Free guided walks - February schedule

Guided walks may be cancelled without notice in inclement weather.

Sunday, February 1

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 as well as all of the great benefits that come with hiking.

• Leaders: Sarah, Gary
• 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: 5 km – 8 km
• Difficulty: Easy, flat/paved or gently uneven
• Pace: Easy
• Duration: 2 hours
• Age range: Families
• Service dogs only

Monday, February 2

Moon walk
What do you see in the moon? Join guided walk leaders Marilyn and Susan for some moonlit stories, moon gazing and imagining what those who travelled across this land may have seen thousands of years ago. Don’t forget to dress warmly!

• Leaders: Marilyn, Anne and Susan
• Time: 5 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: Moderate
• Duration: 2 hours
• Age range: Families
• Service dogs only

Saturday, February 7

White-tailed deer walk (Cancelled)

Join Brian and Anuka in search of white-tailed deer tracks and other deer clues. You’ll be surprised how many call the Rouge home!
Please note: We cannot not guarantee white-tailed deer will be seen on the walk.

• Leaders: Brian, Anuka
• 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: Moderate
• Duration: 2 hours
• Age range: Families
• Service dogs only

Sunday, February 8

Forest regions
The Rouge sits at the crossroads of two distinct forest regions – the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence and the Carolinian. Walk with Shawn, a long-time volunteer of over 10 years, to discover towering pines, sturdy hardwoods and southern species thriving at the edge of their range.

• Leaders: Shawn, Markus
• 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: Moderate
• Duration: 2 hours
• Age range: Adults
• Service dogs only

Saturday, February 14

Agriculture past and present
This week we celebrate Canada’s Agriculture Day! Rich in agricultural heritage, farms still operate in the Rouge today. Join Judy and Susan for a walk on the trail flanked by farm fields and learn about its rich history and what’s growing there today.

• Leaders: Judy, 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: Moderate
• Duration: 2 hours
• Age range: Families
• Dog friendly

Sunday, February 15

Trivia on the trail
Join walk leaders Gary and Geri for a special stroll through Rouge National Urban Park in honour of Canada’s Flag Day. Along the way, test your knowledge of Canadian trivia: everything from iconic symbols to surprising facts about history and nature. Everyone is invited to dress in red and white!

• Leaders: Gary, Geri
• 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: Adults
• Service dogs only

Saturday, February 21

Rouge discovery trek
Lace up your shoes and join CK and Marie for a brisk 4km/hr fitness walk in the Rouge, exploring its seasonal wonders while boosting your well-being. Don't forget your water bottle!

• Leaders: CK, Marie
• 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 hours
• Age range: Adults
• Service dogs only

Sunday, February 22

Settlers along the Rouge River
Step back in time to explore the lives of early settlers in the Rouge. Join Jane to imagine what life was like upon first arrival to the Rouge River area and find out what we can learn from their survival strategies and apply in the modern day.

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

Saturday, February 28

It’s freezing!
What do you do when things get tough? Hide? Leave? Shut down? Adapt? Creatures in the wild are no different! On this walk with Katharina and Michael, let's explore how they respond when winter's coming.

• Leaders: Katharina, 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: Moderate
• Duration: 2 hours
• Age range: Families
• Dog friendly