
What we’re about
Explore food and trails in the diverse neighbourhoods of the Greater Toronto Area.
Foodie hikes are at a moderate pace of 4 to 6 km/h. They are neither walking tours nor strenuous workouts. We encourage you to research the route beforehand because we won't give much commentary. You should be prepared for unpaved trails, hills, and any weather. Dangerous weather like lightning and low visibility will cancel hikes.
Typically, hikes end at a restaurant. But we'll also pick up takeout and groceries along the way.
Timed hikes
Hikes run like trains. We depart on time and hit scheduled stops. If late or lost, you can refer to the map to find us at these timed checkpoints. You can join or leave at any point according to your schedule and level of fitness.
If you're going below 4 km/h or the minimum stated speed, you might be left behind because we have to keep a schedule. This ensures
- we arrive at food places before they close or get too busy
- we show up on time for restaurant reservations
- others that join in the middle won't wait long at scheduled checkpoints
- we end on time and respect those who need to leave punctually
The list of places on the route are those that we'll pass by or come close to. We'll not stop at all of them. You're free to break from the group and use the map to catch up when you're done.
While the hike is ongoing, organizers might not respond to messages. They will be busy leading the group and ordering food. Also, Meetup notifications can be delayed by a few hours!
Omakase
For some hikes, we offer omakase. This is an optional program where participants chip in a small amount of money and the organizer will use the pool to buy food for sampling. The food bought, and where and when to share, is entirely up to the organizer. Omakase literally means "I leave it to you".
At some point in the hike, usually during the first leg, the organizer will ask who's interested in omakase and collect money. Payment by cash or e-transfer. Please mention dietary restrictions before signing up. We may not be able to accommodate and will advise if you should join.
No refunds after orders are placed, even if you left early, got lost, or missed samples for whatever reason. Collected money would have been already spent on food. We do not make a profit. Leftover funds go to Meetup.com fees.
Situations where we will give a full or partial refund:
- the organizer didn't honour your dietary restrictions and you mentioned it before signing up
- you didn't get your fair share of food because there was not enough to go around
Limited cutlery provided. Bring your own cutlery and containers to save the environment.
Featured businesses do not compensate us. We recommend them because we think they are good or interesting.
Waitlist
If you're on the waitlist on the day of a hike, you can show up and hope that there's space. It's usually OK because of no-shows at free events.
However, if the event is over capacity, the priority is: those on the confirmed list, then the waitlist according to order of sign up. The rest will be asked to leave. We will strictly enforce the number of participants because of safety concerns.
For restaurant events, only those on the confirmed list can attend.
Pets policy
Pets are welcome but they may not be allowed into some buildings and businesses.
For certain hikes, there may be narrow and steep trails which may not be suitable for your pet. Only you will understand your pet's capabilities. Check the route in advance.
Finally, respect those who may be uncomfortable or allergic to certain animals by keeping them a distance from others, unless they're ok with it.
Photo policy
Photos are welcome but if you are taking pictures of other humans, please ask their permission if you intend to post or share them, including on Meetup.
Attendance policy is enforced for this hike. See below for details.
To celebrate our anniversary, we're doing a hike along the entire length of Eglinton Avenue East. It's a summoning ritual for the Eglinton LRT. We'll cover the eastern portion of the line and beyond.
Most of the route is in deep suburbia territory. There are long stretches of boring houses punctuated by bursts of commercial activity. As we get closer to Yonge and Eglinton, building density increases dramatically. You'll get a first-hand look of how the arrival of the LRT is building up areas like Eglinton and Don Mills.
There's a strong Indian theme to the restaurants en route. Find regional cuisines like Gujarat, Punjab, Bengal, Andhra, Kerala, Tamil, and others. However, it's not just South Asian. We'll be passing by eateries and supermarkets from five 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 complete the whole route will be eligible to buy a commemorative T-shirt (expected price ~$23).
There are different restaurant options at the end of the hike. Reservations are required for the first two.
- Japanese fine dining. Sign up for Yukashi.
- AYCE steak. Sign up for Copacabana.
- Korean katsu at Moru. Walk-in, first-come-first-serve.
- Texas BBQ at Benny's Barbecue. Walk-in, first-come-first-serve.
This is our 160th hike! See past hikes.
Highlights
Segment 1: Scarborough Village
- Start (or end) of Eglinton Avenue at Kingston Rd (depart 11am)
- Diamond Kabab House
- Falcha Restaurant / Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant
- Eglinton GO station
- The Nanglo Restaurant / Nakamori Japanese Restaurant
- Ghareeb Nawaz Restaurant / Oruma Indian Take Out (arrive 11:50am)
- Shoppers Drug Mart at Eglinton Ave East and Brimley Rd (depart 12:45pm)
Segment 2: Golden Mile
- Aunt Elsie Caribbean Kitchen
- S Motiram Sweets and Restaurant
- Yal Market
- Kennedy LRT Station
- Al Premium Food Mart
- Centennial College Ashtonbee
- Adonis
- Chachee's Chai Cafe / Mutabak Karak / Chaiiwala of London / Food Court at the One Centre (arrive 2:18pm; depart 2:35pm)
Segment 3: Don Valley
- Minerva Tiffins / Janatha Bar and Restaurant
- Seafood City Supermarket
- Gatineau Hydro Corridor Trailhead
- Latvian Canadian Centre
- Views of Don Valley East and West
- The Ismaili Centre / Aga Khan Museum (arrive 3:55pm; depart 4:05pm)
Segment 4: Leaside
- Crosstown Place
- Former(?) Science Centre
- Toyota On the Park
- Charmaine Sweets
- Conspiracy Pizza (arrive 5:10pm; depart 5:15pm)
Segment 5: Mount Pleasant
- BanCan Kitchen
- Unique apartment buildings around Mount Pleasant
- Yonge Fresh Market
- Mount Pleasant station
- 155 Redpath condos
- Rudy / Bindaz Biryani / CopaCabana Brazilian Steakhouse
- Istanbul Kebab House / Bell Canada Switching Station
- E condos / Yonge Eglinton Centre (arrive 6pm)
Neighbourhoods
Scarborough Village > Eglinton East > Ionview > Golden Mile > Victoria Village > Wynford-Concorde > Leaside > Sherwood Park > Yonge–Eglinton
Map
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1YPko_A-05I8Y48kQLQ_qwqns3NPB2Jg&usp=sharing
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 first checkpoint and the end of the hike are the only times when we can enjoy a leisurely meal.
Attendance policy
Please check in with an organizer when you attend. 24 hours before the hike, we'll check who is on the confirmed list. Those that don't show up will be flagged. Repeat offenders may be banned.
If you made it off the waitlist less than 24 hours before the event, you won't be considered a no-show.
Please change your RSVP if you're not able to attend. Changing RSVP at the last minute does not give others enough time to react.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Eglinton Ave East. All of it. (19.5 km anniversary hike)Kingston Rd and Eglinton Ave East, Toronto, ON
Attendance policy is enforced for this hike. See below for details.
To celebrate our anniversary, we're doing a hike along the entire length of Eglinton Avenue East. It's a summoning ritual for the Eglinton LRT. We'll cover the eastern portion of the line and beyond.
Most of the route is in deep suburbia territory. There are long stretches of boring houses punctuated by bursts of commercial activity. As we get closer to Yonge and Eglinton, building density increases dramatically. You'll get a first-hand look of how the arrival of the LRT is building up areas like Eglinton and Don Mills.
There's a strong Indian theme to the restaurants en route. Find regional cuisines like Gujarat, Punjab, Bengal, Andhra, Kerala, Tamil, and others. However, it's not just South Asian. We'll be passing by eateries and supermarkets from five 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 complete the whole route will be eligible to buy a commemorative T-shirt (expected price ~$23).
There are different restaurant options at the end of the hike. Reservations are required for the first two.
- Japanese fine dining. Sign up for Yukashi.
- AYCE steak. Sign up for Copacabana.
- Korean katsu at Moru. Walk-in, first-come-first-serve.
- Texas BBQ at Benny's Barbecue. Walk-in, first-come-first-serve.
This is our 160th hike! See past hikes.
Highlights
Segment 1: Scarborough Village- Start (or end) of Eglinton Avenue at Kingston Rd (depart 11am)
- Diamond Kabab House
- Falcha Restaurant / Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant
- Eglinton GO station
- The Nanglo Restaurant / Nakamori Japanese Restaurant
- Ghareeb Nawaz Restaurant / Oruma Indian Take Out (arrive 11:50am)
- Shoppers Drug Mart at Eglinton Ave East and Brimley Rd (depart 12:45pm)
Segment 2: Golden Mile
- Aunt Elsie Caribbean Kitchen
- S Motiram Sweets and Restaurant
- Yal Market
- Kennedy LRT Station
- Al Premium Food Mart
- Centennial College Ashtonbee
- Adonis
- Chachee's Chai Cafe / Mutabak Karak / Chaiiwala of London / Food Court at the One Centre (arrive 2:18pm; depart 2:35pm)
Segment 3: Don Valley
- Minerva Tiffins / Janatha Bar and Restaurant
- Seafood City Supermarket
- Gatineau Hydro Corridor Trailhead
- Latvian Canadian Centre
- Views of Don Valley East and West
- The Ismaili Centre / Aga Khan Museum (arrive 3:55pm; depart 4:05pm)
Segment 4: Leaside
- Crosstown Place
- Former(?) Science Centre
- Toyota On the Park
- Charmaine Sweets
- Conspiracy Pizza (arrive 5:10pm; depart 5:15pm)
Segment 5: Mount Pleasant
- BanCan Kitchen
- Unique apartment buildings around Mount Pleasant
- Yonge Fresh Market
- Mount Pleasant station
- 155 Redpath condos
- Rudy / Bindaz Biryani / CopaCabana Brazilian Steakhouse
- Istanbul Kebab House / Bell Canada Switching Station
- E condos / Yonge Eglinton Centre (arrive 6pm)
Neighbourhoods
Scarborough Village > Eglinton East > Ionview > Golden Mile > Victoria Village > Wynford-Concorde > Leaside > Sherwood Park > Yonge–EglintonMap
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1YPko_A-05I8Y48kQLQ_qwqns3NPB2Jg&usp=sharingWe'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 first checkpoint and the end of the hike are the only times when we can enjoy a leisurely meal.
Attendance policy
Please check in with an organizer when you attend. 24 hours before the hike, we'll check who is on the confirmed list. Those that don't show up will be flagged. Repeat offenders may be banned.If you made it off the waitlist less than 24 hours before the event, you won't be considered a no-show.
Please change your RSVP if you're not able to attend. Changing RSVP at the last minute does not give others enough time to react.
- Steak buffet at Copacabana (after Eglinton Ave East hike)Copacabana Brazilian Steak House, Toronto, ONCAD 20.00
This is a companion event for the Eglinton Ave East hike. You must walk some portion of the hike to attend this dinner. Obviously, you have to sign up for the hike first. Then, sign up here.
Gorge in all-you-can-eat steak, sides, and Brazilian dishes like feijoada (bean and meat stew) and pão de queijo (cheese tapioca bread) at Copacabana. It's one of the few rodizios in Toronto. It may not be the best steak in the city but it's pretty decent. There are different cuts of beef, served from a sword-like skewer. Also, a wide variety of carbs, salads, roasted vegetables, and grilled pineapple.
Coincidentally, we're visiting during Summerlicious so this unlimited steak deal is yours for $65, before tax and tip.
RSVP closes 5 days before the event. If there are many people on the waitlist, we may arrange more seats.
Payment
- The $20 event fee is a deposit. The restaurant charges this amount for no-shows. It will be refunded when you show up for the event.
- If there are spots available when you sign up, you have 24 hours to e-transfer the fee to globaltorontoeats@gmail.com
- If you're on the waitlist, you don't have to pay until a space opens up. You have 24 hours to pay the deposit after you've made it off the waitlist. Remember to check your junk mail and Meetup notification settings so that you're informed when you've snagged a spot.
- When sending the e-transfer, please add a note that mentions your Meetup.com name.
- If payment is not received in time, you will be removed from the attendee list. The spot will be given to the next person on the waitlist.
- If you paid the deposit but did not attend the hike, we will give your spot to someone else. We will return your deposit.
Cancellation and refund policy
- You can cancel and get a full refund 5 calendar days before the event. For example, if the event is on Friday 7pm, you can cancel without penalty anytime before the preceding Sunday 11:59pm.
- No refunds within 5 calendar days of the event, unless someone can be found to take your place.
- Full refund if the event is cancelled or rescheduled.
- Dinner at Yukashi (after Eglinton Ave East hike)Yukashi, Toronto, ONCAD 150.00
This is a companion event for the Eglinton Ave East hike. You don't have to do the hike to join this, but it's more rewarding if you do.
Yukashi is a cross between a kaiseki and an omakase. If you're not familiar with these terms, they're different forms of Japanese fine dining. Among the handful of kaiseki restaurants in Toronto, Yukashi is one of the most modern ones. The plating is breathtaking and the creations are inventive.
This reservation is for counter seating, where you can interact with the chef. There is only one offering at this restaurant: $295 for a 9-course menu, before tax and tip.
RSVP closes 5 days before the event. If there are many people on the waitlist, we may arrange more seats. If there isn't enough people, we will reduce the table size.
Payment
- The $150 event fee is a deposit. The restaurant charges this amount for no-shows. It will be refunded when you show up for the event.
- If there are spots available when you sign up, you have 24 hours to e-transfer the fee to globaltorontoeats@gmail.com
- If you're on the waitlist, you don't have to pay until a space opens up. You have 24 hours to pay the deposit after you've made it off the waitlist. Remember to check your junk mail and Meetup notification settings so that you're informed when you've snagged a spot.
- When sending the e-transfer, please add a note that mentions your Meetup.com name.
- If payment is not received in time, you will be removed from the attendee list. The spot will be given to the next person on the waitlist.
Cancellation and refund policy
- You can cancel and get a full refund 5 calendar days before the event. For example, if the event is on Friday 7pm, you can cancel without penalty anytime before the preceding Sunday 11:59pm.
- No refunds within 5 calendar days of the event, unless someone can be found to take your place.
- Full refund if the event is cancelled or rescheduled.
- Vale of Rosedale (5.6 km)North Toronto Station, Toronto, ON
Attendance policy is enforced for this hike. See below for details.
For this hike, we're seeking the Vale of Avoca. Sounds like some fantasy adventure quest, but it's really just a minor valley along Yellow Creek. It's one of the three ravines that encircle Rosedale, one of the wealthiest neighbourhoods in Canada.
Unlike other posh neighbourhoods, many mansions here are old: over a hundred years old. You'll see 19th-century British architectural styles like Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian. As with other prestigious neighbourhoods, there isn't a lot of good food. Options are few and overpriced.
Fortunately, there are some exceptions. On the budget end are standout sandwiches and poke. On the luxury end, there's Armenian and Filipino fine dining. We'll end the hike at the latter.
Arrive earlier to check out the top LCBO in Toronto. It's in a restored train station with a boutique selection of liquors.
Highlights
- (Former) North Toronto Station (depart 6:30pm)
- Umami Poke
- Frontier College
- David A. Balfour Park / Rosehill Reservoir
- Vale of Avoca
- Summerhill Market (depart 7:25pm)
- Rosedale United Church / John Kent House
- Mansions of Rosedale
- Mineral (arrive 8:15pm)
Neighbourhoods
Summerhill > RosedaleMap
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1eTeJKhcSd_1BpjH0s7MLTnVjxBm5dMI&usp=sharingHow it works
Hike starts punctually. Late or can't do the whole route? 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.
See our About section for more info.
Attendance policy
Please check in with an organizer when you attend. 24 hours before the hike, we'll check who is on the confirmed list. Those that don't show up will be flagged. Repeat offenders may be banned. Please change your RSVP if you can no longer attend.If you made it off the waitlist less than 24 hours before the event, you won't be considered a no-show.