A Visit To the Stunning Rouge Beach Lookout

 

Full route 4 KM and is accessible (take caution on the bridge ramp when rain, snow and ice are present)

(Always check conditions, TorontoTreks is not liable for any changes to the route or injuries)

If you saw the previous article, you may have noticed that it is also possible to walk left from Rouge Hill GO Station and visit the stunning Rouge Beach area. This part of the trail which hugs the shoreline and is a shorter walk from/to the GO station, allows you to stop and enjoy a number of larger more tranquil beaches, and even go up the bridge (which is accessible, please watch out in winter with snow and ice) to visit the lookout point and enjoy the view or take pictures. 

The lookout point also serves as the southern entrance to the Rouge Urban National Park, worth a visit in its own right with a stunning variety of terrain and many hours of trails, even leading all the way up to the Toronto Zoo!

Taking a left from the train station, you are once again greeted by the tranquil waves crashing in the background, with the sounds of a few people enjoying a picnic. A sharp contrast if you arrived on the train from Downtown Toronto. This was on one of the last sunny days, before the forecasted colder winter weather with snow, will begin in Toronto.

Although many of the trees already lost their leaves for winter, some of the maple trees have been able to hold on to most of their leaves, despite it being almost December when this picture was taken!

After a short wooded section, the trail starts hugging the coastline and this is where the beauty of the waterfront trail once again really comes to life. After crossing the bridge, the trail passes the Chesterton Rock Shores and here it is possible to take a break on the small beach for a picnic or just to enjoy the sound of the waves. Please note that swimming here is generally not recommended. For those who like bird watching; on this day, it was also possible to spot a small group of Cormorant birds resting together on a nearby rock.

Further along, the trail passes a larger sandy beach where the rugged cliffside and golden hues of the trees give this part of the trail a magical quality in what was almost golden hour at the time the picture was taken.

Walking further along, it is possible to cross the Rouge River here through the ramp and bridge, unfortunately the bridge itself doesn’t allow for good photos to be taken with the high fence somewhat obstructing the view. Here the golden hour light illuminating what may look at first to be wheat fields, but are actually wetland cattail plants, creates a contrast with the Rouge River, in a stunning scene. It also possible to go fishing in this area.

And here’s the view from the top! The tranquil view is only interrupted by the sound of waves  and also makes for an incredible place to watch the sunrise.

Rouge Beach is accessible year round. For most people the easiest access both by car (car parking charges may apply) and transit is the Rouge Hill GO Station, on the Lakeshore East Line and also served by the TTC’s 38 bus from Kennedy TTC Station. 

Rouge Beach is part of the Rouge Urban National Park, so it is also possible to hike all the way up/down to/from, the Toronto Zoo area and beyond, but be aware this trail is almost 3-4 hours long one-way, with no facilities along the way. The trail is generally flat and easily accessible for both people walking and cycling. Please take caution on the bridge and ramp in winter.