Rouge Hill

Welcome back...
In truth, Brooklin was set to be my next stop in Project Ontario, however as Greyhound didn't travel there on weekends (and I was flying solo this time), I needed to rethink my 2nd target..
After much debate with myself, I decided to pass on Greyhound and take the Go Train to Rouge Hill.

On first arrival, Rouge Hill appears to be nothing more than a Suburban wasteland filled with Cookie Cut homes and a convenient strip mall, situated along the coast of Lake Ontario.
Long roads are filled with homes and with plenty more construction in the works, it appears there will me many more to come. According to several passerbys I happened upon, "there really isn't a whole lot happening in Rouge Hill and that's why most folkes own enormous homes". I stopped at a pizza shop to get a slice of lunch and that's when it dawned on me... "I was still in Toronto"! I realized this when a TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) bus passed me by and left me a little dazed. Conclusion: If one travels over 30 minutes east of Toronto by train. One is still in Toronto!

Nice, Big Homes.. Nice, Long Roads...












It is hard to define Rouge Hill, as it feels very suburban and quiet, however has major Highways running through it and lots of traffic. Some people I asked considered Rouge Hill to be a part of Greater Toronto, but most were also quite confused with the question and could not answer me with definite answers.
I decided to wander more around the town and see what it had to offer and I realized that maybe the expression "you don't need to go far, to see a lot", was wrong. There did not appear to be anything of interest that was accessible by foot until I found the local pub. Thirty minutes of hiking left me standing at the door of The Black Dog Pub.















The Black Dog is a great pub and probably the central meeting spot of Rouge Hill or West Rouge (as the sign across the street indicated).. It was full to the brim with locals who were all very friendly and accepting of this newcomer (yours truly). The Black Dog is a great looking pub with two fireplaces, a cozy bar, couches, a large deck and plenty of tables. I could see why this was so popular with the locals. It even held the ashes of the original Black Dog (for which it was named) in an urn above one of the fireplaces! I didn't have a chance to eat, but the pints poured well and rumor had it the food was excellent. A fine choice for a pit-stop, when passing by Rouge Hill.

Fireplace #1 with the Urn above. A good selection of Brews.















After finishing up at the pub, I took the bus down to the lakeshore and went for a walk along the coast of Lake Ontario. Rouge Hill may not have a lot going on, but it does have great access to the to the beach and some great views to go with it. I spent the next 40 minutes or so, walking along the coast snapping some shots.
























So then, beyond some very nice views along the lakeshore and a very cozy pub (filled with good folkes), Rouge Hill didn't really offer up much of anything. It didn't change my life and I am quite certain that it won't change yours.

***Try visiting Rouge Hill in the summer, as it is situated close to the Toronto Zoo and the Glen Rouge Campground (nestled in 12,000 acres of forests and meadows) in Rouge Park. It is Canada's largest urban park. Imagine, just steps from your tent or trailer you will findkilometerss of trails teeming with plant and animal life. Watch for fox, rabbit, rhinos, deer, wild turkey andmany speciess of birds among the pines, hemlocks and maples. N'joy!!

Join me next week for more adventures in Project Ontario...