Free guided walks - April schedule

Saturday, April 5

Urban environmental restoration

The Tallgrass Trek is the perfect place to see ecological restoration in action. Join Carolyn to discover how Rouge National Urban Park’s efforts create and sustain healthy ecosystems.

• Leaders: Carolyn, Feng
• 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: 1.5 hours
• Age range: Adults
• Dog friendly

Sunday, April 6

Photography and iNaturalist walk

Become a citizen scientist and investigate all the wild things in the Rouge! Join walk leader Gary on a slow investigative photography walk.

• Leaders: Gary, Geri, Taleb
• 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
• Service dogs only

Wednesday, April 9

Wondrous woodcocks

One of the most unique migrating birds has just returned to Rouge National Urban Park. Join Michael to learn about the fascinating American woodcock, a shorebird known for its mesmerizing courtship display. As dusk settles, we’ll listen for their distinctive calls and keep watch for a chance to witness their remarkable sky dance.

• Leaders: Michael G., Judy, Linda H.
• Time: 6:30 pm
• Location: Reesor Way/Tanglewood Trail
• Transit accessible: No
• Meeting point: 7277 14th Avenue, Markham – oTENTik (A-frame cabin)
• Distance: 1 km – 3 km 
• Difficulty: Moderate, possible hills and/or stairs
• Pace: Moderate
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Age range: Families
• Service dogs only

Saturday, April 12

Emerging from winter

How do plants and animals adapt to spring? How do they help each other emerge from winter? Calling all clever explorers to join us on a fun adventure and spot nature’s transition into the new season! 

• Leaders: Katharina, Susan
• 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: 3 km – 5 km
• Difficulty: Easy, flat/paved or gently uneven
• Pace: Moderate
• Duration: 2 hours
• Age range: Families
• Dog friendly

Sunday, April 13

Changing seasons in the Rouge

Join walk leader Donna and discover the woodland’s secrets as winter gives way to spring. Please note that there is no washroom on site.

• Leaders: Donna, Ompreet, Marie 
• Time: 1 pm
• Location: Woodland Trail
• Transit accessible: No 
• Meeting point: 19 Reesor Road, Scarborough – parking lot
• Distance: 3 km – 5 km
• Difficulty: Easy, flat/paved or gently uneven
• Pace: Moderate
• Duration: 2 hours
• Age range: Adults
• Service dogs only

Saturday, April 19

The early settlers of the Rouge

Step back in time to explore the lives of the early settlers in the Rouge. Join Anne to learn how these hardy people prepared for survival and what we can learn from their resourceful ways today.

• Leaders: Anne, Richard
• 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: Moderate
• Duration: 2 hours
• Age range: Families
• Dog friendly

Sunday, April 20

Yoga with the trees

Stretch, breathe, and flow with the trees in the Rouge. Join Denise for a hike with yoga-inspired movements to connect with nature. No experience needed – just bring water and an open mind!

• Leaders: Denise, Sarah, Christopher
• Time: 10 am
• Location: Mast Trail
• Transit accessible: No 
• Meeting point: 7450 Kingston Road, 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

Saturday, April 26

Invasive plants in the Rouge

Not all plants play fair! Some spread aggressively, pushing out the native species that wildlife depends on. Join walk leader Peter to learn how invasive plants gain an advantage, how native plants cope and what we can do to restore balance in nature.

• Leaders: Peter V., Nancy
• 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 hours
• Age range: Adults
• Service dogs only
  
  

Sunday, April 27

Rooted in restoration

It's Arbour Week in Ontario! Join walk leader Marilyn to learn about reforestation, wetland rehabilitation and how we can all be a part of land stewardship for the future.

• Leaders: Marilyn, Linda H.
• Time: 1 pm
• 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
• Dog friendly