Bird Watching Toronto

Amherst Island Experience featuring Owl Woods

Join us for an unforgettable adventure to Amherst Island, one of our favorite birding destinations especially for owls and birds of prey. During previous outings, we observed Northern Saw-whet Owls, Long-eared Owls, Short-eared Owls, Barred Owls plus amazing birds of prey including Bald Eagles, Rough-legged Hawks, Red-tailed Hawks, Northern Harriers, and American Kestrels. As autumn deepens, we anticipate even more arrivals including the possibility of an early Snowy Owl, making this the perfect time for another visit! **Why Amherst Island?** * **Saw-whet Owls**: A rare opportunity to see these small, secretive owls as they pass through on migration. * **Barred and Short-eared Owls**: Prime season to spot these elusive species as they arrive for the colder months. * **Snowy Owls**: Snowy Owls will be arriving in Southern Ontario soon, so we will keep a lookout for these stunning owls of the tundra. * **Birds of Prey**: Experience sightings of Bald Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, Northern Harriers, American Kestrels, and Rough-legged Hawks hunting across the island’s open fields. **Event Highlights:** * **Guided Tour of Owl Woods**: Traverse the world-renowned Owl Woods sanctuary, where various owl species reside. Our respectful approach and guiding expertise make this a special opportunity to observe these owls. * **Important**: Owl Woods will be closed for until mid-December for deer hunting season, so this will be our last chance for a while to vi * **Wildlife Sightings**: We'll keep an eye out for wildlife such as Coyotes, White-tailed Deer, and Red Foxes. * **Historical Charm**: Amherst Island’s untouched charm offers a peaceful, remote retreat and an authentic glimpse into Canada’s rustic beauty. **Itinerary:** * **7:30 AM**: Departure from Finch Station Passenger Pickup (please arrive by 7:15 AM). * **10:30 AM**: Ferry from Millhaven to Amherst Island. * **Owl Woods Guided Walk**: Stroll through this secluded sanctuary, renowned for its owl sightings. * **Afternoon Wildlife Drive**: A leisurely drive around the island to spot birds of prey and other wildlife. * **4:00 PM**: Return ferry to the mainland, with an estimated arrival in Toronto around 7:00 PM. **Important Information:** * **Transportation provided** * **Limited Spots**: Only 3 spots available. * Meeting us on-site at the Amherst Ferry is also an option. * **Cost**: $129.00 (including tax) * **Payment**: Via PayPal or bank e-transfer to [torontonaturelovers@hotmail.com](torontonaturelovers@hotmail.com) * **What to Bring**: Pack a lunch, snacks, and drinks, and dress for variable weather. A rest stop will be made En Route for additional needs. * **Walking Requirements**: The walk to Owl Woods is approximately 1.5 km each way, plus additional walking in Owl Woods. Please ensure you’re comfortable with this distance. * **Respect for Nature**: Owl Woods is a protected area, and we must treat it with respect. Please follow all guidelines, minimize time spent near each owl, and observe quietly to ensure we can continue enjoying this special place. While sightings can’t be guaranteed, our extensive experience gives us a high success rate. **Join Us!** Don’t miss this incredible adventure!! Experience the awe of observing amazing birds of prey and other wildlife up close in their natural environment. Reserve your spot today for an unforgettable day at Amherst Island!

ROM Discounted - Tour, World Wildlife Photography + Other Exhibits

On **Saturday November 21st,** **join me at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) to take a Museum Tour, visit the World Wildlife Photography Exhibit, the Crawford Lake Exhibit and Cloudscape Installation.** Be among the first in Canada to see this year’s winners and finalists of the annual *[Wildlife Photographer of the Year](https://www.rom.on.ca/whats-on/exhibitions/wildlife-photographer-year-2026)* 2026 competition. Attendees can see any exhibits of interest. **Purchase your ticket for Saturday November 21st. We will be heading out for dinner after at the number 1 Chinese restaurant in Canada. This is a separate event and you can sign up [here](https://www.meetup.com/experiencetoronto/events/316869554/) if you'd like to join us.** **Museum Highlights Tour** Explore the wonders of ROM in a 45-minute tour that brings iconic objects to life. Enjoy highlights of arts, culture and nature… throughout the world and throughout time. **Cloudscape Installation** *Cloudscape* is a mesmerizing installation that blends traditional artistry with contemporary themes. Immerse yourself in Yan's floating masterpiece, where each sculpted cloud tells a story of cultural heritage and environmental consciousness, and invites us to reflect on our relationship with nature. **World Wildlife Photography** Each year, the annual competition - organized by the Natural History Museum in London, UK - receives tens of thousands of image submissions from aspiring wildlife photographers of all ages. One hundred selected images from this year's competition - unforgettable photographs of wildlife and the natural world - will travel to ROM right after the winners are announced. Experience the power of photography to reveal, connect, and transform our view of nature. **Itinerary** **2:30pm Meet inside the ROM at the Museum Station entrance** to the right side on the 1st Floor **2:35 - 2:45pm Cloudscape Installation** (**Level 1 China(** **2:45 - 3:45pm Museum Highlights Tour (Level 1 Currelle Gallery)**. The Tour starts 3pm, then head directly to the Wildlife Exhibit to enter before 4pm. **3:45 - 4:45pm World Wildlife Photography Exhibit, Level 4, Patrick Harris Gallery (last entry 4pm)** **4:45pm - 4:55pm Break** **4:55 -** **5:15p Crawford Lake Exhibit (Level 3, European Rotating Exhibitions)** Powerful, inspiring, and enlightening, the annual Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition invites viewers into a world of extraordinary images and visual storytelling. The world's longest-running and most prestigious annual nature photography competition, Wildlife Photographer of the Year attracts and recognizes the world's best nature photography, and has done so every year since 1965. **5:15 - 5:25pm: ROM Store.** Take a look around for souvenirs. **5:30pm Museum closes** **We will be heading out for dinner at the number 1 Chinese restaurant in Canada. Sign up [here](https://www.meetup.com/experiencetoronto/events/316869554/) if you'd like to join us.** **COST** Adults: Admission $26 + Photography Exhibit $9 = $35 Seniors: Admission $21 + Photography Exhibit = $27.75 Discounted 15% (message me for the code) Adults: Admission only is $22.10, Admission + Photography is $29.75 Seniors: Admission only is $17.85, Admission + Photography is $23.59 Meetup fee: $5 *** **SIGNING-UP** * **Simply RSVP Yes (everyone goes on the waitlist until they post they have purchased their ticket).** * **[Purchase](https://tickets.rom.on.ca/en/shop) your ticket by selecting Saturday November 21st, General Admission plus World Wildlife Photography, 10am - 4pm, and complete the transaction. Please post you have your ticket, and I will move you to attending. If you would like the discount code, please message me.** * RSVPs close 1 day prior, and cancellations after will result in a No Show and impact future attendance. * You can also just show up and join us at the event meetup spot and time * A reminder will go out the day before with my cell and details when to meet, etc. ‐‐----‐----‐‐-------------‐----------- **MEETUP TIME** **Meet members at 2:30pm** **inside the entrance of the ROM at the Museum Station Entrance on Queen's Park Avenue to the right side** We will follow the itinerary above: however, folks can choose which other exhibits to visit, understanding there may be an additional cost. Enjoy and please post your Comments after!

Sip n Stitch - Late November

Sunday Nature Leisure Walk in Port Credit (Walk, Talk and Flock)

Hello everyone, **\*\*Kindly Read Carefully\*\*** Please join me and my other groups for a great **Saturday in** **Port Credit.** If you have never been; it's a great place to enjoy the sun, the water, the trees, the flowers, grab a coffee, ice cream, go for a leisure walk by the lake and then enjoy a tasty meal. Port Credit is also known for it's live music and dancing too (Event is both indoor and outdoor) I'm going to show us all around Port Credit, play a couple new ice breaker games and then head to a fun restaurant in the main strip of town with a great dinner menu following the walk. \*The walking portion will be roughly 2 hours with some stops along the way; then we will head for dinner and more mingling. This will be a fun day and evening gang! We will meet at **Star Bucks (111 Lake Shore Rd. West) in Port Credit** where you are welcome to grab a beverage or pastry if you like. This will give us an opportunity to introduce ourselves as everyone arrives; then make our way on our small evening adventure through **Port Credit.** More details below: Sincerely, Steve Flemming (Organizer/Host) **Event Details:** **Saturday Leisure Nature Walk and Dinner in Port Credit (Walk, Talk & Flock)** -A great day as we explore some of the best area's of Port Credit near the water, board walk and entertainment strip (lots of live music too) -We can stop and rest at different spots, take some lovely scenic photos, group photos and share some laughs together -Play a couple ice breaker games near the beginning as well to help us get to know one another \*A great way to naturally make connections, get some fresh air and enjoy our long weekend together) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Event Fee:** 10 dollars (cash only) when you arrive (HST is included) or e transfer in advance to Steveflemming11@gmail.com \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Time and Location: Where to meet us?** We will meet at **Star Bucks (111 Lake Shore Rd. West) in Port Credit** where you are welcome to grab a beverage or pastry if you like. \*Arrive early if you like (however we will meet out front at 2::00 p.m. (we will wait for everyone to arrive until roughly 2:30) Go Train will take you there by Union Station too :) Plenty of parking in that area too- especially near Front Street and the Library :) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ***Thanks for reading everyone, remember to RSVP and see you real soon!*** :) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-

Underwater Rugby Practice and Game

**Welcome to our group! We hope to see you out at the pool soon.** **We have spare gear for you to try the game, so there is no need to buy anything before you try U/W Rugby. Please let us know your shoe size in advance to see can ensure we have fins to fit you. Just bring your swim suit and towel. And your first 2 practices are free!** **We also play Fridays 8:30-10pm at Riverdale Collegiate Institute pool throughout the school year.** \*Please note: This game requires swimming. While we do have lifeguards, you must be a competent swimmer and comfortable in the water in order to participate. **Looking forward to meeting you and seeing you at the pool,** **Gord**

Lion’s Head Lookout Hiking Trip

Underwater Rugby Practice and Game (Beginner's welcome)

**Welcome to our group! We hope to see you out at the pool soon. We play Fridays 8:30-10pm at Riverdale Collegiate Institute pool. We have lots of spare gear for you to try the game, so there is no need to buy anything before you try U/W Rugby. Just bring your suit and towel. And your first 2 practices are free!** \*Please note: This game requires swimming. While we do have lifeguards, you must be a competent swimmer and comfortable in the water in order to participate. **Enter the school through this door: [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1T1BP7DXur9QHK5aYo-s3vwmHu3MG9N55/view?usp=sharing](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1T1BP7DXur9QHK5aYo-s3vwmHu3MG9N55/view?usp=sharing)** **Directions to the pool:** **[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ggRqpd6UiCX1L-1Hbupg2GMclkbxNVx7/view?usp=sharing](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ggRqpd6UiCX1L-1Hbupg2GMclkbxNVx7/view?usp=sharing)** **Looking forward to seeing you at the pool,** **Gord**

TOPHATs Gardens, Galleries, Museums and Beer

Join Lawrence, your top hatted host, for lunch, followed by visits to Maple Leaf Gardens, Allan Gardens, Image Centre, Mackenzie house, and Textile Museum $$ and our social at The Duke of Cornwall. At Noon, we will meet at Mick E. Fynns for a light lunch and perhaps a beer before we do our discovery walk. https://www.mickefynns.com/ At 1 pm, we will cross College Street to Maple Leaf Gardens to peruse the three floors of historical photographs. https://www.mattamyathleticcentre.ca/ At 1:30 pm, we will walk over to Allan Gardens to checkout the flaura and fawna. I like the turtle pond and the desert plants. https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-recreation/places-spaces/beaches-gardens-attractions/gardens-and-horticulture/conservatories/allan-gardens-conservatory/ At 2 pm we will walk over to the Image Centre to see Immortal: Portraits of Aging by photographer Avondale. https://theimagecentre.ca/ At 2:30 pm we will visit Mackenzie House, home of the first Mayor of Toronto. https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/history-art-culture/museums/mackenzie-house/ At 3pm, we will walk over to the Textile Museum to see Indigenous Fashion wear. https://textilemuseum.ca/programming/ There is a fee for entry to this museum. If you are a Toronto Public Library card holder, you may get a pass from their MAP pass. https://tpl.ca/using-the-library/services/map/ At 3:30 pm, I will be ready for a beer and our social at the Duke of Cornwall. https://dukepubs.ca/duke-of-cornwall/

Single Childfree Women’s Discussion Cafe #5: Solo female travel ✈️

Port Lands: Moonlight shining toward us (6.1 km)

Biidaasige Park has become the top urban park in Canada in barely more than a year. The play area is impressive with ziplines and water works. Biking and walking paths wind through tranquil, restored wetlands and scattered artworks. Design thinking is evident in the placement of amenities and trail layout. If you haven't visited it already, go during the day. This hike happens at night, when you can see the park in a different light (or lack thereof). The park is a key development in the Port Lands area, which will transform into Toronto's newest neighbourhood in the next decade. This hike will start at the eastern end, follow the coastline to Cherry Beach and swing up to the park. Most of the area is still industrial. The only good place to eat is at the end, a local favourite for barbecue. **Highlights** 1. Leslie Lookout Park (depart 6:30 pm) 2. Hearn Generating Station 3. Waterfront Trail 4. Cherry Beach Life Guard Station (depart 7:13 pm) 5. Bridges of Port Lands 6. Atlas Crane 7. Lassonde Art Trail 8. Views of Toronto skyline 9. Ziplines at Biidaasige playground 10. Giant snow owl, beavers, raccoons, and other critters 11. Cherry Street Bar-B-Que (arrive 8pm) **Neighbourhoods** Port Lands > Lower Don Lands **Map** [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1EJACCyOoX-EdS2UE7Kpnic7P6rtmvac&usp=sharing](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1EJACCyOoX-EdS2UE7Kpnic7P6rtmvac&usp=sharing) The trail from the start to Cherry Beach has no lighting but is wide and flat. You will be walking in the dark, perhaps with moonlight or city lights illuminating some of the way. Headlamps or torches can be helpful. Recommended to bike, walk, or take a TTC bus to the start point because it's troublesome to return there in the dark. **How it works** Hike starts punctually. Late or can't do the whole route? Meet us at scheduled checkpoints. See our [home page](https://www.meetup.com/hike-to-eat/) for more info.

Easy Social walk @ Moore Park Ravine

Still chasing fall vibes? Or recovering from too much Halloween fun? Come join us for a Social Walk at Moore Park Ravine. A chill stroll, and good company. We’ll start at Yonge & St. Clair and wander down toward Moore Park Ravine, soaking in the fall scenery (or what’s left of it!). It’s an easy 7.6 km walk, about 2 hours at a relaxed pace. After the walk, we’ll grab a coffee and snack nearby to warm up, unwind, and chat about the sights, the season, and whatever else comes up. ✨ A perfect low-key way to spend your afternoon, meet new people, and enjoy the outdoors. 📍 Meet-up: Yonge & St. Clair intersection 👟 Bring: Comfy shoes, water, light snacks & a good mood 💵 Cost: $3 (cash or e-transfer to mech.mandeep@gmail.com)

Practical Philosophy Social!

Get to know your fellow hikers more intimately with a night of Practical Philosophy. In partnership with the Practical Philosophy Meetup I thought it would be a fun a social ! **How does it work?** We select a topic like monogomy vs pologomy and in groups of 6-8 with a moderator (so conservations are respectful) ten questions are asked and everyone has a chance to give their take on the subject. Get to know your fellow hikers on a deeper level! You may be surprised! **Opposing views are of course welcome!** Location to be determined!