Rouge National Urban Park offers hiking and spectacular landscape photography in Greater Toronto Area
Feature image of Rouge Park Trail by The Cosmonaut / Wikipedia
We love the Rouge Park. And we’ve talked extensively about this love in a previous post, as the park offers so many special trails, views and opportunities for nature photography, all within the boundaries of the GTA aka Greater Toronto Area.
Recently we looked at images that were tagged “Rouge Park” on Instagram to get a sense of what photographers have captured in recent months. We found some incredible shots and learned about some new spots. You can search by location of Rouge Park or by keyword search, or by using the hashtag search #rougepark or #rougenationalurbanpark.
Here are some highlights:
- Cedar Pond
- Trails south of Whitchurch-Stoufville / NE corner of park
- Canoe or kayak on rivers or at Lake Ontario
- Beach at Lake Ontario
Before you go
Check out the government of Canada website https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/on/rouge for any advisories or closures. There can be seasonal road or trail closures and warnings about coyotes and bears. Please also observe any other health or safety directives. Enjoy your trip!
Gallery
Sunset at the pond at Cedar Trail / Photo by Chris Noronha (please follow the photographer)
The photographer writes on Instagram: “I was almost ready to call it quits and hike back to my car, but at the very last moment, the light sneaked through the clouds and added the perfect burn. 😍 Moments like that one are what keep me coming back for more. 🔥 (Swipe to see the full crop)
Photos by Senthuuran Manoranjan (please follow the photographer)
Boardwalk on the Rouge Park trail north end near Whitchurch-Stouffville / Photo by @discovering_ontario (please follow the photographer)
The photographer share this observation: “One of the newer additions to the Rouge Park trail, southeast of Reesor Rd and Elgin Mills Rd E. A perfect mix of gravel trails and wooden boardwalks to get those steps in!”
Let’s look at one more pic from this area.
Photo by @gtatrails (please follow the photographer)
The photographer writes: “Farm / meadow view continued… 😍 There is a short trail on each side of Reesor Rd, south of Elgin Mills. No loop. In and out for a total of about 6km. Note: Clean accessible flush toilet 🚻 at the parking lot! 👍”
Paddling on the rivers and at the beach
Hiking is a big component of many visits but you can also hit the water! This park has it all, and one of the great features are the waterways, including the rivers, marsh and beach at the lake.
Here’s an action photo we liked.
Paddling in the Rouge River estuary not far from Lake Ontario / Photo by @elshoots_ (Please follow the photographer)
Wrapping Up
What do you think of the park? We’re excited to visit this summer! So much diversity in the natural environment, a great number of photography and recreation options and so close to Toronto and the eastern GTA.
We are Tdot Shots. We support the Toronto photography community. Follow us on Instagram – our page is @tdot_shots. Join our events including photo walks and Toronto tours. Thanks for your support!
