Free guided walks - October

Rouge National Urban Park

Access to Twyn Rivers Day Use Area from Sheppard Avenue East in Toronto is closed. Visitors can still enter the area from the other side of Twyn Rivers Drive, off Altona Road in Pickering.

Guided walks may be cancelled without notice in inclement weather.

DATE

DETAILS

Thursday, October 1

Time: 5 pm to 7 pm
Location: Mast Trail

Connection

Hike through Rouge Valley’s Carolinian landscape along a 200-year-old former logging route, discovering traces of its past. Together, we’ll reflect on our connections to the land’s history, nature and each other.

Leaders: Colin Mac., Sue
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: Easy
Age range: Families
Dog friendly

Saturday, October 3

Time: 9:30 am to 11:30 am
Location: Orchard Trail

Run salmon run

Every fall, salmon battle their way upstream to spawn. Join Brian to learn about this remarkable migration, the challenges salmon have faced and the ongoing efforts to restore native fish populations in Lake Ontario and the Rouge watershed.

Leaders: Brian, 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: Moderate
Age range: Adults
Dog friendly

Saturday, October 3

Time: 10 am to 12 pm
Location: Woodland Trail

Beavers – They’re icons!

Join walk leader Marilyn on a journey through the Rouge to uncover the habits and habitats of a true Canadian icon. Please note that there is no washroom on site.

Leaders: Marilyn, Christopher
Transit accessible: No
Meeting point: 19 Reesor Road, Scarborough – parking lot
Distance: 3 km – 5 km
Difficulty: Easy, flat/paved or gently uneven
Pace: Easy
Age range: Families
Service dogs only

Sunday, October 4

Time: 9:30 am to 11:30 am
Location: Northeast Trail 

Introduction to hiking

How is a walk different from a hike? Join walk leader Sarah to progress from a walker to a hiker, with all the great benefits that come with hiking in Rouge National Urban Park.

Leaders: Sarah, Gary
Transit accessible: No
Meeting point: 1867 Concession Road 2, Uxbridge – parking lot
Distance: 3 km – 5 km
Difficulty: Moderate, possible hills and/or stairs
Pace: Easy
Age range: Families
Service dogs only

Sunday, October 4

Time: 10 am to 12 pm
Location: Central Trail 

Green acres

Join Doug to marvel at the rural scenery. Discuss the history of farming in Rouge National Urban Park, its importance and the future of local food. Please note that there is no washroom on site.

Leaders: Doug, Louise
Transit accessible: No
Meeting point: 7741 16th Avenue, Markham – parking lot
Distance: 3 km – 5 km
Difficulty: Easy, flat/paved or gently uneven
Pace: Easy
Age range: Adults
Dog friendly

Saturday, October 10

Time: 9:30 am to 12 pm
Location: Harvest Trail

10,000 steps in nature

Join walk leader Geri on a 10,000-step journey through the Rouge, where you'll not only enjoy the scenic beauty but also learn about various walking styles to enhance your experience and fitness.

Leaders: Geri, Gary
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
Age range: Families
Service dogs only

Saturday, October 10

Time: 10 am to 12 pm
Location: Tallgrass Trek 

Pay attention!

Join Katharina as we explore the mindful, moment by moment activity of walking. Focus on the sights and sounds of the park, and the feelings and sensations in the body as we experience the ups and downs of the trail together.

Leaders: Katharina, Susan
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
Age range: Adults
Service dogs only

Sunday, October 11

Time: 9:30 am to 12 pm
Location: Monarch Trail 

Fall for the Rouge

Enjoying fall colors at Rouge National Urban Park is best done between late September through October.  And with the park showing off its lovely colours this time of year ... who knows?  You just might fall for the Rouge!  Come hear about why the colours of the leaves change and then fall to the ground.

Leaders: Marie, Michael T., Patrick
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
Age range: Families
Dog friendly

Sunday, October 11

Time: 10 am to 12 pm
Location: Central Trail 

Welcome to the Rouge

Join us for a walk and discover the beauty of Rouge’s panoramic views, rich forests, farmlands, meadows and wetlands. There are more than 1700 species of plants and animals that call the park home. You never know what we might see!

Leaders: Judy, Marilyn
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
Age range: Adults
Dog friendly

Thursday, October 15

Time: 5 pm to 6:30 pm
Location: Orchard Trail 

Connection

Walk through regenerating forests and wetlands along Little Rouge Creek, where signs of both ecological renewal and early settlement can still be found. Together, we’ll reflect on our connections to the land’s history, nature and each other.

Leaders: Colin Mac., Sue
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: Easy
Age range: Families
Dog friendly

Saturday, October 17

Time: 10 am to 12 pm
Location: Reesor Way 

Learning from landscapes

How can you tell the Rouge was once covered by ice? By a lake? By forests? We will hike briskly across diverse terrain found in the Rouge today, learning about its past and likely future. Come follow the clues as we explore how climate has affected the features and creatures of the Rouge!

Leaders: Katharina, Susan
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
Age range: Families
Dog friendly

Sunday, October 18

Time: 9:30 am to 11:30 am
Location: Vista Trail

Invasive species in the Rouge

Join Moaz for an introduction to invasive species in the Rouge. Learn how they impact the park's forests and wildlife and discover practical ways we can help prevent their introduction and spread.

Leaders: Moaz, Julie
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
Age range: Families
Service dogs only

Saturday, October 24

Time: 9:30 am to 11:30 am
Location: Northeast Trail 

Pumpkin prowl

Join Glenn on a festive trail adventure in Rouge National Urban Park! Search for hidden pumpkins along the walk to uncover fun facts about the park. Perfect for families with kids under 12 who love to explore!

Leaders: Glenn, Nancy
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: Easy
Age range: Families
Dog friendly

Saturday, October 24

Time: 10 am to 12:30 pm
Location: Monarch Trail 

Fascinating fungi

All mushrooms are fungi, but not all fungi are mushrooms. Yet they all have a major part to play in soil health and contributions to biodiversity. What we see on the surface is only a fraction of the action below. Please note this walk is for learning purposes only, as foraging is not permitted in the park.

Leaders: Richard, Jane, Shawn
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
Age range: Adults
Dog friendly

Sunday, October 25

Time: 9:30 am to 11:30 am
Location: Northeast Trail 

Fall for the Rouge

Enjoying fall colors at Rouge National Urban Park is best done between late September through October.  And with the park showing off its lovely colours this time of year ... who knows?  You just might fall for the Rouge!  Come hear about why the colours of the leaves change and then fall to the ground.

Leaders: Marie, Carrie
Transit accessible: No
Meeting point: 1867 Concession Road 2, Uxbridge – parking lot
Distance: 3 km – 5 km
Difficulty: Moderate, possible hills and/or stairs
Pace: Moderate
Age range: Adults
Dog friendly

Sunday, October 25

Time: 10 am to 12 pm
Location: Tallgrass Trek 

Welcome to the Rouge

New to hiking? Join walk leader Erik and learn the basics of safety, equipment, local animals and what makes the Rouge so unique!

Leaders: Erik, Colin Mck.
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
Age range: Families
Service dogs only

Thursday, October 29

Time: 4:30 pm to 6 pm
Location: Woodland Trail 

Connection

Explore a diverse landscape of forests and meadows, discovering the rich variety of plants and wildlife that call this area home. Together, we’ll reflect on our connections to the land’s history, nature and each other. Please note that there is no washroom on site.

Leaders: Colin Mac., Sue
Transit accessible: No
Meeting point: 19 Reesor Road, Scarborough – parking lot
Distance: 3 km – 5 km
Difficulty:Easy, flat/paved or gently uneven
Pace: Easy
Age range: Families
Dog friendly

Saturday, October 31

Time: 9:30 am to 11:30 am
Location: Mast Trail 

Feeling autumn through the senses

Slow down and experience autumn in a deeper way. Explore the changing season through vibrant colours, crisp air, rustling leaves and the earthy scents of fall.

Leaders: Meerab, Sue
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: Easy
Age range: Adults
Service dogs only

Saturday, October 31

Time: 10 am to 12 pm
Location: Reesor Way

Hallowe’en

Join Judy for a walk celebrating the spooky season! Discover the sights and sounds of autumn, learn about wildlife that inspires Hallowe'en tales and enjoy a few light-hearted stories and seasonal curiosities along the way. Costumes are welcome!

Leaders: Judy, Maria
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
Age range: Families
Dog friendly

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