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.

November

Walking with Wildlife: An Indigenous Perspective

Join us for a guided wildlife walk with members of the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation as they share knowledge about the animals, plants and natural systems of the York Regional Forest from an Indigenous perspective. Learn how Anishinaabe teachings shape an understanding of local wildlife and the important roles these species play within the ecosystem. As we explore the trails, you’ll discover how animals interact with their environment, how to recognize signs of wildlife activity and what it means to build respectful relationships with the natural world. This walk offers a unique opportunity to see the Forest through Indigenous knowledge and gain a deeper appreciation for the land and the life it supports. 


Sunday, November 9 

Ages 16 and up: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 
All Ages: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Hollidge Tract 
16389 Highway 48, Whitchurch-Stouffville

December

Frozen Footprints

Join us for a winter adventure as we explore the Forest and uncover the hidden signs of wildlife! On this guided walk, you'll learn about the animals that stay active during the colder months and how they survive the winter season. From animal tracks and chewed bark to other subtle signs, our guide will teach you how to spot clues and identify which creatures are still making their mark in the Forest. As we venture through the winter landscape, you’ll discover the fascinating adaptations of winter wildlife – how some animals have evolved to thrive in the cold, while others adapt their behavior to endure harsh conditions. Learn how animals like deer, squirrels, birds and even predators like foxes leave behind traces of their presence, offering a glimpse into their secret lives. Along the way, we'll explore how animals find food, stay warm and navigate through the challenges of winter. You’ll also gain a deeper appreciation for the quiet resilience of nature, as you learn to see beyond the snow-covered trees and discover the vibrant life that continues all around us.

Saturday, December 13 (all ages) 

• 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Hollidge Tract
16389 Highway 48, Whitchurch-Stouffville

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