20 Signs You're A Russian Torontonian
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This Toronto park is over 20 times bigger than Central Park and has breathtaking views
There are so many trails to explore.
You don't need to go far from Toronto to discover open air and endless trails. This massive park is a gorgeous spot for a hike, and it will have you forgetting you're anywhere near the city.
Open year-round, it's a dreamy destination to soak up the last of the fall colours, or enjoy a snowy-weather stroll once winter sets in.
Rouge National Urban Park is one of the largest urban parks in North America, according to Parks Canada, spanning Toronto, Markham, Pickering and the Township of Uxbridge.
Covering more than 19 square miles, the sprawling natural area is 23 times bigger than New York City's Central Park.
Before planning your visit, though, there are a few access restrictions to keep in mind.
The Zoo Road Day Use Area is closed for construction of a new visitor centre until 2027, and Rouge Beach and Marsh is also closed for construction. While other areas of the park remain open, some popular trailheads and parking options are affected, so it's worth checking your route before heading out.
There are several trails to choose from, with hikes ranging from a quick 15-minute stroll to a four-hour adventure. Here are a few worth adding to your bucket list:
- Vista Trail: This route is a favourite for soaking up the season's vibrant colours, thanks to its two-level viewing platform overlooking the Rouge Valley.
- Orchard Trail: You can wander through a landscape filled with wetlands and traces of the area's early European settlers, including historic orchards, former residences and a mill.
- Woodland Trail: With a mix of forests, meadows and water, this trail is a good pick if you want a more relaxed hike.
- Glen Eagles Vista Trail: Short on time? This 15- to 30-minute walk leads to a scenic lookout where you can take in views of the Rouge River and Little Rouge Creek, framed by colourful autumn leaves. Keep in mind that the Glen Eagles Vista parking lot closes seasonally from November 1 to May 1, so it's not an option for parking during an early-November visit.
- Northeast Trail: At over 10 kilometres one-way, this longer route winds through marshes and farmland. Along the way, you'll encounter seven boardwalks and a pergola overlooking the marsh.
The park offers free admission year-round and free guided walks on select days. Upcoming events include a spooky Halloween walk and an autumn senses experience.
During the winter, you can enjoy snowy hikes, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and more, so it's worth keeping this spot in mind for some cold-weather adventures.
Planning your trip from Toronto? Rouge National Urban Park has multiple access points, but getting to a specific trail may take a little extra planning right now.
For the Vista and Orchard trails, Twyn Rivers Day Use Area remains open and can be reached from the Altona Road side in Pickering.
However, parking is limited, particularly on weekends, and the walk from nearby transit stops can involve a stretch of road without a sidewalk.
Check the official Parks Canada directions and current park bulletins before leaving, as closures and access conditions can change.
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NDP focuses on Surrey, B.C., battleground as election enters home stretch
Health in focus with B.C. election in home stretch
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Aaron Hemens
Health remains a top item on the British Columbia election agenda as the campaign enters its final days.
NDP Leader David Eby will be making an announcement at the Surrey Hospital construction site in the election-battleground city, a day after announcing a $30-million expansion of Kelowna General Hospital on Tuesday.
Both the NDP and B.C. Conservatives have made a series of health pledges as final voting day on Saturday closes in, including announcing the construction of new urgent and primary care facilities across B.C.
The Conservatives say health care is in crisis in the province, with 1.2 million British Columbians lacking a family doctor.
Lorne Doerkson, the party's interim leader, has also been focused on fundraising in the home stretch of the campaign, with two events scheduled on Wednesday, after five others in the past week.
Advance voting closes at 8 p.m. today, and Elections BC says about 711,000 people have voted in the first five days of early polling, down about 9 per cent compared to the first five days of advance voting in 2024.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct, 21, 2026.
Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
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Toddler critically injured after car hit five kids, daycare worker in Oshawa, Ont.
Five kids, daycare worker injured in Oshawa crash
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Doug Ives
Durham regional police say a two-year-old girl was critically injured when a car struck a group of young children and a daycare worker in Oshawa.
Acting Sgt. Nicholas Gluckstein says the daycare worker was on her daily walk with five children through a residential neighbourhood this morning when they were all struck by a car while crossing the street.
He says the two-year-old girl suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to a local hospital before being rushed by air ambulance to a Toronto-area trauma centre.
The officer says police are "hoping for the best" but the girl's injuries are "very serious."
The four other children who were hit, ranging in age from three years to just seven months, were hospitalized with minor injuries, Gluckstein said, while the adult daycare worker suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Gluckstein says the driver of the car was heading south and making a left turn through an intersection controlled by two stop signs when they struck the six pedestrians.
"The person driving southbound, there are no stop signs for them to potentially stop and take a look around there. But five children and an adult female crossing the road is a pretty large sight to see," the officer told reporters at the scene, noting investigators are looking into what speed the car was travelling and whether distracted driving played a role in the crash.
Gluckstein said there's no indication the driver, who remained at the scene and is co-operating with police, was impaired.
He said the driver was hospitalized with minor injuries after the crash.
Gluckstein said investigators are exploring possible charges as they continue to speak with witnesses and look to pull surveillance camera footage from residents in the area.
He urged drivers to slow down, obey the rules of the road and be aware of their surroundings.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 21, 2026.
Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
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