Beginner Hiking Toronto

Earl Bales Park Mountain Goat 🐐 - Challenging Hike ⛰️ ⛰️

Boyd Conservation Area - Intermediate Hike.

Hike & Swim the Grotto at Bruce Peninsula National Park

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/hike-swim-grotto)** We're doing a day trip to one of the most spectacular locations in Ontario: the Bruce Peninsula National Park. This area is full of unique, dramatic landscapes with stark cliffs and views over the enormous Georgian Bay. We'll be tackling a moderately difficult 8.5km hike through some of the most incredible summer scenery in Ontario. We're starting the day off by visiting the Grotto, perhaps the most famous natural spot in the province. We'll hike through the forest then along the beach, ending up at the incredible rock formations and crystal clear waters of the Grotto. Here we'll stop for lunch, taking in the incredible views and turquoise water before hiking on to the backcountry Stormhaven Campsite. On the way we'll cross pebble beaches, forest trails and unreal views of Lake Huron before coming back the way we came. **Please note that self drivers will need to purchase a permit for parking.** **Highlights** **Visit the Grotto:** Explore Ontario’s most famous natural landmark, where striking limestone cliffs meet crystal-clear turquoise waters. **Hike Pebble Beaches:** Walk across rugged shoreline beaches and forested trails that lead to the remote Stormhaven backcountry campsite. **Views of Georgian Bay:** Take in sweeping panoramas of cliffs and open water, with autumn colours adding even more drama to the landscape. **Event cost: $70+HST (for explorer members) - $70 optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/hike-swim-grotto)** **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/)***

Come to BC With Us!

Holiday Time! I'm away for a week. Keep an eye on the schedule for our sunday hikes!

Train & Barenaked Ladies with Matt Nathanson

🌿🚶‍♂️ NEW TRAIL! EAST DON TRAIL ADVENTURE 🍪🥾

# 🌿🚶‍♂️ NEW! EAST DON TRAIL ADVENTURE 🍪🥾 **Toronto's Newest Ravine Trail, Riverside Views & Fresh-Baked Cookies** Have you walked Toronto's newest trail yet? Join us as we explore the recently completed **East Don Trail**—one of the city's newest and most exciting additions to Toronto's incredible ravine system. Connecting communities that were once separated, this beautiful trail follows the East Don River through peaceful forests, wetlands, and scenic valley landscapes that many Torontonians have never experienced. If you've done the Lower Don Trail, this is a completely different experience. Think quieter trails, beautiful river views, brand-new pathways, and the feeling of discovering somewhere new. Most of the route is paved and easy to walk, making it perfect for a relaxed day outdoors. Just one warning... what goes down must come up! 😄 The final section includes one fairly steep hill, so while the walk is suitable for most people, you should be comfortable tackling a good climb at the end. After the walk, we'll reward ourselves with a stop at **Peak Freans Cookie Outlet**, where you can stock up on discounted cookies and treats. Those who would like to continue are welcome to join us afterward for lunch at **Swiss Chalet**. 📲 **Join Our WhatsApp Group:**[ Click here to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DRFTkxRlHS4B3IL1lMleUd) *** ## 🚶‍♂️ What We'll Do We'll begin at Broadview Station before making our way into the Don Valley to explore Toronto's newest trail. Along the way we'll: 🌿 Walk beside the East Don River 🌉 Cross new bridges and pathways 📸 Enjoy beautiful ravine scenery 🍪 Stop at the Peak Freans Cookie Outlet 🍽️ Finish with an optional lunch at Swiss Chalet 🚌 Return to **Coxwell Subway Station** by TTC bus. Please note that **this is a one-way walk**. We will **not** return to Broadview Station. *** ## ☀️ Weather & Expectations This walk happens rain or shine unless severe weather makes it unsafe. The trail is mostly paved and relatively easy, but there is one fairly steep hill near the end of the walk. Please come prepared for that final climb. This is a social walk, not a guided historical tour. We'll enjoy the scenery, conversation, and the chance to explore one of Toronto's newest green spaces together. *** ## 🧢 Meetup Details 📍 **Meetup Location:** Outside **Broadview Subway Station** 🫎 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. Please be on time as we will leave promptly. 🏁 **End Point:** Coxwell Subway Station (via TTC bus). *** ## 🍪 After the Walk We'll stop at the **Peak Freans Cookie Outlet**, where you can browse their famous selection of cookies, crackers, and treats at outlet prices. Afterward, anyone who would like to continue is welcome to join us for lunch at **Swiss Chalet**. *** ## 🎟️ Meetup Fee **$5 cash in person or e-transfer** 📧 **[mathewmaclean@hotmail.com](mailto: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 👟 Comfortable walking shoes 🍪 Spending money if you'd like cookies 🍽️ Money if you'd like to join us for lunch *** ## 🌈 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. Sometimes things happen and events may need to be cancelled—please keep an eye on updates. *** 👤 **Organizer:** Mathew Questions? Post on the event wall or email: 📧 **[torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com](mailto:torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com)** **Come for Toronto's newest trail.** **Stay for the cookies.** **Leave having discovered another hidden corner of the city's incredible ravine system.** 🌿🍪✨

HikeFit: Earl Bales – Steep Hills Fitness Hike – L3 (Moderate)

Ready to sweat it out on the hills? Join us for a HIIT-style hill training hike This hike is part of the **HikeFit Series**, a collection of fitness-focused hikes designed to build strength, endurance, and overall hiking fitness. We’ll challenge you with steep climbs, rugged terrain, and a high-intensity workout. This isn’t a fast-paced hike, but it is **intense**. We’ll tackle multiple **very steep hills** in intervals, with plenty of chances to catch your breath, recover, or skip hills if needed. This hike is designed for intermediate hikers, but it’s **beginner-friendly** since you can skip as many hills as you need. It’s perfect for anyone looking to **get stronger, improve endurance, and boost their hiking fitness** at their own pace. **Weather-Dependent Notice:** The hike is a go, **(light)** rain or shine; However, if there's a risk of excessive mud making the hills too slippery, the hike will be canceled with around 24 hours’ notice. **Distance & Duration:** * **Length of hike:** \~4 km * **Event duration:** \~1.5 hours * **Trail maps:** Random hill at Earl Bales park * **Difficulty level:** L3 (Level 3/Moderate) * Terrain: L4 * Pace: L2 * Distance: L1 **What to Bring:** * **Water:** 1\~2 liters * **Extras:** Hiking pole (Highly recommended) * **Required Gear:** Hiking boots or Trail Runners with good grip, Headlamp, and [Microspikes](https://kahtoola.com/traction/microspikes-footwear-traction/?srsltid=AfmBOoqq-URDFRgNAISoLYH1l1cSLKeXOTSuU6EqUC6VupfLNZAGRg8P) **Costs:** * **Member Event fee:** FREE EVENT **Travel Coordination:** * No Travel Coordination for this Event, Meeting at Starting Point **Event Guidelines:** * **Punctuality,** Please arrive on time so we can start promptly. We won't be able to wait for more than 5min past the start time * **Pack out everything you bring** (including nut shells, fruit peels, etc.) to help keep our trails clean. * **RSVP:** Only those marked as “Going” and have confirmed travel details (if requested) are eligible to attend the event. * If your **plans change** and you are no longer able to attend, please update your RSVP as soon as possible. * **No-shows** without prior communication may result in removal from future events. * **Weather Considerations** The hike is a go (light) **rain or shine**, so please be prepared for the conditions. for example, If it’s expected to rain, waterproof gear (like a jacket or shoes) * **Pets:** please check with the organizer for details before bringing your pet. Looking forward to seeing you on the trail

Hiking Wilket Creek Trail/Sunnybrook Park Trail

Epic #4 - Western Uplands Backpacking Trail

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/epic-4)** ***Welcome to The Epics!*** ***Through this series, we will embark together on five of the most legendary and challenging adventures anywhere in Ontario.*** **Background** The Western Uplands Backpacking Trail is widely considered the premier hiking challenge in Algonquin Provincial Park. While the area is now a recovering hardwood forest, these paths once served the industrial logging operations that preceded the park's establishment. Today, the trail is famous for its solitude and wildlife; you’re likely to meet grouse that aggressively defend their territory and see constant signs of the moose population that calls the area home. **What You Need to Know** We’re hiking the northern most loop of the trail, entering at the beautiful Rain Lake access point. We’ll have 45km of hiking ahead of us, a significant challenge when you’re carrying all of your gear on your back. This access point feels like finding a secret back door to the park's most remote reaches, starting with a gentle stretch along an old logging railway bed. It starts as a flat, historic stroll that lets us find our rhythm before the real work begins as we climb into the rugged heart of Algonquin. We'll trade the flat path for a steady rhythm of roots and ridges, pushing into the lush hardwood forests that define the park's western highlands. The rewards come in the form of solitude, like the deep, clear waters of Islet Lake - the perfect mid hike swimming spot. Day 2, we push on for a massive 18km day, making our way to Brown Lake. It's a world of total silence and dark skies where the only sounds are the wind in the hemlocks and our own footsteps on the trail. This is a tough, honest trek through a landscape carved by ancient glaciers, offering a sense of pure wilderness that few others ever get to see. We can guarantee that this trail will test you. Because there is no bailout option mid-route, we move as a tight crew, supporting each other through every climb. For those willing to put in the work and find out what they are made of, the Western Uplands offers some of the most raw and rewarding backpacking in the province. **What's Included:** * *2 expert guides with advanced wilderness skills and medical training* * *All camp meals, cooking equipment and mess kits* * *All safety equipment (including first aid kits and water purification)* * *Tents and all the camping equipment you'll need (sleeping bags and pads are available for rent)* * *All permits and campsite bookings for the whole trip* * *A preparatory information session* * *Detailed trip plan with packing lists, maps and the indigenous history of the route we're following* * *Extensive planning to ensure your safety throughout the adventure* * *A custom, iron-on patch to immortalize your unforgettable adventure* ***Epics are mentally and physically demanding adventures, and participation isn’t automatically guaranteed. These expeditions require skill, determination and teamwork to get through.*** ***To help ensure a safe and rewarding experience for all, anyone who has not previously completed an Epic will need to fill out a short questionnaire so we can assess readiness together.*** ***Your level of fitness and outdoors experience will play a role in this process. Having certain adventures under your belt will ensure you have the right skills and preparation for these kinds of experiences. These include:*** * ***Any Wilder Series adventure, including the upcoming Wilder Loop*** * ***Any Survivalist Series adventure, including Introduction to Navigation or Cold Exposure*** * ***Canoe Foundations Clinic*** * ***Hilton Falls Mega*** * ***Any other adventure with 4 or 5 star difficulty*** ***If you register for an Epic and are not approved, you will receive a refund in full.*** **Highlights** **An Epic Challenge -** Our shortest epic packs a serious punch. Conquering this 45km loop with packs on our backs will be an incredibly rewarding challenge. **Moose Spotting** \- There are a huge number of moose in this part of the park and there’s a good chance we’ll come across them during our journey\. **Uninterrupted Wilderness -** Deep in the woods, with no roads or cell service, this adventure gives you the ultimate opportunity for nature immersion **Event cost: $635+HST. $50 optional transport also available. Please register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/epic-4)** **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/)***

🌳🌊 HIGH PARK TO OLD MILL ADVENTURE - Stop at Tom's Dairy Freeze - 12KM🍦🚶‍♂️

# 🌳🌊 HIGH PARK TO OLD MILL ADVENTURE (12KM) 🍦🚶‍♂️ **Parks, Waterfront Views, the Humber River & One of Toronto's Best Ice Cream Stops** If you're looking for a walk that showcases some of the very best of Toronto, this is it. Join us for an incredible 12 km adventure that combines everything that makes Toronto special—beautiful parks, scenic waterfront trails, the Humber River, hidden nature, and, of course... ice cream! We'll begin in the heart of High Park before making our way through the park's winding trails and towering trees. From there we'll head down to the Sunnyside Boardwalk, enjoying stunning views of Lake Ontario as we stroll along the waterfront. After a relaxing shortt break, we'll continue north along the Humber River Trail before rewarding ourselves with a stop at the legendary **Tom's Dairy Freeze**, a Toronto institution that's been serving some of the city's favourite soft serve, burgers, and fries since 1969. Our adventure finishes at Old Mill Subway Station after experiencing four completely different sides of Toronto—all in one walk. 📲 **Join Our WhatsApp Group:**[ Click here to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DRFTkxRlHS4B3IL1lMleUd) *** ## 🧢 Meetup Details 📍 **Meetup Location:** High Park Sign (west side of Bloor Street & High Park Avenue) 🫎 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. Please be on time as we will leave promptly. 🏁 **End Point:** Old Mill Subway Station *(Please note this is a one-way walk. We will not return to High Park.)* *** ## 🍦 Our Ice Cream Stop We'll stop at **Tom's Dairy Freeze**, a beloved Toronto landmark that has been serving delicious soft serve, burgers, fries, and frozen treats since **1969**. Whether you choose a classic cone, sundae, or milkshake, it's the perfect reward after a day of walking. **Click Here to Learn More!** *** ## 🚶‍♂️ What We'll Do Our route includes: 🌳 Exploring High Park 🌊 Walking the Sunnyside Boardwalk 🌿 Following the Humber River Trail ☀️ Taking a relaxing short break along the way 🍦 Stopping at Tom's Dairy Freeze for ice cream -**BRING CASH!** 🚇 Finishing at Old Mill Subway Station This is approximately a **12 km walk** and takes around **4 hours**, including our break. *** ## ☀️ Weather & Expectations This walk happens rain or shine unless severe weather makes it unsafe. Although this isn't a difficult hike, it **is a longer walk**, and participants should be comfortable walking 12 km at a steady social pace. There are also **several sets of stairs near the end** of the walk, so please be prepared for a final climb before reaching Old Mill Station. This is a social walk—not a guided historical tour. The goal is to enjoy the outdoors, explore the city, and spend time getting to know one another. ## 🎟️ Meetup Fee **$5 cash in person or e-transfer** 📧 **[mathewmaclean@hotmail.com](mailto: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 👟 Comfortable walking shoes 🥨 A snack 🍦 Spending money if you'd like ice cream - **BRING CASH!** ☀️ Sunscreen on warmer days *** ## 🌈 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. Sometimes things happen and events may need to be cancelled—please keep an eye on updates. To help us plan our events, members who repeatedly RSVP and then cancel at the last minute may be removed from the group. *** 👤 **Organizer:** Mathew Questions? Post on the event wall or email: 📧 **[torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com](mailto:torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com)** **Come for the park.** **Stay for the waterfront.** **Leave with tired legs, new friends, and an ice cream in your hand.** 🌳🌊🍦

Algonquin Park Canoe & Hike Adventure

Algonquin Park Hiking Tour