
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. It's more rewarding if you 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.com does not send notifications instantly.
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.
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).
The hike ends at a Japanese fine dining restaurant and a katsu restaurant. Reservations are required for either and will be announced at a later date.
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- This is the Christie Pits (5.2 km)Christie Street & Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON
Christie Pits is literally a pit with sports facilities at the bottom. It'll make for a good workout going up and down the hills there. The surrounding neighbourhood is Toronto's most curious. Strange houses like one decked out with cork stoppers and another with Greek urns and statues.
The food is just as eclectic. A bit from every continent: Eritrean, French, Indian, Salvadoran and more. It's also home to a Modern Canadian restaurant that does campfire nights.
Capping off the hike, we'll have dinner at Toronto's only Nicaraguan restaurant where you can try national dishes like vigorón (cerdo con yucca; pork with cassava) and nacatamales (Nicaraguan tamales; stuffed corn cakes).
Highlights
- Baekho (tiger) sculpture at Bloor and Christie (depart 6:30pm)
- Toronto Recursive History Project of Toronto's Recursive History
- Kadampa Meditation Centre
- Selam / Chantecler
- Banjara / Madras Masala
- Christie Pits Park
- The Wood Cake House
- Morellina's
- Fiesta Farms
- Elephant house
- Murals behind Garrison Creek Park
- Casamiento (depart 7:50pm)
- Greek statuary house / 2 Hallam St
- Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Holy Protection of the Mother of God
- Lalibela / Vit Beo / La Bella Managua (arrive 8:15pm)
Neighbourhoods
Bickford Park > Christie PitsMap
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1gOefjjzmiXy36TK-3Csg3VCF5SbvJQg&usp=sharingModerate inclines at Christie Pits park and the railway tracks north of Dupont St.
How 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.
Not sure what to try? Join our omakase for $5, which gives a tiny sample from different restaurants. Payment on the day of event by cash or e-transfer to globaltorontoeats@gmail.com. No refunds after orders are placed. Details of sampled food will be uploaded after the hike.
Limited cutlery provided. Highly recommended to bring cutlery and containers for omakase and bringing back leftovers.
See our About section for more info.
- Markland Wood (6.9 km)Etobicoke Civic Centre, Toronto, ON
Markland Wood is the second-most westerly neighbourhood in Toronto. You might not have heard of it because there isn't any good food there nor many attractions. In fact, good restaurants in this part of Etobicoke can be counted on one hand. It's a sprawl of single-family homes with a paucity of commercial areas and amenities.
That doesn't mean this area is devoid of interest. Join us for the opening week of the farmers market and see Etobicoke Civic Centre before it moves to Six Points. There are also creek trails and a hidden arts centre.
Lunch will be southern Indian thali on a banana leaf. This restaurant wins the award for most obscure location in Etobicoke but is nevertheless packed for weekend lunch. Reservations in our companion event is essential, or you're unlikely to get in.
Highlights
- Farmers Market at Etobicoke Civic Centre (depart 11am)
- Old Mill Pastry and Deli
- Bloordale United Church / Welcome to Markland Wood sign
- Elmcrest Creek Trail
- Neilson Park Creative Centre (depart 12:05pm)
- Matt's Burger Lab
- Eatonville library
- Amma's Kitchen (arrive 1:45pm)
Neighbourhoods
Bloordale Gardens > Markland Wood > EatonvilleMap
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1pCjW9nZ4Ooo1McCJ90xcpjV22_PqPcY&usp=sharingHow it works
Hike starts punctually. Late or can't do the whole route? Meet us at scheduled checkpoints.We'll browse 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.
- Thali at Amma's Kitchen (after Markland Wood hike)Amma's Kitchen, Toronto, ONCAD 5.00
This is a companion event for the Markland Wood hike. You don't have to do the hike to join this, but it's more rewarding if you do.
Amma's Kitchen is a Tamil (south Indian) restaurant stranded in a food-forsaken part of Etobicoke. They're known for cheap home cooking. On weekends, they serve thali on a banana leaf. It's all-you-can-eat side dishes with rice, typically eaten with hands (cutlery available). It's popular and can be hard to get a reservation.
The restaurant only does same-day reservations, so it's possible that we might not be able to get one. In that case, your deposit will be refunded.
RSVP closes 48 hours before the event. If there isn't enough people, we will reduce the table size. We won't accommodate last-minute attendees, so be sure to reserve your spot as soon as possible!
Payment
- The $5 event fee is a deposit. 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 reservations cannot be secured or if the event is cancelled or rescheduled.
- Pride of the Garden District (6.6 km)Yonge-Dundas Square, Toronto, ON
Attendance policy is enforced for this hike. See below for details.
Just off to the side of downtown Yonge Street, the Garden District and Church-Wellesley Village has soaring churches, restored mansions, crumbling mansions, a hotel-turned-strip-club-turned-condo, homeless shelters, and modernist skyscrapers. It's a fascinating mix. The centrepiece is Allan Gardens, which we'll be skirting around in this hike.
Church-Wellesley is the centre of Pride celebrations. We're visiting before it becomes too crazy at the end of the month. Historically, this area isn't known for food, but that's changing as good restaurants spill over from Yonge Street. Case in point: we'll end at a Thai restaurant that does an elevated seafood kai toon (savoury custard) and hoy jor (crab rolls) garnished with gold leaf.
Highlights
- Yonge-Dundas Square subway entrance (depart 6:30pm)
- Mackenzie House
- St. Michael's Cathedral Basilica / Metropolitan United Church
- Super Parsian / Panemor / Pink Elephant Creamery
- Filmores Hotel
- All Saints Church-Community Centre
- Hugh Garner Housing Co-op
- Sweet Addictions (depart 7:25pm)
- Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
- The Keg Steakhouse (haunted) Mansion
- Many historic mansions
- Rogers Inc HQ
- Nani's Gelato
- The ArQuives
- The Blake House / Canada's National Ballet School
- Snowday Bingsu / Kintaro Izakaya
- Thong Lor Thai Grilled Bar (arrive 8:20pm)
Neighbourhoods
Garden District > Cabbagetown > Upper Jarvis > Church-Wellesley VillageMap
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1jw4j0tN2UcymOVYKMzbj6YW3OOxcO5U&usp=sharingWe'll be going faster than usual. Minimum speed is 5 km/h.
How 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. See the route in advance, organize takeout, then pickup along the way.
Not sure what to try? Join our omakase for $5, which gives a tiny sample from different restaurants. Payment on the day of event by cash or e-transfer to globaltorontoeats@gmail.com. No refunds after orders are placed. Details of sampled food will be uploaded after the hike.
Limited cutlery provided. Highly recommended to bring cutlery and containers for omakase and bringing back leftovers.
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.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.