Conservation Volunteering Toronto

Beautiful Awenda Park - hike, lay on the beach, swim - repeat

Awenda Park is one of the best provincial parks. it has beautiful beaches on Georgian Bay and great hiking trails. It is close to great attractions like the Wye Marsh and Sainte Marie Among the Hurons. **Important Reminder:** By participating in this hike, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to the Liability Waiver and Acknowledgement of Risk. If you have not done so, we kindly request that you refrain from participating in this event. We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to an enjoyable and safe adventure! • Dress for the weather! Prepare for the weather and wear suitable gear for the trail • Arrive on time! Please be punctual, as the group will leave on time. • Know your limits! Choose the hike that match your fitness level. This is an intermediate hike. We will meet in the parking lot at 8:30 am. https://maps.app.goo.gl/x1Dn9SPXNs1J9FAb6 We'll go to Beach to # 3 and enjoy the beach and the amazing water and then after lunch go on a hike. Pack a lunch and snacks, sunscreen, bug spray and a lot of water. There is a park entrance fee/car. You may consider carpooling. If you get lost, call my cell 647 949 6912.

Come to BC With Us!

Holiday Time! I'm away for a week. Keep an eye on the schedule for our sunday hikes!

Event equipment carry and set up volunteers

Need 3-5 volunteers depending on how many nets we will need Sign up here if you want to volunteer to help with equipment and set up in the morning. Volunteers will come early before the event start to help carry equipment and set up nets. Volunteers please arrive early at the assigned time and place. Meeting time will be up to an hour before the event start time. Volunteers will play for free and will get additional perks. Number of volunteers needed will depend on how many nets are required. Regular volunteers will get preference. **Please only sign up to volunteer if you are attending the event for sure.** Please answer the RSVP question and add yourself to the waiting list and I will add you if you’re needed as a volunteer and I will contact you to confirm with details. Once confirmed you will be added as a volunteer

Chasing Hilton Falls: A Summertime Hike

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/hilton-summer)** **Hilton Falls is one of the best hiking spots close to Toronto, and we’ll be heading there with the crew to take it all in!** The route blends two very different trail personalities into one amazing adventure. The Beaver Dam Trail is wide and relaxed, threading past active beaver ponds and along the Niagara escarpment. If we’re lucky, we may see some of these incredible creatures at work. From there, we move on to the Hilton Falls Side Trail, which becomes a more technical, Bruce Trail singletrack with rocks and roots that make you pay attention to where you’re stepping, along with beautiful views from atop the escarpment. The waterfall is the centrepiece of this hike: a 10 metres fixture that flows over a rocky ledge into a pool flanked by the stone ruins of three 19th-century sawmills. It's one of the better pieces of trail-accessible industrial history anywhere close to the city. Good company, good trails, and an unforgettable day. See you there! **Highlights** **Hilton Falls:** A 10-metre drop over the Escarpment edge, framed by the stone ruins of three 19th-century sawmills. **Beaver Ponds:** Active beaver ponds and wetlands along a tributary of Sixteen Mile Creek. Move quietly and you might spot reptiles, amphibians, and a lot of beaver handiwork up close. **Close to the City:** Our Trailhead sits less than an hour from downtown Toronto. **Event cost: $50+HST (for explorer members) - $40 optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/hilton-summer)** **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 #1 - The Brent Run

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/epic-1)** ***Welcome to The Epics!*** ***Through this series, we will embark together on five of the most legendary and challenging adventures anywhere in Ontario.*** **History** The origins of the iconic Brent Run are steeped in wilderness lore. What we do know is that, starting nearly 100 years ago, hardcore guides in Algonquin began trying to complete this grueling 160 km challenge in a 24-hour window. Few have succeeded but, to this day, the legend lives on. **What You Need to Know** For our version of the Brent Run, we’ve taken the best half of this historic adventure and stretched it over five days. This maintains the challenge of the journey (trust us, it will still be a significant challenge) while also allowing us the time to actually appreciate the impressive makeup and scale of the park. You'll travel ***from the top of Algonquin Park all the way down to the Highway 60 corridor*** in this incredible test of endurance and determination. Covering roughly **80 km with 11km of portages**, this journey takes you through the heart of the park’s rugged wilderness, combining long paddling stretches with challenging portages that require strength, patience, and planning. We'll be getting up early each day and putting in long hours (up to 12 hours some days!) to make it to our next campsite each night. Along the way, you'll begin to understand how special Algonquin is, as you cover huge distances without once coming into contact with civilization. Expect to navigate a mix of serene lakes and winding rivers, each with its own character and obstacles, from choppy open waters to twisting, narrow channels. Portages along the route can range from manageable to gruelling, with some stretches featuring steep climbs, uneven terrain, and slippery rocks that will test both your body and your gear. ***For those willing to embrace the challenge, the Brent Run offers one of the most rewarding and unforgettable journeys in Algonquin Park.*** **What's Included:** * *Return transport between Toronto and Algonquin* * *2 expert guides with advanced wilderness skills and medical training* * *Rentals for lightweight canoes, PFDs and paddles* * *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* NB: As this is a one-way adventure, self-driving will not be possible. ***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 -** Follow the historic 80km line from Cedar Lake to Canoe Lake, tracing the path of the legendary park guides who turned this route into a provincial icon. **Abundant Wildlife -** Algonquin is teeming with wildlife and you'll get to experience it over our 5 days in some of the most remote regions of the park. ‍**Backcountry Bonding -** Forge friendships and memories that will last a lifetime as you work together to successfully complete this adventure. **Event cost: $1050+HST. Please register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/epic-1)** **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 Evening Hike – Charles Sauriol Conservation Area

Join us for a relaxing Saturday evening hike through one of Toronto’s most beautiful urban nature trails. We’ll explore the scenic Don River ravine, walk across wooden bridges, and enjoy the peaceful forest as the sun begins to set. It’s a great opportunity to get some fresh air, meet new people, and enjoy good conversation. 📅 Date: Saturday 🕠 Time: 5:30 PM (please arrive 10–15 minutes early) 📍 Meeting Point: Charles Sauriol Conservation Area Parking Lot, 1191 Lawrence Ave E, North York Hike Details: * Distance: Approximately 6 km * Duration: Around 1.5–2 hours * Difficulty: Easy to Moderate * Pace: Relaxed and social What to Bring: * Comfortable walking or hiking shoes * Water * Bug spray (recommended) * Weather-appropriate clothing Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking to enjoy nature and meet new friends, everyone is welcome. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Don Valley Ravine Trail Hike

Hike & Swim the Grotto at Bruce Peninsula National Park

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/hike-swim-grotto)** We're doing a day trip to one of the most spectacular locations in Ontario: the Bruce Peninsula National Park. This area is full of unique, dramatic landscapes with stark cliffs and views over the enormous Georgian Bay. We'll be tackling a moderately difficult 8.5km hike through some of the most incredible summer scenery in Ontario. We're starting the day off by visiting the Grotto, perhaps the most famous natural spot in the province. We'll hike through the forest then along the beach, ending up at the incredible rock formations and crystal clear waters of the Grotto. Here we'll stop for lunch, taking in the incredible views and turquoise water before hiking on to the backcountry Stormhaven Campsite. On the way we'll cross pebble beaches, forest trails and unreal views of Lake Huron before coming back the way we came. **Please note that self drivers will need to purchase a permit for parking.** **Highlights** **Visit the Grotto:** Explore Ontario’s most famous natural landmark, where striking limestone cliffs meet crystal-clear turquoise waters. **Hike Pebble Beaches:** Walk across rugged shoreline beaches and forested trails that lead to the remote Stormhaven backcountry campsite. **Views of Georgian Bay:** Take in sweeping panoramas of cliffs and open water, with autumn colours adding even more drama to the landscape. **Event cost: $70+HST (for explorer members) - $70 optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/hike-swim-grotto)** **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/)***

The Wilderness Brothers (Sudbury)

Contact Alex for location and information.

Canoe & Hike the Best of Algonquin

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/canoe-hike-algonquin-26)** **We’ll be headed to Rock Lake in Algonquin Park for an adventure that will allow you to take in the stunning scenery from two perspectives: a floating canoe on the lake’s serene waters and atop an amazing rocky lookout point.** We’ll start with a quick canoe lesson onshore and then launch our boats into the lake and set off. We’ll cruise through crystal clear waters and follow the shoreline beneath dramatic granite cliffs. Keep your eyes on the western shore: if we’re lucky, we’ll be able to see ancient pictographs that are etched into the rock face near the southern end, which are amongst the oldest recorded evidence of Indigenous presence on these shores. Loons are also common out here, and moose have a habit of appearing at the marshy edges when you least expect them. We’ll eventually arrive at the Booth's Rock trailhead, where the trail climbs steadily through mixed boreal forest before breaking out onto an exposed granite ridgeline with views over Rock Lake, Whitefish Lake, and a sweep of unbroken Algonquin forest. The descent follows a long wooden staircase back into the trees, then traces the old Booth railway grade along the water's edge until we return to the trailhead. Plan for a full day of amazing nature. This is Algonquin at its best! **Highlights** **Rock Lake Cliffs:** The eastern shore drops its dramatic granite faces plunge straight into the water, creating a dramatic landscape.. Paddling beneath them puts the scale of these structures in perspective. **Sandy Beaches:** Discover lakeside sandy beaches contrasting the granite cliffs. **Booth's Rock Lookout:** Views over Rock and Whitefish lakes and hundreds of square kilometres of Algonquin forest. **Event cost: $100+HST (for explorer members) - $60 optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/canoe-hike-algonquin-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/)***

Hiking Wilket Creek Trail/Sunnybrook Park Trail

NOGANOSH LAKE, SAT. AUG. 1 - MON. AUG. 3 CANOE TRIP 4/26 CIVIC HOLIDAY

This trip has flexible dates. If you want to come in on Friday, or leave Sunday. We will arrange the trip to suit the people who want to go. Noganosh Lake is a remote, quiet area. We have always been able to get a premium campsite there. Noganosh Lake is an non-operating Provincial Park. There is no Park Gate, no rules, and no fees. Most campsites have a fireplace with a steel grill and a thunder box. The Park covers 3000 ha of pristine forest, all of the land within 60 to 200 m. of the shore of the lake. The water is deep, clear and full of fish. There is one fishing camp with a few small power boats. There are no public roads. Noganosh is a remote, quiet area. We have always been able to get a premium campsite there. We will paddle in on Sat. AM. The distance is 15 to 20 km., to find a campsite. There are 2 portages, of 153 m., and 318 m. on Smokey Creek. They are easy. Smokey Creek is still, winding, and deep, except for one spot where you push through floating bushes. On Sun. we can explore 20 km. of lakes, hike, fish, and swim. We will paddle out on Mon., the way we came in. **LOCATION:** **Fleming's Landing** **Birchwood Trail & Hwy. 522** **45.893272, -80.160721** Distance from Toronto, Hwy 400 & Hwy 7: 310 km., 3.5 hours. This is an easy, fun, trip for experienced canoe campers. To avoid a long drive on Sat. morning, some paddlers camp at Grundy Lake Provincial Park on Fri. night. The park is only 20 minutes from the put in. Reserve your campsite well in advance. Post your reservation so other paddlers can share your campsite, and the cost. Tornado's Resorts, 10 minutes from the put in, rents motel rooms for $100 per night and canoes for $40 per day. Tornado's is convenient because you don't have to unload your car, you just drive in, sleep, and they serve breakfast. **To join us: Add your name to the Spread Sheet and post your contact info on the Spread Sheet to arrange paddle partners and canoes.** https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1XRW4tAqGA7bLGCTqv6aFqLhqVVHfCdFqp8OdVotgL58/edit?gid=0#gid=0 1\. Find a paddling partner\, one of you has to be good paddling stern\. 2\. Own\, rent\, or borrow a canoe\. Grundy Lake Supply Post may or may not rent kevlar canoes to use in Noganosh for $50 /day. You must make your reservation months in advance, and specify it is for a Noganosh Lake trip. [https://grundylakesupplypost.ca/rentals/](https://grundylakesupplypost.ca/rentals/) The best location to get the best quality canoes is Swift, Georgian Bay, on Hwy 400,. A quality kevlar canoe is $60/day, and they will show you how to load it on your car. [https://swiftoutside.com/rentals/](https://swiftoutside.com/rentals/) 705-538-0881 3\. Please message or email me\, earlcowan@hotmail\.com\, to arrange your schedule or if you need help\.