Who funded this service anyways?

The service is funded primarily by TD Bank Group as part of their TD Common Ground project. Additional funding comes from Parks Canada as well as Mountain Equipment Coop. If your organization is interested in becoming a sponsor to help us extend this important service beyond October, please get in touch!

What is "Rouge North" and "Rouge South"

"Rouge South" is our acronym for the southern stop that we offer at the Parks Canada Welcome Area near the Toronto Zoo. "Rouge North" is the northern point, right at Bob Hunter Memorial Park (part of Rouge National Urban Park) in Markham.

Can I purchase food or get water in Rouge National Urban Park?

To help plan for a great day in the park, please ensure you bring with you lots of extra water, snacks, lunch, sunscreen and bug spray. There are very few amenities near the park, and facilities in the park are currently limited.

What do I need to bring with me?

In addition to food, water and snacks, we recommend that you bring what you need to spend the day outdoors, dress for the weather and wear closed toed footwear. Check the weather forecast before you come and consider bringing rain gear with you just in case.

Can anyone board the bus for free?

Yes. As long as there is space. Most seats can be reserved online, although few seats are always left for walk on passengers on a first-come, first-served basis.

Is it possible to reserve seats in advance?

Most seats on each bus can be reserved in advance with a refundable credit card deposit (deposit is refunded as long as you show up). We do this to enable someone to plan a trip in advance and make sure there is a seat waiting for them. We also set aside a limited number of “walk on” seats for each departure on a first-come, first-served basis (but we recommend you reserve your seats online in advance).

Are your buses wheelchair accessible?

Unfortunately not currently due to costs - accessible vehicle are significantly more expensive, which would only allow us to offer one third of the dates we can currently offer with a school bus. We may offer a special run for persons with limited mobility by chartering an accessible vehicle if there is interest. Please contact us if you think you would benefit from this service.



What kind of buses do you use? Is there is washroom / AC on board?

We use school buses for this route, which have no washroom and no AC. While they are less comfortable than motorcoach buses (which we use on Parkbus overnight destinations such as Algonquin), they also cost a fraction of what a motorcoach does cost, allowing us to triple the number of days of operation available.

Do I have to participate in Parks Canada events if I take the bus?

No you are free to explore the park on your own. Please adhere to Leave No Trace principles - leave only footsteps, take only photos, don’t venture off trails, and don’t miss your bus back.

Are pets allowed on board?

Pets are currently not allowed on this route.

Does the bus go to the same location every day?

No! Rouge National Urban Park is a huge area spread across multiple municipalities. On some days, the bus will take you to the Parks Canada Welcome Area near the Toronto Zoo, and on some days the bus will go to the Bob Hunter Memorial Area in Markham. Both options offer great hiking and picnicking opportunities.

Can we bring bikes or strollers?

We use a school bus for this route, and unfortunately there is no space for bikes. Folding strollers may work, if they fold really well - if you are coming with a folding stroller, be sure to show up early to be the first one on the bus.

Who designed your awesome bus wrap?

Thank you, we love the wrap as well! Local Toronto designer Alexandra Pokras created the wrap, and also had an amazing idea to leave the blank space for passengers to write right on the wrap! You can get in touch with Alexandra through LinkedIn.