RBG to Open Select Trails for Public Use

Home Announcements RBG to Open Select Trails for Public Use
May 15, 2020

With the recent announcement of provincial parks reopening for passive use, and considering Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer guidelines, Royal Botanical Gardens will begin opening select nature trails to the public, beginning Saturday, May 16.

Trails that will open include Hendrie Valley Sanctuary trails, trails on the south shore of Cootes Paradise and Rock Chapel Sanctuary/Berry Tract trails. Trail use is limited to passive use such as hiking, and birdwatching. Any on-site facilities including washrooms will remain closed. Cycling and running on RBG trails is prohibited. North Shore Cootes Paradise Sanctuary trails remain closed until further notice.

UPDATE May 22: As part of a phased re-opening, and further to the announcement last week that select trails are now open, Royal Botanical Gardens will be opening select trailhead parking lots for greater trail access beginning Saturday, May 23. This includes lots at Cherry Hill, Princess Point, Westdale, and Rock Chapel.

UPDATE May 25: Select North Shore trails will be accessible through the Arboretum, opening with General Admission effective May 27. See the full announcement for details.

We recognize the importance of nature areas as indispensable to community healing, offering much-needed places for respite and connection with nature, however the safety of all guests, staff and volunteers remains RBG’s top priority and the gradual opening of its trail system is the first step in a phased reopening process. All RBG Garden Areas (Hendrie Park, Rock Garden, Arboretum, RBG Centre, Laking Garden) remain closed at this time. Visitors can check rbg.ca/announcements to keep informed about further developments in the reopening process.

RBG Memberships will continue to be extended until further notice. We will be updating all members with specifics once normal operations has resumed and you will receive your new membership cards with an extended expiry date.

Trails Opening as of Saturday, May 16:

Hendrie Valley Sanctuary Trails:

  • North Bridle Trail
  • South Bridle Trail
  • Grindstone Marshes Trail
  • Kicking Horse Trail

Trails on the South Shores of Cootes Paradise:

  • Princess Point Trail
  • Sassafras Point Trail
  • Ginger Valley Trail
  • Caleb’s Walk
  • Ravine Road Trail

Rock Chapel Sanctuary and Berry Tract Trails:

  • Escarpment Trail
  • Bruce Trail (side trail)
  • Rock Chapel Trail
  • Armstrong Trail
  • Thornapple Trail
Trail Maps

Safety on RBG Trails

All visitors to Royal Botanical Gardens trails must follow Provincial measures and guidelines to allow them to remain open safely.

Such measures include:

  • Practice physical distancing by staying 2 metres (6 feet) apart from other trail users.
  • Step off the trail to allow others to pass.
  • Do not gather or arrange to meet friends or other groups.
  • Pets must be leashed at all times.
  • Pack out what you pack in.
  • Bring your own water, sanitizer and PPE (personal protective equipment)

Trails that remain closed until further notice:

Cootes Paradise Sanctuary North Side Trails:

  • Anishinaabe waadiziwin Trail
  • Hickory Valley Trail
  • Grey Doe Trail
  • Bull’s Point Trail
  • Marsh Walk
  • George North
  • Hopkin’s Loop

Closed due to flooding and erosion:

  • Creekside Walk Trail (Hendrie Valley)
Be Smart, Stay 6 Feet Apart