York Regional Forest Walks and Events

a trillium in the foreground and faded leaves in the backround

Join us for a FREE guided walk or event to learn about and experience the beauty of the York Regional Forest!

The best way to be notified about walks and events is by following us on social @YorkRegionGovt on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

We want to hear from you!  Tell us what you think of your 2023 guided walk/event for a chance to enter a draw for a $100 grocery gift card! Survey closes January 11, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.  View full contest details.

Looking for at-home and self-guided outdoor activities, information on your York Regional Forest or low-cost tree planting programs for your property? Sign up for our Greening e-Newsletter.

Click on the Greening e-Newsletter accordion below to see past editions.

Guided walks

Each walk targets specific age groups; children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required and opens a month in advance.

Become a Community Scientist

Learn how to become a community scientist at the York Regional Forest! Use tools like iNaturalist to record and report species observations and learn tips and tricks to take clear, identifiable photos while in nature.

Saturday, June 24 (ages six and up)
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Hollidge Tract
16389 Highway 48, Whitchurch-Stouffville

Register here

Discover Your Forest

Join us for an introductory walk to meet the York Regional Forest! Discover hidden gems while learning tips and tricks to identify various trees and plants found across the Region.

Saturday, July 8 (ages six and up)
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Hollidge Tract
16389 Highway 48, Whitchurch-Stouffville

Registration opens June 8

Spot the Invader

Learn how to identify invasive species in the York Regional Forest and how to avoid planting them in your garden. Also find out which native plants will entice butterflies and bees to your yard.

Saturday, August 12 (ages 10 and up)
7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
North Tract
17054 Highway 48, Whitchurch-Stouffville

Registration opens July 12

National Forest Week

Celebrate National Forest Week in the York Regional Forest! Visit the Bill Fisch Forest Stewardship and Education Centre, take a walk in the forest and create a nature-themed craft.

Saturday, September 23 (all ages)
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (with staggered arrival/departure times)
Hollidge Tract
16389 Highway 48, Whitchurch-Stouffville

Registration opens August 23

Fall Colours and Slippery Critters

Enjoy breathtaking fall colours on your walk to a nearby pond. Learn how fish populations are sampled and discover many other critters living in the pond.

Saturday, October 14 (ages six and up)
10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Eldred King Tract
16232 Highway 48, Whitchurch-Stouffville

Registration opens September 14

Indigenous Storytelling in the Forest

Details to be confirmed

Holidays in the Forest

Join us for a wintery stroll to meet the trees in York Region. Spruce up your tree identification skills and learn about holiday traditions while sipping hot chocolate.

Saturday, December 2 (all ages)
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Hollidge Tract
16389 Highway 48, Whitchurch-Stouffville

Registration opens November 2

Events

Each event targets specific age groups; children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required and opens a month in advance.

There are currently no events scheduled. The best way to be notified about events and walks is by following us on social @YorkRegionGovt on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Nature activities

Missed a guided walk or event or looking for more forest fun? Download these activities:

Visiting the York Regional Forest

To ensure your safety and the safety of others please:

Check weather forecasts and dress accordingly
Ensure dogs are leashed wherever indicated
Do not litter
Do not smoke
Be kind and act responsibly
Do not drive unauthorized motorized vehicles

Find trail maps and more information about the Forest in the Everyday Guide to the York Regional Forest or york.ca/yrf

Greening e-Newsletter

York Region’s Greening e-Newsletter is full of inspiring at-home and self-guided outdoor activities, information on your York Regional Forest, low-cost tree planting programs for your property and much more.

Past editions

03/24/2023 - Welcome Back Spring!

12/20/2022 - Walking in a Winter Wonderland

09/22/2022 - The Fabulous Forest in the Fall

07/05/2022 - Beat the heat this summer in the York Regional Forest

03/31/2022 – Discover the York Regional Forest this Spring

12/09/2021 – Fun in the Forest this Winter

09/09/2021 – Don’t miss your chance to spot im-peck-able birds this fall

06/10/2021 – Adventure Awaits in the York Regional Forest

03/18/2021 – Step Into Spring!

08/12/2020 – Season's Greetings!

09/14/2020 – National Forest Week Turns 100!

07/23/2020 – Get outside this summer!

Frequently asked questions

Will COVID-19 precautions be in place during the guided walks?
York Region Public Health continues to strongly recommend the use of masks in the three 3Cs – confined spaces, crowds or in close contact with someone, especially if they are vulnerable or immunocompromised. We ask that you stay home if you are not feeling well.

Can I still register for a walk or event if I don’t live in York Region?
Yes, residents living outside of York Region can register for a walk or event.

Will the walk or event be cancelled if it’s raining or if there is a snowstorm?
Walks and events are held rain or shine, however, they may be cancelled due to extreme weather conditions (i.e., extreme heat or cold, lightning storm, snowstorm, freezing rain, etc.). In the event of a cancellation, people registered for a walk or event will be contacted directly at the email address or phone number provided at the time of registration.

Will the Discover Your Forest kits be made available again?
It is likely that we will offer the Discover Your Forest Kits again soon. The best way to be notified is to sign up for our Greening e-Newsletter or by following us on social @YorkRegionGovt on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Where can I get more information about the York Regional Forest?
Visit york.ca/forestry or york.ca/yrf