About us
Explore food and trails in the diverse neighbourhoods of the Greater Toronto Area. We turn the entire city into hiking territory.
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.
We enforce attendance for hikes with a long waitlist. Organizers will check who did not show up for such hikes. 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 time to react. Of course, there can be legitimate reasons but repeated no-shows will be banned. The event description will mention if we are enforcing attendance.
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 animals by keeping them at a distance, unless they're ok with it.
Photo policy
Photos are welcome but if you're taking pictures of other humans, please ask their permission if you intend to post them anywhere.
No smoking and vaping
Smoking and vaping are prohibited in all hikes. If you must smoke, do it during stops and stay at least 10 metres away from other participants.
Upcoming events
3
The Queen Hike (18 km anniversary hike)
Queen St E and Fallingbrook Rd, 3031 Queen Street East, Toronto, ON, CAAttendance policy is enforced for this hike. See below for details.
To celebrate our anniversary, we're hiking the entire length of Queen Street. Since Queen Street is only 14.3 km, we're continuing along the lakeshore to Etobicoke. Incidentally, this is the shortest route possible between Scarborough and Etobicoke.
Queen Street runs through some of the most iconic neighbourhoods in Toronto: idyllic The Beaches, hip Leslieville, sketchy Moss Park, historic Old Town, bohemian West Queen West, and shabby chic Parkdale. The route buzzes with activity and attractions. And more importantly, acclaimed restaurants and bakeries featuring food from six 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 walk the entire length of Queen St (Fallingbrook Rd to Roncesvalles Ave) will be eligible to buy a commemorative T-shirt (expected price ~$23).
There are different dinner options at the end of the hike.
- Modern Chinese. Reserve your spot at Tis Two Cities.
- Asado (grilled steaks and meats): Reserve your spot at Vos Restaurante Argentino.
- Panuzzo and pizza at San Vito's Bakery. Walk-in.
- Sushi at Krazy Roll. Walk-in.
Highlights
Segment 1: The Beaches- Start (or end) of Queen St at Fallingbrook Rd (depart 1pm)
- R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant
- Bagels on Fire / Fox Theatre
- XOLA / Kyouka Ramen
- Beaches Library
- Tiflisi / Limon / Inmigrante
- Toronto Fire Station 227 / Delina
- Holi Taco / Dulcinella (arrive 1:58pm; depart 2:15pm)
Segment 2: Leslieville
- Dirty Birrias
- Ashbridge Estate
- Sweet Bliss Bakery / Hastings Snack Bar
- Descendant Detroit Style Pizza
- Kristapsons' Smoked Salmon
- Ocha's / Leslie’s Sandwich Room
- Tabule / Amber Kitchen and Coffee
- Lamoon Thai Kitchen & Coffee
- The Broadview Hotel / Happy Burger / White Lily Diner
- Elviras (arrive 3:16pm; depart 3:33pm)
Segment 3: Moss Park
- Queen Street Viaduct
- Los Gyros
- Kim's Convenience
- Moss Park Armoury / Panemor
- Eaton Centre
- Old City Hall / City Hall / Osgoode Hall
- Campbell House Museum
- Aux Merveilleux de Fred / Alpha's Shawarma
- Mizzica Gelateria & Cafe
- Banh Mi Boys / Yukimi Donburi (arrive 4:43pm; depart 4:56pm)
Segment 4: West Queen West
- Ramen x Remix / Bagels on Fire
- Mico Italian Sandwiches / Maison 118 / Ngogo / North of Brooklyn
- Sud Forno / Sanko Trading Co
- Trinity Bellwoods Park
- Forno Cultura
- King Slice / DoDoner / Lisgar Park
- The Grand Order of Divine Sweets / Han Kki
- The MoMo House
- Garleek Kitchen / Afrobeat Kitchen
- Katyn Monument (arrive 6:20pm; depart 6:35pm)
Segment 5: Sunnyside
- Roncesvalles Pedestrian Bridge / Palais Royale
- Sunnyside Dinosaur Playground
- Sunnyside Pavilion
- Trans Canada Trail Pavilion
- Humber Bay Arch Bridge / Sheldon Lookout
- Krazy Roll
- San Vito's Bakery / Tis Two Cities (arrive 7:30pm)
Neighbourhoods
Fallingbrook > The Beaches > Leslieville > Riverside > Moss Park > Old Town > Downtown Core > West Queen West > Parkdale > Sunnyside > Humber Bay ShoresMap and terrain
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=17oNClOxL7LtZ7hqQv9AFxtxVDjozisU&usp=sharingPortions of Queen Street have narrow sidewalks and lots of people. Since we're a big group, you can pick between the north and south sides of Queen St to walk. The map shows which side has better food and attractions but the other side may have interesting stuff too.
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 end of the hike is the only time when we can enjoy a leisurely meal.
Attendance policy
Please check in with an organizer when you arrive. 24 hours before the hike, we'll note down who is on the confirmed list. Those that don't show up will be marked as no-show. Repeat offenders will be banned. Please change your RSVP if you can no longer attend.If you got off the waitlist less than 24 hours before the event, you won't be considered a no-show.
100 attendees- CA$10.00
Dinner at Tis Two Cities (after The Queen hike)
Tis Two Cities, 122 Marine Parade Drive, Toronto, ON, CAThis is a companion event for the The Queen Hike. You must hike some portion of the route to join this dinner. Those who signed up for the dinner but not the hike will be removed from the attendee list.
Tis Two Cities is the only Chinese restaurant of its class in Toronto: refined yet homey in ambience and food. The two cities alluded to in its name are Chongqing, where the restaurant began, and Toronto, where it moved to.
The menu is split between traditional and fusion. Traditional Sichuanese dishes like mapo topu or juju pots (claypot dishes) are competent. More interesting are the
modern creations like chilli grilled branzino or seared pepper eggplants with avocadoes. Note that the spice level isn't as high as in Chongqing.RSVP closes 3 days before the event. If there are many people on the waitlist, we may arrange more seats. There is a 18% mandatory gratuity since we're a large group.
Payment
- The $10 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 notified 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.
12 attendees - CA$10.00
Asado at Vos Restaurante (after The Queen hike)
Vos Restaurante Argentino, 2083 Lake Shore Boulevard West, Toronto, ON, CAThis is a companion event for the The Queen hike. You don't have to join the hike to sign up for this, but it's more rewarding if you do.
Only a handful of restaurants in the GTA offer Argentine asado (BBQ). Vos Restaurante is the top pick for its expert grilling and range of meats. Enjoy picaña (sirloin cap), morcilla (blood sausage), mollejas (sweetbreads), and more. Their gourmet empanadas are also popular with 6 flavours to choose from.
RSVP closes 3 days before the event. If there are many people on the waitlist, we may arrange more seats.
Payment
- The $10 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 notified 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.
2 attendees
Past events
245
