Free guided walks - March schedule

Guided walks may be cancelled without notice in inclement weather.

Sunday, March 1

People of the Rouge - Mongolia

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

• Leaders: Marie, Geri
• 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: Adults
• Dog friendly

Tuesday, March 3

Spring is almost here!

Join walk leader Jane to watch the river shift with the season, listen for returning birds, observe wildlife activity and spot early plant growth along the trail.

• Leaders: Jane, Susan
• 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: Families
• Dog friendly

Saturday, March 7

Evergreen adventures

While some trees shed their leaves in winter, evergreens stand tall and green against the snowy backdrop. Join Judy 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, Jane
• 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

Sunday, March 8

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 in discovering the wonders of nature along the way.

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

Saturday, March 14

Hedgerow birds

Join Peter for a walk and watch the hedgerows along the fields come alive with birds sheltering in the branches and swooping over the open farmland.

• Leaders: Peter V., Katharina
• 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

Sunday, March 15

Chickadees

Join walk leader Glen and learn how Rouge National Urban Park's friendliest bird transitions from winter to spring.

• Leaders: Glen, 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: Easy
• Duration: 2.5 hours
• Age range: Adults
• Service dogs only

Saturday, March 21

Life among the trees

Inspired by the book and film The Hidden Life of Trees, this walk explores how trees communicate, share resources and support one another. As we explore the trail, we’ll discover how the forest functions as a connected community.

• Leaders: Richard, Ompreet
• 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

Sunday, March 22

Rouge discovery trek

Lace up your shoes and join CK 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 and ice cleats!

• Leaders: CK, 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: Adults
• Service dogs only

Saturday, March 28

Changing seasons in the Rouge

Join walk leader Donna and discover the park’s secrets as winter gives way to spring.

• Leaders: Donna, Christopher
• 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

Sunday, March 29

Xplorers: Searching for spring!

Hey kids ages 6 – 12 and their families! Join walk leader Marilyn on a spring scavenger hunt in search of webs, feathers and more!

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