
What we’re about
Explore food and trails in the diverse neighbourhoods of the Greater Toronto Area.
Foodie hikes are at a moderate pace of 4 to 6 km/h. They are neither walking tours nor strenuous workouts. We encourage you to research the route beforehand because we won't give much commentary. You should be prepared for unpaved trails, hills, and any weather. Dangerous weather like lightning and low visibility will cancel hikes.
Typically, hikes end at a restaurant. But we'll also pick up takeout and groceries along the way.
Timed hikes
Hikes run like trains. We depart on time and hit scheduled stops. If late or lost, you can refer to the map to find us at these timed checkpoints. You can join or leave at any point according to your schedule and level of fitness.
If you're going below 4 km/h or the minimum stated speed, you might be left behind because we have to keep a schedule. This ensures
- we arrive at food places before they close or get too busy
- we show up on time for restaurant reservations
- others that join in the middle won't wait long at scheduled checkpoints
- we end on time and respect those who need to leave punctually
The list of places on the route are those that we'll pass by or come close to. We'll not stop at all of them. You're free to break from the group and use the map to catch up when you're done.
While the hike is ongoing, organizers might not respond to messages. They will be busy leading the group and ordering food. Also, Meetup notifications can be delayed by a few hours!
Omakase
For some hikes, we offer omakase. This is an optional program where participants chip in a small amount of money and the organizer will use the pool to buy food for sampling. The food bought, and where and when to share, is entirely up to the organizer. Omakase literally means "I leave it to you".
At some point in the hike, usually during the first leg, the organizer will ask who's interested in omakase and collect money. Payment by cash or e-transfer. Please mention dietary restrictions before signing up. We may not be able to accommodate and will advise if you should join.
No refunds after orders are placed, even if you left early, got lost, or missed samples for whatever reason. Collected money would have been already spent on food. We do not make a profit. Leftover funds go to Meetup.com fees.
Situations where we will give a full or partial refund:
- the organizer didn't honour your dietary restrictions and you mentioned it before signing up
- you didn't get your fair share of food because there was not enough to go around
Limited cutlery provided. Bring your own cutlery and containers to save the environment.
Featured businesses do not compensate us. We recommend them because we think they are good or interesting.
Waitlist
If you're on the waitlist on the day of a hike, you can show up and hope that there's space. It's usually OK because of no-shows at free events.
However, if the event is over capacity, the priority is: those on the confirmed list, then the waitlist according to order of sign up. The rest will be asked to leave. We will strictly enforce the number of participants because of safety concerns.
For restaurant events, only those on the confirmed list can attend.
Pets policy
Pets are welcome but they may not be allowed into some buildings and businesses.
For certain hikes, there may be narrow and steep trails which may not be suitable for your pet. Only you will understand your pet's capabilities. Check the route in advance.
Finally, respect those who may be uncomfortable or allergic to certain animals by keeping them a distance from others, unless they're ok with it.
Photo policy
Photos are welcome but if you are taking pictures of other humans, please ask their permission if you intend to post or share them, including on Meetup.
Attendance policy is enforced for this hike. See below for details.
Back by popular demand, we're doing a mega hike along Yonge Street in Toronto. It's advertised as the longest street in the world. (It's not and never was). See how the landscape changes from strip malls to skyscrapers to golf courses to parks to colonial buildings as we approach the lakeshore. The restaurants along the way highlight the cultural diversity of Toronto. We'll be passing by restaurants from five different continents and checking out many more.
You need to be in decent shape and have a voracious appetite to do the entire route. However, as with other hikes, you are free to join and leave at any point.
Those who complete the whole route will be eligible to buy a commemorative T-shirt (expected price ~$23).
The hike ends at a steakhouse. Reservations are required. There are other high-end restaurants in the area for dinner: Miku, Harbour 60, The Butcher Chef, and Pearl Harbourfront. Unfortunately, cheap and moderately-priced restaurants in the area are not good.
Highlights
Segment 1: Uptown (North York Centre)
- Galleria Supermarket (depart 11am)
- Khorak Supermarket
- Sang-Ji Fried Bao
- Sinjeon Topokki / Mary Bun / Egg Club
- Luna Bakery
- Lucullus Bakery
- Bake Code / Gimbap Shop / Hay Sushi
- The Fry / Bonjuk (depart 1:10pm)
Segment 2: York Mills
- Emerald Park
- Kinka Izakaya
- Chillax / 7 Noodles
- Auberge du Pommier
- Miller Tavern
- Tamada Georgian Restaurant
- Mumbaikar
- Bobbette & Belle / Patisserie Sebastien / Pii Nong Thai (depart 2:20pm)
Segment 3: Midtown (Eglinton)
- The Friendly Butcher
- Locke Library
- La Rocca
- Andrea's Cookies
- Benny's Barbecue
- Mizzica Gelateria / STOCK T.C
- Juicy Dumpling / Maki Mart
- Zezafoun Syrian Cuisine / Padaria (depart 3:35pm)
Segment 4: St Clair
- Circles & Squares Bakery / Flaming Stove
- Yonge and St Clair murals / El Inka Peruvian Cuisine
- Holy Chuck / Zelden's Deli
- North Toronto Station
- Nadège Patisserie / Terroni
- Poppadum
- Toronto Reference Library / One Bloor
- Naan and Kabob / Toro Toro Sushi / Nani's Gelato (depart 5:55pm)
Segment 5: Downtown (Dundas)
- Bloom Cafe
- Woojoo Bunsik / Kream Dessert
- Japadog / Hi Hoi Tod / Kati Thai Gelato
- Aura / Le Génie
- Toronto Metropolitan University / World Food Market
- Prehistoria Museum / Banh Mi Boys / Yonge-Dundas Square
- Brookfield Place / L Tower
- End (or beginning) of Yonge Street (arrive 6pm)
Neighbourhoods
Thornhill > Willowdale > Hoggs Hollow > Lawrence Park North > Lawrence Park South > Sherwood Park > Davisville Village > Deer Park > Summerhill > Yorkville > Bay-Cloverhill > Garden District > Financial District > Southcore
Map
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1s5DRurGHdHV8upmYIIy9MWTgoswLuHc&usp=sharing
Mostly gentle downhill. Some gentle uphill portions in segment 2.
How it works
Hike starts punctually. Late or can't join at the beginning? Meet us at scheduled checkpoints.
We'll browse many food places but won't linger long. Grab ready-made food, or see the route in advance, organize takeout, then pickup along the way. The first checkpoint and the end of the hike are the only times when we can enjoy a leisurely meal.
Attendance policy
Please check in with an organizer when you attend. 24 hours before the hike, we'll check who is on the confirmed list. Those that don't show up will be flagged. Repeat offenders may be banned. Please change your RSVP if you can no longer attend.
If you made it off the waitlist less than 24 hours before the event, you won't be considered a no-show.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Central Hamilton trails and grub (15 km)Hamilton GO Centre, Hamilton, ON
Hello Hamilton! This is an industrial town and also a refuge for people fleeing the high cost of living in Toronto. Well, at least up until a few years ago. Today, prices aren't that much cheaper. It still has something Toronto doesn't have: lots of waterfalls and easy access to wetlands and lakes.
We'll be doing a hike around Central Hamilton, through wetlands and the waterfront trail. Unfortunately, waterfalls are not in this part of town. But there will be a huge farmers' market and cultural attractions along the way. We're also visiting during Lucky Lion Night Market and Festival of Friends. There will be lots of music and food.
The specialty of Hamilton is pub grub: burgers, sandwiches, soups, and tacos. James Street North is the major restaurant axis of Hamilton and it's where we'll sample some of the elevated fare. We'll also pass by some minor food streets along the way.
End the day at a gastropub with global influences. Sign up on our companion event to secure a seat.
Highlights
- Hamilton GO Centre (depart 1:30pm)
- Whitehern Historic House / Hamilton City Hall
- Art Gallery of Hamilton
- Jackson Square / Hamilton Farmers' Market (depart 2:10pm)
- Tondou Ramen / Tomah / La Luna
- Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King
- The Burnt Tongue (1019 King St W, depart 3:10pm)
- Sassafras Point
- Princess Point
- McQuesten High Level Bridge (depart 4:50pm)
- Waterfront Trail
- Dundurn Castle
- Bayfront Park
- West Harbour GO station (depart 5:40pm)
- Liuna Station
- Charred Rotisserie House / Ola Bakery
- Willard’s Ice Cream
- Rapscallion and Co
- Cowabunga+
- The Standard / HAMBRGR / Mystic Ramen
- Gore Park
- Szechuan Noodle Bowl / Chaatter Box / Brothers Grimm Bistro
- Undefined (arrive 6:25pm)
Neighbourhoods
Central Hamilton > Strathcona > Westdale > Cootes Paradise > Dundurn > West HarbourMap
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=19oglGnXG9fXhJc_E9qCgc6hDRj-wYNY&usp=sharingUnpaved trails and steep hills in Cootes Paradise. This is a faster and longer hike than usual. Those with no hiking experience should join after, because we will maintain 4.5 km/h or faster on nature trails.
Tip: $10 GO transit pass to get to Hamilton. Enjoy unlimited travel throughout the GO network.
How it works
Hike starts punctually. Late or can't do the whole route? Meet us at scheduled checkpoints.
We'll browse many food places but won't linger long. See the route in advance, organize takeout, then pickup along the way.
Not sure what to try? Join our omakase for $5, which gives a tiny sample from different restaurants. Payment on the day of event by cash or e-transfer to globaltorontoeats@gmail.com. No refunds after orders are placed. Details of sampled food will be uploaded after the hike.
Limited cutlery provided. Highly recommended to bring cutlery and containers for omakase and bringing back leftovers.
See our About section for more info.
- Dinner is Undefined (after Central Hamilton hike)Undefined, Hamilton, ONCA$25.00
This is a companion event for the Central Hamilton hike. You don't have to do the hike to join this, but it's more rewarding if you do.
The cuisine at Undefined is undefined. They cook whatever they feel like. At least there's a defined menu, though that changes seasonally. Chefs draw inspiration from Italy, Japan, Thailand, Mexico, Morocco, and wherever they feel like. Despite not having a unifying theme, they're one of the top ranked restaurants in Hamilton. The ambience is fun and casual; think of it as a gastropub.
RSVP closes 5 days before the event. If there are many people on the waitlist, we may arrange more seats. If there isn't enough people, we will reduce the table size.
Payment
- The $25 event fee is a deposit. The restaurant charges this amount for no-shows. It will be refunded when you show up for the event.
- If there are spots available when you sign up, you have 24 hours to e-transfer the fee to globaltorontoeats@gmail.com
- If you're on the waitlist, you don't have to pay until a space opens up. You have 24 hours to pay the deposit after you've made it off the waitlist. Remember to check your junk mail and Meetup notification settings so that you're informed when you've snagged a spot.
- When sending the e-transfer, please add a note that mentions your Meetup.com name.
- If payment is not received in time, you will be removed from the attendee list. The spot will be given to the next person on the waitlist.
Cancellation and refund policy
- You can cancel and get a full refund 5 calendar days before the event. For example, if the event is on Friday 7pm, you can cancel without penalty anytime before the preceding Sunday 11:59pm.
- No refunds within 5 calendar days of the event, unless someone can be found to take your place.
- Full refund if the event is cancelled or rescheduled.
- Willowdale Walk (4 km)North York Centre, North York, ON
Attendance policy is enforced for this hike. See below for details.
A sleepy farmland is now the centre of uptown Toronto. This hike covers remnants of 19th-century Willowdale buried around skyscrapers. Since we're at the southern end of Koreatown North, Little Persia, and a burgeoning Chinatown, it's natural we'll run into food from those cuisines. We'll also stop by a food hall that's an incubator for newcomers to Canada.
The hike ends at Bayview Village, either at Ju-Raku, Goa Kitchen, or Popa. The latter two are one-of-a-kind in Toronto for fusion west coast Indian and Burmese cuisines respectively. The former is a surprisingly affordable Japanese-ish restaurant with an elegant ambience.
Highlights
- North York Centre (depart 6:15 pm)
- Dempsey Hardware Store
- Gibson House
- Lucullus Bakery / Food Hall TO (depart 6:32pm)
- Princess Park and fire hall tower
- Lee Lifeson Art Park
- Old K Chicken Burgers
- Ava Esfahan Food Market / Shamshiri Restaurant
- Vietnoms
- Ju-Raku / Goa Kitchen / Popa (arrive 7:40pm)
Neighbourhoods
Willowdale > Bayview VillageMap
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1aNofg07FzzK291gXRApfSgmmLyyFN_k&usp=sharingHow it works
Hike starts punctually. Late or can't do the whole route? Meet us at scheduled checkpoints.We'll browse many food places but won't linger long. Grab ready-made food, or see the route in advance, organize takeout, then pickup along the way.
Not sure what to try? Join our omakase for $5, which gives a tiny sample from different restaurants. Payment on the day of event by cash or e-transfer to globaltorontoeats@gmail.com. No refunds after orders are placed. Details of sampled food will be uploaded after the hike.
Limited cutlery provided. Highly recommended to bring cutlery and containers for omakase and bringing back leftovers.
See our About section for more info.
Attendance policy
Please check in with an organizer when you attend. 24 hours before the hike, we'll check who is on the confirmed list. Those that don't show up will be flagged. Repeat offenders may be banned. Please change your RSVP if you can no longer attend.If you made it off the waitlist less than 24 hours before the event, you won't be considered a no-show.
- Anewen Greenbelt (7.2 km)Aga Khan Museum, Toronto, ON
The portion of the East Don Trail through Anewen Greenbelt is one of Toronto's best-kept secrets. It's disconnected from the popular trails at West Don and Taylor Creek, so it gets less traffic. But those who visit are rewarded with vistas of meandering rivers, multiple bridges, and curiosities like art installations and a rainbow tunnel.
We don't usually rate difficulty of hikes because every person's capabilities are different and they should do their own research. However, other hiking groups in Toronto would rate this as an intermediate to advanced hike.
Parts of the East Don Trail are under construction until 2030. However, the entire route can still be traversed on unsanctioned trails, so use at your own risk.
We start with relaxed paved trails. The difficulty ramps up sharply as we head into mountain biking trails. In order: Over the Rainbow, Kitchen Ridge, Wigmore Creek Run, Everything But, Garb City, Ketchin Hell, and Lookout Loop. Expect lots of hills, steep slippery descents, narrow sections, and mosquitoes.
If you haven't realized, there isn't much food on this hike. No foraging allowed in city parks. So, the only time we'll eat is at the end. Decadent butter tarts and croissants await at a bakery in a surprising industrial location.
This hike will be postponed if the trails are muddy from rain.
Highlights
- Aga Khan Museum (depart 11am)
- Former Japanese Cultural Centre
- High Water art installation
- East Don Trestle
- Rainbow Tunnel
- Secret hideout
- Ravine of Anewen Greenbelt
- Double bridges across Don River East (depart 12:10pm)
- Several log bridges and an occupied but abandoned bathtub
- Lookout to East Don Valley
- Circles and Squares Bakery (arrive 1:15pm)
Neighbourhoods
Wynford-Concorde > Victoria VillageMap
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1U1K2aIxxuB-sC6p5vIWpfgGtL7ZLDTU&usp=sharingUndulating terrain. Multiple steep, narrow, eroded paths.
Some tall bushes. Please wear appropriate clothing to avoid ticks and other nasty stuff. Footwear with a good tread will help with descents. Hiking poles are helpful.
Please observe trail etiquette. Keep to the trail to avoid ecologically-sensitive areas and give way to bikes.
No toilets or drinking water en route.
How it works
Hike starts punctually. Late or can't do the whole route? Meet us at scheduled checkpoints.See our About section for more info.