What to know
- Free round-trip shuttle runs every weekend and holiday Monday until September.
- Pick-up locations: 30 Carlton St. (downtown Toronto) and MEC North York.
- Tickets are free with a $15 deposit; limited walk-in seats available.
- Enjoy on-board programming, guided tours, and access to 40+ km of trails and park activities.
Looking for a cost-friendly day trip? Parkbus is offering a free round-trip shuttle to Rouge National Urban Park every weekend and holiday Monday this summer.
From July to September, Parkbus connects downtown Toronto with Rouge National Urban Park via a free shuttle bus, partnered with TD, MEC and Parks Canada.
What does the shuttle bus offer?
The service doesn’t stop at the ride. Park Canada staff will accompany every bus to provide on-board programming and, if they please, introduce visitors to Rouge National Park with a guided tour, and other stops including the Zoo Road Day Use Area or Bob Hunter Memorial Park. Passengers will also have the opportunity to explore the park independently.
Included is the round-trip, access to 40+ kilometres of hiking trails, cultural heritage site visits and education, nature interpretation and wildlife spotting, and all park fees waived.
Canada’s only national urban park
Stretching across Toronto, Markham and Pickering, Rouge National Urban Park is one of the most unique protected areas in the country.
The park is home to forests, wetlands, rivers, working farms and some of the region’s most diverse wildlife habitats.
It’s also one of the easiest places in the GTA to spot deer, turtles, birds and other native species without travelling hours outside the city.
Where does the bus pick you up?
Pick-ups will occur at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. at 30 Carlton St, outside the Holiday Inn, and at MEC North York at 9:25 a.m. on Sheppard Ave, beside the Bessarion Station.
Return times are scheduled for 12:30 p.m. and last at 4:30 p.m. for Carlton St, and 3 p.m. for MEC.
How can I book a seat?
Book your free ticket on Parkbus’ website. There is a $15 deposit and a $10 no-show charge per seat, but the seat is otherwise free. There is also a limited number of walk-in tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tickets can be booked starting two weeks before the chosen date.
Another budget-friendly summer option
The program arrives as more Canadians look for affordable ways to explore local destinations amid rising travel costs.
It also complements other federal initiatives this summer, including the Canada Strong Pass, which offers free and discounted access to national parks and historic sites across the country.
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For Toronto residents looking for a nature-filled day trip without spending hundreds of dollars on transportation, Parkbus may be one of the city’s best summer deals.
