Challenging Hikes Toronto

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.

[Part 2]Hike at your own pace: Hockely valley upto 23KM at 3KM -> 6.5KM +/hour

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/)***

Boyd Conservation Area - Intermediate Hike.

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.**

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

Secret Beach - 10+KM INTERMEDIATE Hike

Holiday Time!

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

Beaches & Boardwalks — BEGINNER Summer Evening Hike (7 km) 🌊

Roaming Centennial Ridges

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/centennial-ridges-26)** **See Algonquin Park from a new perspective as we hike along this beautiful ridgeline trail.** Centennial Ridges is a moderately challenging hike in Algonquin Park, and one of the most rewarding. The 10 km loop climbs through old-growth forest to two open ridgelines above Lake Opeongo. Here, the treeline drops away and the Canadian Shield stretches out in every direction. Our group will cover the full loop in a single day, with rest stops on the ridges and time to take in the kind of landscape most people only see from a plane. We handle the logistics so you can just show up. Embrace the summer with this unforgettable hike through classic Ontario nature. **Highlights** **Twin ridge views:** Two open summits with clear sightlines over the lake and the boreal forest beyond. **Old-growth forest throughout:** Mature white pine and mixed hardwoods that feel genuinely different from anything close to the city. Worth slowing down for. **Away from the crowds:** Far fewer people than most Algonquin day hikes. By the time you're on the ridge, the crowds are long gone. **Event cost: $70+HST (for explorer members) - $60 optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/centennial-ridges-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/)***

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

🌲Caves & Cliffs Hiking

One of the most unusual hikes in Ontario: stone mazes, narrow passages, crevices, and overlooks along the Niagara Escarpment. Nottawasaga Bluffs + Singhampton Caves is not a walk along a flat trail. We’ll be scrambling, climbing up and down, and in some places we’ll have to squeeze through the rocks and use our hands. We’ll discover a cave with inscriptions by an unknown 19th-century philosopher, a keyhole-shaped passage in the rock, and overlooks with views of the valley. This route is suitable for experienced hikers and those who prefer adventure over comfort. ⚠️ This route is not suitable for children or dogs. If you’ve long wanted to see caves that aren’t underground but right in the forest - join us. ✨ **Price:** $65 – we provide transportation **Price includes:** guidance throughout the hike and transportation coordination for participants without cars. 📍 **Meeting place:** Vaughan / Kipling subway station ⏳ **Hike duration:** 6 hours ‼ **Difficulty level**: for experienced hikers 🙋‍♀️ **Guide:** Kate - an ambassador for hiking and outdoor excursions in all seasons. A coach and advocate for the idea that therapy can save everyone. And what could be more therapeutic than walks in nature?!