Free guided walks - December schedule

Sunday, December 1

Winter hiking

Are you ready to face the challenges of winter hiking in the Rouge? Join Glen to learn valuable tips to stay safe and comfortable on the trails this season.

• Leaders: Glen, Feng, Ompreet
• Time: 10 am
• Location: Vista Trail
• Transit accessible: Yes
• Meeting point: 25 Zoo Road, Scarborough – oTENTik (A-frame cabin)
• Distance: 1 km – 5 km
• Difficulty: Moderate, possible hills and/or stairs
• Pace: Moderate
• Duration: 2 hours
• Age range: Families
• Dog friendly

Saturday, December 7

Listen up!

Tune into nature like never before. On this hike, we’ll seek out peaceful spots to listen beyond the sounds of traffic, sharpening our awareness and giving nature our full attention. Discover the art of mindful listening and the hidden symphony of the forest.

• Leaders: Peter V., Moaz, Christopher
• Time: 1 pm
• Location: Cedar Trail and the Beare Wetlands Loop
• Transit accessible: Yes
• Meeting point: 25 Zoo Road, Scarborough – oTENTik (A-frame cabin)
• Distance: 1 km – 5 km
• Difficulty: Moderate, possible hills and/or stairs
• Pace: Moderate
• Duration: 2 hours
• Age range: Families
• Service dogs only

Sunday, December 8

Poetry in nature

Join Taleb for a short hike starting with nature-themed verses from popular poets like Robert Frost and Rumi. Then, we'll hit the trail to discover the natural beauty described in the poetry! Please note that there is no washroom on site.

• Leaders: Taleb, Nancy
• Time: 10 am
• Location: Woodland Trail
• Transit accessible: No
• Meeting point: 19 Reesor Road, Scarborough – parking lot
• Distance: 1 km – 5 km
• Difficulty: Easy, flat/paved or gently uneven
• Pace: Easy
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Age range: Adults
• Dog friendly

Tuesday, December 10

Owls in the Rouge

Hoot hoot! It's owl season! Join Michael as we search for the most elusive birds of prey, walking through important owl habitat in hopes to catch a glimpse or hear them calling. Learn about their behavior, and what makes them so special to the Rouge. A photo booklet will be available to showcase previous owl sightings in the park, as owl sightings are not guaranteed.

• Leaders: Michael G., Anne
• Time: 3 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: Moderate
• Duration: 2 hours
• Age range: Families
• Service dogs only

Saturday, December 14

Xplorers: Winter nature walk

Hey kids ages 6-12 and their families! Join walk leader Marilyn and find out why winter is a great time for a nature hike!

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

Sunday, December 15

Coyotes: Guardians of the forest

Explore the intriguing world of coyotes, from their adaptable lifestyles to their essential role in forest ecosystems. Join us to learn how these clever creatures navigate changing habitats and help maintain balance in the wild.

• Leaders: Jane, Marie, Sarah
• 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
• Service dogs only

Saturday, December 21

Winter wildlife wonders

Join Michael on a hike to discover the fascinating winter survival strategies of animals in this unique urban wilderness.

• Leaders: Michael T., Carolyn
• Time: 1 pm
• Location: Reesor Way/Tanglewood Trail
• Transit accessible: No
• Meeting point: 7277 14th Avenue, Markham – oTENTik (A-frame cabin)
• Distance: 1 km – 5 km
• Difficulty: Moderate, possible hills and/or stairs
• Pace: Moderate
• Duration: 2 hours
• Age range: Families
• Service dogs only

Sunday, December 22

Wintering like settlers

Discover how early settlers prepared for winter’s challenges and what timeless lessons we can apply today.

• Leaders: Anne, Stephen
• 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: 1 km – 5 km
• Difficulty: Easy, flat/paved or gently uneven
• Pace: Moderate
• Duration: 2 hours
• Age range: Adults
• Dog friendly

Saturday, December 28

Solstice reflections

Plants and animals adapt to short days and long nights at this time of year. Learn about nature’s response to darkness and celebrations of winter solstice as we look for the light on our path.

• Leaders: Katharina, Linda H.
• Time: 10 am
• Location: Northeast Trail
• 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: 1 km – 5 km
• Difficulty: Easy, flat/paved or gently uneven
• Pace: Moderate
• Duration: 2 hours
• Age range: Adults
• Dog friendly

Sunday, December 29

Christmas Bird Count in the Rouge

Did you know we have birds in the Rouge over the winter? Join walk leader Gary, Geri and Judy for the Christmas Bird Count and see how many unique species you can spot or hear in the park! Binoculars, paper and pen or a bird ID app are recommended for this hike.

• Leaders: Gary, Geri, Judy
• Time: 9:30 am
• Location: Tallgrass Trek
• Transit accessible: No
• Meeting point: 7277 14th Avenue, Markham – oTENTik (A-frame cabin)
• Distance: 1 km – 5 km
• Difficulty: Easy, flat/paved or gently uneven
• Pace: Easy
• Duration: 2 hours
• Age range: Families
• Service dogs only