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 these 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.

JANUARY

Your Forest Adventure

Embrace the winter season with a fun-filled day of outdoor adventure at the Bill Fisch Forest Stewardship and Education Centre! This pop-up event enables you to explore the beauty of the York Regional Forest with activities for all ages. Whether you're looking to enjoy a peaceful self-guided winter hike, try your hand at do-it-yourself kick-sledding or snowshoeing (weather permitting), or simply relax with a warm beverage, this event has something for everyone.

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

FEBRUARY 

Love in the Wild

Celebrate this Valentine’s Day with a unique and romantic outdoor adventure. Start your evening by watching the breathtaking sunset from the top of a hill in Happy Valley. After the sun sets, you’ll be guided through the Forest to learn about the fascinating animals that come to life after dark. You’ll hear captivating stories about the hidden lives of these animals, offering a rare glimpse into the natural ‘after hours’ world. After your walk, warm up with a cozy cup of hot chocolate as you reflect on the beauty of the evening. Whether you’re spending this special day with someone close or simply enjoying the tranquil outdoors, this evening promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of nature.

Friday, February 14 (ages 18 and up) 
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Happy Valley Tract
15430 7th Concession, King

MARCH 

Streams of Spring

Join us, along with Ontario Streams, for a fascinating discovery of the winter thaw and its impact on our forests and waterways in this unique springtime adventure. During this guided walk, you’ll discover how the Forest responds to the seasonal shift and the important role water plays in the ecosystem’s awakening. Learn about the animals that call our streams and wetlands home and uncover how they adapt to the cold months before the rush of spring begins. From aquatic creatures that survive the winter freeze to the Forest’s gradual transformation, this event offers a deep dive into the interactions of water, wildlife and seasonal change. Don’t miss the chance to observe how the Forest’s hidden aquatic world thrives and evolves as the days warm up.

Saturday, March 29 (ages 10 and up) 
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
1 p.m. to 3 p.m. 
Eldred King Woodlands
16232 Highway 48, Whitchurch-Stouffville
 

APRIL

Green Up, Clean Up

Join us for a day of environmental stewardship as we team up with the Regional Forest Advisory Team to help keep our beloved York Regional Forests clean and healthy! During this Green Up, Clean Up event, we’ll be collecting litter and doing our part to ensure our Forests remain beautiful and vibrant places for our wildlife and visitors. 

Stop by Hollidge Tract, Brown Hill Tract or Nobleton Tract to pick up supplies like gloves, litter grabbers, bags, hand sanitizer and safety vests. Feel free to bring your own supplies if you prefer. Light refreshments will be provided throughout the day and, at 2 p.m., we’ll gather for a group photo at each of the trailheads at Hollidge, Brown Hill and Nobleton Tracts to capture our collective efforts in preserving this beautiful natural space.

Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or new to community clean-up events, this is a great opportunity to make a positive impact on our local environment. So bring your kids, friends and neighbours as we work together to protect our local Forests for generations to come. It’s a fun, rewarding day to get outside, make a difference and be part of something meaningful.

Saturday, April 26 (ages 6 and up) 
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Hollidge Tract
16389 Highway 48, Whitchurch-Stouffville

Nobleton Tract
5345 15th Sideroad, King

Brownhill Tract
22612 McCowan Road, East Gwillimbury
 

MAY 

Birding 101

Join Creator’s Garden for a unique birding adventure in the heart of the Forest! Discover the art of identifying birds through both sight and sound, while learning the names of local species in Anishinaabemowin, the Ojibwe language. This guided experience will deepen your connection to the natural world as we explore the Forest and practice identifying birds by their appearance and calls. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn, explore and appreciate the wonders of birdlife through both Indigenous knowledge and modern birding techniques. Binoculars are available to share on a first come, first served basis. Feel free to bring your own pair to ensure you don’t miss out!

Sunday, May 4 (ages 10 and up) 
6 a.m. to 8 a.m.
9 a.m. to 11 a.m. 
Nobleton Tract
5345 15th Sideroad, King

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

Exciting updates are coming to the Discover Your Forest (DYF) program starting in 2025! While many of your local libraries already offer nature backpacks, kits and lending items, enhancements to these valuable resources are on the way! Participating libraries will receive 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