What we’re about
We're a hiking group and maybe a little bit more. Our goal is to get you up and active, make new friends and find your community.
We have hikes of different levels from beginner right through advanced. Don't see something you like? Volunteer to host your own hike - We strive to cover all across the GTA and always looking for quality hike leaders.
We also plan bigger activities throughout the year (hence the "Stuff") - Camping, BBQs, Kayaking, snowshoeing, tobogganing etc.
If you are looking to get out of the house more and haven't hiked much in the past, or if you have been out a few times, or even if you are advanced and looking for some harder trails, this group is for you.
Welcome to the group... go ahead and RSVP for one of our upcoming events!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- [Hike - Beginner/First-Timer] McLaughlin Marsh 2-to-7KMMcLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve, Oshawa, ON
Please note: Hike time starts at 10:00am
If you didn't come out last week, or if, like me, you need a double-shot of kick-in-the-pants motivation, or if Sunday works better for you, welcome to the instant-replay!
It's been a long & wonderful summer; am I still in shape? Is well-rounded a shape? I'm ready to get back into hiking, and I'm going to start off easy -- McLaughlin Marsh.
Some features of this hike:
- all level ground -- no hills, no climbs
- two loops -- so you can leave after the first ~2KM
- three double-backs -- giving you the opportunity to add your own extended breaks, and reduce your total distance
- at least three prolonged pauses for scenic lookouts
- we'll aim for a moving speed less than 4kph
- the chickadees eat out of hikers' hands, so bring seeds
- some meadow trails, some gravel trails, some dirt trails...
- ...and a pebble-beach stretchA total of just under 7KM, but you can skip various parts where we double-back to reduce that total to ~4KM. I'll announce them along the way. So if you need or want to enjoy the moment, you can decide along the way. Similarly, after the first 2KM (which can be 1.5KM or 2.5KM), we'll be near the cars so you can duck out before the second half.
Please note the start time of 10:00am.
This hike has so very much varied beauty. Short forest, brush, tall forest, marsh, and even beach! A bird-lover's paradise, an ornithologist's dream; my Beloved and I often come bird-watching here throughout the year.
For the advanced hikers of the group, this will be the greatest challenge of all -- to encourage beginners and first-time hikers to join our world. Please consider coming out to support the cause.
Parking
Keep driving until the road ends with a turn-around, then go exactly ten meters farther than you think you can, and turn right onto the dirtiest, bumpiest, most horrible little "road" that ever existed. There's a parking lot sixty-seconds later.Fall Hiking Season Information:
With this hike being all level terrain, any good treaded footwear will be suffice. If we encounter any muddy patches, we'll negotiate them slowly.Plan-For-Winter with Crampons:
Please note that as we get into winter hiking with snow and slippery trails, we consider proper Crampons to be mandatory. I intend to sell them from my car later in the fall season. They will be high-quality crampons from Sail. If you are considering winter crampons, please talk to me. The event host can ask you not to participate if you don't have proper footwear including Crampons. More Crampon Information.LEGAL DISCLAIMER AND LIABILITY INFORMATION:
By RSVP'ing and paying the event fee (if applicable), you are confirming that you have read, understand and accept the following:
- GTA Hiking Meetup is a private group. Attending events is voluntary by you as a member. Participation in any activity with us is at your own risk.
- By joining this event as a member you agree to indemnify and hold harmless its organizers, co-organizers, assistant organizers, event hosts, and other members from all claims or liability of every type (including court costs and legal fees) for injury or death to any person or for damage to property, loss of personal property or any other wrongful act arising out of or relating to your participation as a member. This agreement applies to you and to other persons (as your guests) who may accompany you in these endeavors.
- You also agree to hold the organizers as well as other group members harmless. By participating voluntarily in the group, you expressly waive any and all such claims against each and every other member in the group, including without limitation any and all claims against the group organizer, co-organizers, assistant organizers, and event hosts.
![[Hike - Beginner/First-Timer] McLaughlin Marsh 2-to-7KM cover photo](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/d/4/3/event_523608451.webp "[Hike - Beginner/First-Timer] McLaughlin Marsh 2-to-7KM")
![[HAMILTON] Devil's Punchbowl Hike + Yoga & Mindfulness Meditation cover photo](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/6/a/1/event_523025793.webp "[HAMILTON] Devil's Punchbowl Hike + Yoga & Mindfulness Meditation")
