Free guided walks - March schedule

Saturday, March 1

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, Peter V.
• 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

Sunday, March 2

Need for green

Explore protected park lands of the Rouge with walk leader Doug and discuss ways to restore, protect and preserve natural areas.

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

Sunday, March 9

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
• 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: Moderate
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Age range: Families
• Service dogs only

Saturday, March 15

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.

• Leaders: Michael T., Carolyn
• 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: Families
• Service dogs only

Sunday, March 16

Agriculture past and present

Rich in agricultural heritage, farms still operate in the Rouge today. Join Judy for a walk about farming past and present.

• Leaders: Judy, 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: Adults
• Dog friendly

Thursday, March 20

Busy beavers

As the seasons change, beavers are getting busy! Join Michael for a walk along the trails near Little Rouge Creek to spot signs of their spring activity. With luck, we may even catch a glimpse of these incredible ecosystem engineers!

• Leaders: Michael G., Anne, Moaz
• Time: 4 pm
• 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: Families
• Service dogs only
  
  

Saturday, March 22

Green time in the Rouge

Calling all junior hikers ages 6 to 12 and their families!  Take a break from screen time and join Marie for some green time.

• Leaders: Marie, Anuka
• Time: 1 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: 2.5 hours
• Age range: Families
• Dog friendly

Sunday, March 23

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 the Rouge.

• Leaders: Sarah, Richard
• 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: Adults
• Service dogs only

Saturday, March 29

Predators and prey!

Join walk leader Marilyn to discover the skills and tools wildlife use to survive!

• Leaders: Marilyn, Nancy
• 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: Easy
• Duration: 2 hours
• Age range: Families
• Service dogs only

Sunday, March 30

Chickadees

Join walk leader Glen and learn how Rouge National Urban Park's friendliest bird transitions from winter to spring.

• Leaders: Glen, Shawn
• Time: 1 pm
• 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: Easy
• Duration: 2 hours
• Age range: Adults
• Dog friendly