Rouge Beach to Petticoat Creek Conservation Area

Rouge Beach is located at the mouth of the Rouge River and is part of the Rouge Urban National Park. The trails are not connected because of the large marsh area just before Lake Ontario.

Rouge Beach Park sign

Rouge Beach is popular for fishing, beach play, and canoeing. Hiking is done along the Waterfront Trail. Read our earlier blog entry about a hike from the Highland Creek Water Treatment Plant to Rouge Beach. This blog entry goes east along the lakeshore through Petticoat Creek Conservation Area. 

Parking

There is plenty of parking at the intersection of Rouge Hill Drive and Lawrence Ave East. 

Suggested Route

The route we took was 7 km in length, as we explored in the Petticoat Coat Conservation Area. Future posts will cover more of the area.

Endomondo map for route from Rouge Beach to Petticoat Creek

Rouge Beach

From the parking lot, walk on the boardwalk next to the marsh. 

Boardwalk next to Rouge River Pond

The marsh is beautiful even after most of the leaves have fallen.

Pond in Rouge Beach Park

There is damage to the trees, so there are beaver in the area, but we didn't see any. With a marsh, there are opportunities for birdwatching. We were greeted by a Northern Cardinal when we arrived and saw plenty of starlings that have homes under the bridge.

Bridge to Pickering

Cross the bridge for views of the lake and marsh.

Bridge from Rouge Beach to Pickering

Marsh area of Rouge Beach Park

Lake Ontario from Rouge Beach Park

After leaving the bridge, you are officially in Pickering. 

Sign for Pickering

There are parking spots on this side as well. Follow Rodd Ave to get to the Waterfront Trail that takes you through Petticoat Creek Conservation Area.

Petticoat Creek Conservation Area

Petticoat Conservation Area

You'll be at the top of the bluffs where you'll have a great view of the lake.

Lake Ontario from Petticoat Creek Conservation Area

Just past the bridge over Petticoat Creek, we found a trail to the lake. Lucy was able to play on the deserted beach.

Playing on Lake Ontario Beach in Pickering

At this point, we turned back and walked along the Petticoat Creek to explore a bit of the park. The park was closed the day we went in mid-November, so we had the place to ourselves. 

Grassy area in Petticoat Creek Conservation Area

Lucy met a few friends along the route that she was able to play with.  

Playing with Milo the Bernedoodle

There isn't an official off-leash area for the dogs, so be cautious if you let them off to run free.

Playing with Milo in Petticoat Creek Conservation Area

There are signs about wildlife like skunks and coyotes in the park, so be aware of your surroundings.

Playing with a young German Sheppard

There are many places along this route to spend the day, so enjoy your hike. Tag us on Instagram @hikingtoronto.

Lucy posing on the bluffs of Petticoat Creek Conservation Area

Trail Extensions

We turned back just after Petticoat Creek, but the trail continues to Fisherman's Bay. Walking to Fisherman's Bay will likely add 3 km to your hike. 

We only explored a small part of Petticoat Creek, so you can extend your hike by exploring more of the park.

Rouge River Trails

There are three other entry points into the Rouge Urban National Park, where you can hike more trails. See these blog entries for details:








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