
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.
Attendance policy is enforced for this hike. See below for details.
Back by popular demand, we're doing a mega hike along Yonge Street in Toronto. It's advertised as the longest street in the world. (It's not and never was). See how the landscape changes from strip malls to skyscrapers to golf courses to parks to colonial buildings as we approach the lakeshore. The restaurants along the way highlight the cultural diversity of Toronto. We'll be passing by restaurants from five different continents and checking out many more.
You need to be in decent shape and have a voracious 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 steakhouse. Reservations are required at our companion event. There are other high-end restaurants in the area for dinner: Miku, Harbour 60, Jacobs and Co, and Pearl Harbourfront. Unfortunately, cheap and moderately-priced restaurants in the area are not good.
Highlights
Segment 1: Uptown (North York Centre)
- Galleria Supermarket (depart 11am)
- Khorak Supermarket
- Sang-Ji Fried Bao
- Sinjeon Topokki / Mary Bun / Egg Club
- Luna Bakery
- Lucullus Bakery
- Bake Code / Gimbap Shop / Hay Sushi
- The Fry / Bonjuk (depart 1:10pm)
Segment 2: York Mills
- Emerald Park
- Kinka Izakaya
- Chillax / 7 Noodles
- Auberge du Pommier
- Miller Tavern
- Tamada Georgian Restaurant
- Mumbaikar
- Bobbette & Belle / Patisserie Sebastien / Pii Nong Thai (depart 2:20pm)
Segment 3: Midtown (Eglinton)
- The Friendly Butcher
- Locke Library
- La Rocca
- Andrea's Cookies
- Benny's Barbecue
- Mizzica Gelateria / STOCK T.C
- Juicy Dumpling / Maki Mart
- Zezafoun Syrian Cuisine / Padaria (depart 3:35pm)
Segment 4: St Clair
- Circles & Squares Bakery / Flaming Stove
- Yonge and St Clair murals / El Inka Peruvian Cuisine
- Holy Chuck / Zelden's Deli
- North Toronto Station
- Nadège Patisserie / Terroni
- Poppadum
- Toronto Reference Library / One Bloor
- Naan and Kabob / Toro Toro Sushi / Nani's Gelato (depart 4:50pm)
Segment 5: Downtown (Dundas)
- Bloom Cafe
- Woojoo Bunsik / Kream Dessert
- Japadog / Hi Hoi Tod / Kati Thai Gelato
- Aura / Le Génie
- Toronto Metropolitan University / World Food Market
- Prehistoria Museum / Banh Mi Boys / Yonge-Dundas Square
- Brookfield Place / L Tower
- End (or beginning) of Yonge Street (arrive 6pm)
Neighbourhoods
Thornhill > Willowdale > Hoggs Hollow > Lawrence Park North > Lawrence Park South > Sherwood Park > Davisville Village > Deer Park > Summerhill > Yorkville > Bay-Cloverhill > Garden District > Financial District > Southcore
Map
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1s5DRurGHdHV8upmYIIy9MWTgoswLuHc&usp=sharing
Mostly gentle downhill. Some gentle uphill portions in segment 2.
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.
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.
Upcoming events (4)
See all- L is for Long Branch (6.1 km)Tienda Movil Latin Supermarket, Toronto, ON
On the western edge of Toronto, Long Branch developed later than the rest of the city and is still very suburban. The arterial Lake Shore Boulevard West is an exception, slowly gentrifying with boutique cafes. It's home to Toronto's best cannoli and a bunch of eclectic eats from Chile to Slovakia.
There aren't many sights in the area. A Ukrainian church punctuates the skyline and there are a few scattered murals. Closer to New Toronto is the sprawling grounds of the former Mimico Asylum, now home to Humber College.
This L-shaped hike is best done in the day when more businesses are open. Come before 6pm to check out the leading Japanese grocer in Etobicoke, Sandown Market. We'll end at a top-notch British restaurant.
Highlights
- Tienda Movil Latin Supermarket (depart 6:30pm)
- Jam Tse Cho Ling Dharma Centre
- V's Schnitzel House
- Thai Barn Na
- Mural at Long Branch Loop
- The Empanada Company / The Chicken Cartel
- Welcome to Long Branch mural / Holy Cannoli (closed during hike; depart 7:20pm)
- Ukrainian Orthodox Church of St.Demetrius
- Assembly Hall / The Gatehouse
- Albatros Pub / Kitchen on 6th (arrive 8pm)
Neighbourhoods
Alderwood > Long Branch > New TorontoMap
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1Rijif0ql5bkC-5qT9AcCcE4kA0DOwec&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 About section for more info.
- Yonge Street, Toronto. All of it. (18.2 km, 175th hike)Galleria Supermarket Thornhill, Thornhill, ON
Attendance policy is enforced for this hike. See below for details.
Back by popular demand, we're doing a mega hike along Yonge Street in Toronto. It's advertised as the longest street in the world. (It's not and never was). See how the landscape changes from strip malls to skyscrapers to golf courses to parks to colonial buildings as we approach the lakeshore. The restaurants along the way highlight the cultural diversity of Toronto. We'll be passing by restaurants from five different continents and checking out many more.
You need to be in decent shape and have a voracious 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 steakhouse. Reservations are required at our companion event. There are other high-end restaurants in the area for dinner: Miku, Harbour 60, Jacobs and Co, and Pearl Harbourfront. Unfortunately, cheap and moderately-priced restaurants in the area are not good.
Highlights
Segment 1: Uptown (North York Centre)- Galleria Supermarket (depart 11am)
- Khorak Supermarket
- Sang-Ji Fried Bao
- Sinjeon Topokki / Mary Bun / Egg Club
- Luna Bakery
- Lucullus Bakery
- Bake Code / Gimbap Shop / Hay Sushi
- The Fry / Bonjuk (depart 1:10pm)
Segment 2: York Mills
- Emerald Park
- Kinka Izakaya
- Chillax / 7 Noodles
- Auberge du Pommier
- Miller Tavern
- Tamada Georgian Restaurant
- Mumbaikar
- Bobbette & Belle / Patisserie Sebastien / Pii Nong Thai (depart 2:20pm)
Segment 3: Midtown (Eglinton)
- The Friendly Butcher
- Locke Library
- La Rocca
- Andrea's Cookies
- Benny's Barbecue
- Mizzica Gelateria / STOCK T.C
- Juicy Dumpling / Maki Mart
- Zezafoun Syrian Cuisine / Padaria (depart 3:35pm)
Segment 4: St Clair
- Circles & Squares Bakery / Flaming Stove
- Yonge and St Clair murals / El Inka Peruvian Cuisine
- Holy Chuck / Zelden's Deli
- North Toronto Station
- Nadège Patisserie / Terroni
- Poppadum
- Toronto Reference Library / One Bloor
- Naan and Kabob / Toro Toro Sushi / Nani's Gelato (depart 4:50pm)
Segment 5: Downtown (Dundas)
- Bloom Cafe
- Woojoo Bunsik / Kream Dessert
- Japadog / Hi Hoi Tod / Kati Thai Gelato
- Aura / Le Génie
- Toronto Metropolitan University / World Food Market
- Prehistoria Museum / Banh Mi Boys / Yonge-Dundas Square
- Brookfield Place / L Tower
- End (or beginning) of Yonge Street (arrive 6pm)
Neighbourhoods
Thornhill > Willowdale > Hoggs Hollow > Lawrence Park North > Lawrence Park South > Sherwood Park > Davisville Village > Deer Park > Summerhill > Yorkville > Bay-Cloverhill > Garden District > Financial District > SouthcoreMap
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1s5DRurGHdHV8upmYIIy9MWTgoswLuHc&usp=sharingMostly gentle downhill. Some gentle uphill portions in segment 2.
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.
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.
- Dinner at The Butcher Chef (after Yonge St hike)The Butcher Chef, Toronto, ONCA$50.00
This is a companion event for the Yonge St hike. You must walk some portion of the hike to attend this dinner. Obviously, you have to sign up for the hike first. It's ok to be on the waitlist. Then, sign up here.
The Butcher Chef is a lesser-known steakhouse in an area filled with venerable ones like Jacobs and Co and Harbour 60, or upstarts like Blue Bovine and Sammarco. The difference is in the sides and non-steak dishes. They have a larger variety than their competitors, including rabbit and lamb. Oh, and the steak is pretty decent too.
RSVP closes 5 days before the event. If there are many people on the waitlist, we may arrange more seats.
Payment
- The $50 event fee is a deposit. The restaurant charges this amount for no-shows. 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.
- If you paid the deposit but did not attend the hike, we will give your spot to someone else. We will return your deposit.
- Please try to attend the hike even if you're on the waitlist for the hike. There's a high chance that you can join because of no-shows.
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.
- Warden Woods (5.1 km)Victoria Park Station, Toronto, ON
It's a Monday hike! Restaurants are usually closed on Mondays but it won't matter for this hike because there are only two notable restaurants in this area, and they're open on Mondays.
Warden Woods is a small tract of pristine forest that's shielded by subway tracks. It doesn't get a lot of traffic, even from the surrounding houses, because there's no access to the ravine except at the ends. That means it'll be a peaceful hike through summer greenery.
We'll whiz through the woods and the neighbourhood around St Clair Avenue East and Pharmacy Avenue. There's not much to see here. There was Toronto's strangest house but it's demolished now. Not much to eat either, so we'll head quickly to the restaurant at the end of the hike.
Highlights
- Victoria Park subway station (depart 6:30pm)
- Warden Woods
- Our Lady of Fatima Shrine
- Lageez (depart 7:20pm)
- Mexitaco / El Mercadito Latin Supermarket
- Dhaka Kitchen (arrive 7:45pm)
Neighbourhoods
Oakridge > ClairleaMap
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1JOXWnjXIjR2PsQ8-RDymgq0DKdtr1vM&usp=sharingHow it works
Hike starts punctually. Late or can't do the whole route? Meet us at scheduled checkpoints.See our homepage for more info.