Urban Walk; Rouge Park Christmas Hike

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Urban Walk
Location (Google Maps): Rouge National Park, Toronto, Ontario

Hike Leader(s): Brian Rideout Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Moderate (3-4 km/hr)
Terrain: Challenging, Hilly, Level 2 (Intermediate - some hills and uneven surfaces, rocks and roots underfoot), Variable
Distance (km): 10.17 km

Description

Please join me for a holiday hike in the Rouge National Urban Park, which has been voted by some members as my best and exhilarating one.  On this hike, you can expect rolling hills, and stunning vistas, including the largest remaining wetland in the City of Toronto.

The hike starts at the Toronto Zoo entrance.   To get there, you can meet me at Kennedy TTC station by 9:55 am for a 42-minute bus ride, or you can take the 85 Sheppard East bus route from Don Mills Station or Rouge Hill GO station.  If driving, consider parking for free next to the Rouge Valley Conservation Centre (Pearse House), GPS (43.81780727235202, -79.17176449225887), where the hike ends, and walk over to the Toronto Zoo entrance. This walk is about 10 minutes.

Please bring at least 2 liters of water, a snack and dress for the cold. Hiking poles are recommended. Bring icers just in case. Expect some hilly terrain.

Apres-hike at The Stone Cottage Pub, to share the holiday season with fellow hikers.  Please wear Holiday colors and bring your appetite.

Here is an online map of our route (https://onthegomap.com/s/9mpj477d) Rouge Park Map

Update: The Park Rd entrance to Rouge National Urban Park is closed for construction of the new visitor centre. This includes a portion of Vista Trail from the platform area to the road therefore Orchard Trail and Vista Trail do not connect at this time. Parking at the Rouge Valley Conservation Area is very small and reserved for RVCC visitors, not park users. Parking is available at 55 Twyn Rivers Drive or at 7450 Kingston Rd. Here's a link to the information bulletin for the closure: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/on/rouge/securite-safety/bulletins/06cbeb39-d081-4e5d-9a38-981ff1875baf.  The Rouge Valley Conservation Centre is hosting its own event on Dec 13th and will require the use of their parking lot.

Update: I can confirm that there is no parking available in the park.  If driving you will have to park at the Toronto Zoo.  There is some construction underway at the Zoo so the available parking space is reduced but spots should be available.  Also, the portion of the Vista Trail near the existing Visitor Center in the park is blocked by a construction site.  However, we can skirt the construction site outside the fence without violating the 'no trespass' prohibition, at least I was able to On December 7.

Update:  There is a steep hill that we go down.  You will be unable to descend safely without icers.  Trekking poles are strongly recommended.