Rouge Beach is a great spot to enjoy both scenic beach views, and wildlife-packed marshlands. The beach/marshland lies at the border of Scarborough and Pickering, where Lake Ontario feeds into the Rouge River. Rouge Beach is part of Rouge National Urban Park – the first of Canada’s national urban parks.
Here’s why you should make the time to visit Rouge Beach!
1. Proximity and accessibility
Rouge Beach is not somewhere you need to drive an hour out of town to see, and requires no hiking or trekking to access. You can spend a short amount of time here and just enjoy your morning coffee, or you can easily spend an entire day enjoying what Rouge Beach has to offer.
Free parking is available at the corner of Lawrence Avenue East and Rouge Hills Drive. You could also access free parking from the Pickering side on Bella Vista drive, and use the Waterfront trail to cross the pedestrian bridge.
Or if you prefer public transit, Rouge Beach is located just adjacent to Rouge Hill GO Station. Either exit at the train station and walk about 20 minutes down east on Lawrence, or you can take the 54A bus to the Starspray bus loop at the end of Lawrence Avenue East.
2. The sandy beach
Rouge Beach features a decently large sandy beach for public access. There is a building onsite that serves as a washroom and change room during the warmer seasons. The beach itself is mostly sandy, with a few small pebbles near the shoreline. Take a quick look online before visiting to assess conditions current water quality before planning on swimming.
3. Canoeing and kayaking
Rouge Beach has many water access points to be able to canoe or kayak. You could use the beach front for an access way, or there are some access points at the north marshland side. A popular route is to explore the Rouge River, viewing wetlands and wildlife.
Canoe and kayak access point on the northern marshland side.
There is plenty of marshland wildlife to come across when you are journeying the Rouge River including beavers, turtles, egrets, herons, and much more!
4. Birding opportunities
If you’re into birding, Rouge Beach is a great option. You can often spot species of blackbirds, swallows, sparrows, chickadees, vultures, hawks, geese, and ducks, just to name a few.
5. Fishing
Rouge Beach is also a great option for fishing. You can enjoy fishing at Rouge Beach as long as you have a valid Ontario fishing license. A popular casting spot is underneath the pedestrian bridge, a narrower water channel where the Lake Ontario feeds into the Rouge River and marshland area.
The Rouge Marsh area offers a spawning place for many fish including rainbow trout, suckers, and carp that can be spot in spring. Other species that frequent the area include both smallmouth and largemouth bass, chinook salmon, rainbow trout, northern pike, and carp.
Let us know in the comments if you have visited Rouge Beach, and what your experience was like!
Happy trekking!
Birding at Milne Dam Conservation Park in Markham
Being the first visit to this conservation area, the moment I stepped out of the car, I knew this would not be the last! Just by where my car was parked at the end of Princess Street, many birds were singing to each other amongst the trees off the road. It is a great recreational […]
Valley Farm Ravine in Pickering
Valley Farm Ravine is nestled between the suburbs of Major Oaks and Pine Ridge in Pickering, Ontario. Recently, a trailhead entrance with new parking was upgraded on Valley Farm Road in Pickering just south of Duffins Creek and north of Finch Avenue. The terrain itself is fairly even in its elevation and makes for a […]
Heber Down Conservation Area in Whitby
Heber Down Conservation Area is located in Whitby, and is owned by Central Lake Ontario Conservation. The area features 687 acres and three trail loops altogether over 5 kilometres. In exploring, you will come across forest, meadow, and wetlands. Devil’s Den Trail We started our journey from the main parking lot off Lyndebrook Road. There […]
Hiking at Greenwood Conservation and Brock Lands
Greenwood Conservation and Brock Lands are located on the northwest border of where Ajax meets Pickering. The area covers over 1660+ acres of land, and offers 35+ km trails. The terrain is a mix of meadows, forested areas, and rivers. There are a few different entrances featuring parking, including on Church Street, and Concession Road […]
