Rouge National Urban Park gets set for busy Labour Day weekend

Parks Canada asking visitors not to bring alcohol, barbecues or fireworks to park, which straddles border of Markham and Toronto

Yorkregion.com
Sept. 3, 2021
Simon Martin

Parks Canada is expanding its staffing in Rouge Park in anticipation many visitors over the Labour Day weekend.

If you plan to visit Rouge Beach, you can help:

Parking is limited. Arrive early, carpool or take transit. Check the online RougeNOW parking map before you go.

Do not bring alcohol, have barbecues, set off fireworks or build fires on the beach.

Dispose of your litter in garbage bins and bring a bag to make this easier.

Fishing, paddling and picnicking are welcome. Know where each is allowed. Although a swim zone has been designated to prevent conflicts with anglers and boaters, swimming is strongly discouraged at this time. Lifeguard services are not currently available. Storms may cause erosion or rip currents and water quality is frequently poor near the river outflow, approaching levels requiring mandatory closure. Parks Canada and the City of Toronto are working together to restore a supervised swim program.

Parking lots at Rouge Beach, Twyn Rivers, Zoo Road, Bob Hunter Memorial Park and Glen Rouge Campground / Mast Trail close and lock at 9 p.m. daily for community safety and security. Please remove your vehicle in advance to avoid being locked in the lot overnight. Lots reopen between 7 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. daily.

In-park programming remains suspended due to COVID-19. Parks Canada continues to support visitors through the Rouge email pc.rouge.pc@canada.ca and information line 416-264-2020. New trailhead and day-use area information boards provide orientation and safety information.