Canyoneering Toronto

Canoe Camping at Barker Lake

**THIS EVENT IS HOSTED BY JAMES.** **TO REGISTER GO TO: [Ontario Backcountry Camping | Meetup](https://www.meetup.com/ontariobackcountry/?eventOrigin=your_groups)** This is a canoe camping trip to Barker Lake. We will be staying on crown land so camping is free. Barker Lake is about 3.5 hours from Toronto, north of Bon Echo Provincial Park. There are two easy portages along the way, Ashby Lake to King Lake (100m) and King Lake to Barker Lake (75m), both dry and well maintained with some rocks along the path. The parking and put-in is Ashby Lake boat launch, we will meet there at 12pm. The plan is to camp on King or Barker Lake. We can do a day trip into Barker if we decide to camp on King. If you like to fish, and you're not having any luck, it's easy enough to portage from one lake to another to try somewhere else. Ashby Lake is mostly shielded from the wind, has a few cottages and light boat traffic, but mostly wild shoreline along the canoe route. The paddle distance across Ashby Lake is about 4km to the first portage. For fishing, Ashby Lake has lake trout, northern pike, pumpkinseed, smallmouth bass, white sucker, and yellow perch. King Lake is a small lake with crown land along most of the shoreline. There are some campsites, and we can camp here if we find a nice site. It's a 1km paddle across King to the next portage. King Lake has rainbow trout and yellow perch. After the second portage is Barker Lake. There are a few campsites here; one is a nice island site which could be a good spot to camp, and most of the shoreline is crown land. Expect another 2km paddle if we camp here for a total trip distance of 7-8km including portages. Barker Lake has lake trout, pumpkinseed, white sucker, and yellow perch. Have a way to get here and a canoe or kayak, paddle board, paddle partner with a canoe, something of that sort. You are responsible for yourself and your own safety. **LOCATION: Ashby Lake** **784 Ashby Lake Rd · McArthurs Mills, ON**

CANOE TRIP 2/26, CANADA DAY AT SPIDER LAKE, SUN. JUN. 28 - WED. JUL. 1st

This is an easy trip in The Massassauga Provincial Park, where we had a great time last Thanksgiving. Our campsite and parking spaces are guaranteed, on the busiest week of the season, but we are limited to nine people, and the cost for the weekend is $17 per person plus $10 to park each car. Our campsite, number 21, is on a high rock point, open to the breezes on three sides, to keep down the bugs. It has a table, fire pit, thunder box, and good swimming off the rock. The surrounding shoreline is dry and solid. Spider Lake is broken into many bays. It is inland, and protected from the winds off Georgian Bay. There are no cottages or power boats. This will be a cool place to spend a hot Canada Day Weekend. One portage: 370 m., gentle rise 10 m. in the center. Paddle distance, total: 7 km. Driving distance from Hwy 400 & Hwy 7: 202 km., 2 hours. Traffic on Hwy 400 should be fast on Sun. morning. **LCATION:** **Massassauga Provincial Park Access Point** **Three Legged Lake Road** **45.26379072549102, -80.00827766607452** There is space right at the lakeshore to unload your canoe, then move your car to the big parking lot 280 m. up the road. **SPREAD SHEET:** https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1RUbAOQrpmLz_P7J2lgvKYLPLNE6rVddygG_cjaM64eg/edit?usp=sharing This is an operating provincial park, so we have to report the name of everyone who is going, and pay to park cars. Please fill out the spread sheet, and phone me with the make, model, and plate number of your car.

Holiday Time!

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

Boots on the Bruce Trail: A Summertime Hike

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/boots-bruce-trail)** ***Join us for this serene and moderately challenging stretch of the famous Bruce Trail.*** This part of the Bruce Trail will take us through lively forests, along Grindstone Creek, and past the dramatic drop of Smokey Hollow Waterfall. Starting at the concrete tunnel under Highway 6 near Waterdown, the trail drops you immediately into deep forests that will make you forget how close you are to the city. Rolling climbs, creek crossings, and rooted terrain keep you on your toes until you hit Smokey Hollow Waterfall: a wide curtain of water spilling over a limestone shelf into a shaded gorge. Beyond the falls, you'll have the trail largely to yourselves as you explore deeper into nature with your fellow adventurers. From there, the path opens into a long gradual climb before flattening out into honest, easy walking to King Road. **Total distance is 17.4 km out-and-back, with 485 metres of elevation gain. This is a solid step up from a beginner day hike but still doable for people with a good fitness level. You'll leave it feeling that sweet satisfaction of accomplishment.** **Highlights** **Smokey Hollow Waterfall:** Expect a wide curtain of water spilling over a limestone shelf into a shaded gorge. It's the natural midpoint of the hike and worth every climb to get there. **Grindstone Creek:** The trail runs alongside the creek for much of the first half, weaving through shaded forest with the sound of water keeping you company**.** **Secluded Nature Close to the City:** Just outside Burlington and about an hour from Toronto, you’ll step onto the trail and be immediately swallowed by nature with nothing around you but trees and creeks. **Event cost: $60+HST (for explorer members) - $30 optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/boots-bruce-trail)** **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/)***

Eglinton-Yonge Toastmasters Weekly Meeting - IN-PERSON

At Eglinton-Yonge Toastmasters, we're more than just a club - we're a community. Please arrive by 6:00 p.m. to socialize. Guests are welcome. There is no fee to visit. We meet at: Northern District Library 40 Orchard View Blvd. Second Floor, RM# 200. Directions to the room can be viewed at the following link: [https://bit.ly/eytm-welcome](https://bit.ly/eytm-welcome) Members of Eglinton-Yonge Toastmasters learn and practice public speaking and leadership skills with a friendly, helpful, and encouraging group of people. As a year-round club, attendance varies depending on the season. A typical meeting involves 25-30 active members and 2-5 guests. Guests are able to: • Meet a great group of people • Participate in Table Topics • Share feedback at the end Members receive: • Learning materials • Monthly Toastmasters magazine • Access to Pathways • Online resources through Toastmasters International • An Easy-speak.org account to track speech progress We look forward to seeing you!

Up the Oxtongue: A Wilderness Paddle

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/up-the-oxtongue)** **Join us for this gorgeous 16 km paddle up the Oxtongue River to the base of Ragged Falls.** The Oxtongue River is a major waterway that flows out of Algonquin Park, and if you follow it upstream by canoe, it'll take you right to the base of Ragged Falls: one of the most powerful waterfalls in the Muskoka watershed. Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven, struck by its natural beauty, paddled and painted these same shores. You'll soon see why. We launch from Algonquin Outfitters on Oxtongue Lake and paddle roughly 8 km northeast through open lake water before the shoreline closes in and the river takes over. The current is gentle enough that the upstream paddle feels easy. The downstream return feels even easier. The round trip is about 16 km, with time at the falls included for lunch and swimming. When you arrive, you can take in the falls from the water, then pull your canoe up and hike 300 meters to the top. The view from the rocks above is worth every stroke it took to get there. Back at the bottom, the pool at the base of the falls is one of the better swimming holes in the area. No canoe experience required. If you can hold a paddle, you can do this trip. This trip includes canoe rentals, PFDs, paddles and safety kits. **Highlights** **Algonquin Exploration:** The Oxtongue flows straight out of Algonquin Park, with this paddle taking you right to its edge. **Ragged Falls:** The first major waterfall in the Muskoka watershed. View it from the water or hike 300 meters to the top and stand on the rocks while the river rushes around you **Stunning Summer Scenery:** Forested riverbanks, open water, and the kind of quiet you only get when the only sound is your paddle **Event cost: $100+HST (for explorer members) - $60 optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/up-the-oxtongue)** **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/)***

Weekend Backcountry Getaway

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/weekend-backcountry-getaway)** **A beginner-friendly, paddle-in camping adventure through the Algonquin Highlands.** St. Nora Lake sits in the heart of Algonquin Highlands, tucked away from the car-accessible campgrounds and the crowds that come with them. It is just as beautiful as its more famous neighbours in the park, and a lot easier to get into. The adventure starts with a canoe lesson on the water before we paddle a short 2.5km to a spacious group campsite on the lake. Along the way you will pass classic Canadian Shield scenery: sandy beaches, granite rock faces, and pine-fringed shores. No portages, no prior experience required. Once you are set up, the rest of the weekend is yours to shape. Swim off the rocks, read in a hammock, or pick up real campsite skills like hanging your food away from bears and building a proper fire. That night, the campfire and a clear sky full of stars will give you some amazing views. On day two, we take the canoes back out to explore the lake more fully, poking around the shoreline and finding the corners of it that most people never see. This is a two-day getaway built for people who want real backcountry experience without a gruelling multi-day commitment. We handle the gear, the food, and the logistics. You show up, load the canoe, and go. Group sizes are kept small on purpose so the site stays quiet and the experience stays personal. By the time you paddle back out on Sunday, you will have put some genuine distance between yourself and the city. That tends to matter more than people expect. What's included * Professional & certified guides * ‍All camp meals, cooking equipment and mess kits * ‍Tents * Canoe rentals Sleeping bags and sleep pads can be rented from WU for a small fee. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or it’s your first time in a tent, this adventure has something for everyone. **Highlights** **Canoe-in seclusion:** Your campsite is only accessible by water. No road noise, no neighbouring RVs, just a lake, a fire ring, and genuine quiet. **The paddle in:** A short, flatwater crossing past a small island, through some of the most beautiful Canadian Shield scenery in the province **Learn to camp:** Our guides cover the essentials: hanging your food away from bears, building a fire, and setting up a site that works. **Event cost: $349+HST - optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/weekend-backcountry-getaway)** **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/)***

Group Hike at Mono Cliffs! 🌲✨ Escape to the Trails

Looking for a refreshing day out in nature and a chance to meet some awesome new people? Join us with our language exchange group for a beautiful hike at Mono Cliffs Provincial Park! We’ll be exploring the best of the Niagara Escarpment—think stunning cliff-top views, peaceful cedar forests, boardwalks, and cool rock formations. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just want to get outside and get active, this is the perfect excuse to unplug and connect with fellow nature lovers. **🥾 The Details** * **Distance:** \~8 km * **Pace:** Moderate and group-friendly * **Vibe:** Welcoming, relaxed, and social **🎒 What to Bring** * Comfy hiking shoes or trail runners * Plenty of water + lunch/snacks * Weather-appropriate layers * Sunscreen and bug spray * Good vibes and an adventurous spirit! **📌 Important Notes** > * **Be on time:** Please arrive sharp so we can head out together. > * **Weather:** Rain or shine! (We'll only cancel if severe weather hits). > * **Logistics:** Participants are responsible for their own transportation and park admission/parking fees. Come see why Mono Cliffs is one of Southern Ontario’s absolute favorite hiking spots. Can’t wait to hit the trails with you! 👋 ### **Total Fees $19.50** *Mono cliffs vehicle pass fee $8.50 (paid to park)* *Meetup Fee $11 (paid to Event Host)*

Affordable Glamping and Outdoors Activities in Algonquin – Summer Kick Off!

**Let's return because we had so much fun last time. Let's start the Summer right with our 2nd Annual Glamping trip in Algonquin Park.** **Join WOOT for a glamping and outdoors weekend!** **Camping does not have to mean lying on a tent floor in a small tent. We’ll sleep in cozy Safari tents for this trip, hike to some great views, enjoy water activities, enjoy campfires, stargazing, and eating together!** **📅 Trip Details** * **When: Depart Friday preferably no later than 5pm and return Sunday (2 nights)** * **Where: Group Glamping campsite just minutes from Algonquin Park** * **Accommodation: 2 Large Safari Tents hold 6 people each, 3 Safari tents hold 4 people each. Each person has their own bed or a thick pullout mattress.** * **Amenities: Tents have solar lighting, and USB charging (but bring a battery pack!). Large BBQ area with propane, picnic tables, campfire pit with firewood included. Comfort station with showers/toilets nearby. Under 5 minutes walking distance this time!** * **This is a pet friendly event.** **Max Group Size: 19** **💲 Costs** * **Accommodation for 2 nights will be: $140 to reserve your spot via e-transfer** * **Contribution for gas (drivers contribute but are reimbursed passengers portion)** * **Shared food costs** * **Any cost for equipment for extra activities (such as kayaks/canoes) or parking fees (a heads-up on these will be provided and activities optional)** **RSVP: Everyone starts on the waitlist until payment + contact info are received. To move to the “Going” list, you must answer all RSVP questions:** 1. **What is your cell number? (private – only organizer sees this)** 2. **What are your transportation preferences?** **A. Passenger at carpool** **B. Driver (have my own car, can take x passengers)** **C. Prefer passenger, but can drive x passengers if needed** **D. Driver but meet at location (preference given to those who can take passengers)** **Note: Prompt responses required. Spots are first-come, first-served.** **🎉 Activities** * **Hiking, Water activities (swimming, canoeing/kayaking), Sightseeing, Stargazing, Campfires, Storytelling** * **Relaxing in nature** **WOOT Score:** **Outdoors: \[5\] \| Adventure: \[5\] \| Fun: \[5\]** **Overall WOOT Score: 5++** **Organizer: Rphinn / Rebecca**

Earl Bales Park Mountain Goat 🐐 - Challenging Hike ⛰️ ⛰️

The Killarney Klassic: An Unforgettable Camping Adventure

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/killarney-klassic)** **Killarney Provincial Park is one of the most gorgeous locations in Ontario! And it’s been on your list long enough. Join us this weekend to experience what it has to offer.** Killarney is one of those parks where you arrive and understand immediately why people come back every year. This weekend, we're setting up at George Lake Campground for three days of hiking, swimming, and good company. On the drive up Friday, we stop at Herbert Fisheries in Killarney town that offers fresh Georgian Bay whitefish, hand-cut fries, and a seat on the dock. It's been a fixture here since 1981 and a good way to arrive. Then we head to camp to set up and settle in for the evening. Saturday morning, we hike to Lumsden Lake along a section of the La Cloche Silhouette Trail, winding through mixed forest and over wooden boardwalks before arriving at a clear lake framed by white quartzite ridges. After the hike, the afternoon belongs to the beach. George Lake's shore is right at camp. Sunday is the shorter Cranberry Bog loop, leaving directly from the campground. The trail passes through wetlands and opens to views of the La Cloche hills before looping back. After that, we pack up and drive home. This is a front country trip, which means car camping with your full kit and no portaging. It's the perfect entry point if you haven't camped with WU before, and an unforgettable long weekend either way. 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. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or it’s your first time in a tent, this adventure has something for everyone. **Highlights** **Lake swimming:** George Lake's shore is steps from camp.Jump in whenever you feel like it. **Nights at the campfire:** No agenda, just the group, the dark, and the tree line. This is where the trip actually starts. **La Cloche Views:** Halfway through Sunday's trail, the trees open up and the white hills come into frame. There's nowhere else in Ontario that looks like this. **Event cost: $350+HST - optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/killarney-klassic)** **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/)***

Tubing the Grand River

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/tubing-the-grand-river-26)** **This is one of our most popular adventures every year: sweet summertime relaxation through the beautiful Grand River. Just lay back, enjoy and let the current take you along this scenic journey.** Life along the Grand River moves at a pace that invites you to disconnect from city stress and be present. This 5 km float from Five Oaks to Brant Park runs entirely through a natural corridor: no shops, no crowds and no paddling required if the current's running well. The water is shallow with a gentle current and a gravel bottom, so it's a solid first river experience even if you've never done anything like it before. Tubes take most people around 2 hours, with plenty of spots along the way to hop off for a swim. We wrap up the day with a group picnic lunch at Brant Park once you're off the water. Bring shoes you don't mind getting wet, sunscreen, and snacks. This will be a sun filled day to remember! **Highlights** **Tubing the Grand:** Kick back and let the current do the work. The Grand River's easy flow and shallow gravel bottom make for a laid-back float that anyone can enjoy **Picnic lunch at Brant Park:** The float ends at Brant Park Conservation Area, where we pull out our packed lunches and decompress h in the shade. **River Swimming:** Plenty of spots to pull over and jump in along the way. On a warm day, it's hard to stay in the tube. **Event cost: $75+HST - $50 optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/tubing-the-grand-river-26)** **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/)***