Rouge Park - Nature Walks

Rouge Park Guided Walks
January 2012

Happy New Year! Rouge Park's Guided Walks enter our 3rd year of adventure and discovery. Winter is here, but we're still hitting the trails! Thanks to Mountain Equipment Co-op for their support of the program. Want to follow up on your resolution to get out more? Don't let the temperatures keep you inside, get your Vitamin D hit! We have the natural answer! Get your boots on! There's so much to see!

Dress for the weather, we walk snow or shine! Bring binoculars and camera, water and snacks. Please wear boots for the trail. Try boot traction - we like Microspikes.
CLICK HERE for more about hiking in Rouge Park and to download our Visitor Guide.

Donate to Rouge Park and our Guided Walks
Do you enjoy coming out with us on the trail?
Your support keeps us going! Show your appreciation.

When would you like to walk with us?

How to Prepare for Your Walk
Bring at least 1 litre of water (try a reusable bottle) and a snack. Bringing a hot drink? Try a thermal mug instead of a disposable cup (it will stay hot longer too!). Trails are natural surface and could be snowy, muddy and damp, with steep grades - wear proper footwear for trails. Dress for the weather - we walk snow or shine. You'll want to have sun protection and be ready for snow and wind with a waterproof or water-repellant jacket. Don't forget a hat, gloves/mittens, and a scarf. Wool socks are the best for warm feet. Keep your running shoes at home; boots or shoes made for trails are best. It's also a good idea to start carrying small backpack to carry things and stay hands-free.
Click here to get totally ready to walk year-round!

Meeting Points, TTC and Parking Information

Group Outings
Groups of up to 15: We welcome groups up to 15 people to a scheduled walk. But before you come out, contact us so we can discuss your needs.

Groups of 15 or more: We can organize a private walk for your group of 15 or more for a nominal per person contribution. Click here to plan your special outing!

Drop a line to hike@rougepark.com or call 905 713 3184. We can get back to you between Monday and Thursday.

Meet the Rouge Park Nature Walk Leaders

Be a Trail Volunteer! If you are interested in being a trail volunteer, let us know at hike@rougepark.com or call 905 713 3184.

Check our online schedule in case of updates ahead of the day you wish to join us.

Still have a question?
Drop us a line at hike@rougepark.com or call 905 713 3184. We can get back to you between Monday and Thursday.

Sunday January 1

1:00pm Woodland
5km
Meeting Point TTC and Parking info

The Hair of the Dog
Leader: Glen
Challenge: Easy
Pace: Easy
Duration: 2 hours
What to expect: Let's talk about various methods of safely transporting and walking the pooch as we enjoy a New Year's Day stroll along the Woodland Trail. Dress warm and depending on the weather bring icers or snow shoes.
Please RSVP
Family Friendly: All welcome - please bring wee ones in carriers.
Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome.
Cold Weather Walking: Tips for a warmer walk in colder temps!

Wednesday January 4

9:30am Orchard and Vista
5km
Meeting Point TTC and Parking info

Happy New Year!
Leader: Kathy
Challenge: Easy-Moderate
Pace: Easy-Moderate
Duration: 2 hours
What to expect: It's the first weekday walk of 2012. Let's catch up on the holiday news! Do you have new gadgets for the trail? Try them! Do you have final vestiges of holiday treats? Share! Is this a great way to start the new year? YES!
Please RSVP
Family Friendly:Kids on foot and in carriers welcome.
Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome.
Cold Weather Walking: Tips for a warmer walk in colder temps!

Saturday January 7

9:30am Vista and Orchard 5km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info	My Year in Nature Leader: Michele Challenge: Easy-Moderate Pace: Easy-Moderate Duration: 2 hours What to expect: Some of us keep journals to capture the events of the year. Why not start a journal, even if it's a photo journal, of your year in Rouge Park. It's the perfect month to begin, and as you come to the end of the year you'll chronicle an incredible transformation in your own words or images to keep forever. Please RSVP Family Friendly: Kids on foot or in carriers welcome. Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome. Cold Weather Walking: Tips for a warmer walk in colder temps!
12:00pm Woodland 5km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info	Reindeer Games Leader: Laura Challenge: Easy/Moderate Pace: Easy/Moderate Duration: 2 hours What to expect: Now that the festive season is over, let's do what the reindeer do: play! Stir-crazy kids 5 and up and their parents will enjoy this short, casual walk concluding with old-fashioned games on the picnic field. Let's hope for snow! Dress to keep dry, and layer for activity! Please RSVP Family Friendly: Best for kids 5+. Dog Friendly?: Please bring your dog on another walk today. Cold Weather Walking: Tips for a warmer walk in colder temps!
2:00pm Cedar 5km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info	The Winter Forest, Wetland and Meadow Leader: Jelena Challenge: Easy/Moderate Pace: Easy/Moderate Duration: 2 hours What to expect: As we follow the trail and take in the different habitats it offers, let's talk about what�s happening to the trees, vegetation and animals? How are they all making it through the cold? Please RSVP Family Friendly: best for kids 6+ on foot, wee ones in carriers. Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome. Cold Weather Walking: Tips for a warmer walk in colder temps!

Sunday January 8

9:30am Woodland 5km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info	Junior Birders - Winter Bird Count for Kids Leader: Diana Challenge: Easy Pace: Easy Duration: 2 hours What to expect: Budding birders ages 9 and under are welcome on this mini-winter bird count. Let's talk about how to look for birds, how to ID them, and why Rouge Park is such a great place for birding. Bring binoculars and bird ID books if you have them. Dress for the weather, we will stop lots, so warm feet and extra snacks and water are top priority. Please RSVP Family Friendly: Kids under 9 on foot or in carriers welcome. Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome. Cold Weather Walking: Tips for a warmer walk in colder temps!
12:00pm Vista and Orchard 5km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info	Winter Fresh Leader: Barb Challenge: Easy/Moderate Pace: Easy/Moderate Duration: 2 hours What to expect: Winter time is in full swing, let's enjoy this season with an afternoon on the trail. We will explore Rouge Park and note what trees and wildlife we can spot. Please RSVP Family Friendly: Kids on foot or in carriers welcome. Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome. Cold Weather Walking: Tips for a warmer walk in colder temps!
2:00pm Mast 5km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info	I See So Much Farther in Winter Leader: Arshia Challenge: Moderate - hilly Pace: Easy-Moderate Duration: 2 hours What to expect: This remark comes out often on a winter walk in Rouge Park. Come and see for yourself! See how the tree canopy lets us look farther than in summer, seeing things we couldn't before. It's like walking in a different park! Please RSVP Family Friendly: Kids on foot or in carriers welcome. Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome. Cold Weather Walking: Tips for a warmer walk in colder temps!

Wednesday January 11

9:30am Woodland
5km
Meeting Point TTC and Parking info

A Winter Wonderland
Leader: Kathy
Challenge: Easy/Moderate
Pace: Easy/Moderate
Duration: 2 hours
What to expect: The new year is a great time to come out and discover the beauty of the Rouge Park in winter. A gentle mantle of snow lies on the trees and lacey patterns appear on the ice in the river. If you look closely, you might even see the pattern of animal tracks in the snow. Bring your camera and please dress for the weather.
Please RSVP
Family Friendly: Kids on foot or in carriers welcome.
Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome.
Cold Weather Walking: Tips for a warmer walk in colder temps!

Saturday January 14

9:30am Mast 5km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info	What Winter Blahs? Leader: Rob Challenge: Moderate - hilly Pace: Easy-Moderate Duration: 2 hours What to expect: Let's only look the postive side of things today! Bring all your good thoughts to the trail to create a big winter cheer! Let's kick off� the days are getting longer� we'll be in great company� we can have a nice hot drink after the walk... Please RSVP Family Friendly: Energetic kids ready for hills and wee ones in carriers welcome. Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome. Cold Weather Walking: Tips for a warmer walk in colder temps!
12:00pm Cedar 5km Meeting Point and Parking info	My Year in Nature Leader: Salvita Challenge: Easy/Moderate Pace: Easy-Moderate Duration: 2 hours What to expect: Some of us keep journals to capture the events of the year. Why not start a journal, even if it's a photo journal, of your year in Rouge Park. It's the perfect month to begin, and as you come to the end of the year you'll chornicaled an incredible transformation in your own words or images to keep forever. Please RSVP Family Friendly: Kids on foot or in carriers welcome. Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome. Cold Weather Walking: Tips for a warmer walk in colder temps!
2:00pm Orchard 5km Meeting Point and Parking info	Welcome to Winter Leader: Darlene Challenge: Easy/Moderate Pace: Easy/Moderate Duration: 2 hours What to expect: Take a walk with Darlene and learn how to embrace and enjoy the winter in Rouge Park. She'll talk about what to wear from head to toe, how a winter walk is different from the rest of the year and how to �look� at the Park in winter. Please RSVP Family Friendly: Kids on foot or in carriers welcome. Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome. Cold Weather Walking: Tips for a warmer walk in colder temps!

Sunday January 15

9:30am Cedar 5km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info	The Winter Forest, Wetland and Meadow Leader: Shannon Challenge: Easy/Moderate Pace: Easy/Moderate Duration: 2 hours What to expect: As we follow the trail and take in the different habitats it offers, let's talk about what�s happening to the trees, vegetation and animals? How are they all making it through the cold? Please RSVP Family Friendly: Kids on foot or in carriers welcome. Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome. Cold Weather Walking: Tips for a warmer walk in colder temps!
12:00pm Mast 5km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info	Trees � How They Live in our World Leader: Vicki Challenge: Moderate (hilly) Pace: Easy/Moderate Duration: 2 hours What to expect:Trees are in a constant battle for light, water and minerals and even try to fend off the attention of living things. Learn about what natural defenses trees have for coping with the living world to ensure they survive. Please RSVP Family Friendly: Best for kids 5+. Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome. Cold Weather Walking: Tips for a warmer walk in colder temps!
2:00pm Mast 5km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info	Resolution Hike - Adults Only - Fitness Pace Leader: Urmilla Challenge: Moderate - hilly Pace: Moderate/Fast Duration: 2 hours What to expect: Are holiday treats still lingering around your waistline? Let's take this opportunity to walk off the 'joys' of the holidays on the Mast trail. Join us for a faster pace than usual hike. Please RSVP Family Friendly: Adults only. Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome. Cold Weather Walking: Tips for a warmer walk in colder temps!

Wednesday January 18

9:30am Mast
5km
Meeting Point TTC and Parking info

The 'Dead' of Winter
Leader: Peter
Challenge: Easy-Moderate
Pace: Easy-Moderate
Duration: 2 hours
What to expect: How do plants and creatures keep warm on the coldest days and nights? What is alive and moving and what is at rest? What is just waiting for spring? We will check out the high areas and those near the creek to compare.
Please RSVP
Family Friendly: Kids on foot or in carriers welcome.
Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome.
Cold Weather Walking: Tips for a warmer walk in colder temps!

Friday January 20

9:30am Cedar
5km
Meeting Point TTC and Parking info

The Winter Forest, Wetland and Meadow
Leader: Kevin
Challenge: Easy/Moderate
Pace: Easy/Moderate
Duration: 2 hours
What to expect: As we follow the trail and take in the different habitats it offers, let's talk about what�s happening to the trees, vegetation and animals? How are they all making it through the cold?
Please RSVP
Family Friendly: Kids on foot or in carriers welcome.
Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome.
Cold Weather Walking: Tips for a warmer walk in colder temps!

Saturday January 21

9:30am Orchard and Vista 5km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info	Junior Hikers Winter Edition Leaders: Diana Challenge: Easy/Moderate Pace: Easy/Moderate Duration: 2 hours What to expect: Your budding naturalist will enjoy this walk to spot as much as we can along the trail, and talk about the changes the season brings. We'll put our heads together and learn along the way. Bring binoculars, camera and your imagination!!! Please RSVP Family Friendly: Kids on foot or in carriers welcome. Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome. Cold Weather Walking: Tips for a warmer walk in colder temps!
12:00pm Cedar 5km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info	Winter Safety Leader: Lindsay Challenge: Easy/Moderate Pace: Easy/Moderate Duration: 2 hours What to expect: Take time out for a fun hike while learning safety tips for the winter! This is an excellent way to get active after the holiday season! Please RSVP Family Friendly: Kids on foot or in carriers welcome. Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome. Cold Weather Walking: Tips for a warmer walk in colder temps!
2:00pm Woodland 5km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info	Still Time to Keep Your Resolution Leader: Bruce Challenge: Easy/Moderate Pace: Easy/Moderate Duration: 2 hours What to expect: If you promised yourself that you would get outside and exercise more, this is the perfect time. If you're a bit rusty, we'll will begin with some warm up exercises. There are still many species of birds in the park that we can look out for, so bring your cameras and binoculars. Please RSVP Family Friendly: Kids on foot or in carriers welcome. Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome. Cold Weather Walking: Tips for a warmer walk in colder temps!

Sunday January 22

9:30am Orchard and Vista 5km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info	Natural Vistas Leader: Radmila Challenge: Easy/Moderate Pace: Easy/Moderate Duration: 2 hours What to expect:Although the meadows and forests on our way are 'sleeping' for the winter, it is still enchanting to walk on the banks of the powerful waters of the Little Rouge, and above all, to catch beautiful vistas from the newly built observation platform. Please RSVP Family Friendly: Kids on foot or in carriers welcome. Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome. Cold Weather Walking: Tips for a warmer walk in colder temps!
12:00pm Woodland 5km Meeting Point and Parking info	Baby on Board Leader: Marie Challenge: Easy Pace: Easy Duration: 2 hours What to expect: Just a few months into the world of baby carriers, Marie invites parents and caregivers with their babies in carriers to come out and join her and her little one on the family-friendly Woodlands Trail. Whether you are new to walking and hiking with your baby, already experienced with a well-used carrier, or just curious about it, we invite you to come out to enjoy the fresh air with your infant. Let us all share our experiences about carriers, hiking and, of course, babies. Please RSVP Family Friendly: Kids on foot and in carriers welcome. Dog Friendly?: Please bring your dog another time. Cold Weather Walking: Tips for a warmer walk in colder temps!
2:00pm Cedar 5km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info	Junior Hikers Winter Edition Leader: Linda Challenge: Easy/Moderate Pace: Easy/Moderate Duration: 2 hours What to expect:Your budding naturalist will enjoy this walk to spot as much as we can along the trail, and talk about the changes the season brings. But we'll put our heads together and learn along the way. Bring binoculars, camera and your imagination!!! Please RSVP Family Friendly: Kids on foot or in carriers welcome. Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome. Cold Weather Walking: Tips for a warmer walk in colder temps!

Wednesday January 25

9:30am Orchard and Vista
5km
Meeting Point TTC and Parking info

Winter Birding
Leader: Brian
Challenge: Easy/Moderate
Pace: Easy/Moderate
Duration: 2 hours
What to expect: Kick off your birding hobby in Rouge Park. Join us for a walk to learn what birds stay in Rouge Park for the winter, why, and how to find them. Plus, get a handle on who to look for when warm weather returns! Winter birding is a great way to stay active, catch some natural Vitamin D and stave off the winter blahs!
Please RSVP
Family Friendly: Kids on foot or in carriers welcome.
Dog Friendly?: Please bring your dog this weekend.
Cold Weather Walking: Tips for a warmer walk in colder temps!

Saturday January 28

9:30am Orchard 5km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info	The Winter Forest, Wetland and Meadow Leader: Gord Challenge: Easy/Moderate Pace: Easy/Moderate Duration: 2 hours What to expect: As we follow the Woodland path and take in the different habitats it offers, let's talk about what�s happening to the trees, vegetation and animals. How are they all making it through the cold? Please RSVP Family Friendly: Kids on foot and in carriers welcome. Dog Friendly?: We have other walks for your dog today. Cold Weather Walking: Tips for a warmer walk in colder temps!
12:00pm Cedar 5km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info	I See So Much Farther in Winter Leader: Erick Challenge: Easy/Moderate Pace: Easy/Moderate Duration: 2 hours What to expect: This remark comes out often on a winter walk in Rouge Park. Come and see for yourself! See how the tree canopy lets us look farther than in summer, seeing things we couldn't before. It's like walking in a different park! Please RSVP Family Friendly: Kids on foot or in carriers welcome. Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome. Cold Weather Walking: Tips for a warmer walk in colder temps!
2:00pm Woodland 5km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info	Winter in Woodland Leader: Mike Challenge: Easy-Moderate Pace: Easy-Moderate Duration: 2 hours What to expect: Let's all try and stay warm with a brisk walk along the Woodland trail, looking for birds and foot prints in the snow. Enjoy the open spaces of the meadows to take in some winter sunshine. Mike's been taking tracking lessons, so we may spot a coyote print in the snow if timing's right. Please RSVP Family Friendly: Kids on foot or in carriers welcome. Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome. Cold Weather Walking: Tips for a warmer walk in colder temps!

Sunday January 29

9:30am Mast 5km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info	My Year in Nature Leader: Giselle Challenge: Moderate - Hilly Pace: Easy/Moderate Duration: 3 hours What to expect: Some of us keep journals to capture the events of the year. Why not start a journal, even if it's a photo journal, of your year in Rouge Park. It's the perfect month to begin, and as you come to the end of the year you'll chronicle the Park's incredible transformation in your own words or images to keep forever. Please RSVP Family Friendly: Energetic older children up for this pace and distance and wee ones in carriers are welcome. Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome. Cold Weather Walking: Tips for a warmer walk in colder temps!
12:00pm Vista and Orchard 5km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info	Winter Birding Leader: Gary Challenge: Easy/Moderate Pace: Easy-Moderate Duration: 2 hours What to expect: Kick off your birding hobby in Rouge Park. Join us for a walk to learn what birds stay in Rouge Park for the winter, why, and how to find them. Plus, get a handle on who to look for when warm weather returns! Winter birding is a great way to stay active, catch some natural Vitamin D and stave off the winter blahs! Please RSVP Family Friendly:Kids on foot and in carriers welcome. Dog Friendly?: Please join our morning outing. Cold Weather Walking: Tips for a warmer walk in colder temps!
2:00pm Cedar 5km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info	Volunteer Information Walk Leader: Diana Challenge: Easy/Moderate Pace: Easy/Moderate Duration: 2 hours What to expect: If you have applied to be a Rouge Park volunteer or are interested in learning more, this is the place to be! Find out about our walk leader, ambassador and photography roles, what we ask of our volunteers and what we offer you in return. This is the first step to joining a fun, friendly and fast-growing group! Please RSVP Family Friendly: Adults only. Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome. Cold Weather Walking: Tips for a warmer walk in colder temps!