Free guided walks - December schedule

Saturday, December 6

Wild in the city
Join Doug and discuss the amazing ways plants and animals can adapt to urban growth and the presence of humans in their environment.

• Leaders: Doug, Marie
• 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

Sunday, December 7

The way it’s made: The geological history of the Rouge
Join Brian for a captivating walk through Rouge Valley as he unveils the fascinating story of how this landscape was shaped over time. Discover how to spot the clues written in the land!

• Leaders: Brian, Christopher
• Time: 10 am
• 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
• Duration: 2 hours
• Age range: Adults
• Service dogs only

Saturday, December 13

Stop, smell, listen and explore!
In our busy lives, we often forget to pause and notice the world around us. Join us for a mindful walk with frequent stops to observe the beauty of the season, plants, animals and people in the park using all your senses.

• Leaders: Jane, Markus
• Time: 10 am
• 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
• Duration: 2 hours
• Age range: Families
• Dog friendly

Sunday, December 14

Forests in the Rouge
The Rouge sits at the crossroads of two distinct forest regions – the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence and the Carolinian. Walk with Shawn to discover towering pines, sturdy hardwoods and southern species thriving at the edge of their range.

• Leaders: Shawn, Richard
• Time: 1 pm
• 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: Adults
• Dog friendly

Saturday, December 20

Winter solstice reflections
Craving sunshine? You’re not alone! Plants, animals, and humans are all challenged to adapt to short days and long nights this time of year. Appreciate those challenges as we briskly walk the trail and let’s bring some light to the darkness.

• Leaders: Katharina, Michael T. 
• 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: 2.5 hours
• Age range: Adults
• Dog friendly

Sunday, December 21

Christmas Bird Count in the Rouge
Did you know we have birds in the Rouge over the winter? Join walk leader Gary and Geri for the Christmas Bird Count and see how many unique species you can spot or hear in the park! Binoculars, paper and pen or a bird ID app are recommended for this hike.

• Leaders: Gary, Geri
• Time: 10 am
• 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: 3 km – 5 km
• Difficulty: Easy, flat/paved or gently uneven
• Pace: Easy
• Duration: 2 hours
• Age range: Families
• Service dogs only

Saturday, December 27

Sleepy, sneaky and ready for winter
Animals in Rouge National Urban Park are busy preparing for the chilly months ahead. Discover who hibernates, who hides and who stays active when winter comes knocking!

• Leaders: Anne, Judy
• Time: 10 am
• 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: Adults
• Service dogs only

Sunday, December 28

Nature journaling
Join walk leader Marilyn as we learn to slow down, pay attention, and discover new things about the world around us!

• Leaders: Marilyn, Linda
• Time: 1 pm
• 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: Easy
• Duration: 2 hours
• Age range: Families
• Service dogs only