Backpacking Toronto
Toronto backpacking enthusiasts gather for urban adventures

Guildwood and Scarborough Bluffs East (8.8 km)
Sat, May 30, 8:00 PMA 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)
Tue, Jun 2, 10:30 PMJane 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)
Sat, Jun 13, 10:00 PMIn 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

Parkwoods creeks and Marydale eats (11.1 km)
Sat, Jun 6, 7:00 PMThis 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.

Intro to Canoe Camping
Sat, Jun 13, 11:00 AM**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/intro-canoe-camping)** ***If you've been curious about backcountry canoe camping but unsure where to start, this is a solid entry point.*** We’ll be heading into the iconic Algonquin Park for an easy canoe camping adventure on Joe Lake. It’s a short paddle in, about 7km total, with just one 240m portage along the way. The route offers a good intro to how we carry gear between lakes at a steady, safe and manageable pace. We'll launch from Canoe Lake and follow a calm route past narrow channels and rocky shorelines typical of the Canadian Shield. Weather conditions can change quickly, so we’ll pack accordingly and help you plan ahead. Wildlife sightings are common in this area, so keep your eyes peeled for turtles, beavers, and the occasional moose if we’re lucky. Once we reach camp, you can settle in and do what feels right. Swim, read, hang out with the group, or practice campsite basics like setting up a tarp or hanging food safely. This is a chance to experience the magic of the backcountry - falling asleep to the sounds of loons, your tent illuminated by the milky way and learning what you need to know without being thrown in the deep end. What's included * Professional, certified guides * Canoes along with all safety equipment * All camp meals, cooking equipment and mess kits * Tents Sleeping bags and sleeping pads can be rented from WU for a small fee. **Highlights** **Pristine Backcountry -** Escape the crowded city and enter into the serenity of the backcountry. **Learn to Portage -** An essential skill for conquering the Ontario backcountry, learn how to portage with confidence from our expert guides. **Possible Wildlife Spotting** \- Bears\, moose\, beavers\, eagles and loons are just some of the creatures that call this area home\. You'll have a chance to spot some from a safe distance for a magical encounter\. **Event cost: $349+HST - optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/intro-canoe-camping)** **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/)***

Manitoulin Magic
Fri, Jun 26, 10:00 AM**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/manitoulin-magic-3)** ***We’re heading to Manitoulin Island, the largest freshwater island anywhere in the world, for an incredible four day tour.*** You’ll join us on this carefully-crafted journey through Manitoulin's greatest natural treasures. The island is a special place filled with crystal clear waters, ancient limestone formations, breathtaking viewpoints and immersive night skies. You'll ***camp in a certified Dark Sky Preserve*** where stars blanket the sky above you, ***conquer the legendary Cup and Saucer Trai*l** with its 70-meter cliffs and panoramic vistas, ***stand behind the misty curtain of Bridal Veil Falls***, spend a day at the stunning **Misery Bay** and ***cruise across Georgian Bay on the iconic Chi-Cheemaun Ferry***. It's a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, allowing you to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in Manitoulin life. There are very few trips organized to this magnificent place and we're thrilled to be running it for Wilderness Union members. Our journey begins in Toronto where you’ll be picked up by our driver who will be transporting you across the whole island in the coming days. Our base for the trip is a dark sky certified eco park centrally located on the island. Day 2 brings our most active day with a morning adventure to the gorgeous Bridal Veil Falls where you can actually walk behind the cascading water. There's plenty of time built in for swimming, exploring, or simply relaxing at this unique natural destination. In the afternoon, we’ll conquer the famous Cup and Saucer Trail with its breathtaking lookouts across the island's rolling landscapes. Day 3 will involve a full day of revelry and exploration at Misery Bay Provincial Park. This small inlet on the south-west part of the island has beautiful beaches and rocky platforms stretching into the sea Our final day features the perfect conclusion – crossing Georgian Bay aboard the legendary Chi-Cheemaun Ferry ("Big Canoe" in Ojibwe) from South Baymouth to Tobermory. This two-hour cruise across deep blue waters offers spectacular views on the way to the beautiful town of Tobermory where we stop for lunch and a quick explore before returning to Toronto later that evening. **What's included:** - *Expert guides who will be with you throughout the entire journey* - *Professional transportation taking you all across the island* \- All camp meals\, cooking equipment and mess kits - *A cruise on the Chi-Cheemaun Ferry* *-All park access permits* **** **NB: Due to the logistical complexity of coordinating transportation between parties for a multi-day itinerary with limited cell reception, self-driving will not be available for this adventure.** **Space for this Manitoulin adventure is strictly limited, so register early to secure your spot. This trip will fill quickly and won't be repeated this summer!** **Highlights** **Mesmerizing Nature -** Manitoulin Island is a landscape of ancient rock and turquoise water that feels a world away. You can hike the dramatic cliffs of the Cup and Saucer Trail or walk behind the freshwater curtain of Bridal Veil Falls. **Dark Sky Preserve Camping -** Stay at a designated Dark Sky Preserve where the stars are bright enough to cast shadows. The "no white light" rule ensures you witness the *unobstructed Milky Way*. **Sail the Chi-Cheemaun -** Our journey includes a crossing on the incredible "Big Canoe" ferry from Tobermory. Stand on the breezy upper deck to watch the shoreline disappear as you traverse *Georgian Bay*. **Event cost: $695+HST. Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/manitoulin-magic-3)** **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/)***
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