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Best Parks in Markham for Easy Hikes and Forest Therapy

Last Updated January 17, 2023 William Tang

You are here: Home » Attractions & Experiences » Best Parks in Markham for Easy Hikes and Forest Therapy

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The City of Markham is located north of Toronto and home to 350,000 residents. The local secret is that there are some truly amazing parks in Markham – some well-known and others not so much.

Whether you’re looking to get out for fresh air, trying to stay active, wanting to explore new trails, find your spot of serenity, learn more about 8 of our favourite parks in the city.

Read more things to do in Ontario

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  • Best weekend trips from Toronto
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  • Outdoor wellness retreats in Ontario

Looking for a cottage?

  • If you’re thinking about Muskoka this summer, make sure you know about where to book Muskoka cottages, and also the best Airbnb Muskoka cottages.

Here's what we're covering:

  • 8 of the Best Parks in Markham
    • Milne Dam Conservation Park
    • Rouge Valley Trail
    • Springdale Park
    • Bob Hunter Memorial Park
    • Pomona Mills Park
    • Toogood Pond Park
    • German Mills Settlers Park / German Mills Meadow & Natural Habitat
    • Swan Lake Park
  • Map of Top Markham Parks
  • Additional Markham Park Resources
  • Frequently Asked Questions

8 of the Best Parks in Markham

Markham is a thriving suburban city with incredible diversity, growing neighbourhoods, and also tons of shops and restaurants. Perhaps the most underrated feature of Markham are its green spaces.

We’ve covered the best parks in Vaughan, Richmond Hill, and Scarborough so it’s time to dive into the best parks in Markham.

As you discover these parks, you’ll also see a truly unique theme come through which is that Markham has doubled down on the forest therapy (aka Shinrin Yoku and forest bathing).

Lastly, something you might not know is that the City of Markham is a subdivision of York Region which is why you’ll find trails listed on their page as well.

COVID-19 Notice

Please check the City of Markham page for the latest updates park status. Currently, all parks are open.

OFFICIAL UPDATE

Milne Dam Conservation Park

milne dam conservation park bridge in markham

The 305-acre Milne Dam Conservation Park is Markham’s largest park. The park got its name from the Milne family who operated a mill near the dam in the 1820s.

milne damn conservation park in winter time with snow
Image via Flickr by Photolibrium

It is part of the Rouge Park Trails Network with Rouge River nestled in the middle of its lush forest, along with its beach.

  • milne dam park in markham
  • milne dam conservation park trail map
  • milne dam suspension bridge path

This park is excellent for walking, jogging, cycling, and bird watching. You can even fish here with a valid Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) fishing permit. 

If you wish to hold events and gatherings in picnic areas for large groups, a permit is required. There are nine picnic sites of varying sizes to accommodate your party, do note that the admission fee is not included with the site fees.

TIP: While the official entrance is the most convenient, there are multiple local neighbourhood accesses to the park. The best places to park are along Drakesfield Rd. or Riverview Ave. and walk in.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Address:  8251 McCowan Road, Markham, ON L3P 3J3

Hours: Open all year round

  • Weekdays: 8:00am to dusk
  • Weekends: 9:00am to dusk (Victoria Day Weekend to Thanksgiving Day Weekend)
  • Gate closes 15 minutes before closing

Features: Beach area, bird watching, wetlands, lush forest, and many picnic tables.

Distance:  2.3 km

Difficulty: Easy

What’s nearby:  Markham Village Library, Markville Mall, FoodyMart Supermarket, Main Street Markham, and Markham Sports Dome Inc..

Bathroom: Yes

Parking: Yes. Parking is free (with admission)

Pets: Yes, as long as they are on-leash.

Fees: Admission fees: Credit and debit accepted. No cash.

  • Weekdays: Admission Free
  • Weekends & Statutory Holidays:
    • Adults: $4.50
    • Seniors: $3.50
    • Children 15 & Under: Free

Permits: Permits are required for group reservations in picnic areas. You can email [email protected] for more information.

Website: Milne Dam Conservation Park

Trail map: Download (Page 8 of PDF)

REVIEWS

Looking for more park inspiration?

For more ideas of where to go to catch a breath of fresh air in the GTA, head to our other lists of top parks.

Vaughan
Richmond Hill

Rouge Valley Trail

rouge river trail hiking trail in markham

Rouge Valley Trail is a very popular park among locals and this trail is one of my favourites in Markham. The hike is a one-way route and is amazing for easy walking, dogs, families with strollers, and bikers. What makes it so great is that it’s a mix of smooth pavement or packed gravel.

rouge river trail forest therapy in markham

A unique feature of this trail is that there is a 1.8 km section that’s considered to be a Forest Therapy Trail. What is Forest Therapy you ask? It’s a Japanese practice called Shinrin Yoku also known as Forest Bathing. This is a well-marked walk through the forest where you’ll encounter 6 “invitations” along the way. Each invitation is accompanied by a sign with a guide on how to slow down and take in the nature around you.

A full list of all Shinrin Yoku trails in Markham can be found here.

  • Bike repair and pump by Tuclor Lane entrance
  • Plenty of new benches on the trail

The park consists of many styles of bridges, forest trails, viewpoints of the Rouge River, a highway 407 underpass, boardwalk, and tumbling mini-cascades. The dynamism of this trail is what you’ll come to appreciate. From winding trail along the river to the wilderness of a thick forest, you’ll get to see a little bit of everything here.

There are two major entrances to this part of the trail. The most convenient is the parking lot that adjoins with the Markham Green Golf Club and community centre. The other is along Tuclor Lane on the northern end where there’s an easy stretch of street parking that many people use.

TIP: While Google Maps shows that the trail simply ends on the northern end, it does in fact continuing along until it hits Markham Road. From here, you can easily connect this hike with Milne Dam Conservation Park.

One thing to note is that if you’re starting from the southern end, the trail follows the public 9-hole golf club closely. People have made various access trails to the green but the official trail never joins with it.

Depending on the time of year, you might even spot trout or salmon swimming in the Rouge River.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Address:  120 Rouge Bank Drive, Markham, ON L3S 4B7

Hours: Open all year round, 24 hours

Features: River, bridges, boardwalk, highway underpass, golf club, and forest therapy trail.

Distance:  7.2 km (Forest Therapy Trail distance 1.8 km)

Difficulty: Easy

What’s nearby:  Markham Green Golf Club, Rouge River Community Centre, David Suzuki Public School, Markham Village Library, Boxgrove Centre Shopping Mall, and William Armstrong Public School.

Bathroom: Yes, inside the community centre.

  • Primary lot by the golf club and community centre
  • Parking on Tuclor Lane

Parking: Yes. There is a parking lot adjacent to the Markham Green Golf Club and street parking along Tuclor Lane (make sure you park on the correct side). This parking is free.

Pets: Yes, pets are allowed on leash.

Fees: None

Guided trail: Self-guided Shinrin Yoku (Forest Bathing or Forest Therapy) trails.

Website: Rouge Valley Trail

Trail map: Download (Page 10 of PDF)

MORE INFO

Springdale Park

springdale park in markham forest therapy sign with sunflare

This 27.2-acre park is a special one! Springdale Park and Valley is the first ever designated Gift Institute of Forest Therapy (GIFT) trail in Canada. It’s a trail that gives you an opportunity to connect with your surroundings.

This Shinrin Yoku or forest therapy trail invites you to have a therapeutic immersion with the forest through its 6 “invitations”. Interact using your senses, listen to the birds, touch the trees, smell the air, and look all around you. All this was made possible with joint efforts from the City of Markham, Greenbelt River Valley Connector Program, and Parks People. 

While this isn’t a very large park, the forest trail gives you a respite from the business of the city and with its babbling creek, wood bridges, and incredibly tall trees, reconnect by disconnecting here.

South of Springdale Park connects to the Cedar Valley Park, also a nice walk with plenty of shade.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Address:  45 Norwich Drive, Markham, ON L3P 6R4

Hours: Open all year round, 24 hours although technically the park sign says that it’s only open from 6AM – 11PM.

Features: Playground, soccer field, woodlot, and forest therapy trail.

Distance:  2.1 km

Difficulty: Easy

What’s nearby:  Markham Museum, Main Street Markham, Markham Village Train Station, Markham Fire Station 97, Joyride 150 Indoor Bike Park, and Ramer Wood Public School.

Bathroom: There is a portable toilet available but only in the summer season. The porta-potty is removed in the winter.

  • Primary parking lot
  • Street parking

Parking: Yes. Parking is free. There’s a decent sized parking lot by the soccer field and playground. There’s plenty of street parking as well.

Pets: Yes, pets are allowed on leash.

Fees: None

Guided trail: Self-guided Shinrin Yoku (Forest Bathing or Forest Therapy) trails

MORE ON FOREST BATHING

Bob Hunter Memorial Park

best park in markham bob hunter memorial park

Bob Hunter Memorial Park is named after Robert Hunter, a Canadian environmentalist, journalist, author and politician. His work compasses bans against commercial whaling and nuclear testing. 

The trails have a rural natural scenery, and they are part of the Rouge National Urban Park where you’ll find Ressor Way/Tanglewood Trail, Tallgrass Trek, Monarch Trail (which also has a cycling accessible section). You’ll be able to hike alongside the beautiful Little Rouge Creek on parts of the trail as well. If you do visit this park in the winter, you’d want to have proper footwear. 

Please note: There is a trail closure that impacts the Reesor Way and Tanglewood trails. This closure is well marked on-site and alternate trail options are available. 

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Address:  7277 14th Avenue, Markham, ON L6B 1A8

Hours: Open all year round, 24 hours

Features: River, a well, nature walking, and three hiking trails.

Distance:  3.3 km

Difficulty: Moderate

What’s nearby:  Walmart Supercentre, Smart Centres Markham East, Vettese Park, David Suzuki Public School, and Judy’s Tropical Garden

Bathroom: A portable washroom is seasonally available near the parking lot.

Parking: Yes, free. Electric vehicle chargers available.

Pets: Yes, pets are allowed on leash.

Fees: None

Website: Bob Hunter Memorial Park

Trail map: Download (Page 4 of PDF)

REVIEWS

Pomona Mills Park

pomona mills park shinrin yoku forest therapy sign in markham

This is a 11.6 acre park in the Thornhill-Markham district. While a smaller park, it offers a diverse landscape with a well-groomed loop trail that hugs along the East Don River.

Another major feature of this park is its Forest Therapy or Shinrin Yoku trail. With a the sound of water flowing, trees new and old rustling in the wind, birds chirping, and the sold earth below, this is an extremely well-put-together path of 5 “invitations” with plaques to guide your way.

The Thornhill Meadow is located in the west side of the park which is filled with native wildflowers, attracting Monarch butterflies.

There are residents in this community who volunteer their time to do annual park cleanups and planting, providing an enjoyable space for all its visitors.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Address:  200 John Street. Markham, ON L3T 1Y7

Hours: Open all year round, 24 hours

Features: Playground, soccer field, tunnel, and stream.

Distance:  0.7 km

Difficulty: Easy

What’s nearby:  Heintzman House, Thornhill Library, Thornhill Community Centre, Johnsview Village Public School, Pomona Valley Tennis Club, and Don Valley Park.

Bathroom: No

Parking: Yes. Parking is free and next to the tennis courts.

Pets: Yes, pets are allowed on leash.

Fees: None

Guided trail: Self-guided Shinrin Yoku (Forest Bathing or Forest Therapy) trail

Website: Pomona Mills Park

REVIEWS

Toogood Pond Park

toogood pond park in the city of markham
Image via Flickr by Karin Lewis

Toogood Pond Park spans over 82.3 acres. The walkway circling the Toogood Pond is a very popular 1.4 km loop walk.

There are park benches throughout the area where you’ll be able to rest and admire the view. You’ll be able to check out the water dam and a bridge that are located in the southeast corner of the pond.

I do love the walk down Main Street Unionville as it’s filled with shops and restaurants. This is an area that you can’t miss especially if you’re up for some patio time.

Along the way, make sure to visit the Varley Art Gallery. It’s a great cultural centre which holds art exhibitions. Best of all, it’s free to visit!

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Address:  280 Main Street Unionville, Markham, ON L3R 2H2

Hours: Open all year round, 24 hours

Features: Man-made water dam, pedestrian bridge, waterfall, and pond.

Distance:  4.99 km

Difficulty: Easy

What’s nearby:  Main St Unionville, Unionville Public School, Markham Fire Station 95, Varley Art Gallery of Markham, Unionville Curling Club, and Unionville Library.

Bathroom: Yes, near Mother Goose Burgers & Ice Cream (276 Main Street Unionville, Markham, Ontario)

Parking: Yes. There are two free parking lots at the following addresses:

  1. 276 Main Street Unionville
  2. 216 Main Street Unionville

Pets: Yes, pets are allowed on leash.

Fees: None

Guided trail: Self-guided Shinrin Yoku (Forest Bathing or Forest Therapy) trail

Website: Toogood Pond Park

REVIEWS

German Mills Settlers Park / German Mills Meadow & Natural Habitat

german mills settlers park and the duncan woods creek in markham

German Mills Settlers Park manages to surprise all first-time visitors for its vast space, calming creek, well-groomed path, and elevated views of the city. This park spans over 65 acres and combines with the German Mills Meadow & Natural Habitat.

What’s unique about this green space is that while on the map it looks like it covers one contiguous area, as the two names suggest, the park is very different from the habitat.

  • Leslie St. trail head
  • Winding path to slow down bikes
  • Clearly marked lanes
  • North entrance

To the east is German Mills Settlers Park and this is the meticulously cleaned and paved route that starts off Leslie Street to the south and follows the Duncan Woods Creek up towards John Street. Along the way you’ll find some open green spaces, benches, and forests. Since it’s fully paved, this part is great for jogging and cycling.

To the west is German Mills Meadow & Natural Habitat. This is very much a wild and open space that is in rehabilitation. There are signs that recommend against taking side trails into the meadow and so you’re mostly sticking to one wide gravel that turns to a dirt path that connects Leslie Street and John Street in a straight line. There are young trees being grown and protected by fences and some sort of pumping station in the middle as well. It certainly casts a less-lively spirit than the Settlers Park let’s just say.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Address:  2001 John Street, Thornhill, ON L3T 5W9

Hours: Open all year round, 24 hours

Features: Gazebo, bird watching, grassland, amphibians, reptiles, insects, wildflower, and cycling.

Distance:  2.3 km

Difficulty: Easy

What’s nearby:  German Mills Public School, Bayview Fairways Public School, Bayview Golf and Country Club, AY Jackson Secondary School, Simonston Park, Paddock Park,  The Shops on Steeles Shopping Mall, and Bercy (Wycliffe) Park.

Bathroom: No

street parking for german mills settlers park in markham
Plenty of street parking along Leslie Street.

Parking: Free street parking can be found on these streets:

  1. South end of the park – Leslie St. or Waterloo Ct.
  2. Northeast end of the park – German Mills Rd.
  3. Northwest end of the park – Cottonwood Ct.

Pets: Yes, pets are allowed on leash.

Fees: None

READ MORE

Swan Lake Park

swan lake park markham water fountain

Swan Lake Park has a small boardwalk pier where you can oversee wildlife on the pond. It’s a quiet park with a great photo spot by the pier all season round. There are restoration goals with Markham Council to increase the water quality of the pond. 

Just across the street is the Laura and Alf Weaver Park that includes a skateboarding park and tennis courts.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Address:  25 Swan Park Road, Markham, ON L6E 1Z5

Hours: Open all year round, 24 hours

Features: Playground, splash pad, park benches, boardwalk, pond, windmill metal art installation, tennis court, and gazebo.

Distance:  1 km

Difficulty: Easy

What’s nearby:  Mt Joy GO station, St. Brother Andre Catholic High School, Sam Chapman Public School, Mount Joy Lake, Minleaf Park, Finchan Park, Greensborough Williamson Skate Spot (skateboard), and Laura and Alf Weaver Park.

Bathroom: No

Parking: Yes. There is free parking.

Pets: Yes, pets are allowed on leash.

Fees: None

Website: Friends of Swan Lake Park

SWAN LAKE RESTORATION

Map of Top Markham Parks

TIP: Open this map in a new tab (maximize icon) and click on the 3 vertical dots in the menu to “Copy map” to your own account. This way you can use the Google Maps app to open it up on your phone. You will need data to access the map.

Additional Markham Park Resources

Between Vaughan, Richmond Hill, and Markham parks covered in the York Region, the City of Markham has the weakest pages to showcase their parks.

While their website does lead to an interactive map that is well-marked, it’s unfortunately not that user friendly and definitely not built with your mobile phone in mind.

The below is a list of resources that I’ve found helpful for more details and maps.

  • Parks and Trails – A full list of all parks and trails in Markham. All parks lead to an interactive map by Geocortex which is great on desktop but not so much on mobile.
  • Destination Markham – Markham’s new tourism website that will hopefully grow to include more outdoor recreation recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are pets allowed in Markham parks?

Yes, all parks allow pets as long as they’re on a leash and you pick up after them. This means all parks are great for walking your dog.

Are Markham parks free?

Most city parks are free with the exception of Milne Dam Conservation Park which carries a fee on weekends and holidays.

Are drones allowed in Markham parks and conservation areas?

Markham parks are governed by the same drone laws in Canada that are laid out by Transport Canada.

What are the rules for street parking in Markham?

You cannot park on Markham streets between the hours of 2:30AM and 6AM. Full rules can be found here.

Are there ticks in Markham and is lyme disease a concern?

York Region tracks blacklegged tick sightings and in Markham however as of the latest update, there haven’t been any identified. That said, smart protection against ticks should be applied in all areas especially in wooded or brushy areas.

Is West Nile a concern in Markham?

York Region actively surveils the area for West Nile and tracks active human cases. While the numbers are low, it’s always a good idea to use mosquito repellant outside of winter.

Does Markham have a dog off-leash area?

There is one location at the northwest corner of Miller Avenue and Rodick Road. Details can be found here.

Are Markham parks 24/7?

Officially, each park has their own operating hours (i.e. closed 11PM-6AM) but since none of these parks have gates, there’s nothing stopping you from visiting during these hours.

There are many great parks in Markham to explore whether it’s the large Milne Dam Conservation Park or the small loop around Swan Lake Park. There’s something for everyone!

What you should read next

  • Free things to do in Toronto
  • How to Find RV Rentals in Ontario
  • 9 Getaway-Worthy Northern Ontario Resorts in the Summer
  • Best Parks in Richmond Hill Ontario For Easy Walks and Hikes

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About William Tang

William is the Chief of Awesome at Going Awesome Places which is focused on off-the-beaten-path, outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring others to travel, writing detailed trip itineraries to help others plan their own trips, and providing helpful tips and tricks to guide readers to travel better. He is based in Toronto, Canada but you'll find him on the road more often than not. Make sure to learn more about William to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

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author will tang going awesome places profile photoHey, my name is Will and I'm here to help you travel to some awesome places around the world and my home country of Canada by providing insanely detailed itineraries, travel guides, and packing lists.

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