Don't forget to wear sturdy shoes, pack water bottles and snacks... and be sure to check everyone for ticks when you're done, just in case! Here's a link for more information about Lyme Disease.

Rouge National Urban Park: Pickering

Largest urban park in North America

A rich assembly of natural, cultural and agricultural landscapes, Rouge National Urban Park is home to amazing biodiversity, some of the last remaining working farms in the Greater Toronto Area, Carolinian ecosystems, Toronto’s only campground, one of the region’s largest marshes, a beach at Lake Ontario, amazing hiking opportunities, and human history dating back over 10,000 years, including some of Canada's oldest known Indigenous sites.

There are entry points into the Rouge Park in Pickering, Scarborough and Markham. Plus there's an APP specifically for The Rouge which you can download on your phone to help guide you on the trails.

CAUTION: There have been confirmed sightings of black bears in Rouge National Urban Park. If you see a bear from a distance, leave it alone and do not approach. Learn more here on how to report bear sightings and what to do if you encounter a bear.

www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/on/rouge

Heber Downs Conservation Area: Whitby

The Heber Down Conservation Area (284 hectares) offers a variety of activities for the recreation-minded. Fishing, nature walks and picnicking are all popular activities that can be carried out just a short distance from home. More importantly, Heber Down Conservation Area preserves a portion of the significant Iroquois Beach physiographic unit.

The natural valley of the Lynde Creek bisects a portion of this Conservation Area and provides many scenic vistas for those enjoying some of the 5 km of trails that run through this property.

www.cloca.com

Greenwood Conservation Area: Ajax

Explore the banks of Duffins Creek and explore 283 hectares of naturalized green space, nature trails, walking paths and playgrounds.

BONUS: Greenwood also offers a large leash-free area for dogs in part of the park. If your furry friend loves to run through the woods and splash in the water, it's a fabulous spot to take them.

www.ajax.ca

Lynde Shore Conservation Area: Whitby

Extremely popular for wildlife viewing, Lynde Shores Conservation Area has a number of looping trails (5 km including the 1 km looping trail within the Cranberry West Tract). These trails, especially the Chickadee Trail, are just the right length for little ones and are generally stroller and wheelchair friendly.

BONUS: if you're an avid paddler, you can launch your canoe or kayak here and enjoy a trip through the marsh and up to Lake Ontario. Please check website for more information about dates this option is available.

www.cloca.com