Rouge Valley Conservation Centre

 

Rouge Park Rules and Safety

We want you to be safe and enjoy you visit to the Rouge Valley Conservation Centre and Rouge Park. Below are rules and safety tips from Rouge Park’s Visitor Guide.

For more information about Rouge Park, click here.

DO keep your dog on a leash

  1. -Enjoy our trails with your dog safely leashed. All dogs must be leashed at all times.

  2. -“Stoop and scoop”. Municipal by-laws in effect.

  3. -These trails wind through a designated nature reserve - home to many small wildlife species who may nest on the forest floor, or rely on ground cover for food and shelter. An encounter with an off-leash dog can prove stressful or fatal to these animals, and could disrupt breeding for the season.

  4. -While you consider your dog friendly and no danger to others, an off-leash dog can cause fear to other people and dogs.

  5. -Poison ivy can be prevalent in areas near the trails. Dogs can easily pick up and transfer this skin irritant onto you and others.

  6. -By leashing your dog, you are showing consideration for the park, and all of its visitors.


DO stay on the trail

  1. -Hike only on marked trails and observe trail closure signs. Trails are sometimes closed because they are not safe. Other times, they are closed to allow a damaged area to regenerate naturally. Also, there are a lot of sensitive species growing in the Rouge as well as ground nesting animals so please stay on the official trails.


DO use the trash cans

  1. -Carry your litter back out, along with any litter you find.


DO report illegal activity

  1. -Help us by reporting fires, vandalism or illegal dumping. To report vandalism or illegal dumping, call the municipality. Fires are prohibited under municipal by-laws.


DO bring your Ontario fishing licence with you

  1. -A valid provincial fishing licence is required. Seasonal restrictions apply.


DO park in lots provided

  1. -Park only in designated areas. Lock your vehicle, and conceal any valuables.


DO visit the Glen Rouge Campground

  1. -Camping is permitted only in the Glen Rouge Campground. For your safety, and to help us protect the natural environment, camping is not allowed in other areas of the Park.


DO NOT feed or approach wildlife

  1. -This Park is their home. Wild animals may display aggressive behaviour when feeling threatened. Feeding wild animals and birds alters their diets and threatens the natural instincts and abilities they depend on for survival throughout the year.


DO NOT remove or damage vegetation or other features in the Park

  1. -It is illegal to remove anything from a public park. Plants provide food and shelter for wild animals who rely on Rouge Park for habitat. Rocks, trees, and other features all serve a purpose in a natural ecosystem. Please respect the sensitivity of the natural environment.


DO NOT cycle on trails or in sensitive nature reserves in the Park

  1. -Trails are in a Nature Reserve zone. Cycling is prohibited in these areas to help protect sensitive ecosystems. Cycling on roads is welcome.


DO NOT bring firearms into the Park

  1. -Discharging firearms, including bows and crossbows, is prohibited. There is no hunting allowed in Rouge Park. Municipal by-laws are in effect.


Other items to keep in mind when visiting the park include:

  1. -Visitors use the Park and trails at their own risk. Know your limits.

  2. -Keep your children within sight at all times. Help your children stay safe and learn to be responsible visitors.

  3. -Beware of dogs! Some people still do not leash their dog(s) as required by municipal by-laws.

  4. -Be aware of your surroundings on trails and in parking areas.

  5. -Use caution when crossing roads, visibility is limited and traffic is not restricted in the Park.

  6. -Call 9-1-1 in case of emergency.

  7. -There is no drinking water available in the Park. Be sure to bring enough water with you to stay properly hydrated.

  8. -Be prepared for the weather. Wear protective clothing and suitable footwear to shield you from the sun in the summer, and the snow in the winter. Plan ahead for your energy and temperature tolerance to finish your hike safely.

  9. -Trail conditions vary with weather. Muddy, icy or wet sections may be slippery and require extra caution.

  10. -Poison ivy and stinging nettle are common in the Park. Other plants may be irritants to skin or people with allergies. Be prepared for a rustic outdoor experience.

  11. -Wear protective clothing and/or apply insect repellent. You will be in a natural area, with mosquitoes, black flies, etc.

  12. -There are no amenities on trails or at trailheads.

  13. -There is no winter maintenance on trails. Please use extra caution.

  14. -There are ticks in the Rouge. Dress appropriately and stay on the trails.


Hiking Trail Blazes


The white rectangular marks you see painted on trees, posts and rocks in the

Park are a standard blazing system, to help you find your way. Follow the

blazes to stay on official trails. Two blazes indicate a turn, a trail junction, or

an area where you should exercise caution. By staying on the marked trails,

you are helping to prevent riverbank erosion and damaging sensitive habitats

in this special nature reserve. Enjoy your hike!

© Rouge Park

To donate to the Rouge Valley Conservation Centre click on the button below:

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Kids Programs

  1. -Wildlife Explorers

  2. -March BReak Camp

  3. -Summer Day Camp

Special Events

  1. -Ride for the Rouge

  2. -Rouge Valley Eco Exploration Event

  3. -Fall for the Rouge Affair

educational programs

  1. -program descriptions

Discover the Rouge

  1. -Eastern blue birds

  2. -Deer count

  3. -hiking trails

  4. -Woodlands trail

  5. -Cedar Trail

  6. -Finch Meander Trail

  7. -Vista and Orchard Trails

  8. -Twyn Rivers area and celebration forest trail

  9. -glen eagles vista trail

  10. -Glen Rouge Trailhead
    mast trails

  11. -Glen Rouge Campground

  12. -Rouge Beach and Marsh trail

  13. -scenic drive

  14. -cycling in rouge park

  15. -park rules
    and safety

  16. -photos

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  1. -Our mandate

  2. -directions & parking

  3. -board of directors

  4. -Pearse House History

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