Bob Hunter Memorial - Reesorway / Tanglewood Trail

The Bob Hunter Memorial Park is part of the Rouge National Urban Park. 

Bob Hunter Memorial Park sign

It is located just north of Toronto at 14th Ave and Reesor Road in Markham.

Google map of the Bob Hunter Memorial Park

Parking

Park at the trailhead located at 7277 14th Ave, Markham, ON. At this parking location, there is a washroom, signage, and a resting area.

Washroom at the trailhead of the Bob Memorial Park

History

From Wikipedia, I learned that 

Bob Hunter Memorial Park is a greenspace preserve in Markham, Ontario, Canada. It is named in honour of Robert Hunter, one of the founders of Greenpeace. The park was officially opened in August 2006.

There are four trails: Tanglewood, Reesor Way, Tallgrass Trek and Monarch. 

Map of the Bob Hunter Memorial Park

We hiked the Reesor Way / Tanglewood Trail, a 3.3 km loop that passes through a young forest to a more mature forest next to the Little Rouge River. 

Ressor Way and Tanglewood Trails in the Bob Hunter Memorial Park

Suggested Hike

I used UnderArmor MapMyWalk to record the route we took. If you use the app, follow our route.

Map of our walk using UA MapMyWalk

Young Forest

If you walk the route counter-clockwise, the first section you'll hike through is a young forest. Tree planting was done by volunteers within the past 10 years. I've learned that some of my former colleagues at IBM were part of this tree-planting effort.

Every 100 meters or so, a pole with a perch and a birdhouse has been erected. 

Birdhouses and perches in the young forest of the Bob Hunter Memorial Park

We didn't see any birds during our hikes, but it appears that some of the birdhouses are occupied.

Birdhouse in the Bob Hunter Memorial Park

We saw very few people and Lucy was able to be off-leash for most of the hike. Walking in the mature forest was peaceful.

Hiking the Bob Hunter Memorial Trail

The trail is well maintained with visible signs, bridges, and a few historic remnants.

Bridge seen while hiking the Bob Hunter Memorial Trail

The first historic remnant was an outdoor brick oven. A natural seating area is available to stop for a rest, or in Lucy's case, a pose.

Outdoor oven seen while hiking the Bob Hunter Memorial Trail

Near the oven is a wishing well. There is no water in the well or wishing opportunities, but it makes for a nice photo opportunity.

Wishing well seen while hiking the Bob Hunter Memorial Trail

Part of the trail is closed, but it doesn't interfere with the hike at all. In fact, the Reesor Way and Tanglewood trails could be considered a single loop.

Hiking the Bob Hunter Memorial Trail

Near the end of the trail is a bench next to the river. 

Bench next to the Little Rouge River on the Bob Hunter Memorial Trail

While sitting here, we noticed something swimming in the river. At first, we thought it was a small beaver, but it was likely a mink. He swam by several times and dove under the ice at times. 

River Otter in the Little Rouge River on the Bob Hunter Memorial Trail

Off-Leash Opportunities

We hiked the trails in the winter where there were fewer people than in the summer, so Lucy was able to stay off-leash the entire hike.  

Trail Extensions

There are two other trails to explore from the parking lot: Tallgrass Trek and Monarch. I'll post a blog about these trails soon.

Instagram

Enjoy your walk! When you post photos to Instagram, tag us at @hikingtoronto or #hikingtorontowithlucy

Location: Bob Hunter Memorial Park, 7277 14th Ave, Markham, ON L6B 1A8, Canada

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