Free shuttle bus from Toronto to Canada's only urban national park launches

If you haven’t already noticed, Canada is rolling out the green carpet for its 150th birthday party.

(No, that’s not a federal invite to smoke weed on July 1).

Premier Kathleen Wynne and the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Catherine Mckenna announced the latest move to put Canada’s parks on a pedestal over the weekend.

Starting July 1, you’ll be able to take a free shuttle bus from downtown Toronto to Rouge National Urban Park (including return). The 150 Rouge Park Express will depart twice daily, at 8:30 am and 11:00 am, from 30 Carlton Street, just steps away from the College TTC subway station. Service will continue through October 16.

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“The 150 Rouge Express will bring this incredible space that much closer to millions of new visitors,” said Wynne in a statement.

Rouge National Urban Park is Canada’s first and only national urban park and is home to some of the province’s most impressive biodiversity. Its 90 square kilometres of fertile land serve the last remaining working farms of the GTA, touching on the outskirts of Toronto, Markham, and Pickering. You’ll also find excellent hiking opportunities and serene beaches.

Rouge National Urban Park

Just an hour’s drive from 20 per cent of Canada’s population, Rouge Park is a truly magnificent example of natural conservation and ecosystem protection.

“Rouge National Urban Park [protects] nature, culture, and agriculture in an integrated way and will be a lasting legacy of Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation,” said Mckenna. “The Rouge provides unprecedented opportunities to experience nature and connect with our rich cultural and agricultural heritage.”

The service is operated by Parkbus, a non-profit bus network connecting cities and parks across Canada.

Seats on the 150 Rouge Express will be available on a first-come, first-served basis to the general public. Local non-profit organizations and community groups will have the opportunity to reserve some seats in advance to ensure their clients, such as new Canadians, low-income families and other priority groups so they can benefit from the program as well.