Milne Dam Conservation Park
Part of the Rouge Valley Trail goes through the Milne Dam Conservation Park, located on Milne Reservoir.
Milne Dam Conservation Park was named after Peter and Alexander Milne who operated a mill, located near the present dam structure in the 1820s. By 1845, the business expanded to include a general store, fuelling and wool mill ashery. In 1911, Archie Milne, grandson of Peter Milne, built the first concrete and steel arc dam in Canada and Markham sprang from the advent of the mill and dam. In the 1950s, the Toronto and Region Conservation
Authority acquired the property as the Milne Park Conservation Area.
There are wonderful opportunities for bird watching in this area as the significant wetlands, forests and open space provide a stopoff for migratory birds. Blue jays, chickadees, woodpeckers, blue herons and a nesting pair of Baltimore orioles have been observed in the park. At dusk during “bug season”, come to the park for bat watching and perhaps catch a glimpse of a deer. The park is well used for large group picnics with new modern shelters to accommodate 100 people. Fishing is also allowed with an Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry fishing permit.
Monday through Friday, admission to the park is free. On weekends and statutory holidays parking is $5. The park is also accessible via public transit.
Link to trail map: Found in Markham drop down menu:
https://www.york.ca/recreation/trails
We would also direct you to read our DISCLAIMER and our TRAIL USERS CODE.
Region(s): York RegionNearby towns and cities: Markham
Milne Dam Conservation Park characteristics
Length: 2.3 km.Difficulty: Moderate (Trail classifications)
Trail surface: Paved and Stone Dust
Trail use: Hiking and Cycling
Accessibility Notes: Accessible
Fees: $5 parking fee on weekends
Flora & Fauna:
Not reported yet
Amenities: Washrooms
Attractions: None
Contact:
City of Markham 905-477-5530 markham.ca
Find it: Milne Outdoor Education Centre, 117 Drakefield Rd, Markham, ON
GPS Coordinates (main trailhead):
Latitude: 43.8658280
Longitude: -79.2766220