Free guided walks - April schedule

Guided walks may be cancelled without notice in inclement weather.

Saturday, April 4

Tales of the Easter Bunny

Join us this Easter weekend to explore the fascinating world of rabbits.  Learn how wild rabbits live, what they eat and how they survive in Rouge National Urban Park’s diverse habitats. Along the way, we’ll also hop into some fun folklore and learn about the story of the Easter Bunny. Get ready for an egg-cellent outdoor experience!

• Leaders: Geri, Gary
• Time: 10 am
• Location: Reesor Way
• 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, April 5

Agriculture past and present

Rich in agricultural heritage, farms still operate in the Rouge today. Join Judy for a walk on the trail flanked by farm fields and learn about its rich history and what’s growing there today.

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

Monday, April 6

Wondrous woodcocks

One of the most unique migrating birds has just returned to Rouge National Urban Park. Join Michael to learn about the fascinating American woodcock, a shorebird known for its mesmerizing courtship display. As dusk settles, we’ll listen for their distinctive calls and keep watch for a chance to witness their remarkable sky dance.

• Leaders: Michael G., Markus, Anne
• Time: 7 pm
• Location: Reesor Way
• 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: 1.5 hours
• Age range: Families
• Service dogs only

Saturday, April 11

Stretching and scrambling

How do you move along the trail? Do you hop like a bunny? Leap like a frog? Come out for a child-friendly, active walk in nature. Ideal for families with school-aged children who like to stay fit while enjoying the great outdoors.

• Leaders: Katharina, Marilyn
• Time: 1 pm
• 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
• Service dogs only

Sunday, April 12

People of the Rouge

Join walk leader Marie and learn about more than 10,000 years of human history in the Rouge.

• Leaders: Marie, Michael T.
• 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: Adults
• Dog friendly

Saturday, April 18

Wild in the city

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

• Leaders: Doug, 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: Easy
• Duration: 2 hours
• Age range: Adults
• Dog friendly

Sunday, April 19

Xplorers: Bug Detectives!

Hey kids ages 6 – 12 and their families! Join walk leader Marilyn and learn about bugs in Rouge National Urban Park!

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

Wednesday, April 22

Earth Day

Let’s celebrate Earth Day together and discover how we can preserve the environment in little but important ways!

• Leaders: Jane, Peter V.
• Time: 10 am
• Location: Reesor Way
• 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, April 25

Spring in full swing

Spring is unfolding in Rouge National Urban Park. Starting at our feet and looking upward, we’ll discover how nature is growing, greening and preparing for the months ahead.

• Leaders: Anne, Glenn
• Time: 10 am
• Location: Reesor Way
• 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, April 26

A brief history of the Woodland Trail

Hike the Woodland Trail with Moaz and uncover surprising tales and hidden history that shaped this beautiful park. Please note that there is no washroom on site.

• Leaders: Moaz, Shawn
• Time: 1 pm
• Location: Woodland Trail
• Transit accessible: No
• Meeting point: 19 Reesor Road, Scarborough – parking lot 
• Distance: 3 km – 5 km
• Difficulty: Easy, flat/paved or gently uneven
• Pace: Moderate
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Age range: Adults
• Service dogs only