Free guided walks - January schedule

Guided walks may be cancelled without notice in inclement weather.

Saturday, January 3

Xplorers: winter nature walk
Hey parents and kids ages 6–12! Winter is the perfect season for a family nature hike. Join walk leader Marilyn to Xplore Rouge National Urban Park as we use our senses to uncover signs of the park’s wild residents this winter.

• Leaders: Marilyn, Susan
• 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: Families
• Service dogs only

Sunday, January 4

Winter trail time
Rouge National Urban Park is the perfect place to introduce kids and grown-ups to the fun of hitting the trail in winter! Join Erik and CK in discovering the wonders of nature along the way.

Please note: This is a longer hike and may not be suitable for little ones.

• Leaders: Erik, CK
• Time: 10 am
• 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: Families
• Service dogs only

Saturday, January 10

Winter wonderland
Ever wanted to explore the Rouge in the snow, but have not taken the plunge? What held you back? What were you hoping to discover? Bundle up and join guided walk leaders Katharina and Anuka for a wintery walk designed for adults. Appreciate the park’s natural beauty safely and enjoyably during this special season.

• Leaders: Katharina, Anuka
• Time: 10 am
• Location: Harvest 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: 5 km – 8 km
• Difficulty: Easy, flat/paved or gently uneven
• Pace: Moderate
• Duration: 2 hours
• Age range: Families
• Dog friendly

Sunday, January 11

Tracks in the snow: solving winter mysteries
Join Glenn and Jane as we uncover the hidden stories written in snow. On this family-friendly hike, we’ll search for animal tracks, explore clues of winter survival and learn how wildlife adapts to the season’s challenges. Bring your curiosity (and maybe your furry friend) as we uncover some winter mysteries in the park!

• Leaders: Glenn, Jane
• 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: Easy
• Duration: 2 hours
• Age range: Families
• Dog friendly

Saturday, January 17

Winter wildlife wonders: How animals adapt for winter in the Rouge
Join Michael and Douglas on a hike to discover the fascinating winter survival strategies of animals in this unique urban wilderness.

• Leaders: Michael T., Douglas
• 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: Moderate
• Duration: 2 hours
• Age range: Adults
• Service dogs only

Sunday, January 18

Learn-to hike
Always wanted to try hiking in the winter? Grab your toque and boots and join walk leader Sarah to learn the basics and all the great benefits that come with hiking.

• Leaders: Sarah, Richard
• Time: 10 am
• 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

Saturday, January 24

People of the Rouge (Cancelled)

Rouge National Urban Park is home to many historical communities. Walk and discover the stories of the bygone community of Mongolia in Markham, Ontario.

 

• Leaders: Marie, Geri
• Time: 10 am
• 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: Moderate
• Duration: 2 hours
• Age range: Adults
• Dog friendly

Sunday, January 25

Evergreen adventures (Cancelled)

While some trees shed their leaves in winter, evergreens stand tall and green against the snowy backdrop. Join Judy and Richard for a winter walk to discover how these hardy trees survive the cold, provide shelter for wildlife and support the landscape all year long.

 

• Leaders: Judy, 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: Families
• Service dogs only

Saturday, January 31

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

• Leaders: Douglas, Anne
• Time: 1 pm
• Location: Monarch 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: 2.5 hours
• Age range: Adults
• Dog friendly