at the number of species who stay or arrive in the park for the winter months. It’s the perfect way to connect with nature and enjoy the crisp January air with your family!
- Leaders: Erik, Nancy
- Time: 10 am
- 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: Moderate
- Duration: 2 hours
- Age range: Families
- Service dogs only
Related links
- Free guided walks - February schedule
- Free guided walks - December schedule
- Free guided walks - November schedule
- Free guided walks - October schedule
- Free guided walks - September schedule
- Free guided walks - August schedule
- Free guided walks - July schedule
- Free guided walks - June schedule
- Free guided walks - May schedule
- Date modified :