Rouge National Urban Park image

Rouge National Urban Park

Tourist attraction Park Hiking area National park Bird watching area

One of the Most Reviewed Hiking areas in Toronto


Address

25 Zoo Rd, Toronto, ON M1B 5W8, Canada

Website

parks.canada.ca

Contact

+1 416-264-2020

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (3.5K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: (New Year's Day), 7:30 am to 9 pm, Hours might differ
  • Tuesday: 7:30 am to 9 pm
  • Wednesday: 7:30 am to 9 pm
  • Thursday: 7:30 am to 9 pm
  • Friday: 7:30 am to 9 pm
  • Saturday: 7:30 am to 9 pm
  • Sunday: 7:30 am to 9 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: trails (40) park (36) trail (29) great (19) parking (19) beautiful (19) Rouge (18) hike (16) fall (16) walk (15)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 N Y. 1 year ago on Google
    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!
    14 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Penny R. 1 year ago on Google
    Rouge National Urban Park: Wild in the City This is such a huge park, covers Scarborough and Markham. There are so many trails that you have to go more than once so you can hike on all the trails. It was a perfect fall day (early to late October) for a hike when we visited, sun was out and it was the perfect weather. Leaves have turned 50 percent in Toronto and it was fun walking the trails looking at the fall colours and walking on the leaves. There were a few family activities like Earth Day Run and Fall Festival so there were trail racers and families checking out the pumpkin festival and participating in the guided walks of the park. Trails are well-maintained and there is a look-out point where you can look at Toronto and the Rouge River.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 J J. 1 year ago on Google
    They charge you to park in an empty field now (see pics). None of the other lots (that are actually paved) require payment but for some reason, they charge you to park in an unpaved lot. This used to be free. Also no mention on the website that they now charge for parking. It still says it is free. I assumed that all lots would be charged but just the unpaved one. Makes total sense. The trails themselves are still great. Forgot to take a pic of prices but it's $4 an hour. All day is $12.25. There's also a season pass option for $50.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Garth M. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful, lots of hills and a nice trail to walk along. Challenging with a double stroller, but still a walk worth taking
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aalia R. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place to take a short hike. It gets steep at some places so it’s not great for older hikers or people with knee problems. No biking allowed, I was mad at first but then saw the trail and realized why lol. It’s a great gem hidden in the city.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 sun l. 1 year ago on Google
    Mid Aug 2022, weekday. Now it has to pay $4 per hour for parking next to Conservation Centre. It is better to take the north wing of the trail leading to Lookout deck. There is a nice view of the Rouge River and with the sizzling sound in the ears. On return, it is god to take this trail as well instead of the south one close to Biosphere which smells while view and walk are not as enjoyable.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Arsalan A. 1 year ago on Google
    As a wedding photographer, I recently had the pleasure of capturing this couples engagement session at Rouge National Park. The scenery during fall time is absolutely breathtaking, and it makes for a stunning backdrop for engagement sessions! There are a variety of locations, all of which are easily accessible by following the well maintained trails. Since the park is so large, there is a reasonable amount of privacy which helped in the couple being able to relax and enjoy the session. Overall, the engagement session was a memorable experience for both the couple and myself. The fall weather added an extra layer of beauty to the already stunning park, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to capture such a special moment. If you’re looking for a park for your engagement session, this is a great option!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sangkeun K. 1 year ago on Google
    Large trail with washrooms at the parking lots. Clean with great views and an observation point.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ravi T. 3 months ago on Google New
    I love this park. There are so many trails which you can explore and give you options to choose difficulty levels of hiking. My favorite one is the Vista trail starting near Twyn River Parking lot. It has got some elevation, there are a few points from which you can see the stunning forest growing downhill, and finally can catch the beautiful fall view from the Rouge platform.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ken 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing walk with the family. Lucky to see some whitetail deer. Spent nearly 4 hours exploring the different trails. We got to see a huge goods train go by. Overall a very good place for the family.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gags 1 year ago on Google
    Rouge is an amazing place to go for weekend hikes. There are different trails you can take depending upon the level of difficulty you prefer. There’s a lookout point which requires you to get to the hill top, with amazing 360 degree views. You will also find a pond where you can see turtles soaking in the sun. There’s ample car parking available even during weekends. As it’s a huge national park, you will see signs at the entrance which warn about bear and coyote sightings
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 JR S. 1 year ago on Google
    We recently visited this beautiful place. We found this as one of the best walking trails of Greater Toronto Area, only half an hour’s drive from main city. It looks fantastic due to the vibrant colours around the walking trails. One can view CN tower and majestic view of city if the sky is clear. Only one thing that I didn’t like is the parking fee and disgusting odour of portable toilets near it.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Konrad M. 10 months ago on Google
    Step into the 'Narnia' of Toronto at Rouge National Urban Park - all the charm of wilderness without any talking lions! This park is as action-packed as a squirrel on espresso! Rouge Park is a one-stop-shop for outdoor thrills, all squeezed into almost 80 km². Hiking, camping, and agriculture - it's got it all! Plus, a beach with walruses that have perfected the art of suntanning. The trails are as varied as a pick-n-mix candy store. Just remember to wear comfy shoes, or you'll star in 'Epic Hiking Fails: Rouge Park Edition'. You'll find Instagram-ready marshes, forests, and even some posing frogs. The history here? More dramatic than the latest reality TV show. Visit the Indigenous sites for a taste of the past without any time travel snags. Accessibility? On point! Just don't expect a red carpet from your house to the park. And the park staff are as helpful as they come - even if they can't identify your 'leafy-looking' leaf. In short, Rouge National Urban Park is a joy-filled, laughter-inducing, nature-embracing antidote to city life. Just remember to bring a map - it's big!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kishan V. 1 year ago on Google
    I’ve been here many times and it’s a really good place to go to where you feel close to nature yet it’s not that far at all, Also whenever I’ve been there it’s not that crowded so that is also a good thing. It has great views as well especially in Fall season. Also last time when I went there was paid parking and that was a bummer but It is what it it is I guess.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 A Team O. 1 year ago on Google
    One of the best hidden hiking gems in urban area. Winter, summer or Autumn amazing place fresh air. There is a water stream as well. Can recommend to anyone who like outdoor activities....
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Nadeem Q. 6 months ago on Google
    Nice and scenic place within 30 minutes of Toronto. We primarily went for fishing and walking trails. Link to the lake is beautiful. Small area for fishing but there are opportunities to catch. But it gets crowded quick and then the lines are going crossing each other. We ended up moving to northern side of the rouge river and that worked out better. Beautiful hiking / walking trails.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Da U. 3 years ago on Google
    Very fun and good trails. good for the family and after you are stuck at home from Corona... There is a huge and tall hill... Very beautiful.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alejandra G. 3 years ago on Google
    First time ever going here, and though it rained, it was a great hike! The views are beautiful at this time! The colours breathtaking! I can imagine this park is really busy on a sunny day. Definitely worth a visit during the fall season.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Paarth P. 1 year ago on Google
    It's a nice park, usually crowded on holidays cause it's close to the Toronto Zoo, but great place to explore with a bicycle, has good inclinations too.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Simone D. 1 year ago on Google
    A touch of wilderness in Toronto. This park is fantastic for its accessibility. You can visit this park via transit which is great for getting those without access to a vehicle out hiking. The trails are fairly easy with some moderate inclines. There are muddy patches along the way. There are various points at which you can see the river. You have to cross the road to access different trails. High traffic park due to it location. Lots of parking and access points. The Zoo Rd parking requires you pay to use. Overall a very lovely space.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Javaid I. 5 months ago on Google
    I am a regular runner on these trails in all seasons; spring, summer, fall, winter and extreme winter, you name it 😀. I highly recommend everyone to explore these trails. We are lucky to have this wilderness in our backyard. The trail is safe! Please prepare well if you are hiking in winter as it can be very cold and dangerous if you are not well-layered! Same for hot summer day; carry lots of water. I had to resuscitate a guy who collapsed due to heat exhaustion. Shoutout to the Rouge Valley park management for maintaining these trails and ensuring a safe experience for everyone.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 April C. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful views of the fall colors, and multiple paths to see the water and forests. We went exploring with our little one (kindergarten-aged) and it was doable for him. We took some shorter paths but there was still a lot to see. Might be a little tough with strollers or very small children (unless in a carrier) since there are rocky or narrower paths and a lot that's up/downhill. Parking is also very limited. Still worth a visit!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Luke C. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place to walk. Saw a post on instagram about this place so I went to visit. So beautiful, well marked trails and lots of parking.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Crunchy g. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing park with great views. You can get close to the river and relax. Park has a very diverse wildlife that you wouldn’t normally see in the city. Trails are nice and long. Sadly, there is a highway that goes into the park which Is a shame.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 KaizNG 2 years ago on Google
    There was no reason for me to deduct stars or points from the park, it was very scenic and and the routes were pretty fun exploring with my nephew (the one in the picture), not to mention the beautiful river. Overall this was a pretty relaxing hike! Would recommend to adventurous people, or to those who’d like a slow scenic hike. (This was early April)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Olivier F. 2 years ago on Google
    Toronto's most astonishing secret - it's beautiful, rain or shine, and so close to the city.

  • 4/5 Rex T. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice retreat from the city but it does get busy. We saw 3 deer on our hike.

  • 5/5 Nhat Hong P. 2 years ago on Google
    Perfect park to enjoy your autumn 💯

  • 5/5 Jaime D. 2 years ago on Google
    The most beautiful hills and valleys of Toronto. Lots of pine trees and an unique scenario.

  • 5/5 Nabeel M. 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely natural habitat, lots of trails of all grades, close to public transit

  • 5/5 Carolyn M. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful but dont bother on the weekends. The paths are too narrow and its packed with people. Weekdays before 11 are best

  • 4/5 Matteo F. 3 years ago on Google
    Always my favorite city park! Very crowded this year, but parking has been greatly expanded in some access points.

  • 5/5 Tarlochan Preet S. 2 years ago on Google
    Awesome andone of most beautiful places to walk and hike in

  • 5/5 Sabrina P. 3 years ago on Google
    I love this park, I've been coming here since I was a little girl.

  • 5/5 Marcela O. 1 year ago on Google
    One of my favourite places to visit in summer and fall. I alway feel refreshed and relaxed with all the forest air.

  • 5/5 Mandy B. 2 years ago on Google
    Went for a nice winter walk with a friend and their dog. The parking lot are is a bit confusing as the sign does say TTC only, but I followed two other cars and found the lot. I'd say more full map signage would be great, but over all a beautiful walk and will be back. We walked 1.5hours one direction and another 1.5hours going back the way we came as we were unsure if it would do a full loop.

  • 5/5 Mehmet Seyyit G. 1 year ago on Google
    This natural park is almost inside of Toronto. Best hiking trail in GTA. There are 2 different trails. First one is Vista, second one is Mast Trail. This two trails are totally 8-9 kilometers. Distance can change choosing your way. Some area is really easy but some area is almost hard. I walked with baby carrier. You can hike with your baby. Just you will sweat little bit more from regular.

  • 5/5 El Nasrani (Lawrence of A. 1 year ago on Google
    Some parking availability, with no distinction for regular vs accessible parking. Great trails, not too much hikers during the weekday. I loved seeing the frogs, fish, tadpoal crayfish, birds, snakes...sheesh, this place is lovely. I even enjoyed a doob 😎

  • 5/5 sanda v. 1 year ago on Google
    So much wonder to see, well cared for trails and not overly crowded on a weekend

  • 5/5 Max S. 5 months ago on Google
    Very nice place. Overall clean and safe. Moderate difficulty hike, there's a decent bit of hills, but fairly easy. Salmon run here during the fall, legal to keep during select times as far as i know.

  • 4/5 Mathew V M. 4 months ago on Google
    A beautiful way to spent an off day. The trails are very well kept and the guides are super helpful. The views are just out of the world! One of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of Fall!

  • 5/5 Shira Y. 5 months ago on Google
    It's a really beautiful nature spot. I enjoyed the variety of trees and different environments. Walk 20 minutes and it looks like you're in a completely different place! This might be more apparent in the fall when one area is filled with yellow leaves, while another area is green and filled with pine trees

  • 5/5 Akhil P R. 4 months ago on Google
    This is a beautiful trail during the fall. You'll be awed at the all orange colour inside the woods. Very well kept and it's actually crowded during weekends. But it's a must visit place in fall if you are in Scarborough and nearby. The walkways are dogfriendly and it has some playground for kids as well

  • 4/5 Hazel G. 5 months ago on Google
    A Beautiful and simple park /trails that are great for a little get away from the city, Free parking with some picnic tables. Free admission however, directions aren't as clear, hard to go around especially near darker hours. A flash Light is needed of you do go for sunset views. In general very clean, its across the Toronto zoo and distance to walk or bike is great (not too long not to short). Please note this is NOT IN TORONTO. Not sure where the bathrooms are for most parts, go before you visit Rouge National urban park. Great to visit during the fall Season.

  • 5/5 Cerise 4 months ago on Google
    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.

  • 5/5 Charles K. W. 10 months ago on Google
    Rode the trails from Reeves Way Blvd up to 19th Ave. Then from 19th Ave to Elgin Mills. This section still has a few pretty deep runnels across the trail so bikers beware, slow down especially when seeing the red cones. Elgin Mills to Major Mackenzie is another beautiful section. I usually do at the bridge to drink some water.

  • 5/5 Pinn S. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing place

  • 4/5 Zhong H. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Very suitable for walking fitness. (Original) 非常适合走步健身。

  • 5/5 KP S. 3 years ago on Google
    Largest urban park still in the making. Go on a sunny day with tummy full for long walks.

  • 5/5 Roger D. 3 years ago on Google
    One of the best trails around for hiking and walking

  • 5/5 tanny k. 3 years ago on Google
    Natural beauty is always enjoyable

  • 5/5 Jan W. 3 years ago on Google
    Awesome park! Lots of trails.

  • 4/5 Clarence C. 3 years ago on Google
    Known to be the largest urban park in the world. Near Toronto zoo on the east side of City of Toronto. Provides many nice trails and us very close to the city and highway 401.

  • 5/5 MUHAMMAD Z. 3 years ago on Google
    Very nice park

  • 4/5 Ahmad A. 3 years ago on Google
    A great place for a hike on a sunny day. We started at the Rouge Valley Conservation Centre and walked along the Vista trail to Twynn Rivers road. We followed the Orchard trail to loop back to the start. The round trip took us 1.5 hours and was mostly flat. There's parking just outside the Rouge Valley Conservation Centre. The Vista trail has two branches: turn left at the start to walk the branch of the trail that passes by the observation deck. The start of the Vista trail is in a clearing but then passes through a forest. The Orchard trail ends at a road. Turn left and walk along the road to return to your starting point/parking. The road may seem like a major incline but it is an optical illusion.

  • 4/5 Stuart B. 3 years ago on Google
    Really nice path. We took Vista and found a trail down to the river. It will be beautiful in the spring. I will come again

  • 5/5 northernsurferboy 3 years ago on Google
    Cold

  • 5/5 K K. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place to take the family

  • 5/5 Younus S. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful and peaceful place, can be called a winter wonderland 👍

  • 5/5 Andrew A. 3 years ago on Google
    Great view at the top for pictures. Good place to see the sunset. Good hike. 2.5 hrs altogether. Will definitely go again.

  • 3/5 douglas w. 3 years ago on Google
    The river could be deeper so you can go up in a boat

  • 5/5 Vijay K. 3 years ago on Google
    It’s an amazing place if you want to spend time in nature and don’t want to drive away from city. Looks amazing in fall. Parking is free and staff will be there to give directions for parking. We went in the evening and there was enough parking space available. No prior reservation is required. Small trail will lead you to the river side. You can get good photos if you are photo enthusiast.

  • 5/5 VINIT A. 3 years ago on Google
    Excellent space. A good amount of trails here. Lots of entry points through different parking lots along the river.

  • 5/5 Thanan C. 3 years ago on Google
    It's my happy place.. I call it my infinite playgroud.

  • 5/5 Clarisse 3 years ago on Google
    This place has nice sceneries. You can go fishing here. There is a beach here where you can swim or sunbathe. There is also a part where there is big stones as shown in the picture. It is very instagrammable. If you feel like climbing stairs, there is a place here that is much elevated that gives you a view of the sea. Will definitely come back!

  • 5/5 Lynne T. 3 years ago on Google
    The foliage today was really nice. Lots to see while there. There is many different trails here we to took the Vista trail and the Orchard trail each of these are about 2 km each. While there we found a old rock building and gate.

  • 5/5 Hayley L. 3 years ago on Google
    Gorgeous park, it does get crowded - but even on a Saturday it wasn't too packed. Parking is free but you will be circling for a good few minutes. Lots of great exploration to be had off the beaten trails. Look closely and you will spot some mushrooms 🍄

  • 5/5 Mike L. 3 years ago on Google
    Cool hiking place very busy in the summer

  • 4/5 MirandaAdventures v. 3 years ago on Google
    It's a nice trail to walk or run. Be aware of the thicks, they're everywhere! We had dozens in our clothes.

  • 5/5 Tasneem A. 3 years ago on Google
    I love Rouge Park. It has many trails to explore, is stunning in every season, and brings a great touch of nature to the large part of Toronto. I have been going to Rouge Park to explore their many trails for years. It is a family favourite fall activity.

  • 5/5 Mojo R. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice path along the river 1-2 km

  • 3/5 Damian L. 3 years ago on Google
    Good Park and everything Just dont bring your dog. Serious Tick problem

  • 4/5 Airine R. 3 years ago on Google
    An amazing gorgeous trail ...explore the beautiful nature within the City.

  • 5/5 jackie f. 3 years ago on Google
    BEAUTIFUL TRAILS CLEAN AIR

  • 5/5 Micheal J. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful

  • 5/5 Ram Hari S. 3 years ago on Google
    The best one in GTA!

  • 5/5 Jade G. 3 years ago on Google
    Good place for a walk

  • 5/5 John Z. 3 years ago on Google
    Great trail to walk on with family and friends. the rouge river is very clean and fresh here. many small trails to explore.

  • 4/5 Maryam T. 3 years ago on Google
    Because of COVID, some parts are closed so is not great for long hike. We could hike just trail 2.5km

  • 5/5 Josh 3 years ago on Google
    Take the secret path to the creek. This is the most private way to go

  • 4/5 Siniša 3 years ago on Google
    Nice afternoon walk, lots of open vistas, no woods here, at least not in immediate view. Lots of geese flying over, some flocks of sparrows. The trail is very wide, made for disabled people too. Parking lot (starting point) is big enough for many cars. As the name suggests, this is urban trail, you can hear the cars in a distance, from various directions. Enjoy.

  • 5/5 Zeeshawn K. 3 years ago on Google
    Summer or winter, this area is beautiful.

  • 5/5 Joanne P. 3 years ago on Google
    Great trails, lots of friendly dogs!

  • 5/5 Rabbi Steven W. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful, easy trail. Well kept, not too hard hills. Great for dogs too.

  • 5/5 Denise C. 3 years ago on Google
    Quite and peaceful

  • 4/5 Anne K. 3 years ago on Google
    Awesome place to unwind. Where is my money?💰

  • 4/5 arafat Hossain M. 3 years ago on Google
    Winter time Rouge park has diffent but indeed beautiful look.


Call +1 416-264-2020 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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