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Rouge Park Guided Walks
August 2010

No cottage? No problem! Take a summer walk in Rouge Park. You'll think you've left the city!

Enjoy a shaded forest walk or bask under the open skies of the wetlands. Let's see who's out and about among the birds, turtles, frogs and other Rouge Park animals. Meadows are abounding with wildflowers, dragon and damselflies.


Where to Join Your Walk

Walks meet at one of these areas for our Toronto trails - look for our new meeting point signs or for your walk leader. Please arrive about 10 minutes ahead of the start time.

Meeting Point for Cedar, Vista and Orchard Trails:
North Vista Trail trailhead, just past Pearse House , 1749 Meadowvale Road at Zoo Road (follow signs for Rouge Valley Conservation Centre)

TTC: Bus 85 or 86 via Toronto Zoo, alight opposite the zoo, and walk east toward Pearse House

Meeting Point for Mast Trail:
Glen Rouge Campground Parking Area, 7450 Kingston Road

TTC: Bus 85a, alight at Port Union Road/Sheppard Av. E. for Kingston Road north side and walk east to the campground on Kingston Road

Meeting Point for Woodlands Trail:
19 Reesor Road, south of Steeles

Meeting Point for Rouge Beach:
Rouge Beach Parking Area, at the bottom of Rouge Hills Drive, at the eastern end of Lawrence Av. E.

TTC: Bus 85 Sheppard to Rouge Hills GO Station, then walk east on Lawrence Ave. E. for 1km
OR 54 Lawrence East to Starspray Blvd., and walk about 500metres east

You can also reach the Park via GO train and bus:
Rouge Hills GO station on the Lakeshore East line is walking distance from the Beach and Marsh, and connects to TTC route 85.
GO bus 94 via Oshawa and Yorkdale connects to TTC route 85 on Kingston Rd. at Port Union/Sheppard.

Have a question? Drop us a line at hike@rougepark.com. We can get back to you between Monday and Thursday.

Wednesday August 4
9:30am Orchard
5km
Leader: Leila
Challenge: Easy-Moderate
Pace: Easy-Moderate
Duration: 2 hours
What to expect: From above a wetland to right down by the creek, and a marsh in between, we will take in different habitats and talk about what likes to live in them. We also get a great view of the bluffs that are a key characteristic of the Lower Rouge Valley.
Dog Friendly?: Yes

Saturday August 7
9:30am Mast
5.5km
Leader: Diana
Challenge: Moderate
Pace: Easy-Moderate
Duration: 2.5 hours
What to expect: Enjoy a cool walk in the woods on a hot summer's day, then catch the sun as we break at the Little Rouge Creek. It's here we often have good bird spotting! We'll be climbing the ridge so be prepared for a little exercise! Kids 7+ welcome.
Dog Friendly?: Yes
12:00pm Cedar
5km
Leader: Diane
Challenge: Easy
Pace: Easy-Moderate
Duration: 2 hours
What to expect: We'll be serenaded by birds and frogs and may glimpse various birds of prey and butterflies. This is a very picturesque walk which passes through a wetland, meadowland and forested area. Several parts of the route are open and exposed to the sun so water (mandatory), sunscreen and a hat are highly recommended.
Dog Friendly?: Yes
2:00pm Woodlands
5.5km
Leader: Diana
Challenge: Easy
Pace: Easy-Moderate
Duration: 2 hours
What to expect: This is a great family walk as the trail is mainly flat. Strollers are OK but if you have a carrier, try that. Enjoy this peaceful oasis and learn about the area as we meander past reminders of this former cottage country.
Dog friendly?: Yes

Wednesday August 11
9:30am Cedar
5km
Leader: Kathy
Challenge: Easy-Moderate
Pace: Moderate
Duration: 2 hours
What to expect: We'll scan the wetland for visitors on our way to the cool of the Cedar Trail. We're sure to see wildflowers, butterflies and birds in the open meadows, so be sure to bring your camera or binoculars! Kids 7+ welcome.
Dog Friendly?: Yes

Saturday August 14
9:30am Orchard
5km
Leader: Rob
Challenge: Easy-Moderate
Pace: Easy-Moderate
Duration: 2.5 hours
What to expect: From above a wetland to right down by the creek, and a marsh in between, we will take in different habitats and talk about what likes to live in them. We're joined by Richard Aaron, seasoned naturalist and wildflower expert, who will help us develop a deeper appreciation for our local wildflowers by exploring the meanings behind their names.
Dog Friendly?: Yes
12:00pm Vista to Celebration Forest
4km
Leader: Salvita
Challenge: Easy
Pace: Easy
Duration: 2 hours
What to expect: Walking in nature can have many therapeutic benefits. Taking a walk or a hike to enjoy the scenery, the fresh air and the activity can help in calming and clearing the mind, managing stress and depression. Simply slowing down the pace of life by spending more time walking helps reduce the stress and improve your overall health and well being. As the days get hotter water and sun screen are a must.
Dog Friendly?: Yes
2:00pm Cedar
5km
Leader: Darlene
Challenge: Easy
Pace: Easy-Moderate
Duration: 2.5 hours
What to expect: Diversity is on the menu for this walk; the vast Beare wetlands lead to a former pasture, now a blooming meadow. We descend into a cedar and mixed forest canopy, with a lovely view of the Little Rouge Creek. We're joined again by Richard Aaron, seasoned naturalist and wildflower expert, who will share his expertise on the origin of the names of our wildflowers.
Dog Friendly?: Yes

Wednesday August 18
9:30am Woodlands
5.5km
Leader: Ingrid
Challenge: Easy
Pace: Easy
Duration: 2 hours
What to expect: Let's take a morning walk in this tranquil area with meadows, a bird flyway, expansive views and some lively history! Bring binoculars to watch the skies for turkey vultures riding the wind.
Dog Friendly?: Yes

Saturday August 21
9:30am Vista and Orchard
5km
Leader: Glen
Challenge: Easy-Moderate
Pace: Easy-Moderate
Duration: 2.5 hours
What to expect: Get 2 views of the Valley on this walk. Vista is the trail on which we occasionally encounter deer and the pileated woodpecker. There are large numbers of wild flowers, a beaver dam in the Orchard wet lands and possibly the first fall migrants. Yes, that's fall migrants. Sun screen and lots of water are recommended.
Dog Friendly?: Yes
12:00pm Mast
5km
Leader: Diane
Challenge: Easy
Pace: Easy
Duration: 2.5 hours
What to expect: Enjoy a pleasant stroll through the forest. You're walking a 200 year old logging route. Large trees were cut and floated down the river to the lake, bound for ship building yards in Europe. Kids 7+ welcome.
Dog Friendly?: Yes
2:00pm Orchard
5km
Leader: Rasha
Challenge: Easy-Moderate
Pace: Moderate-Fast
Duration: 2 hours
What to expect: This is a marching walk for those who are looking for good exercise and an authentic natural outdoor experience. A mix of forest, wetland, riparian and meadow zones will be spotted. Steep bluffs over the river valleys offer amazing views. On the Orchard Trail, get up close and personal with the Little Rouge Creek as we wend our way creekside, then take in sweeping views from atop the bluffs. After an uphill cardio push, we are rewarded with good chances to spot many species of ducks, plus swans and other wetland birds by the Beare Landfill.
Dog Friendly?: Yes

Wednesday August 25
9:30am Mast
5.5km
Leader: Kevin
Challenge: Moderate
Pace: Easy-Moderate
Duration: 2.5 hours
What to expect: Enjoy a cool walk in the woods on a hot summer's day, with a break at the Little Rouge Creek. We'll be climbing the ridge so be prepared for a little exercise!
Dog Friendly?: Yes

Saturday August 28
9:30am Vista and Orchard
5km
Leader: Gord
Challenge: Moderate
Pace: Easy-Moderate
Duration: 2 hours
What to expect: A mix of forest and meadow views offer a variety of plant and animal life, plus steep bluffs over the river and creek valleys greet you on both the Vista and Orchard Trails. Both sides of the Little Rouge River will offer good opportunities for wildlife spotting and an invigorating hike. Bring insect repellent, UV protection and water for hydration. Binoculars and or camera may come in handy.
Dog Friendly?: Yes
12:00pm Mast
5.5km
Leader: Frans
Challenge: Moderate
Pace: Easy-Moderate
Duration: 2.5 hours
What to expect: Enjoy a cool walk in the woods on a hot summer's day, then catch the sun as we break at the Little Rouge Creek. It's here we often have good bird spotting! We'll be climbing the ridge so be prepared for a little exercise! Kids 7+ welcome.
Dog Friendly?: Yes
2:00pm Vista
4km
Leader: John
Challenge: Easy
Pace: Easy
Duration: 2 hours
What to expect: We're going to explore "Fire in the Rouge", examining the Vista Trail for signs of past fires and lightning strikes which are not always apparent until one looks closely at the forest. Families are welcome on this hike.
Dog Friendly?: Because of the sensitive plants we will be examining, dogs can join another walk today.





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