Toronto Muslim Friends

Join us for our first astronomy night for stargazing at the Torrance Barrens Dark-Sky Preserve. We're hoping for clear skies and very little moonlight for a mesmerizing view of our Milky Way.

🌌 WHAT TO EXPECT

• A rocky landscape on the Canadian Shield
• Pitch black darkness (only 2% moon phase)
• A beautiful sunset and a sky full of glowing stars
• Magical views of the Milky Way (weather dependent)

🎒 WHAT TO BRING

• Camping chair
• Hiking shoes
• Red light headlamp/torchlight
• Weather appropriate clothes
• Snacks, warm drinks, water
• Bug spray

💵 FEES

• Event fee of $2.00 per person to be sent to **tmf786@outlook.com** with the message "Torrance Barrens" (goes towards maintaining and running this group)

📝IMPORTANT NOTES

• This event is very weather dependent, and it may be cancelled in case of rain or heavy cloud cover, so keep an eye on the event page for updates
• Washroom facilities will be very limited (only portable toilets), so come prepared for that
• It is going to be very dark and use of regular flashlights is highly frowned upon because it ruins the experience for other, so kindly stick to only red light headlamps/torchlights and keep them pointed at the ground away from other people's face
• Torrance Barrens is safe but keep in mind that you will be in the wilderness (and bear country), and there is always a possibility of encountering moose, bears, snakes, etc.
• Meeting point: Torrance Barrens sign at the parking lot (check photos)

Important things to note:
✍🏽 Please add your game (if you're bringing one) and potluck item to the spreadsheet here. There’s a column to indicate food allergies or concerns.
🍴 Bring something to help serve your food item if needed (ie tongs, a knife to cut pieces, etc.)
🍎 Food should be small portions to share with about 8 people. There is no equipment to heat food in this room. See the suggestions below for ideas
🍨 Keep dessert options to 3 items total

Food Suggestions: Samosas, garden salad with dressing, fruit or veggie plate, spring rolls, noodles, fried rice, hummus and pita, drinks (water, pop, juice), finger sandwiches with coldcuts/tuna/cheese cut into quarters, charcuterie board…etc

What is available:

🚻 Washrooms are easily accessible, there are 5 of them.
🍽️ Napkins, small plates, water, tea, milk, sugar,cutlery & cups will be provided
🪑 Capacity for up to 25.

Itinerary:

• 12-1:00 - Arrival, set up & Zuhr
• 1-6 - Games & Asr
• 6:30-7 - Clear up

Killbear Provincial Park is an Ontario Provincial Park located in, or near Nobel, Ontario in the Muskoka, Parry Sound & Algonquin Park tourism region. The park is a popular destination that perfectly captures the rugged beauty of the Georgian Bay coastline. Known for its iconic wind-swept pines, smooth granite outcrops, and crystal-clear waters, Killbear offers a quintessential Canadian Shield experience. The park spans 1,756 hectares, featuring a diverse landscape that attracts campers, hikers, and beachgoers alike. Its natural beauty and family-friendly atmosphere make it one of Ontario’s most beloved provincial parks.

Killbear’s hiking trails provide access to breathtaking views of the bay, dense forests, and rugged terrain. The Lookout Trail, in particular, is a favorite among visitors, offering panoramic vistas that are especially stunning at sunset.
Some of the wildlife that enthusiasts may enjoy spotting are fox, white-tailed deer, woodpeckers and bald eagles.

Departure: Fri Oct 24th at 2-3pm to arrive for 6 pm
Returning: Sun Oct 26th at 4-5 pm

Reserved Campsite Kilcoursie #471 & 472. There are showers and indoor flushable toilets also.
Minimum group required: 4-6
Maximum number of people: 10-12

TENTATIVE ITINERARY (Weather permitting)
Friday

• Arrive and set up campsite, tarp over picnic table and lay out tents
• Pray Magrib & Isha and watch the sunset off the shore
• Dinner at 7pm: Pasta, veggies and sausages at the campfire.
• Campfire with s’mores and herbal tea/drinks
• Walk to the Rocky shore to view the stars in the night sky over the sound

Saturday

• Fajr and coffee on the beach, after which we enjoy the sunrise over parry sound
• Breakfast 8-am at campsite: Eggs, toast, fruit and drinks/coffee
• Hike the Lookout Point loop trail, 3.5 km moderate trail that takes 1.5 hrs. Breathtaking view of Georgian Bay at the midway point.
• Lunch at 1 pm: Roast beef/turkey sandwiches, fruits, nuts & drinks/water/tea
• Zuhr & Asr
• Activities: Canoing (not included in the fee) if weather-permitting, visit the park store and Visitor Centre
• Games at campsite
• Maghrib & Isha
• Watch the Sunset off the shore
• Dinner at 7:30 pm: Kebabs and rice, salad and hummus with pita, drinks and hot beverages
• Campfire with s’mores, pumpkin pie and hot beverages (hot chocolate or herbal tea)
• View the night sky off the rocky shore weather permitting

Sunday

• Fajr and coffee/chai
• Breakfast 8 am: Eggs, toast, oatmeal, water/juice
• Take down tents and campsite, prepare to leave
• Pack Almond butter and jelly sandwiches, fruit and nuts and water/drinks for optional easy to moderate 6km Recreational Trail hike; 3hrs
• Leave to return home by 4-5pm
• Zuhr & Asr

Cost is $120 for 2 nights, to be etransferred with message “Killbear Camping” to tmf786@outlook.com ; FEE IS NOT REFUNDABLE after October 1st (unless event must be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances). After the fee is received, you will be provided a list of what to bring.
As usual transportation there and back is your own responsibility. However, carpooling is highly encouraged, and riders are expected to cover gas and/or parking.

NOTE: Everyone is expected to participate in camp tasks: cooking, clean up, setting up campfires and disposing of garbage…etc. If you know you snore loudly, please bring a tent for yourself and be considerate by taking steps to reduce the snoring if possible.

• After the hike, you can join us for some delicious Turkish food at Efendi Restaurant in Vaughan

💵 FEES

• Event fee of $2.00 per person to be sent to tmf786@outlook.com with the message "Midhurst Hike" (goes towards maintaining and running this group)

📝NOTES

• Location: Google Maps
• Expect off-leash dogs on parts of this trail
• This event might be cancelled or rescheduled in case of 💦 rain or ⚡ thunder, so keep an eye on the event page for updates