Advanced Hiking Toronto

Guildwood and Scarborough Bluffs East (8.8 km)

A well-trodden trail with food gems at the end. Guildwood was a former artists' colony and has an idyllic setting close to the Scarborough bluffs. It's a weird mish-mash of attractions and we'll check out every one of them. Then it's down to the lake shore, a popular hiking trail. The eastern approach to the cliffs goes past an iconic sculpture before swinging up an invigorating hill. Guildwood does not have good food. The handful of good restaurants in this hike are at the end, in Scarborough Village. There's an excellent Egyptian restaurant with an ambitious menu, a Haitian supermarket, and a unique dining experience in a retirement residence. A trio of South Asian restaurants await at the end, where you can choose between Sri Lankan, Kerala, and Tamil food. Or try them all. **Highlights** 1. Clark Centre for the Arts (depart 4pm) 2. Guild Inn 3. Greek theatre and scattered statuary 4. South Marine Park 5. Scarborough Bluffs 6. Passage sculpture (depart 5:15pm) 7. Doris McCarthy Trail / Gates Gully 8. Haitians Food Market 9. Aragoz 10. Momiji / Maru Sun Japanese Restaurant 11. Scarborough Village Theatre (depart 6:10pm) 12. Cornell Campbell House 13. Premium Sweets 14. King of Taste / Tharavadu Home Of Kerala Cuisine / Namma Madurai (arrive 6:40pm) **Neighbourhoods** Guildwood > Scarborough Village **Map** [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=14edeBtVwC8vnT40YPt8BG7XVXxPd3kU&usp=sharing](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=14edeBtVwC8vnT40YPt8BG7XVXxPd3kU&usp=sharing) Long, steep uphill at Doris McCarthy Trail. **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. See our [About section](https://www.meetup.com/hike-to-eat/) for more info.

Eglinton Flats and Mount Dennis: Jamaican-Nigerian flavours (5.8 km)

Jane and Eglinton is surrounded by recreational flat lands on all four quadrants. They were created after the aftermath of Hurricane Hazel as a flood control measure. The most scenic quadrant is the southeast one with a pond, but we'll go through all of them anyway. Except Scarlett Woods Golf Course which is accessible for hiking in winter only. Above the floodplains sits Mount Dennis. It's not a mountain and barely a hill. There is a strong Jamaican and Nigerian presence which is precisely the type of food we'll encounter along the way. Unfortunately, pickings are slim and there are only a handful of notable restaurants. We'll end at the best of the lot, a modern restaurant specializing in Nigerian suya (spiced BBQ meats). **Highlights** 1. York Recreation Centre (depart 6:30pm) 2. Kodak building 3. Mount Dennis mural 4. Douro Bakery 5. Gladhurst Park 6. Eglinton Flats Tennis Centre (depart 7:15pm) 7. Optical illusion artbox 8. Humber River 9. Suya City Express (arrive 8:05pm) **Neighbourhoods** Mount Dennis > Eglinton Flats **Map** [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1Q4F5JunRqI-2JV4mwrkr3Vrdh56ChSU&usp=sharing](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1Q4F5JunRqI-2JV4mwrkr3Vrdh56ChSU&usp=sharing) Start point is easily accessible by Eglinton LRT, UP Express, and GO trains. **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. See our [About section](https://www.meetup.com/hike-to-eat/) for more info.

Long way to Leslieville (13.4 km)

In order to cross 2 blocks in Leslieville, we're taking a 12.5 km detour to Tommy Thompson Park. The entire park is made from landfill and is now a haven for birdlife. We'll be visiting near sunset, when wildlife is more active. Cycling is the most common way to get around the vast park. Since we're walking, we'll focus on trails where bikes can't reach easily. It's not just natural attractions. There's also one of Toronto's newest parks where one can watch the sun set. We won't be sticking long though as we return to Leslieville for food. The selection is eclectic, ranging from Italian to Polish to Canadian. The final stop is a brewery, with an innovative wine bar and Detroit-style pizzerias close by. This hike is faster than usual, at 5 - 6 km/h. **Highlights** 1. Tatsuro's (depart 6 pm) 2. Leslieville sign 3. Ashbridge Estate 4. Chick-N-Joy 5. Ashbridges Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant 6. Tommy Thompson Park Pavilion (depart 6:35 pm) 7. Tommy Thompson Park Nature Centre 8. Pond lookouts 9. Lookouts to downtown Toronto skyline 10. Bird Research Station (depart 7:22 pm) 11. Unwin Bridge / Portlands Energy Centre 12. Leslie Lookout Park (depart 8:25 pm) 13. Maple Leaf Forever Park (depart 8:42pm) 14. Gio Rana's Really Really Nice 15. Descendant Detroit Style Pizza / Completo 16. Slowhand Sourdough Pizza / Restaurant Ricky+Olivia / Avling (arrive 8:55 pm) **Neighbourhoods** Leslie Street Spit > Port Lands > Leslieville **Map** [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1WN27mgc_YCOQ0aSdMXDu5Jd1HfZ09qE&usp=sharing](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1WN27mgc_YCOQ0aSdMXDu5Jd1HfZ09qE&usp=sharing) Average speed is 5 - 6 km/h. Limited facilities in Tommy Thompson Park. **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. 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.](http://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](https://www.meetup.com/hike-to-eat/) for more info

Urban Hike (Beltline Trail)

We will meet at Yonge & Davisville and hike a portion of Beltline Trail. We will go down the trail and loop back to the starting point. It will take roughly 2 to 3 hours (easy trail). Attending this event will be a good opportunity to enjoy the beautiful beltline trail, socialize with other professionals, find new friends and meet the old ones! If you are planning to join: 1- You need to be fully vaccinated. 2- Please do not attend if you have any symptoms such as fever, cough, tiredness, aches and pains, sore throat, diarrhoea, conjunctivitis,headache, etc. 3- It is an easy hike; however, make sure that you have a proper hiking footware. 4- Disclaimer: You agree when you join this event with Borna that you have read and understand the below. If you join us for a hike (or any other event), please understand that you are responsible for your own preparedness and well-being and will hold no one else liable in case of injury or mishap. You agree not to hold the Organizers, or any other members responsible for any injuries, mishaps, or any other situation that may happen at a planned event. By attending any event with Borna you understand that you are attending AT YOUR OWN RISK. Organizers of this group are not hike leaders on these hikes, you are your own leader. This is not a for-profit organization. However, the organizer pays $600 annual fee to keep the meetup group going. Going forward we will kindly ask attendees to pay $3 to help organizer cover the cost. Please e-transfer $3 to following email address: bornameetup@gmail.com

Parkwoods creeks and Marydale eats (11.1 km)

This hike connects a chain of parks and creeks around Parkwoods and Maryvale. It's not as well-trodden as the Don Valley trails to the west and has a small neighbourhood feel to it. There are few attractions. However, there are an assortment of restaurants sandwiching the trails. We'll visit the original location of a Jamaican institution, a Greek market, Iranian bakeries, and various food plazas. At the end of the hike lies a solid Uyghur restaurant. Or for those who want more spice, a Hyderabadi restaurant that does more than just biryanis. **Highlights** 1. Sushi Ichiban Ellesmere (depart 3pm) 2. Venus Bakery / Oruma 3. Space age Metro supermarket at Parkway Mall 4. Frank O’Connor House 5. Broadlands Community Centre 6. High Street Fish And Chips / Allwyn’s Bakery (depart 3:45pm) 7. Brookbanks Park 8. Roywood Park (depart 4:45pm) 9. Terraview Park / Willowfield Gardens Park 10. Mangal Kebab House 11. Kostas Meat Market, Deli, and Bakery 12. Ellesmere Community Centre (depart 5:45pm) 13. Jain Society of Toronto 14. Golconda / Kroran Uyghur Cuisine (arrive 6:05pm) **Neighbourhoods** Parkwoods > Maryvale > Dorset Park **Map** [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1I7xUBiBafrHCddM0DPpRtfQarYvq9B8&usp=sharing](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1I7xUBiBafrHCddM0DPpRtfQarYvq9B8&usp=sharing) **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](https://www.meetup.com/hike-to-eat/) for more info.

Sunny Sunnybrook

This week we'll be visiting Sunnybrook Park, no guarantees that it'll be sunny though. Our group will leave at the posted time, so please arrive early. Please cancel your RSVP if you can't make it. How fast, how far? Assume 4.5 km/h for a distance of ~7.25km. The path is a mixture of paved and dirt trails so be prepared for anything. The route is a "there and back again", so we will finish where we originally start from. Bring water, a snack, and hiking footwear for a distance walk. We usually go out for coffee after our hike. This time we'll be going to Baretto's Caffe, located at 1262 Don Mills Road unit 106 Required reading for you and your guests before RSVP'ing to all events: 1. [Liability Waiver and Group Rules](https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vR0LFNJVYn5j1AYl8eR63HjAxKMkRwg5ifKXqL3rP6Xl7v_Wcsx4xR_kNFluE3eILpSmP-EJ0OouQvT/pub) (updated 05/30/22) 2. When asked at RSVP time, indicate **\*Yes\*** if you agree to the question provided. 3. See general information about [Tick Safety](https://www.ontario.ca/page/lyme-disease)

🌊🌿 SCARBOROUGH BLUFFS HIKE & GUILD PARK GARDENS 🌿🌊

🌊🌿 SCARBOROUGH BLUFFS HIKE & GUILD PARK GARDENS 🌿🌊 Cliffside Views, Hidden Gardens & One of Toronto’s Most Beautiful Walks Some parts of Toronto don’t even feel like Toronto. Join us for a scenic hike through the breathtaking Scarborough Bluffs and the artistic beauty of Guild Park and Gardens — a walk that combines nature, history, lake views, and some surprisingly hidden corners of the city. We’ll begin at Guild Park & Gardens, a unique outdoor space filled with historic architectural fragments, sculptures, gardens, and quiet pathways. Once home to artists, creatives, and cultural figures, the park feels almost dreamlike — part gallery, part ruin, part hidden garden. From there, we’ll make our way toward the Scarborough Bluffs and the waterfront trails below. Stretching roughly 15 km along Lake Ontario, the Bluffs are one of Toronto’s most dramatic natural features — towering cliffs formed over 12,000 years ago through erosion and shifting sediment. And honestly? Some of the lake views feel more like cottage country than the city. This is not a formal historical tour. It’s a social hike with beautiful scenery, fresh air, and good conversation. 📲 **Join Our WhatsApp Group:**[ Click here to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DRFTkxRlHS4B3IL1lMleUd) *** 🚶‍♂️ What We’ll Do We’ll start by exploring Guild Park & Gardens before making our way along the trails toward the waterfront below the Bluffs. Expect: 🌊 Lake views 🌿 Forested paths 📸 Great photo spots 🚶 A steady but manageable hike We’ll take breaks along the way and enjoy the scenery as a group. *** 🌧️ Weather & Expectations This event happens rain or shine. Please come prepared for: ✔️ Uneven terrain ✔️ Some hills and longer walking sections ✔️ Real outdoor conditions This is a hike — not just a casual neighbourhood stroll. *** 🧢 Meetup Details 📍 Meetup Location: Inside Kennedy Station by Gateway News on the bus platform 🫎 I’ll be wearing my Moose Hat ⏰ Meetup Time: 11:00 AM I will only wait 5 minutes. Early is on time. On time is late. 🚌 We will all take the **116 Morningside Bus** together. 🚌 Bus Leaves: 11:12 AM sharp If you miss the bus, you will not be able to catch up with the group. *** 🚗 Driving Information There is free parking available near Guild Park & Gardens. If you are driving: 📍 Meet us around 11:40 AM near the bus stop area in front of Guild Inn by the road. Please let me know ahead of time if you plan to drive. ⚠️ Drivers will need to walk back to their vehicles after the event. *** 🎟️ Meetup Fee: $5 cash in person or e-transfer to 📧 **mathewmaclean@hotmail.com** This fee helps support the group and allows us to continue organizing events like this. Thank you for supporting community! 💖 *** 🎒 What to Bring Water Good hiking/walking shoes A snack Weather-appropriate clothing *** 🌈 Who Is This For? This group is open to anyone who wants to be social and make friends — whether single or not. We also host: 🎬 Movies 🚶 Walks & hikes 🎭 Arts & culture outings 🍽️ Restaurant gatherings There’s always something happening. *** REMEMBER: You’re welcome to just show up on the day if you’re unsure about your schedule. And as always, sometimes things happen and events may need to be canceled — please keep an eye on updates. *** 👤 Organizer: Mathew Questions? Post on the event wall or email 📧 torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com Come for the cliffs. Stay for the conversation. Leave feeling like you escaped the city without ever leaving it. 🌊✨

🍁Niagara Falls Hiking Day Trip — Trails and Dinner !!

## 🍁 **Fall Niagara Falls Hiking Trip** 🌦️ **Rain or Shine!** The adventure goes on — whether it’s golden sunshine, crisp autumn air, or a little mist from the Falls (it *is* Niagara, after all!). *** 🥾 **About the Trip** Let’s escape the city for a full fall day of fresh air, friendship, and breathtaking scenery! We’ll explore the *natural* side of Niagara Falls — less tourist traps, more trails, trees, and pure wonder. We’ll meet outside the **Fairmont Royal York (Front St. W)** in the morning, hop on the **GO Train**, and head to **Niagara Glen Nature Reserve** for an afternoon hike among ancient boulders and the turquoise waters of the Niagara River. This hike includes stairs (about three flights) and uneven terrain — so bring your comfy hiking shoes or sturdy runners (flip-flops will cry). *** 🌲 **The Trail Experience** The Niagara Glen is a hidden gem — carved out of the gorge thousands of years ago. We’ll follow winding forest paths, stop for photos, and take in the beauty of fall leaves glowing against the mighty river. It’s about 4 km total, with lots of opportunities to pause, chat, and soak in the view. ⚠️🥾 **IMPORTANT: HIKE EXPECTATIONS – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY** 🥾⚠️ This is a **real hiking trail**, not a casual walk. You need to arrive knowing you can: ✔️ Walk for an extended period of time ✔️ Handle uneven terrain and elevation (including the climb back up) ✔️ Keep a steady group pace without frequent stops This is **not the time to test your fitness level** or “see how it goes.” If you are unsure whether you can complete the hike, please sit this one out. 👉 If someone is unable to keep up, they may be asked to turn back or continue at their own pace. The group will not be stopping or slowing down significantly, as it impacts the experience for everyone. This is about keeping the group safe, on track, and enjoyable for all. *** 🍔 **Dinner & Cozy Evening** After the hike, we’ll head to **Chuck’s Roadhouse** on Clifton Hill for a relaxed dinner (everyone pays for their own meal). It’s friendly, affordable, and always buzzing after a big day outdoors. **Please Note -** This place is not the most vegetarian friendly place. If you will not be joining us because of that reason. Please let me know as will be trying to make reservations. This should not be something you tell me lat minute. *** 🎇 **Niagara Falls** After dinner, we’ll stroll down to the Falls and enjoy the rolling sound of the majestic falls. *** 💲 **Meetup Fee:** 💵 **$5 cash at the event** *or* 📲 **E-transfer anytime (before or on the day)** to **mathewmaclean@hotmail.com** (You can pay either way — easy!) *** 🚆 **TRANSPORTATION REQUIREMENT** To keep things simple and organized: 👉 **Only those traveling together on the GO Train with the group will be able to participate.** We will not be meeting people at Niagara Falls. This helps avoid confusion, delays, and coordination issues, and keeps the group moving smoothly from start to finish. 🚆 **Travel Details (approximate)** * **8:15 AM** – Meet at the main doors of the Fairmont Royal York (Front St. W). I’ll be wearing my *Moose Hat!* 🫎 * **8:30 AM** – Depart * **9:03 AM** – GO Train to Niagara Falls * **11:25 AM** – Arrive at Niagara Falls * **12:30 PM** – Start hike at Niagara Glen * **4:30 PM** – Dinner at Chuck’s Roadhouse * **6:00 PM** – Walk Down to the Falls * **8:00–9:00 PM** – Return train to Toronto *GO schedules may shift slightly — I’ll update the group closer to the date.* *** 🎟️ **Tickets & Gear** Please purchase the **GO + WEGO Combo Ticket (round trip $20)** before the trip you can buy this one day before. 👉 [CLICK HERE to buy your pass](https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit-niagara-parks/plan-your-visit/deals-toronto/) Bring: 🥾 Comfortable shoes or boots 💧 Water & snacks 📸 Camera or charged phone (you’ll want photos!) *** 📲 **Join Our WhatsApp Group:**[ Click here to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DRFTkxRlHS4B3IL1lMleUd) *** ⚠️ **Important Notes** This is a full, active day — lots of walking, laughing, and exploring. Open to everyone — singles, couples, or friends. You can *just show up* the day of if you’re unsure in advance. *** 👤 **Organized by Mathew** Questions? Post on the event wall or email: **torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com**

Don Valley Ravine Hike

Don Valley Trail Hikes are excellent and have so much to offer and explore - especially as the weather gets more warm. The 8 km hike is not difficult but there are some hills. You will get some good exercise. Everyone who has attended before has always enjoyed the hike. After we go to the outdoor Farmers Market at the Brickworks which is really good. Lets get a good turn out. Please be sure to confirm and update your attendance. We meet at Sherborne Station outside the front doors at 10 am. Please do not be late.

Scotsdale Farm

We are hiking at Scotsdale Farm with Debbie McDermott and Bohdan Bilyj. This is a Level_2 Bruce Trail hike with lots of woods, and some lookouts. We expect around 14km with a few hills. **Directions** 1. Exit Highway_401 at Trafalger Road (Exit_328), and go north. 2. After you pass through Georgetown, you will come to a T-intersection, which is Highway_7. Turn left. 3. After three and a half kilometres, fork right back onto Trafalger Road. 4. Continue north about 1.6_kilometres, and look for the sign. Google Maps: [13807 Trafalgar Rd, Georgetown, Ontario.](http://goo.gl/maps/EGPdsXsLuZC2) Après-hike suggestion: St. George Pub in Georgetown. Waiver Hiking is a dangerous activity; each participant agrees to assume his/her own risks. If you are new to hiking, please start with a Level 1 hike. Hike leader's decision is final. See you on the trail. ps. ps. ps. Know where you are going Paid app: Bruce Trail Map for smartphones (http://brucetrail.org/pages/trail/app) Free apps: Here's just a sample on the web: Google Fit (https://www.google.com/fit/), Runkeeper (http://www.runkeeper.com/), MyTrack (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.maps.mytracks&hl=en), GPS Essentials (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mictale.gpsessentials&hl=en)

Don Valley Wilderness Trail Hike

Roaming Niagara’s Hidden Hills

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/niagara-hills)** ***Just under two hours from the city, Short Hills Provincial Park offers a peaceful day in one of Ontario's most unique landscapes.*** We're heading down to the heart of Niagara right before the turn of summer for a relaxed hike through a beautiful, yet little-known provincial park. You can expect quiet trails, a surprising waterfall and a forest ecosystem that doesn't exist anywhere else in the country. The route winds across glacial ridges and through stands of mature hardwood trees before opening out at the lookout over Swayze Falls. Along the way, the trail traces the headwaters of Twelve Mile Creek, with small footbridges, mossy banks and a real sense of being deep in the woods despite being so close to St. Catharines. This is the southernmost band of forest in Canada, known as the Carolinian zone, and it's home to plants and animals that thrive nowhere else in the province. Keep an eye out for white-tailed deer along the trail, owls roosting in the canopy and stunning wild flowers. It's a slower-paced, contemplative kind of day. Perfect for trading city noise for birdsongs and getting reacquainted with the last days of spring before the busier summer trips kick in. Please note that the waterfall is seasonal, so while the views remain stunning, the water flow may be limited. **Highlights** **Hidden Niagara Gem** – Skip the crowds at the better-known parks nearby and enjoy quiet trails far from the beaten path. **Carolinian Forest** – Walk through one of Canada's rarest forest ecosystems, with tulip trees, shagbark hickories and other species you won't find this far north anywhere else. **Swayze Falls** – Reach the lookout above the park's signature falls, which tumbles into a steep, fern-lined ravine carved by glacial meltwater. **Event cost: $50+HST - $30 optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/niagara-hills)** **About Wilderness Union** Wilderness Union is deliberate about building an outdoors community that connects you to the life-changing magic of the outdoors and helps you find your people. Members range from 20-40 years old. The group is a mix of GTA locals and newcomers to Toronto from within Canada and abroad. Attendance numbers on Meetup don't reflect our actual event attendance - we typically have 15-20 community members at each event. Large enough that there's someone new to meet but small enough that it's not overwhelming! ***Learn more at our website [www.wildernessunion.com](https://www.wildernessunion.com/)***