Free guided walks - November schedule

Saturday, November 2

Field to forest succession

Join Shawn in exploring some of the many examples of ecological transitions in the Park and ponder on how the park’s forests may change in the future.

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

Sunday, November 3

Nature’s adaptation to changing light

Explore the fascinating ways in which seasonal changes in light affect both plants and animals. Discover how light influences hibernation, food gathering, leaf color transformations, and the dispersal of seeds.

• Leaders: Jane, Nancy
• Time: 10 am
• Location: Mast Trail
• Transit Accessible: No
• Meeting point: 55 Twyn Rivers Drive, Scarborough – parking lot
• Distance: 1 km – 5 km
• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult, depending on experience, with some steep hills and stairs
• Pace: Easy
• Duration: 2 hours
• Age Range: Families
• Dog friendly

Saturday, November 9

Getting ready for winter

What do you do when things get tough? Hide? Leave? Shut down? Adapt? Creatures in the wild are no different. On this walk, let's explore how they respond when winter's coming.

• Leaders: Katharina, Feng, Michael T.
• Time: 10 am
• 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
• Dog friendly

Sunday, November 10

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
• Time: 1pm
• 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, November 16

Conifers of the Rouge

Get to know the conifers that call Rouge National Urban Park home. Delve into the fascinating world of these evergreens with us to explore their unique adaptations and vital roles within the ecosystem.

• Leaders: Stephen, Marie
• Time: 10 am
• Location: 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: Adults
• Dog friendly

Sunday, November 17

Challenging Walk of the Month

Join Moaz for a challenging and energizing hike while enjoying the sights and sounds of nature in the Rouge National Urban Park. Bring your own water bottle (and light snacks). Please note that if you have joint or mobility issues, this strenuous hike may not be appropriate for you, as it covers steep hills and rough terrain at a fast pace. Please bring extra water for this long walk.

• Leaders: Moaz, JoAnne
• Time: 1pm
• Location: Orchard Trail and Mast Trail
• Transit Accessible: No
• Meeting point: 55 Twyn Rivers Drive, Scarborough – parking lot
• Distance: 8+ km
• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult, depending on experience, with some steep hills and stairs 
• Pace: Fast
• Duration: 3 hours
• Age Range: Adults
• Service dogs only

Saturday, November 23

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, Peter V.
• 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: 1 km – 5 km
• Difficulty: Easy, flat/paved or gently uneven
• Pace: Moderate
• Duration: 2 hours
• Age Range: Families
• Dog friendly

Sunday, November 24

Woodland through the ages

Once home to the early settlers of the Town of York and later, Toronto, this land has served many purposes over time. Join us for a leisurely walk as we explore the evolving relationship between people and nature, uncovering how the land has transformed through history into the trails we enjoy today. Please note that there is no washroom on site.

• Leaders: Carolyn, Glen H.
• Time: 1pm
• 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

Saturday, November 30

Preparing for winter: Nature’s strategies

Winter is around the corner and nature is ready for the snow and cold! Let’s keep warm and learn how nature prepares and benefits from winter conditions.

• Leaders: Anne, Linda H.
• Time: 1 pm
• Location: Mast Trail
• Transit Accessible: No
• Meeting point: 7450 Kingston Road, Scarborough – parking lot
• Distance: 1 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