Hikers and Campers

**MeetUp Location: Finch Subway Station** Toronto is filled with great nature to explore! So we are off to visit Don,; don river who connects nature throughout toronto and runs far. \*City Hike along the Old Rail Corridor Trail and East Don River\* This 15+ km trail starts and ends at subway stations, winds through lush ravines with river views, and offers spring greenery in mid-April that's vibrant after winter. In mid-April, Toronto's ravines burst with fresh green leaves on maples and oaks, wildflowers like trilliums start blooming, and the Don River flows actively from snowmelt, creating small cascades. Expect clear valley views, birdwatching (woodpeckers, herons), and possible deer sightings in the wooded sections—far more vivid than winter's bare trees. This time avoids summer crowds and bugs while highlighting spring's renewal, with mild temperatures perfect for a perfect outing. \*Trail Overview\* Begin at Finch Station on Line 1 (Yonge-University). Head northeast via nearby paths into Newtonbrook Park, then connect east to the Don River trails in East Don Parkland. The route follows German Mills Creek and the East Don River south through forested parklands, passing interpretive signs and memorial trees, before reaching Leslie Station on Line 4 (Sheppard). Total distance is around 15-18 km one-way, taking 4-5 hours at a moderate pace. \*Practical Tips\* Pack water, snacks, and layers for variable ravine microclimates; trails are mostly flat with some moderate hills/roots, suitable for trail runners or hikers. Check TTC for service (frequent on Lines 1/4)

**On Sunday, April 19th, join me for A Night in Venice - Johann Strauss, performed by the Toronto Operetta Theatre, and commissioned by** t**he Toronto Symphony Orchestra, in association with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, TO Live, and the National Arts Centre’s National Creation Fund.** Set in “the most beautiful city in the world, this sparkling operetta by “Waltz King” Johann Strauss II unfolds during Carnival, where disguises, romance, and waltzes come to life along the city’s iconic canals. The story follows the flirtatious Duke, his scheming barber, and a cascade of mistaken identities involving senators, cooks, and cabaret singers. Amid gondolas, masked balls, and romantic entanglements, chaos unfolds as characters swap roles to pursue love or ambition. With Strauss’s sparkling waltzes and comedic twists, the operetta celebrates charm, deception, and the joy of revelry. My seat is Left Orchestra Seat P9. **Purchase A Night in Venice on Sunday, April 19th at 3pm.** **COST** Adults: $51.75/ 86/ 107 + service charges Meetup Organizer Fee: $5 Ticket Policy: All sales are final. **SIGNING-UP** * **RSVP, confirming if you will join for dinner after** * **[Purchase](https://www.ticketmaster.ca/toronto-operetta-theatre-night-in-venice-toronto-ontario-04-19-2026/event/100062F70DA86374)**[ ](https://tickets.mirvish.com/tina/20416)**your own ticket for Sunday April 19, 2026 at 3pm, and post a comment with your seat number** A reminder will be sent the day before with my cell and reminder details where to meet and when. RSVPs close 1 day prior and cancellations will result in a No Show and impact future attendance. **MEETUP TIME** **Meet me at: 2:45pm inside The Jane Mallett Theatre at 27 Front St. E., to the right side after scanning your tickets** Start: 3pm Length: 2.5 hours including an intermission After: meet at the same spot to head across the street to a local restaurant to chat about the show Enjoy and please post your comments in the Event after.

🚶‍♂️🌿 WEST TORONTO RAILPATH & THE JUNCTION WALK WITH LUNCH (9KM) 🌿🚶‍♂️ Urban Trails, Creative Energy & A Junction Hangout Some of Toronto’s best walks follow the paths that used to move trains — now they move people. Join us for a relaxed, social walk along the West Toronto Railpath, a unique urban trail that blends city views, street art, and a slightly hidden side of Toronto most people overlook. We’ll make our way north toward The Junction, a neighbourhood known for its creative spirit, independent shops, and laid-back vibe — the kind of place that feels a little different from the rest of the city. This is not a formal tour. It’s a social walk with interesting surroundings and time to connect. 👉 **Don’t forget to join our WhatsApp group** – [CLICK HERE!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/H59mSCbsAi018gYANrKAnc?mode=ac_t) \*\*\* 🚶‍♂️ What We’ll Do We’ll start near the Railpath and follow it north, enjoying the mix of greenery, industrial backdrops, and local art along the way. The trail is mostly flat and easy, making it a comfortable and steady walk. Once we reach the Junction, we’ll explore the area a bit before stopping for a casual lunch together. It’s the perfect way to wind down after the walk. You’re welcome to join for food or head out whenever you like. \*\*\* 🌦️ Weather & Expectations This walk will happen in typical spring weather — sun, clouds, or light rain. As long as it’s not extreme conditions, we’ll be going ahead. Dress in layers and come prepared — this is April in Toronto, after all. Comfortable shoes are recommended. Also — this is NOT a guided or historical tour. I ’ll share bits of context casually, but the focus is on being social and enjoying the walk. \*\*\* 🧢 Meetup Details 📍 Meetup Location: Outside the subway station 🫎 I’ll be wearing my Moose Hat ⏰ Meetup Time: 11:00 AM I will only wait 5 minutes. Early is on time. On time is late. **Lunch:** Shoeless Joes **Menu:** [Click Here!](https://shoelessjoes.ca/food-menu/) We’ll begin promptly — thank you for respecting everyone’s time. End Point: Right back at the Meetup spot. \*\*\* 🎟️ Meetup Fee: $5 cash in person or e-transfer to 📧 \*\*[mathewmaclean@hotmail.com**](http://mathewmaclean@hotmail.com%2A%2A/) This helps support the group and allows us to keep hosting events like this. Thank you for supporting community! 💖 \*\*\* 🎒 What to Bring Water Comfortable walking shoes A small snack Weather-appropriate clothing (layers + rain-ready ☔) Optional: cash/card for lunch Please also use the washroom before arriving, as stops are limited. \*\*\* 🌈 Who Is This For? This group is open to anyone who wants to be social and make friends — whether single or not. We also host: 🎬 Movies 🚶 Walks & hikes 🎭 Arts & culture outings 🍽️ Restaurant gatherings There’s always something happening. \*\*\* REMEMBER: You’re welcome to just show up on the day if you’re unsure about your schedule. And as always, sometimes plans shift and events may need to be canceled — please keep an eye on updates. \*\*\* 👤 Organizer: Mathew Questions? Post on the event wall or email 📧 [torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com](mailto:torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com) Come for the trail. Stay for the neighbourhood. Leave feeling like you discovered a side of Toronto that’s quietly cool and a little unexpected. 🚶‍♂️✨

Join us at our vegan-friendly social climbing session! We welcome all vegans, vegetarians, or anyone who is curious about the lifestyle and/or interested in eating more plant-based. No climbing experience is necessary. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-time climber, all are welcome. We will be bouldering, top roping, and using autobelays - feel free to join whichever activity you're interested in! For those who are climbing for the first time, not to worry as it is quick to pick up and we are happy to provide some pointers on technique. You can boulder or use the autobelays after getting a quick orientation from the staff at the gym. For top roping, we're happy to belay any of our attendees. **Fees**: * $28 admission fee, plus rentals Climbing shoes are strongly recommended (disclaimer: rental shoes are not vegan as they contain suede/leather). Harnesses are only necessary for top roping and autobelay, however this gym is primarily a rope climbing gym. * Shoe rental: $7.00 * Harness rental: $7.00 Remember to sign the [waiver](https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/5f121ea156df1/web/) before you hit the rocks! You can sign the waiver online or in person once you arrive. Make sure to arrive at the Bloor location, there are multiple Basecamp locations! Happy climbing! 🧗‍♂️🌱 Note: Clean indoor shoes are allowed to be worn, however we highly recommend using climbing shoes otherwise your experience will be negatively impacted.

After a half century(!) it’s time to close The Toronto Loop. [TORONTO COMMUNITY BIKEWAYS COALITION](https://www.communitybikewaysto.ca/) is producing and leading this epic spring ride. Volunteer marshalls will support the ride. The Loop trail is an ALMOST complete 72km circuit of trails that includes the waterfront, Humber River, Finch Hydro Corridor, and Don River trails. Unfortunately, there are about ten small gaps that undermine the value of The Loop Trail for everyday/utilitarian, recreational, and tourism cyclists. The Loop Trail is part of the city's Ravine Strategy, although the gaps are all on roads. The Loop was first announced by the city in 2020, but there has been little progress -- until the launch of the TCBC advocacy campaign and ride in November 2025. You can ride with us for the full 72km, or join us at various locations **Estimated Itinerary:** 9 AM The Well, in front of Fix Coffee & Bikes - they have Bromptons & great in-house made pastries! 9:40 Foot of Humber bridge \~ group photo 10:10 James Gardens off Edenbridge \~ washroom break 10:55 West Humber Gap \~ ascend stairway :( 12 noon Finch at Weston Rd SW Corner Parking Lot \~ snack break & staging area for Finch rail underpass route 1 PM Esther Shiner Community Centre \~ Lunch & washroom break 1:45 Finch at top of East Don Trail 2 Sheppard at Leslie 2:10 401 Underpass crossing 2:30 exit from Betty Sutherland Trail at Duncan Mills Rd 3:15 Brickworks at Bayview Ave \~ washroom break 4:15 Return to The Well We expect 50+ people to ride with us! TCBC estimates 6.5 hours (I think it'll take longer) with lunch & washroom breaks so bring water, snacks, stamina, and reality if you cannot ride this ride or at a pace to keep up. **CHECK** your bicycle's brakes, air, and chain prior to the day.

Sunday hike 🌿 Short walk (~3 km) at Rattray Marsh followed by lunch in Port Credit. 📅 Sunday, April 19 🕚 11:15 AM Sharp will start hike (Arrive before 11 am to find parking and the group) 📍 Parking: Jack Darling Park – Waterfront (Lower Lot) Instructions: Please drive inside the park and go all the way toward the lake. Park at the lower lot near the water (NOT the Rattray Marsh parking in the trees). 👉 If you step out and can see the lake right in front of you, you’re in the correct spot. Lunch tentatively at 1:30 pm at Habitat Social (veg & non-veg options). Weather dependent — please check the day before for updates.

\*\*Moved to Sunday due to rain on Saturday\*\* Join us for a casual walk starting at The Well - let's meet at DeMello Coffee, pick up a coffee if you choose, and check out the area for some architecture/street photography and make our way to Graffiti Alley for some great photo opps. All skill levels welcome including mobile phone users, just a chance to meet people and share our common interests. Event is free, just bring a smile :) Hope you can join us! Paul

⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **Join the Toronto City Brunch Club and make new friends!** Each meetup brings together 4–6 people for casual conversations over brunch. We use the Groupvibe platform to facilitate the meetup and ensure everyone’s a good fit. 👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) We’ll share the exact location of the upcoming meetup the night before only if you have bought a ticket or membership plan. **Why this works:** \* Smaller groups make real conversations easier. \* Discover new restaurants in your city, together. \* Curated lunch venues with good food and vibe. \* If you hit it off with your group, there’s plenty of time to hang out afterwards. **Note:** RSVPs on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. The event on [Meetup.com](http://meetup.com/) is only a placeholder. This meetup is organized by Groupvibe, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.

Over time I'm hoping to organize a hike to all the Franklin County Metro Parks. This is the first one so if you're interested jump in! We'll start with the Canopy Walk, a cool feature of this park. Climb 100 stairs to the top - or take the elevator if stairs aren't your thing. At the top there are a bunch of things to play on - a rope bridge, a fireman pole that we can slide down - and more! About fifteen minutes there and we'll head to the natural trail, Buttonbush, Maple and Beech Trail for 2.2 miles then do a 1.7 mile loop on the paved Greenway Trail. We'll be passing our cars as we transition if you only want to do the first loop, or the second loop. Pace of around 3.5 mph but no one left behind. If there is an interest we can grab lunch nearby afterward.

If you are interested in selecting investment choices for your 401(k) or other workplace savings plan, minimizing your income tax liability, or identifying the most effective investments for your brokerage account, we are the group for you. We are a local chapter of Bogleheads, whose investment strategy can be found here: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy Or you can peruse the Boglehead forum here: https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php I look forward to seeing you there. Mark Vonder Haar