Rouge National Urban Park
Rouge National Urban Park is Canada’s first national urban park, protecting a mosaic of farms, forests, wetlands, meadows, and beaches in the Greater Toronto Area (Toronto–Markham–Pickering). It connects Lake Ontario to the Oak Ridges Moraine.
At a glance — Rouge National Urban Park
| Location | Eastern GTA along the Rouge River and Little Rouge River corridors to Lake Ontario |
|---|---|
| Established | Lands transferred beginning 2015 (ongoing growth) |
| Area (approx.) | ≈ 79 km² when fully assembled |
| Notable features | Working farmlands; Carolinian forest; wetlands & kettle lakes; Rouge Beach & marsh; extensive trail network; cultural heritage sites |
| Nearby communities / access | Toronto (Scarborough), Markham, Pickering; TTC/GO Transit access at several trailheads |
Overview
Rouge protects biodiversity and agricultural heritage inside Canada’s largest urban region. Year-round hiking, cycling, paddling, birding, and beach visits are popular; restoration projects are improving streams, wetlands, and meadows.
See also
- National Urban Parks of Canada • Point Pelee National Park (Carolinian zone)
External links (official)
- Parks Canada — Rouge National Urban Park: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/on/rouge