Rouge National Urban Park, Bob Hunter Memorial Park — Attraction in Markham

Perfect Place for a Perfect Hike.

Bob Hunter Memorial Park is located in the Southeast corner of Markham. The Park itself is a National Park that has many kilometres of trails for all levels of hiking. There is ample parking and always people coming and going from all the parking areas, be patient and a parking spot will turn up sooner or later. Visit the website for alternate parking on Reesor Road. At the Trailhead, there is an education centre that may or may not be open due to COVID-19 restrictions, and a picnic area with porto-potties.

The great draw to the park is the trail system itself as it winds through many areas of the park. On the trails, you will see vast green meadows, a thickly wooded area, the Rouge River, bridges and many areas to sit down. Be warned though there is a Tick Advisory, so dress appropriately, and of course on a warm humid summer day, when you in deeper into the wooded area you will find many insects including mosquitoes, so bring your bug spray.

This was not my first visit to this park, but this time I decided to take pictures, so I could share them with the Yelp community. My kids were excited as this is a park that is open to all, kids, adults, families, couples and just anyone who enjoys the outdoors. The trails are well kept but on this visit, a few of them were blocked off mostly due to tree falls or erosion and flood damage from storms. Please take the time to visit this park, bring your family and your friends, and you could spend the whole day there if you like. There are maps at the Main Parking lot which are fairly easy to follow. We had a blast and I'm sure...

I remember watching Bob Hunter on Toronto's Citytv, both he and the station were pioneers. It's fitting that we can walk trails in Bob Hunter Memorial Park to appreciate his environmental passion.

I checked it out for the first time in late October 2021 by walking the southernmost portion, Tanglewood. The eastern side runs along the Rouge River, an amazing urban watershed, and the trails had the distinct scent of cedars, you can almost forget you are part of the city. The western side has more hardwood leaves on the trail and the views remind you that the city continues to encroach upon the watershed.

The trail would likely get muddy after rain, so dress accordingly. Note that I found that the cross portion of the trails is not open so you will be taking a big loop with Reesor Way. If you read the information plaques you find out about First Nations history and how far Peter Reesor walked and why. They are found along the trail and are separate from the map board. Let's respect the Rouge and...

Beautiful natural park that I've visited many times - but I want to warn others. TICKS! This area has a very heavy tick population!!! I've brought my dog here several times and every single time when we come home, we have found at least two or three ticks on him - and we stick to the trails! Be VERY careful hiking here: Wear bug repellent, long clothing, stay on the trails and have a shower when you get home! Check yourself and anyone you've brought for ticks when you get home every time.

That said - it's beautiful here and I've had the opportunity to do photography here and the river is really scenic and nice. Parking is limited but not bad since there are several areas to access the trails. It's too bad the ticks are just so bad because I've decided I just can't come back here anymore and risk it. Especially NOT with my dog! I hope they can do something to make it a bit safer to walk through.

I would very heavily advise to not...