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.

JUNE

Trailblazers: A Mountain-Biking Adventure

Join us for an exciting and informative mountain-biking experience, guided by the team at the York Mountain Biking Association. This event offers two time slots: one for riders aged 10 and up, and another for those aged 18 and up. It’s open to participants of all skill levels, whether you’re new to the sport or looking to refine your skills. You’ll explore the scenic trails of Brown Hill Tract, where expert guides will lead you through the rugged terrain, offering valuable tips on riding techniques, trail navigation and bike safety. The pace of the ride will be adjusted to suit all levels, ensuring a comfortable yet thrilling experience for everyone from beginners to more seasoned cyclists. This adventure provides the perfect opportunity to connect with nature, challenge yourself and discover the joys of off-road cycling in a safe and supportive environment. Be sure to bring your own bike, helmet, water bottle and closed-toe shoes, and get ready for a fun-filled day of adventure and learning on the trails.

Saturday, June 28 
Ages 10 and up: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Ages 18 and up: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Brown Hill Tract
4389 Ravenshoe Road, East Gwillimbury

JULY

The Forest and Me

Join us for a unique outdoor experience designed to connect families with the natural beauty of York Region’s accessible trails! Bring your little ones and enjoy a scenic stroll along a smooth, accessible trail perfect for strollers. This walk offers a chance for parents and caregivers to bond with their babies and toddlers while exploring the beauty of the Forest. It’s a relaxed, low-impact activity where families can enjoy fresh air, nature and gentle exercise together. The walk will also feature some fun nature-based activities and a story time for the kids, provided by EarlyON Stouffville!

Wednesday, July 16 (Families with young children 0-6 years old) 
9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Hollidge Tract
16389 Highway 48, Whitchurch-Stouffville

AUGUST

Nature’s Invaders

Join us for an enlightening outdoor adventure as we explore the hidden world of invasive species in York Region. This guided walk will take you through one of our beautiful Forest tracts, where you’ll learn about the plant and animal species that threaten our local ecosystems. Discover how these invaders disrupt habitats, harm native wildlife and challenge the balance of nature. The knowledgeable guides at LEAF will share fascinating insights about the environmental impacts of these species and what you can do to help protect our local biodiversity. As you walk, you'll observe firsthand the signs of invasive species and gain a deeper understanding of their spread and control. This walk offers a unique opportunity to connect with the land while gaining important knowledge to preserve our natural heritage. Bring your curiosity, wear comfortable shoes and come ready for a thought-provoking and educational experience. After the walk, take a moment to reflect on the importance of protecting our ecosystems - and perhaps even take home a few tips for supporting local wildlife in your own backyard!

Thursday, August 21 (ages 10 and up) 
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
1 p.m. to 3 p.m. 
Porritt Tract
15470 Kennedy Road, East Gwillimbury

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