Free guided walks - February schedule

Saturday, February 1

Winter in the Rouge

Join Marie to discover why the colour “red” is very important for our wildlife in winter.

• Leaders: Marie, Feng
• Time: 1 pm
• Location: Vista Trail Loop 
• Transit accessible: Yes 
• Meeting point: 25 Zoo Road, Scarborough – Vista Trailhead
• Distance: 1 km – 3 km
• Difficulty: Easy, flat/paved or gently uneven
• Pace: Easy
• Duration: 2 hours
• Age range: Adults
• Dog friendly
  
  

Sunday, February 2

Nature’s year-round neighbours

Join Doug to explore different wildlife habitat and learn how they live and survive through all the seasons of the year.

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

Saturday, February 8

Keeping warm

Winter hiking offers unique beauty, but staying warm is essential. Join us to learn tips for cold-weather hiking, from layering and gear to staying energized and safe on the trails. 

• Leaders: Peter V., Markus
• 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: 3 km – 5 km
• Difficulty: Easy, flat/paved or gently uneven
• Pace: Moderate
• Duration: 2 hours
• Age range: Families
• Service dogs only
  
  

Sunday, February 9

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!

• Leaders: Taleb, Tracy 
• Time: 1 pm
• Location: Monarch Trail
• 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: Adults
• Dog friendly
  
  

Tuesday, February 11

Our agricultural heritage

It’s Canada’s Agriculture Day! 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, Doug
• Time: 12 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
  
  

Saturday, February 15

Great Backyard Bird Count in the Rouge

Did you know we have birds in the Rouge over the winter? Join walk leader Gary, Geri and Christopher for the Great Backyard 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, Christopher
• Time: 9:30 am
• Location: Beare Wetlands Loop
• Transit accessible: Yes 
• Meeting point: 25 Zoo Road, Scarborough – Vista Trailhead
• Distance: 1 km – 3 km
• Difficulty: Moderate, possible hills and/or stairs 
• Pace: Easy
• Duration: 2 hours
• Age range: Families
• Service dogs only
  
  

Sunday, February 16

Field to forest succession

Join Shawn in exploring some of the park's many examples of ecological succession and consider how the park's forests may change in the future.

• Leaders: Shawn, Marilyn
• 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: Moderate
• Duration: 2 hours
• Age range: Adults
• Dog friendly
  
  

Saturday, February 22

How is the Oak Ridges Moraine connected to the Rouge?

Join Susan to discover Rouge National Urban Park's connection to the Oak Ridges Moraine. Learn about the vital role this region plays in preserving our natural heritage.

• Leaders: Susan, Richard
• 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
• Service dogs only
  
  

Sunday, February 23

White-tailed Deer

Join Brian in search of white-tailed deer tracks and other deer clues. You’ll be surprised how many call the Rouge home! Please note that we do not guarantee white-tailed deer will be seen on the walk.

• Leaders: Brian, Michael G.
• Time: 10 am
• Location: Reesor Way/Tanglewood Trail
• 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