Rouge Valley is a large provincial park and urban wilderness located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It lies along the picturesque Rouge River and covers a vast area of approximately 79.1 square kilometers. The valley is known for its incredible biodiversity, hosting over 1,700 species of flora and fauna. This includes 23 species assessed at risk in Ontario, which makes the park a significant area for conservation.
Rouge Valley is the only national park found in the middle of a city in Canada. It offers a multitude of recreational activities including hiking, bird watching, camping, and more. The trails offer excellent views of the park’s diverse ecosystems, ranging from marshlands to forests to cliffs.
Rouge Valley also has a rich cultural history. Its lands have been inhabited for over 10,000 years, from the native tribes to early European settlers. Some interesting historical sites within the valley include the Bead Hill National Historic Site, which contains an intact 17th-century Seneca village, and the Rouge Beach, a significant migration corridor for birds and butterflies.
In addition to its natural allure, the Rouge Valley has various educational centers such as the Rouge National Urban Park Visitor Center to learn about the Park’s natural, cultural, agricultural, and recreational treasures, Rouge Beach and Marsh area to learn about the Park's unique wetlands, and the Rouge Valley Conservation Centre.
The Park is managed by Parks Canada which takes significant efforts to conserve, restore, and present the remarkable biodiversity and cultural heritage of Rouge Valley, securing it as a protected area for future generations.