Parks and Trails

Pickering Parks

Keeping parks safe and enjoyable for all – view the Parks By-law 5495/99.

Pickering is home to over 220 hectares of open space and parkland, including over 85 parks, numerous sports fields and trails, and 4 conservation areas.

Pickering is home to 3 designated leash free areas where dog owners can safely let their dog run around in fully fenced in areas.

One of Pickering's gems is its waterfront. Of the 7.6 kilometres of Lake Ontario waterfront, approximately 5 kilometres is publicly accessible - 2.7 kilometres being beach. This doesn't even include all the parkland around Frenchman's Bay and the Hydro Marsh!

Pickering also has a number of creeks including the Petticoat, Amberlea, Dunbarton, Pine, Ganatsekiagon and Duffins Creeks, with wooded valley lands that extend from the waterfront, up through the urban areas.

Maintained by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, conservation areas in Pickering include the Altona Forest, Claremont Nature Centre, Greenwood Conservation Area, and Petticoat Creek Conservation Park.

Adjacent to the westerly boundary of Pickering is the Rouge National Urban Park. This park is a unique combination of woodlands, valleys, meadows and farmlands that were set apart to create one of the largest parks in an urban area in North America.

Accessible Playgrounds

The City has updated nine of its parks with universally designed playground features in an effort to support inclusive spaces for community members to gather:

Erin Gate Park
Rouge Valley Park
Sunbird Trail Park
David Farr Memorial Park
Bonita Park
Lynn Heights Park
Brock Ridge Community Park
Clearside Park
S.M. Woodsmere Park

In addition to these retrofits, four playgrounds have been reconstructed with accessibility features, including rubber safety surfacing, accessible walkways, site furniture, safety railings and/or fencing, and play equipment that is compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA):

St. Mary Park
Forestbrook Park
Progress Frenchman's Bay East Park
Southcott Park

These accessibility upgrades will foster a more inclusive environment, enriching the experiences and opportunities available within our spaces.

Watch the video here:

Fishing

Pickering is home to many waterways that are excellent for recreational fishing. We encourage everyone to follow best practices to ensure wildlife are not injured, the environment is kept clean, and everyone has a positive experience.

See our Fishing page for information on the following:

Clear your Gear Fishing Line Receptacle Program
Fishing Etiquette
Trumpeter Swans and other Waterfowl
Fishing Resources

Leash Free Areas

The City of Pickering currently has three designated Leash Free Areas in Pickering. All locations are fully fenced and provide a safe environment for dogs to run freely. Pickering is also home to GTA's only Canine Activity Area where dogs and dog owners can participate in fun challenges they can complete together. Visit our leash free area page for more information

Smoke Free Ontario

It is illegal to smoke in publicly owned parks containing children's playgrounds and sporting areas.

Smoke-Free Ontario Act
Details at https://www.ontario.ca/page/where-you-cant-smoke-or-vape-ontario

As of January 1, 2015 it is illegal to smoke in publicly owned parks containing:

children's playgrounds
sporting areas (including spectator areas) where the primary purpose is for:

soccer
football
basketball
tennis
baseball, softball, cricket
skating
beach volleyball
running
swimming
skateboarding
splash pads

all bar and restaurant outdoor patios (covered or uncovered)

Sports Fields and Park Rentals

Any individual, business, or organization that enters into a contractual agreement with the City of Pickering to rent an outdoor space must comply with their obligations under the Smoke Free Act as part of the permit process.

Signage

The City of Pickering posts "No Smoking" signs in all publicly owned areas where smoking is prohibited.

Enforcement

Region of Durham Tobacco Enforcement Officers carry out inspections and respond to complaints in order to enforce the Smoke Free Ontario Act. The Region of Durham also enforces a By-law to Regulate Smoking in Public Places and in the Workplace. For more information, see their Smoke-Free By-Law.

Penalties

Individuals who fail to comply with the Smoke Free Ontario Act may be charged and, on conviction, subject to fines ranging from $1,000.00 to $5,000.00.

Reporting Offences

Please report individuals or businesses to the Durham Region Health Department Environmental Help Line 905.723.3818 or 1.888.777.9613.

Visit durham.ca/tobacco for more information.

Explore our parks today!

Pickering is home to a number of parks, forests and trails that offer something for the most adventurous at heart to those looking to slow down and catch a moment of serenity. Pickering is saturated with natural beauty and whatever the season, it has never been easier to connect with your outdoors.

View our Parks & Facilities database, and help us take care of our parks and trails by reporting any signs of graffiti, illegal dumping, litter or vandalism.

Conservation areas, natural trails, and more

Altona Forest

This 53 hectare forest is designated as an Environmentally Significant Area due to its ecological and historical importance. It's a great place for bird lovers and photographers, as the abundant wildlife is something to be admired; song birds, coyotes, hawks and rare amphibians to name a few.

Rouge Park

Rouge Park is one of the largest parks in an urban area in North America. Here, camping, sandy beaches and nature hikes make it hard to believe you are so close to a bustling city. Tucked in between Pickering and Toronto, the sounds, smells and views offer a peaceful refuge from the busy urban pace. Fishing, canoeing, swimming and camping are a few of the ways you can spend quality time with family and friends while reconnecting with your outdoors. Rouge Park has recently been adopted under National Parks status in an effort to better preserve and enhance this beautiful area. Visit the Rouge Park website for more information on what the park has to offer.

Waterfront Trail

Pickering's Waterfront offers some of the region's best surfing and kite boarding, as well as miles of pristine hiking trails and bicycle paths. Wind your way in and out of the sandy shoreline, lush meadows, and vast wetlands as you absorb all the magical sights this waterfront gem has to offer. The Pickering Waterfront is part of a 900 km trail, running along the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River from Niagara-on-the-Lake to the Quebec border. Travel the trail today! Check out more must see waterfront spaces!

Seaton Hiking Trail

Located along the West Duffins Creek, this 12.7 km trail is home to a number of historic hunting and fishing routes along the creek. A few challenging climbs and tracts of varying difficulty make this a great place for hiking, cycling and cross country skiing. Visit the Friends of Seaton Trail for more information.

Petticoat Creek Conservation Area

Petticoat's 70 acres of park offers cycling, walking and running trails as well as a state of the art aquatic facility that is opening in 2012. 11 picnic areas and astounding views of the bluffs make this a great spot to set up for the afternoon and enjoy a cool breeze over lunchtime snacks. Visit the TRCA website for more information.

Fishing

See our Fishing page for information on the following:

Clear your Gear Fishing Line Receptacle Program
Fishing Etiquette
Trumpeter Swans and other Waterfowl
Fishing Resources

Golf

Pickering has a wide selection of beautiful and magnificent courses, with over 16 to choose from - book your tee time now!

One The Esplanade
Pickering, Ontario
Canada L1V 6K7

905.683.7575

Department Contacts