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. We'll not stop at all of them. If we stop, it won't be more than 5 to 10 minutes. You're free to break from the group and use the map to catch up when you're done. The only time we can sit down to eat is after the hike.
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 some money and the organizer will use the collected funds to buy food for sampling. What food to buy, 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 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. Latecomers are not eligible to sign up if we've already ordered food.
No refunds after orders are placed, even if you left early, got lost, or missed samples for whatever reason. The 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 and attendance policy
If you're on the waitlist for hikes, 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.
Hikes with a long waitlist may have an enforced attendance policy. This means that organizers check who did not show up. It's selfish to deprive others of the chance to join. It's also inconsiderate to change RSVP at the last minute, because those moved from the waitlist may not have enough time to react. Of course, there can be legitimate reasons but repeated no-shows will be banned from the group. We will mention if we are enforcing attendance in the event description.
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 them anywhere.
Upcoming events
4
Main Street (Markham) to Main Street (Unionville) (10.5 km)
Markham GO, 214 Main Street Markham N, Markham, ON, CAThis hike connects the two historic Main Streets in Markham. Beginning at Main Street Markham, we'll pass by some historic buildings and make a quick stop for vienoisseries before crossing into Milne Dam Conservation Park. From there, it's Chinese food all the way. See and taste why Markham is one of the Chinese food capitals of the world outside of East Asia.
Restoration works in Main Street Unionville should be done by early November, so it might be worth seeing how it has transformed. Sure, it's a touristy street but it has some noteworthy food. We'll end the hike at one of them: the only Austrian restaurant in the GTA.
Highlights
- Markham GO train station (depart 1pm)
- Cho-Kwok-Lat
- Markham Village Town Hall and Library
- Milne Dam Bridge
- FoodyMart (depart 2:25 pm)
- Waldon Pond
- New Kennedy Square: Hong Kong cafes / Good Taste Casserole Rice / nam 2 / Master Tako
- Langham Square: Yin Sushi Market / Big Trio Wonton Noodle / Kore Chicken / T&T (depart 3:45 pm)
- Markham Pan Am Centre
- Mildred Temple Park
- NextDoor Restaurant
- Watercolour Restaurant / Old Firehall
- Honoka Japanese Dessert Cafe / Old Country Inn (arrive 4:25pm)
Neighbourhoods
Markham Village > Vinegar Hill > South Unionville > Main Street UnionvilleMap
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1lGNZg6gyc7QFF-00dtlka0PqKMiybwk&usp=sharingPublic transit: Buy the 24-hour GO Transit pass for $10. There are GO stations at the start and near the end of the hike. The endpoints are within walking distance of the VIVA Purple bus line.
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.
100 attendees
Bloordale to Wallace-Emerson (3.5 km)
9 Mile Jamaican Restaurant, 1334 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, CABloordale is gentrifying in parts. Meaning it's hip in some areas and rundown in others. Come to see how Queen St West looked like 20 years ago. It's a hodgepodge of restaurants from South Indian to American-Italian. Then, it's on to a dystopian mall which may already be demolished by the time of this hike.
This hike will end in the little enclave of Wallace-Emerson. Food central is at Lansdowne and Wallace Ave, with a mix of hipster and old school restaurants. Our target is a Canadian family-style (sharing) restaurant, selling toothsome sandwiches by day and evolving into a cozy bistro at night. Reserve your spot at our companion event.
Highlights
- 9 Mile Jamaican Restaurant (depart 6:30pm)
- Momoheart / Sugo / Caribbean Queen of Patties
- Bakerbots
- San Wich
- Wallace-Emerson Community Centre (depart 7:40pm)
- Galleria Shopping Centre
- Ubisoft / Tower Storage
- Pepper's Food and Drink / Donna’s (arrive 7:50pm)
Neighbourhoods
Bloordale > Wallace-EmersonMap
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1wywV3znDXHeMF2Oh1jUqO-IkfdkZyiI&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.
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 homepage for more info.
39 attendees- CA$5.00
Family-style sharing dinner at Donna's (after Bloordale hike)
Donna's, 827 Lansdowne Ave, Toronto, ON, CAThis is a companion event for the Bloordale hike. You don't have to do the hike to join this, but it's more rewarding if you do.
Donna's is an unfussy restaurant serving Canadian food. That means they cook whatever they like, based on seasonal produce. Past dishes include kohlrabi with rarebit sauce and lamb liver toast. The menu looks simple but the execution is excellent. Dinner dishes are meant for sharing, so this event isn't for those with many food restrictions.
RSVP closes 1 day before the event. If there are many people on the waitlist, we may arrange more seats.
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 for the restaurant event, you don't have to pay yet. After you've made it off the waitlist, you have 24 hours to pay. Remember to check your junk mail and Meetup notification settings so that you know when you've snagged a spot.
- When sending the e-transfer, please add a note that mentions your Meetup.com name.
- If you do not pay 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.
6 attendees 
Momo crawl in Little Tibet (6.5 km)
Fort York Visitor Centre, 250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, ON, CAAttendance policy is enforced for this hike. See below for details.
Back by popular demand, we're repeating our momo crawl with new restaurants and cooking styles.
Parkdale is home to one of the largest Tibetan communities outside South Asia. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, they used to have an annual momo crawl for fundraising. Participants could sample momos (Tibetan dumplings) from a dozen restaurants at a fixed price.
We're doing our own momo crawl since they're not doing it anymore. To work up an appetite, we'll hike around Ontario Place, embroiled in controversy over plans to replace it with a spa and parking lot. It'll also be a future subway station. See it before it changes to who knows what.
After that, it's on to a bevy of Tibetan and Nepali establishments. Along they way, try Nashville hot chicken, Saudi kabsa, Ghanaian kelewele and more.
Highlights
- Fort York Visitor Centre (depart 2pm)
- The Bentway
- Princes' Gates
- Toronto Inukshuk
- Trillium Park
- Ontario Place main entrance (depart 2:45pm)
- Martin Goodman Trail
- Palais Royale
- Gus Tacos (depart 3:35pm)
- Dave's Hot Chicken / Gold Standard
- Mantra Nepalese / Lali Gurans
- Tsampa Cafe
- Norling / Afrobeat Kitchen / Jimbu Himalayan Thakali Kitchen
- Garleek Kitchen / Momo Cafe
- Loga's Corner
- The MoMo House / Shambhala Kitchen
- Masaryk-Cowan Community Recreation Centre (arrive 3:55pm)
Neighbourhoods
Ontario Place > Marilyn Bell Park > ParkdaleMap
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=13xzjSfVf9BGW22wKUMXHcFS1xuBXvsk&usp=sharingHow it works
Hike starts punctually. Late or can't do the whole route? Meet us at scheduled checkpoints.Optional blind tasting at the end of the hike.
- 1 kothey (pan-fried) momo from 6 restaurants each
- Rate momos online
- $12.50 for beef or vegetarian option, $25 for both. No chicken or vegan option.
- Payment on the day of event by cash or e-transfer to globaltorontoeats@gmail.com. No refunds after orders have been placed.
- Limited cutlery provided. Highly recommended to bring cutlery and containers.
- Be prepared for eating outdoors.
Sign up for the momo tasting at the main entrance of Ontario Place. If you're joining us after that, e-transfer the fee to guarantee food.
Aside from momos, 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 homepage 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.
67 attendees
Past events
206
