York Regional Forest Walks and Events

York Regional Forest's guided walks and events are designed for various age groups, residents and visitors. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult and registration opens one month in advance.  

While guided walks and events usually proceed rain or shine, extreme weather conditions may lead to cancellations. Registered participants will be notified of any event changes through their provided contact information. 

August  

Nature’s Invaders

Join staff from York Region and Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF) for a guided walk through one of our beautiful Forest tracts. Together, we’ll identify native and invasive tree, shrub and plant species, explore how invasive species damage habitats, harm native wildlife and challenge the balance of our Forests and learn how to help stop their spread.

This walk offers a unique opportunity to connect with the land and gain important knowledge to preserve our natural heritage. Bring your curiosity, wear comfortable closed-toe trail or hiking shoes and come ready for a thought-provoking and educational experience.  

Tuesday, August 18 

• 6 to 8 p.m. (ages 10 and up)  

Wednesday, August 19

• 6 to 8 p.m.  (ages 10 and up)  

Porritt Tract 
15470 Kennedy Road, Whitchurch-Stouffville

September

Welcome to the Forest!

Do you want to try hiking but aren’t sure where to start?
We can help! Join us for a drop-in event to learn about the York Regional Forest.
You will learn:

• How to prepare for a hike
• Basic hiking safety tips
• What plants and animals live in the Forest

You can also join a:

• Guided tour of the Bill Fisch Forest Stewardship and Education Centre
• Short, beginner-friendly hike in the Forest led by the Oak Ridges Trail Association

This is a great chance to learn, ask questions and enjoy nature!

Open House 

Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13, 2026

• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Guided Walks 

Saturday, September 12 (all ages)

• 10 to 11:30 a.m.
• 12:30 to 2 p.m.

Sunday, September 13, 2026 (all ages)

• 10 to 11:30 a.m.
• 12:30 to 2 p.m.

Hollidge Tract
16389 Highway 48, Whitchurch-Stouffville

September

National Forest Week Festival

Join us for a day of outdoor fun and celebration at York Region’s National Forest Week Festival! This FREE event is the perfect opportunity to connect with nature and explore the beauty of the York Regional Forest. 
Join one of our guided hikes or wagon rides and discover the hidden wonders of the Forest. From the towering trees to the often-overlooked Forest floor, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the natural world around you. Along the way, our guides will share fascinating facts about the plants and wildlife that call the Forest home. 
Afterward, let your imagination soar with a visit to our face-painting station where you can transform yourself into a woodland creature or get creative with nature-inspired designs. Then treat yourself to a free BeaverTail, a classic Canadian pastry that’s perfect for refueling. 
And that’s just the beginning. The festival is packed with fun and engaging activities for all ages so there’s something for everyone to enjoy! 
The National Forest Week Festival is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the vital role forests play in our environment. With a full day of adventure, learning and community, it’s an event you won't want to miss.

Saturday, September 26 (all ages) 

• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Hollidge Tract
16389 Highway 48, Whitchurch-Stouffville

Carpooling is encouraged to help reduce traffic. Additional parking is available at Eldred King Woodlands, 16232 Highway 48, Whitchurch-Stouffville, with shuttle buses running regularly to and from the main event site.

Can’t make it to one of our events? Check out what our partners have to offer:

• Evergreen
• Forests Canada
• Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA)
• Local Enhancement & Appreciation of Forests (LEAF)
• Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust
• Oak Ridges Trail Association
• Ontario Streams
• Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)
• Rouge National Urban Park

In 2025, we updated the Discover Your Forest (DYF) program! While many of your local libraries already offered nature backpacks, kits and lending items, we provided participating libraries with forest-related items and activities to enrich their existing collections and support local nature exploration. Check out the list of participating libraries below!

We’re also making nature exploration more widely available with new digital printable resources. This ensures everyone can enjoy the benefits of the DYF program, whether online or in person.

• Bark Quilt: create a colourful quilt by making bark rubbings from different trees
• Leaf It to Memory: enhance your tree identification skills with a memory card game
• Leafo Bingo: a bingo game that challenges you to find leaves with various characteristics
• Nature Exploration: boost your well-being with an activity that engages all your senses
• Sound Map: explore and document the diverse sounds of nature
• True Colours: a fun experiment that reveals the hidden pigments in leaves
• Tree ID Wheel: match leaf characteristics to identify tree species