Rouge Park
Rouge Park is a huge wilderness nature park that stretches north from Lake Ontario in the eastern portion of Toronto
Rouge Park was established by the Province of Ontario in 1995 and covers a huge area of almost 50 square kilometers, making it the largest natural park inside of a metropolitan area in North America. It is situated in the eastern portion of the City of Toronto as well as portions of neighbouring Markham and Pickering.
From late in the 1800s until the 1950s the park lands were home to many resorts and cottages. A prominent feature of the Park is the Rouge River which flows into Lake Ontario. The park is also home to over 225 different species of birds making it a great spot for bird watching.
The southern most portion of the park at Lake Ontario features a sandy beach along the lake and marshlands with a pathway and boardwalk for wildlife viewing. Farther north, you will find the Toronto Zoo and numerous walking/hiking trails with interpretive exhibits.
For some great views try the 1.6 kilometer Vista Trail or make your way to Glen Eagles Vista. For detailed information about the park see their official website above.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoRouge Park Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Thursday: 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday: 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Address: 7277 14th Ave, Markham, ON L6B 1A8, Canada
Phone: (416) 264-2020
Official Website: Rouge Park
Rouge Park Reviews
Rated out of 5
The park boasts with diverse landscape including lush forest, serene meadows, wetlands, Rouge River. I did two trail Vista & Mast trail that offers scenic views & natural beauty. You can enjoy bird watching, canoeing, fishing & picnic. Easy accessible with TTC, well-maintained facilities, big parking lot & washrooms available at spot. Exceptional outdoor experience even on hot sunny days.
Nirmohi Patel - 2 years ago
This National park is close to Toronto Zoo area. It's quiet and nice area for a relaxing hike or bike ride without going too far out of the city; great place to get away from the city within the city. Truly lovely for a trek, so much wonder to see, Vista trail. Lovely natural habitat, lots of trails of all grades, close to public transit and zoo.
Kids will love it too. There are hills and the ravine. Safe and peaceful park for all,
Not to busy! Beautiful hike in the summer and there is a great hill for tobogganing in the winter. Definitely give it a visit!
N Y - 4 years ago
Couldn't explore much of it in one visit as there's so much to trail if one wants to. But the visitor guide staff was very helpful and parking was free so that's a plus. Not sure for how long they keep it free though. Ended up going to Vista trail and then going down to the creek. Spent most of the time there and it was very peaceful.
I would suggest use some bugs and mosquito spray just in case and bring your own water and juice. Porta potty was there as well but didn't try it. Spent almost 2 hours of trail and then returned. Overall, nice place for some quality time with friends and family.
Harsimrat Suppal - 2 years ago
A sprawling, beautiful, massive national park that is the closest thing to wilderness you'll find within Toronto city limits. Out of the numerous times I've come here, I've managed to get lost in it twice, and it's been awesome. No better place in Toronto to get lost.
Summer, autumn, winter, spring, it's never too crowded because it's so large. If you find where you are with too many people, it's easy to go somewhere where you might be the the only person around for miles. Truly an oasis.
Vee - a year ago
We spent almost 2 hours exploring the trails at Rouge National.
Breathtaking views. This park must be seen to be appreciated properly. Photographs simply can not depict the majesty of this nature reserve.
Highly recommend.
Cherry - 2 years ago
Directions
| TTC Subway Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Bloor Danforth | Kennedy Station | 0 Minutes |
| Sheppard Line | Don Mills Station | 0 Minutes |
How to get to Rouge Park by TTC Subway
To go to the central area of the park or the Toronto Zoo--From Don Mills Station on the Sheppard Line take either the #85A Sheppard East via Toronto Zoo or #85B Sheppard East to Toronto Zoo bus to the Toronto Zoo Loop. (Operates Saturday, Sunday and holidays only)
From Bay 9 at Kennedy Station on the Bloor-Danforth Linetake the #86A Scarborough to Toronto Zoo bus to the Toronto Zoo Loop (Operates daily during the summer--weekdays only after Labour Day)
To explore the southern portion of the park by Rouge Beach go to Kennedy Station on the Bloor-Danforth Line and catch the Scarborough Centre Express Bus to Lawrence Avenue East. Transfer to the #54A Lawrence East to Starspray bus on Lawrence Avenue and continue to Starspray Loop. Walk east into the Park.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near Rouge Park:
Photo Gallery
-
A picturesque walking trail in Rouge Park cc licensed photo by jbcurio -
Photo Credit: sillygwailo - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: sillygwailo - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: sillygwailo - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: sillygwailo - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: JordanEightySeven - cc license via Flickr
