Bushcraft Toronto

Survivalist Series: Introduction to Camp Skills

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/intro-camp-skills)** Think you're ready to get into the wild? Start here. In this intro session, you will practice the core skills every outdoor adventurer needs. You'll learn how to read and select a campsite, pitch a tarp in any conditions, tie the knots that actually matter, hang your food to stay bear-safe, and use your tools with confidence. Learn hands-on fundamentals built for real wilderness. Whether you're brand new to camping or filling gaps in your skillset, the Survivalist Series gives you the foundation to go further more safely. **Who It's For:** Anyone who wants to further develop their camping fundamentals. No prior camping experience required. For those with some background, this is a great change to fill in gaps and build greater confidence. **About this series:** The Survivalist Series is an expert-led set of courses designed to develop applicable and life-saving skills in the outdoors. Keep your eyes peeled for more courses on many other topics as they become available **Highlights** **Expert Instruction:** Our amazing expert guide will teach you everything you need to know in a safe and approachable way. **Hone your Skills**: Get hands on experience Pitching a tent, tying knots, using tools, and protecting your food for your next backcountry adventure. **Confidence Built from Scratch**: Use practical skills and knowledge to demonstrate your new abilities. Ask questions, get experience, and practice with friends. **Event cost: $60+HST (for explorer members) - $50 optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/intro-camp-skills)** **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/)***

Art and Craft Social #7 with Midtown Arts and Crafts Club

Hello everyone! Join us for our next meetup! Bring along any art or craft you’re currently working on, drawing, painting, knitting, writing, or anything else, and enjoy a relaxed, creative hangout together. Date: August 16th Time: 2 pm Place: EglintonPark (200 Eglinton Ave W) We'll be sitting on the north side of the park, along Roselawn Ave, across from the baseball diamond! \*Note: If you RSVP 'yes' but aren't able to make it, please try to change it to "no". This will allow people on the waitlist to join in!

Kayak on the Humber River & Social!

Meetup Location: 9 Old Mill Rd, M8X 0A5, Down the "Discovery Walks Rd." in Kings Mill Park. Arrive at 10:00am and prepare to be ready to hit the water for 10:30!am. You don't need a kayak or canoe. There are two hour rentals at the Humber River Paddling Centre, Call early to book a spot -**416 - 536-2067 or book mon -line here - https://torontoadventures.ca/** The ultimate escape down the calm meandering waters of the scenic Humber River. Whether you are paddling solo on a SUP , loading up a canoe, or kayaking keep your eyes peeled for beavers, blue herons and deer! Leave the city behind without ever leaving Toronto!

Survivalist Series: Introduction to Camp Skills

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/intro-bushcraft)** **Behold the profound utility of plants!** Long before rope, tools, and construction materials came off a shelf, it came from the land: twisted from roots, stripped from bark, and spun from plant fiber. This one-day workshop introduces you to the concepts of bushcraft, how to source raw materials straight from the wild and how to make them into things you need to survive. You'll learn to see the forest differently and walk away with the skills (and a few finished pieces) to prove it. **You will learn:** * How to identify and ethically harvest plants * How to process these materials to create survival essentials * Basic structures and tools that can be easily built, to improve wilderness convenience and quality of life. * How to apply bushcraft concepts to meal preparation and cooking. * The principles of sustainable bushcraft: what to take, what to leave, and how to harvest without depleting the source **Who It's For**: Anyone looking to build on their outdoor skills with hands-on, practical craft. No prior experience required, though this pairs well with our Foraging workshop for those looking to round out their plant knowledge. **About this Series**: The Survivalist Series is an expert-led set of courses designed to develop applicable and life-saving skills in the outdoors. Keep your eyes peeled for more courses on many other topics as they become available. **Highlights** **Plant Fiber Cordage:** Twist raw fiber into cordage strong enough to lash a shelter frame or hang a pack. And you will be able to bring some home! **Ethical Harvesting:** Learn to read a plant before you touch it, and how much you can take without setting the population back. **Expert Instruction:** Your amazing expert guide will teach you everything you need to know in a safe and approachable way. **Event cost: $80+HST (for explorer members) - $30 optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/intro-bushcraft)** **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/)***

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/)***

After The Credits - The Odyssey

For our inaugural gathering, we'll be discussing Christopher Nolan's latest film, The Odyssey. The idea is simple: watch the film before the meetup, then join us for a relaxed evening of conversation, debate, and drinks. We'll chat about what we loved, what we didn't, our favourite scenes, performances, themes, and whatever else the film inspires. Whether you're a lifelong cinephile, an occasional moviegoer, or someone simply looking to meet new people in Toronto, you're very welcome. There are no presentations, no homework, and no pressure to have the "right" opinion. The best discussions usually come from people seeing the same film in completely different ways. Discussion topics might include: 🎬 Favourite moments and performances 🎬 Themes and interpretations 🎬 Christopher Nolan's direction 🎬 How it compares to his previous films 🎬 Your rating and overall thoughts Most attendees will be meeting for the first time, so solo attendees are especially welcome. Grab a drink, pull up a chair, and join us for a conversation about one of the year's most anticipated films. See you there.

Easy or Kid Friendly Canoe trip to Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park

This is a two-night trip. We will car-camp the first night, and paddle into the interior for the second night. There are 1 medium length portage. This will be a mix of kids (9-12 yrs old) and adults. I have a 3-4 spots available only. Camp sites and canoes will be reserved. Food will be provided and carpooling arranged. You do not need to bring any food. We will be asking for a $30 deposit via paypal or bank email transfer to keep your spot since I need to reserve the sites and canoes ahead of time. I will send out a note with further information to those who sign up. See paypal and bank email transfer info under "COSTS" below. RSVP REQUIREMENTS RSVP "Going" if you are sure you can attend, are able to meet the difficulty requirement, bring what is needed and have reviewed the costs associated with this event. EVENT DETAILS Difficulty: Easy to Moderate - You are able to paddle 3-4 hours per day and are reasonably fit. Length: Friday night to Sunday night Cars should leave around 5 Friday night. Leaving Saturday morning is not possible. What to Bring: Hat, Personal water bottle, 2 or 3 dry bags or garbage bags (to use for your clothes & sleeping bag) Put the garbage bag inside to line you backpack. Put another one inside your sleeping bag case to line that. Waterproof Coat. List of Clothing : Hat, swimsuit, sweaters or sweatshirts (it will get chilly in the evenings), jeans or long pants, 1 towel, 2 pairs shoes - 1 for dry hiking and 1 for wet stuff. Wet shoes need to be secure, flip flops and loose sandals may get stuck in the mud. bowl, cup, spoon, fork, sun glasses, flashlight or strong headlamp, Toiletries: Toilet paper, sunscreen, bug spray. When you pack your stuff, make sure you leave room to carry food and cooking gear: we may split some that evenly among the backpacks. If you can pack everything in one pack, portaging will be much easier! Other camping items: Backpack, Sleeping bag (suitable for cold weather), sleeping pad or mattress GETTING THERE Drivers will be notified by the organizer where to meet and pick up passengers. Drivers will be sent complete directions as to where, when and who to meet and directions to Barrie and the Park. Please sign up for the carpool here: COSTS Other: $30 deposit to remain on going list. Total cost between $180 and $220. This cost includes all gas, camp fees, food and canoe rentals. The balance is payable at the end of the trip when we calculate the costs owed by each member. HOW TO PAY: contact Pedro for paypal account and e-mail address INTRODUCTION TO CANOEING Please review the following safety videos: (You don't need to kneel, sitting is fine for this type of trip. The other safety tips are good) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrjXT9bAB6c](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrjXT9bAB6c) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTtFSpelQk4](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTtFSpelQk4) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zHSfEhEqkU](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zHSfEhEqkU) Please ALWAYS check your email or the event post in the evening or in the morning prior to the event for cancellation, rescheduling or last minute changes. Please Note: You are required to respond to Meetup messages in a timely manner. The messages may be on the comment board below, private message, or through the email address you have registered with [Meetup.com.](http://Meetup.com.)

Hiking Wilket Creek Trail/Sunnybrook Park Trail

The Wilderness Brothers (Sudbury)

Contact Alex for location and information.

Canoe trip to Algonquin Provincial Park

This is a two-night trip. We will car-camp the first night, and paddle into the interior for the second night. There are 2 medium length portages. Camp sites and canoes will be reserved for us. Food will be provided and carpooling arranged. We will be asking for a $30 deposit via paypal or bank email transfer to keep your spot since I need to reserve the sites and canoes ahead of time. I will send out a note with further information to those who sign up. See paypal and bank email transfer info under "COSTS" below. RSVP REQUIREMENTS RSVP "Going" if you are sure you can attend, are able to meet the difficulty requirement, bring what is needed and have reviewed the costs associated with this event. EVENT DETAILS Difficulty: Easy to Moderate - You are able to paddle 5 hours per day and are reasonably fit. Length: Friday night to Sunday night Cars should leave around 5 Friday night. Leaving Saturday morning is not possible. What to Bring: Hat, Personal water bottle, 2 or 3 dry bags or garbage bags (to use for your clothes & sleeping bag) Put the garbage bag inside to line you backpack. Put another one inside your sleeping bag case to line that. Waterproof Coat. List of Clothing : Hat, swimsuit, sweaters or sweatshirts (it will get chilly in the evenings), jeans or long pants, 1 towel, 2 pairs shoes - 1 for dry hiking and 1 for wet stuff. Wet shoes need to be secure, flip flops and loose sandals may get stuck in the mud. bowl, cup, spoon, fork, sun glasses, flashlight or strong headlamp, Toiletries: Toilet paper, sunscreen, bug spray. When you pack your stuff, make sure you leave room to carry food and cooking gear: we may split some that evenly among the backpacks. If you can pack everything in one pack, portaging will be much easier! Other camping items: Backpack, Sleeping bag (suitable for cold weather), sleeping pad or mattress GETTING THERE Drivers will be notified by the organizer where to meet and pick up passengers. Drivers will be sent complete directions as to where, when and who to meet and directions to Barrie and the Park. Please sign up for the carpool here: https://groupcarpool.com/t/t3wfa4 COSTS Other: $30 deposit to remain on going list. Total cost between $180 and $220. This cost includes all gas, camp fees, food and canoe rentals. The balance is payable at the end of the trip when we calculate the costs owed by each member. HOW TO PAY: contact Pedro for paypal account and e-mail address INTRODUCTION TO CANOEING Please review the following safety videos: (You don't need to kneel, sitting is fine for this type of trip. The other safety tips are good) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrjXT9bAB6c](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrjXT9bAB6c) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTtFSpelQk4](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTtFSpelQk4) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zHSfEhEqkU](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zHSfEhEqkU) Please ALWAYS check your email or the event post in the evening or in the morning prior to the event for cancellation, rescheduling or last minute changes. Please Note: You are required to respond to Meetup messages in a timely manner. The messages may be on the comment board below, private message, or through the email address you have registered with [Meetup.com.](http://Meetup.com.)

Wilder Series: Secret Wilderness Hike & Swim

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/ragged-rapids)** ***The Wilder Series is back! Are you up to the challenge?!*** We're heading deep into Ontario's Canadian Shield for a day on one of the province's most rugged backcountry routes. Tucked inside a little-known nature location, this trail trades manicured paths for raw granite, beaver dams, and dense forest that test both legs and navigation skills in equal measure. While only 15km, this trek and it's technical terrain are no joke. However, the payoff is incredible: raging rapids, amazing views and an incredible wilderness swim that you won't soon forget! **Secret Location** This is one of Wilderness Union's secret hikes. We visit spots that are undiscovered by the wider world, keep them pristine, and share them only among members. The location is revealed to registered members in the days before the trip. ***Please note that attendees will need a high fitness level to successfully complete this adventure. This will be a serious challenge!*** **Highlights** **True Wilderness:** Experience the Canadian shield in all of its glory! Unmanicured, untamed and unbelievably beautiful. **Beaver Dams:** Cross quiet backcountry ponds and streams along the way. **Powerful Rapids**: The Black River churns through a gorge with 20–30m cliffs. **Event cost: $60+HST (for explorer members) - $50 optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/ragged-rapids)** **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/)***

Bruce Peninsula Camping Adventure