Autumn in the Greenbelt: Guided Rouge Park Tour
$20 Guided Trip to Rouge National Urban Park
On Sunday, September 14, join Parkbus and the Greenbelt Foundation for a guided fall trip to Rouge National Urban Park. This is your chance to step out of the city and into the beauty of the Greenbelt, Canada’s protected lands that preserve nature, farmland, and outdoor spaces right next to urban life.
Your guide for the day is Dave Pearce, a conservationist with the Wildlands League who knows the Rouge inside and out. He’ll highlight the unique features of the Carolinian Zone, one of the most diverse ecosystems in the country. Hike start time with Dave will be 9:30 starting at Glasgow Day Use Area and hiking south to Black Walnut Day Area where you will be picked up at the end of the day, the hike is ~11km and is rated as Easy. Lunch half way through the day on the trail at group seating areas. Pro tip: use the bathroom before the trip, there are none until the end of the day at Black Walnut Area.
This trip is part of our ActiveDays series, where the focus is on connection—to nature, to adventure, and to each other. Whether you hike with the group or wander at your own pace, you’ll discover the forest in its vibrant autumn colours and share the trail with fellow explorers.
Come solo or bring a friend. Either way, you’ll leave with fresh air in your lungs, new memories, and maybe even new friends. Seats are limited. Reserve yours today for this unforgettable fall adventure.
Pickup Location
34 Asquith Ave
Pick up at 34 Asquith Ave, just north of the Yonge and Bloor Subway stop. We recommend getting there 15 minutes early to make sure you have enough time for the bus.
Departure
8:30 am
estimated return
3:35 pm
Glasgow Day Use Area to Black Walnut Day Area
Hike start time with Dave Pearce from Wildlands League will be 9:30 starting at Glasgow Day Use Area and hiking south to Black Walnut Day Area where you will be picked up at the end of the day.
Estimated arrival
9:15 am
Departure
3:00 pm
To make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible, here are a few things to consider before the trip:
Please arrive 15 minutes early at your pickup location. We do not wait for late passengers, so consider taking a taxi, Uber/Lyft or public transit if you are running late.
The 34 Asquith Ave pickup location is about 100 meters north of the Yonge-Bloor subway entrance (Yonge Street Entrance). As there may be multiple buses, please ensure that you are in line for the correct bus.
Please note that Parks Canada staff are unable to provide any information about the bus or your reservations.
If you have any questions about reservations or the bus, please email help@parkbus.ca.
Leave No Trace
Respect the environment and remember to pack out everything you pack in. We want to make sure that we leave the park in better shape than we found it. Please remember:
- Bring a bag to carry your garbage until you can dispose of it properly.
- Campfires, alcohol, barbecues and fireworks are not allowed in Rouge National Urban Park.
- Harvesting (plants or wildlife) is prohibited in Rouge National Urban Park to protect endangered species and ensure that others can enjoy the park as you did. Bring back memories only.
- Keep wildlife wild. Never feed or approach animals in Rouge National Urban Park, for their safety and yours.
Safety
Lyme disease is on the rise in North America. While your chances of getting bitten by an infected tick are low, you must take appropriate steps to minimize the risk, especially if you have kids or pets. Make sure to read What’s the tick situation in the Rouge? to avoid ticks and know what to do if you find one.
Please do not forget anything on the bus! The buses are stationed outside of Toronto and are used on other routes. We are not be able to locate any missing items.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to bring with me?
In addition to food, water and snacks, we recommend that you bring what you need to spend the day outdoors, dress for the weather and wear closed toed footwear. Check the weather forecast before you come and consider bringing rain gear with you just in case.
Are your buses wheelchair accessible?
At this time, school buses are not outfitted to accommodate wheelchairs. We do our best to support those who have support persons, and those who have folding wheelchairs, please inquire before booking.
What kind of buses do you use? Is there is washroom / AC on board?
We use school buses for this route, they do not have washrooms or air conditioning. While they are less comfortable than motorcoach buses (which we use on Parkbus overnight destinations such as Algonquin), they also cost a fraction of what a motorcoach costs, allowing us to triple the number of days of operation available.
Are pets allowed on board?
No, pets are not permitted on the bus.
Can we bring bikes or strollers?
We use a school bus for this route, and unfortunately there is no space for bikes. Folding strollers may work, if they fold really well - if you are coming with a folding stroller, be sure to show up early to be the first one on the bus.
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