Bikepacking Toronto

Saturday Morning Hike + Evergreen BrickWorks Farmers Market- 7.5KM BEGINNER Hike

Holiday Time!

**I'm away on vacation! See you soon and check the schedule for our ongoing Sunday hikes!**

Summer BBQ Meetup

Join us for a relaxing summer BBQ on Centre Island with good food, great company, and beautiful city views. please send your 10 dollars monasalahuddin@hotmail.com Thank you, and looking forward to seeing everyone at the Summer Barbecue!

The Queen Hike (18 km anniversary hike)

**Attendance policy is enforced for this hike**. See below for details. To celebrate our anniversary, we're hiking the entire length of Queen Street. Since Queen Street is *only* 14.3 km, we're continuing along the lakeshore to Etobicoke. Incidentally, this is the shortest route possible between Scarborough and Etobicoke. Queen Street runs through some of the most iconic neighbourhoods in Toronto: idyllic The Beaches, hip Leslieville, sketchy Moss Park, historic Old Town, bohemian West Queen West, and shabby chic Parkdale. The route buzzes with activity and attractions. And more importantly, acclaimed restaurants and bakeries featuring food from six continents. You need to be in decent shape and have a good appetite to do the entire route. However, as with other hikes, you are free to join and leave at any point. Those who walk the entire length of Queen St (Fallingbrook Rd to Roncesvalles Ave) will be eligible to buy a commemorative T-shirt (expected price \~$23). There are different dinner options at the end of the hike. 1. Modern Chinese. [Reserve your spot at Tis Two Cities](https://www.meetup.com/hike-to-eat/events/315259938/). 2. Asado (grilled steaks and meats): [Reserve your spot at Vos Restaurante Argentino](https://www.meetup.com/hike-to-eat/events/315260441/). 3. Panuzzo and pizza at San Vito's Bakery. Walk-in. 4. Sushi at Krazy Roll. Walk-in. [See all our past hikes](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1_FpYriQNv5okUB-oiCODi56uiRDgPGI&usp=sharing). **Highlights** Segment 1: The Beaches 1. Start (or end) of Queen St at Fallingbrook Rd (depart 1pm) 2. R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant 3. Bagels on Fire / Fox Theatre 4. XOLA / Kyouka Ramen 5. Beaches Library 6. Tiflisi / Limon / Inmigrante 7. Toronto Fire Station 227 / Delina 8. Holi Taco / Dulcinella (arrive 1:58pm; depart 2:15pm) Segment 2: Leslieville 1. Dirty Birrias 2. Ashbridge Estate 3. Sweet Bliss Bakery / Hastings Snack Bar 4. Descendant Detroit Style Pizza 5. Kristapsons' Smoked Salmon 6. Ocha's / Leslie’s Sandwich Room 7. Tabule / Amber Kitchen and Coffee 8. Lamoon Thai Kitchen & Coffee 9. The Broadview Hotel / Happy Burger / White Lily Diner 10. Elviras (arrive 3:16pm; depart 3:33pm) Segment 3: Moss Park 1. Queen Street Viaduct 2. Los Gyros 3. Kim's Convenience 4. Moss Park Armoury / Panemor 5. Eaton Centre 6. Old City Hall / City Hall / Osgoode Hall 7. Campbell House Museum 8. Aux Merveilleux de Fred / Alpha's Shawarma 9. Mizzica Gelateria & Cafe 10. Banh Mi Boys / Yukimi Donburi (arrive 4:43pm; depart 4:56pm) Segment 4: West Queen West 1. Ramen x Remix / Bagels on Fire 2. Mico Italian Sandwiches / Maison 118 / Ngogo / North of Brooklyn 3. Sud Forno / Sanko Trading Co 4. Trinity Bellwoods Park 5. Forno Cultura 6. King Slice / DoDoner / Lisgar Park 7. The Grand Order of Divine Sweets / Han Kki 8. The MoMo House 9. Garleek Kitchen / Afrobeat Kitchen 10. Katyn Monument (arrive 6:20pm; depart 6:35pm) Segment 5: Sunnyside 1. Roncesvalles Pedestrian Bridge / Palais Royale 2. Sunnyside Dinosaur Playground 3. Sunnyside Pavilion 4. Trans Canada Trail Pavilion 5. Humber Bay Arch Bridge / Sheldon Lookout 6. Krazy Roll 7. San Vito's Bakery / Tis Two Cities (arrive 7:30pm) **Neighbourhoods** Fallingbrook > The Beaches > Leslieville > Riverside > Moss Park > Old Town > Downtown Core > West Queen West > Parkdale > Sunnyside > Humber Bay Shores **Map and terrain** [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=17oNClOxL7LtZ7hqQv9AFxtxVDjozisU&usp=sharing](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=17oNClOxL7LtZ7hqQv9AFxtxVDjozisU&usp=sharing) Portions of Queen Street have narrow sidewalks and lots of people. Since we're a big group, you can pick between the north and south sides of Queen St to walk. The map shows which side has better food and attractions but the other side may have interesting stuff too. We're walking westwards in the afternoon, so bring sun protection. **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 end of the hike is the only time when we can enjoy a leisurely meal. **Attendance policy** Please check in with an organizer when you arrive. 24 hours before the hike, we'll note down who is on the confirmed list. Those that don't show up will be marked as no-show. Repeat offenders will be banned. Please change your RSVP if you can no longer attend. If you got off the waitlist less than 24 hours before the event, you won't be considered a no-show.

Restoule Reset Summer Camping

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/restoule-reset)** **Some weekends are for slowing all the way down. This is one of those weekends.** Restoule is one of Ontario's best-kept secrets. It's every bit as beautiful as the big-name provincial parks, clear water, big pines, granite shoreline, but it sees a tiny fraction of the visitors. No fighting for a campsite, no crowded trails, just space to breathe. It's also the rare park that gives you both worlds. Camp comes with hot showers, running water, a fire pit and a picnic table, the comforts that make this an easy first camping trip. But push a canoe off the beach and you're into quiet, wild water within minutes. Frontcountry comfort, backcountry soul. We drive up Friday afternoon and settle into camp before dinner. The site is yours to inhabit, not just sleep in. If you're new to camping, our guides will walk you through the essentials, pitching a tent, working a camp stove, building a fire, so you'll leave with skills you can use on every trip after this one. Then bring a book, bring a card game, or just sit and watch the lake. Saturday is yours. The standout option is getting out on the water: canoe rentals are available right at camp as an optional add-on, and within minutes of pushing off you're on quiet, wild water with the shoreline to yourself. Prefer dry land? Lace up for the Fire Tower Trail, a loop through mixed forest that climbs to an old fire lookout with a sweeping view over the park and lake below. It's a real payoff for a reasonable effort. Or stay at the beach and do absolutely nothing. All correct choices. Sunday is breakfast, a slow pack-up, and an optional stop at Barton's Bistro in Restoule on the way out (lunch there is your own, not included), before the drive home feeling genuinely reset. This is a great first camping trip, and a great escape if you've been needing to slow things down. What's included * Professional & certified guides * ‍All camp meals, cooking equipment and mess kits * ‍Tents Sleeping bags and sleep pads can be rented from WU for a small fee. Before the trip we'll be sharing a detailed packing list telling you absolutely everything you need to think about and pack so you can turn up feeling totally prepared, ready to have an amazing time with the WU crew. Canoe rentals are an optional extra if this is something you want to do on Saturday morning. **Highlights** **Beauty Without the Crowds:** One of Ontario's best-kept secrets. As scenic as the big-name parks with a fraction of the people, and room to actually hear yourself think. **Canoe From Camp:** An optional rental right at the beach. Push off and you're on quiet, wild water within minutes, the easiest way into the backcountry. **Fire Tower Lookout:** An optional hike up to an old fire lookout with open views over the forest and the lake below. Manageable climb, genuine payoff. **Event cost: $350+HST for explorer members. Optional transport available. Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/restoule-reset)** **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/)***

Feedback | An Open Mic Comedy Show @ Backroom Comedy Club

Ticket Link: **[https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1974279855193](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1974279855193)** Welcome to **Feedback \| An Open Mic Comedy Show** at the **Backroom Comedy Club**! Get ready for a night filled with laughter, jokes, and good vibes. Whether you're a seasoned comedian or just looking for a fun night out, this event is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy some live comedy. Come join us on **Sundays** at **10:00 PM** for a hilarious evening that you won't forget. Talented and non-talented lineups of comedians will be taking the stage to entertain you and keep you laughing all night long, and if they fail, owners Ariel Kagan & Brandon Sobel will offer feedback on sets at the request So grab your friends, grab a drink, and get ready to have a great time at the **Backroom Comedy Club**. Don't miss out on this opportunity to experience some of the best or worst comedy in town!

St. Jacobs Farmers' Market — Waterloo Region

This is your sign to slow down — and move gently while you’re at it. We’ll start the morning at the iconic St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market, soaking in the Amish/Mennonite summer atmosphere: fresh bread, local produce, handmade goods, and unhurried wandering. Once we’ve eaten (and maybe emotionally bonded with baked goods), we’ll head out for a scenic riverside hike nearby to let the day unfold naturally. Simple. Grounding. Nourishing — for body and brain. 🧭 The Plan Part 1: Market (10:00 – 11:00 AM) Explore the market at an easy pace Coffee, snacks, browsing, chatting Free time to shop or just wander Part 2: Hike (11:15 AM – 1:30 PM) Short drive to trail access Mill Race Trail / Grand River area Distance: ~5–6 km Terrain: flat, scenic, beginner-friendly Pace: relaxed, social (no one left behind)

Bus Hike - Hike Followed By Niagara Winery Tour/Tasting

Join us at a moderate paced 8.5 km hike at Short Hills Provincial Park Along the way we'll see the beauty of Terrace Creek Falls and Swayze Falls and its surrounding landscape. Some moderate hills. After our hike the bus will take us to Pillitteri Estate Winery for a private structured wine tasting (four wines selected by the host) and tour by one or more of their knowledgeable and friendly staff where we'll learn the art of winemaking from the vineyard to the wine lounge. The cost per person for the tasting and tour is $20.00 (tax & tip included) and must be paid at time of registration via Interac E-Transfer to [ross.estrella@rogers.com](mailto:ross.estrella@rogers.com). The Bus will depart the North Parking Lot at Kiping Station at 8:30 AM sharp. The Bus Fare ($30 BTC Members/$37 Non-Members is seperate and must be paid through the BTC Hike Schedue at: [https://hikes.brucetrail.org/event/swayze-falls-to-short-hills-provincial-park-tracing-rim-of-africa-bruce-trail-friendship-trail/2026-07-18/](https://hikes.brucetrail.org/event/swayze-falls-to-short-hills-provincial-park-tracing-rim-of-africa-bruce-trail-friendship-trail/2026-07-18/) Hikers must register at the above and travel with the group on the bus from Kipling Station. No drivers. Hiking boots/shoes are mandatory and hikers are to be prepared and equipped for an 8 km hike over moderately challenging terrain. Please register by Thursday July 9th as we need to confirm the number with the winery ahead of time.

High Park Loop — BEGINNER Morning Hike (9 km) + Optional Brunch 🌳☕

Wilder Series: Epic Day Paddle

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/epic-paddle)** **Seven portages. Four lakes. One very full day.** St. Nora Lake sits at the edge of the Frost Centre Crown lands, a stretch of Algonquin Highlands backcountry that stays quiet even when the rest of cottage country is packed. We spend the day working a loop through four connected lakes, portaging between each one and finishing where we started. Fourteen kilometres of paddling. Seven portages. Three kilometres of carries. **Interested in joining this year’s Epics? Completing this and other relevant courses will support your approval process for advanced adventures.** This trip has a specific purpose. It is the strongest single-day preparation we offer for members who are working toward WU's multi-day canoe epics. The portage load is real, the distances are meaningful, and by the time you reach Orlay and turn around, you will have a clear-eyed sense of your paddling fitness and your portaging form. That information is genuinely useful. The Epics ask a lot more of you over multiple days, and knowing where you stand before day one of a multi-day trip is better than finding out on the water. These are not casual lakes. The Canadian Shield terrain means the portages have character: rooted trails, rocky footing, the occasional steep pull. Come with footwear that can handle both wet landings and uneven ground. We will be on the water most of the day, and you should pack for it. **Included:** This trip includes canoe rentals, PFDs, paddles and safety kits. **Who It’s For**: Intermediate and advanced paddlers who want to further develop their skills and endurance. **Highlights** **3km of Portages.** Rooted trails and rocky footing make this one of the most physically demanding day paddles in WU's lineup. **Quiet lakes.** St. Nora, Sherbourne, Little Avery, and Orlay sit within Algonquin Highlands Crown land, quiet in a way that cottage-country lakes simply don't manage. **Epics Preparation.** Fourteen kilometers of paddling plus a full portage load will tell you exactly where you stand before you commit to a multi-day expedition. **Event cost: $110+HST for explorer members. Optional transport available. Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/epic-paddle)** **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/)***

A "Secret" Beach, Mud Obstacles, and Camel Bladders: Join Us.

High Park Hikers, We are headed to The Beaches **Sunday, July 19th**. Before you say, *"We’ve all lived in Toronto since the dawn of time and been there a million times,"* hear me out. *Au contraire!* Have you ever been to the secret waterfront stretch heading toward the Scarborough Bluffs? I thought not. Prepare to be thrilled, amazed, and profoundly grateful you aren't sitting at home on your... well, you know what. Here are the gritty details: **📍 The Route & Logistics** * **The Start:** We’ll kick things off at the **Glen Stewart Ravine trailhead** (a hidden gem in its own right). * **The Distance:** Roughly **10 km, point-to-point** (Note: This is *not* a loop). * **The Return Plan:** Because it’s a linear hike, we have options to get back to the cars: * **TTC:** $3.35 adult / $2.30 senior. * **Uber:** \~$16 (easily split between three people). * **The Long Way:** You *could* walk back along the main road, but it’s blaringly loud, busy, and completely unrecommended. It turns the day into a 16.6 km trek. I did it once so you don't have to. Trust me on this one. **🥾 Gear & Trail Conditions** * **Footwear:** This is a **hiking boots** kind of day. Waterproof ones are highly recommended. * **The Obstacles:** Expect mud and water. Unless you possess a freakishly long stride, you have three choices: convince your partner to give you a piggyback ride, accept wet feet, or just embrace the sand. * **Difficulty:** We'll encounter some tricky rocks and Level 3 terrain in portions. It's a fun challenge, but nothing to fear. (And no, despite being a beach hike, bikinis are strictly optional). **🌲 Amenities (or Lack Thereof)** * **Washrooms:** Nada. Zero. Zip. * If "answering the call of nature" *in* nature poses a problem, please plan accordingly. As some of you have witnessed, I have to stop occasionally. That said, I've noticed a few people in this group possess the bladder capacity of a camel, which is genuinely impressive. Teach me your ways. **🕒 Rendezvous Details** * **Time:** 9:30 AM sharp. * **Location:** 796 Kingston Rd, Toronto (Carpooling encouraged!). * **Exact Spots:** * [Google Maps Coordinates](https://www.google.com/maps/place/796+Kingston+Rd,+Toronto,+ON+M4E+1R7/@43.6801861,-79.295438,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x89d4cc1ce1702e57:0xa6bac5a92b3f9383!8m2!3d43.6801861!4d-79.2932493) * [What3Words: ///rewarded.waddled.passage](https://what3words.com/rewarded.waddled.passage) Yogis are welcome to greet the morning with a sun salutation at the water’s edge. Don’t let your summer mileage fall off the radar—being outside is great, and this hike will definitely *peak* your interest. **RSVP now and join me.**

The Flats & Crothers Woods — INTERMEDIATE Evening Hike (9 km)