Did you know you don’t have to leave the GTA to explore farms, trails, forests and creeks all in one place? Rouge National Urban Park is one of the largest of its kind in North America, and there are plenty of things to do and see if you’re planning on stopping by for the day.
The hikes and trails are the best part of this park, found just outside Scarborough in Toronto.
According to Parks Canada, “Rouge National Urban Park hiking trails travel through a variety of landscapes, including meadows, forests, wetlands and farmland. Enjoy views of the Rouge and Little Rouge rivers, wander through mature forests, stroll past farm fields and explore the rich history of the area.”
The trails/hikes here range in difficulty, meaning there’s something for everyone.
The longest trail is the Northeast Trail, which runs through marshland and agricultural fields, featuring seven boardwalks and one pergola overlooking a marsh. The trail is 10.7 KM one way and will take the average hiker around 4 hours to complete.
If you prefer a shorter option, consider the Woodland Trail. The Woodland Trail is an easy hike set against a backdrop of forests, meadows and water.
There are 15 trails in total, though, so take your pick.
Rouge National Park also has free guided tours to take advantage of! The full list of June guided walks can be found on Parks Canada and includes themes like Hikes 101, Urban environmental restoration and Rouge in bloom.
If you’re driving over, just note that the parking lot located at Rouge Beach is open during the summer from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
Add this to your summer bucket list, and happy exploring.
Where: 25 Zoo Rd.
