Rouge National Urban Park, Twyn Rivers Day Use Area — Attraction in Toronto

Five stars for the park, 3 stars for the people with dogs visiting the park

This is a beautiful gem in the city, lots of trails to explore and plenty of wildlife, with the pretty Rouge Creek winding through the park.

Over the years I've seen many common birds in the park, including some woodpeckers (downey and pileated), owls, cardinals, swans, hawks, wild turkey, coywolves, beavers, salmon, fox, snakes, and there are signs posted about black bears but not seen one yet. Though I've come across a couple of deer carcasses which were picked clean and scattered about.

The only downside is there are a lot of untrained dogs off leash around. Although dogs are required to be on leash in the park, many people allow their dogs to roam about unleashed, and with no recall. Many of the owners don't have control of their dogs, and don't really seem to care. I've had many jump up and smear mud on my pants and jacket, with "oh tee hee, he's just playing" excuses, not very considerate.

There's lots of poo piles along the trail and lots of bagged poo as well, just sitting on the trail. Why bag it only to discard it back on the trail? At least toss it out of sight if you refuse to carry it. Also the dogs running around disturb nesting wildlife and spook the animals as well, resulting in less wildlife in the park. If the wild animals don't feel safe they will not nest and thrive in the area. It would be nice to see more park staff enforcing this and more responsible dog owners as well.

After the weekends there is usually a bunch of trash on the main trails but it is not too bad considering the number of visitors the park gets. There are plenty of trash containers at the trailheads but often it's just dumped on the ground right outside the trash bin...why not open the bin and place it inside after carrying it all the way?

A couple of things to note, is that there are a ton of ticks in the park so if you're going off trail, or on a side trail you will likely get ticks on you, when the temps are above zero. I've found many on myself and fellow hikers on more than one occasion, mostly down by the river. From what I've read on recent testing in the area about 40% of them are carrying lyme disease. So I would recommend only go off trail in the winter, when the ticks are dormant.

There is also wild hog weed and poison ivy in the park, so be careful, especially of the wild hog weed. Google wild hog weed if you don't know about it, as you can get severe burns and blisters if you touch it.

That's about it, plenty of parking if you come early enough or park up by the zoo off of Meadowvale there’s a large parking...

Rouge National Urban Park in Ontario is an incredible natural oasis that offers a stunning escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With its sprawling landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and beautiful trails, the park provides a perfect setting for a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, bird watching, and photography.

One of the highlights of the park is its rich biodiversity. Home to over 1,700 species of plants and animals, Rouge Park is a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. The park's extensive network of trails allows visitors to explore different habitats, from lush forests and wetlands to meadows and rivers.

The park is also steeped in cultural history, with many historical sites and Indigenous landmarks to explore. The educational programs and guided tours offered by the park's staff provide a valuable opportunity to learn about the area's rich heritage and the importance of conservation.

With its stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and cultural significance, Rouge National Urban Park is truly a gem in Ontario's crown of natural wonders. It's a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty and diversity of Canada's...

This park used to be the enemy of my cars suspension, riddled with potholes, and very limited parking. Fast forward, and after a $2.5 million renovation, it is a joy to visit. The parking lot is fully paved and can accommodate about 83 cars. There's also a picnic area and a year-round washrooms. The new pedestrian bridge over Little Rouge Creek plus another one north of the park makes it much easier to get to the Mast trail.

The downside is that the road leading to the park is very dangerous both from a entering and leaving aspect. There is a hill on the east side and a blind corner on the west side, so you will miss the first entrance, just proceed to the second one. The cars driving by seem to think that it's a racetrack, and I'm afraid there will be a terrible accident due to the excessive speeds that I observed.

I know that the city is planning a controlled crosswalk to get to the other side, but it does little to prevent speeding. The only solution is to permanently install a speedcam to reduce the danger. Otherwise, go and visit,...