Free guided walks - June schedule

Guided walks may be cancelled without notice in inclement weather.

Saturday, June 6

Citizen science in action

In the spirit of Canada Environment Week, join us in using simple tools like iNaturalist to record biodiversity along the trail. Your sightings help Rouge National Urban Park track species and guide conservation and restoration efforts. Please note that there is no washroom on site.

• Leaders: Gary, Geri, Tiffany
• Time: 10 am
• Location: Central Trail
• Transit accessible: No
• Meeting point: 7322 Major Mackenzie Drive, Markham – parking lot
• Distance: 3 km – 5 km
• Difficulty: Easy, flat/paved or gently uneven
• Pace: Easy
• Duration: 2 hours
• Age range: Adults
• Dog friendly

Sunday, June 7

Summer in the Rouge

Soak up the season with us and experience lush green trails, warm sunshine and the vibrant sights and sounds of nature in full bloom. From buzzing pollinators to shaded forest paths, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the outdoors.

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

Saturday, June 13

People of the Rouge – A longer walk to Altona

Rouge National Urban Park is home to the bygone community of Altona. This walk begins with a brisk 3-km stretch, where the trail offers glimpses of historical buildings and stories of the area’s past, along with familiar names on plaques and headstones. The full 6-km route concludes with a return trek to Glasgow Day Use Area.

• Leaders: Marie, Susan, Sue
• Time: 9 am
• Location: Northeast Trail
• Transit accessible: No
• Meeting point: 1867 Concession Road 2, Whitchurch-Stouffville – parking lot
• Distance: 5 km – 8 km
• Difficulty: Moderate, possible hills and/or stairs
• Pace: Moderate
• Duration: 3 hours
• Age range: Adults
• Dog friendly

Sunday, June 14

Sea Lampreys

Join Glen to learn about this parasitic "fish" in Rouge National Urban Park waters, following its life cycle from larval to adult stages and exploring the methods used to manage its environmental impact.

• Leaders: Glen, Colin Mck., Jamie
• Time: 10 am
• Location: Orchard 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: Families
• Dog friendly

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. Please note that there is no washroom on site.

• Leaders: Shawn, Judy
• Time: 1 pm
• Location: Northeast Trail
• Transit accessible: No
• Meeting point: 190 Concession Road 9, Pickering – parking lot
• Distance: 5 km – 8 km
• Difficulty: Easy, flat/paved or gently uneven
• Pace: Moderate
• Duration: 2 hours
• Age range: Adults
• Dog friendly

Saturday, June 20

Nature’s healing touch

Spending time in nature is good for your health, but why? Join Michael as we explore the many ways the Rouge can benefit your well-being. Please note that there is no washroom on site.

• Leaders: Michael T., Colin Mac., Meerab
• Time: 9:30 am
• 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: Families
• Service dogs only

Summer solstice reflections

Plants and animals, including humans, adapt to long days and short nights this time of year. Let's look deeper into the challenges of adapting to longer periods of light and celebrations of summer solstice.

• Leaders: Katharina, Anne
• 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
• Dog friendly

Sunday, June 21

Learn-to hike: Moving up

Is your family ready to go a little faster, farther or add new elements to your outings? Join us to reach that next level.

• Leaders: Nancy, Louise
• 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
• Dog friendly

Xplorers: Learning about turtles!

Hey kids ages 6 – 12 and their families! The Rouge is home to some of Ontario's most threatened turtles. Join walk leader Marilyn and learn about their habitat.

• Leaders: Marilyn, Carrie
• Time: 1 pm
• Location: Northeast Trail
• Transit accessible: No
• Meeting point: 1867 Concession Road 2, Whitchurch-Stouffville – parking lot
• Distance: 3 km – 5 km
• Difficulty: Moderate, possible hills and/or stairs
• Pace: Easy
• Duration: 2 hours
• Age range: Families
• Service dogs only

Saturday, June 27

Butterflies of the Rouge

Join Geri on a walk to discover and identify various butterfly species, while learning about their unique habitats and fascinating life cycles.

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

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, Maria, 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

Sunday, June 28

Trees of the Rouge

Join Moaz on the historic Mast Trail to learn about trees found in the Rouge that have helped shape Canada’s history, culture and economic development.

• Leaders: Moaz, Michael T.
• Time: 10 am
• Location: Mast Trail
• Transit accessible: No
• Meeting point: 55 Twyn Rivers Drive, Scarborough – parking lot
• Distance: 3 km – 5 km
• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult, depending on experience, with some steep hills and stairs
• Pace: Moderate
• Duration: 2 hours
• Age range: Adults
• Service dogs only

Spiders 101

Often a source of fear, spiders are actually one of nature's best janitors. Take a walk with Richard and get to know how these tiny predators help control pests and tidy up nature’s messes in the Rouge and even in your own backyard. Keep an eye out for webs and their clever creators!

• Leaders: Richard, Donna
• Time: 1 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: Easy
• Duration: 2 hours
• Age range: Families
• Dog friendly