Free guided walks - July

Saturday, July 18

Time: 10 am
Location: Orchard Trail

Walking wisdom (Cancelled)

Every trail tells a story! Explore Rouge National Urban Park’s well-loved trails and uncover the stories they hold. Enjoy a relaxing walk as you unwind, connect with nature and leave your stress behind.

Leaders: Anne, Tiffany
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: Adults
Service dogs only

Sunday, July 19

Time: 9:30 am
Location: Woodland Trail

Bug walk: Insects of the Rouge (Cancelled)

Get up close with the tiny creatures of the park! Search for beetles, butterflies, bees and more while discovering how these small but mighty insects keep ecosystems thriving. Please note that there is no washroom on site.

Leaders: Carrie, Meerab
Transit accessible: No
Meeting point: 19 Reesor Rd, Scarborough – parking lot
Distance: 3 km – 5 km
Difficulty: Easy, flat/paved or gently uneven
Pace: Easy
Duration: 2 hours
Age range: Families
Dog friendly

Sunday, July 19

Time: 5 pm
Location: Central Trail

Bats – Facts and fiction! (Cancelled)

Join walk leader Marilyn to learn – and unlearn – about these mysterious creatures of the night!

Leaders: Marilyn, Patrick, Ompreet
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

Saturday, July 25

Time: 10 am
Location: Mast Trail

How it's made: The geological history of the Rouge

Join Brian as he explores the formation of the Rouge River Valley, highlighting surface features which tells fascinating stories.

Leaders: Brian, Jamie, Jane
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

Sunday, July 26

Time: 10:30 am
Location: Reesor Way

Go with the flow: Water cycles in the Rouge

Join Geri to explore the journey of water through Rouge National Urban Park. From rainfall to rivers, discover how water moves through the landscape, sustains life and shapes the park’s unique environment.

Leaders: Geri, Gary, Colin Mck.
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, July 26

Time: 2 pm
Location: Tallgrass Trek

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, Aman, Peter V.
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

Monday, July 27

Time: 9 am
Location: Orchard Trail

Spirituality of the forest

Join Susan to reflect on the spirituality of the forest using your own observations and teachings from many different traditions.

Leaders: Susan, Louise
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
Service dogs only