Backcountry Skiing Toronto

Intro to Survival Skills: Shelter, Fire and Knots

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/survival-skills/intro-survival-skills)** **Spend a Saturday becoming someone who knows what to do.** Join us for a hands-on beginner day in Copeland Forest with Kyle, a survival instructor with over a decade of experience. You'll pitch a shelter, light a fire without matches, carve with a knife and tie the knots that hold it all together. This class is open to any adult, member or not. Come on your own or bring a friend. Most people at our classes arrive solo. Total beginners are welcome: Kyle starts from zero, and there's no hiking, just short walks into the trees to gather wood. **Kit provided:** Tarps, saws, hatchets, loaner ferro rods and knives to borrow, plus your own tinder kit and a printed handout. Want your own ferro rod (+$10) or Mora knife (+$40) to keep? Add one when you book. **Getting there:** Add the bus for $50 and we'll pick you up at Keele Station at 8am and drop you back around 6pm. Or drive yourself to the P1 parking lot in Copeland Forest, near Horseshoe Valley, about an hour and a half north of Toronto. No membership needed. After you book, we'll email you the waiver to sign and your plan with directions, timings and a packing list. **Accessibility** Wilderness Union is committed to making our adventures as accessible as possible. If you wish to make an accommodation request relating to a disability or provide feedback, please do so by sending an email to info@wildernessunion.com **Highlights** **Put a roof over your head:** Learn to pick a good spot and pitch a tarp two ways, the A-frame and the plow point, so you know how to stay dry when the weather turns. **Light a fire without matches:** Catch a ferro rod spark on fluffed jute, build up through twigs to logs, split wood by batoning and carve feather sticks. **Knots, knife work and a tripod grill:** Learn the taut-line hitch, slip knot and bowline, carve your own chopsticks, spoon or spatula, then lash a tripod and grill over the fire. **Itinerary** **08:00** \- Bus leaves Keele Station \(if you've added it\) **10:00** \- Meet at location\, for a welcome\, safety talk and knife handling **Late morning** \- Tarp shelters: the A\-frame and the plow point **Lunch** \- Bring a packed lunch and eat around the fire **Afternoon** \- Fire without matches: ferro rod\, jute\, batoning and feather sticks **Late afternoon** \- Knots\, bush cutlery and a tripod grill **16:00** \- Wrap up and head home **18:00** \- Bus arrives back at Keele Station **Event cost: $135+HST. $50 optional transport also available. Please register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/survival-skills/intro-survival-skills)** **About Wilderness Union** Wilderness Union is deliberate about building an outdoors community that connects you to the life-changing magic of the outdoors and helps you find your people. Attendance numbers on Meetup don't reflect our actual event attendance - we typically have 15-20 community members at each event. Large enough that there's someone new to meet but small enough that it's not overwhelming! ***Learn more at our website [www.wildernessunion.com](https://www.wildernessunion.com/)***

Exploring Mount Nemo

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/mt-nemo-fall-26)** **Mount Nemo is one of the best parts of the Niagara Escarpment and it's only a short drive from the city!** We'll follow the Bruce Trail for about 7 km along the top of the ridge, through old forest that grows right up to the cliff’s edge. Within a few minutes, while immersed in this UNESCO biosphere reserve, Toronto feels a lot further away than it is. This isn't a simple stroll but it is accessible for anybody wanting to get into hiking. The ground is broken up in the best way, with rock, roots and the odd scramble, and the route keeps changing character as we go. November is a good month to do it. The trail is quieter than in peak fall colour season, and depending on the year some leaves may still be hanging on. Most people arrive not knowing anyone, and by the time we're back at the cars you'll likely have a few new trail friends. **Accessibility** Wilderness Union is committed to making our adventures as accessible as possible. If you wish to make an accommodation request relating to a disability or provide feedback, please do so by sending an email to info@wildernessunion.com **Highlights** **Close to the City:** It's an hour drive from Toronto, which makes this one of the easiest ways to get onto the escarpment. **Views:** Whatever colour is left in the forest, set against the dark green of the cedars. Bare branches also mean longer sightlines across the valley. **Meet Your Crew:** A day on the trail with fellow members of the WU crew, and a few new people to plan the next hike with. **Itinerary** **10:00** \- Shuttle leaves from near Keele Station **10:00 - 11:00** \- Drive to trail head **11:00 - 15:30** \- Hike the trail with a stop for lunch along the way **15:30 - 16:30** \- Drive back to Toronto **Event cost: $55+HST. $40 optional transport also available. Please register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/mt-nemo-fall-26)** **About Wilderness Union** Wilderness Union is deliberate about building an outdoors community that connects you to the life-changing magic of the outdoors and helps you find your people. Members range from 20-40 years old. The group is a mix of GTA locals and newcomers to Toronto from within Canada and abroad. Attendance numbers on Meetup don't reflect our actual event attendance - we typically have 15-20 community members at each event. Large enough that there's someone new to meet but small enough that it's not overwhelming! ***Learn more at our website [www.wildernessunion.com](https://www.wildernessunion.com/)***

Hike Leaders’ Meeting at Marjan’s Trail ✅

Our hike leaders are getting together to share ideas, plan future hikes and adventures and help our community continue to grow. Thank you to all our volunteers and members for making every hike a great experience. 🥾🥾

November Trek Alert | Desert Canyons & Epic Views

November Trek Alert | Desert Canyons & Epic Views Think: Red rock canyons Cool November weather Wide open trails Zero crowds, zero chaos We’ll be hiking Zion, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon at a comfortable, steady pace — with time to breathe, pause, and actually enjoy where we are. If you’ve been craving: ✔️ A reset ✔️ Nature over noise ✔️ Movement with meaning Motel 6 1322 Fremont Street, Las Vegas, 89101, United States

COUPLES DINING @ MIZUNARA (New venue: Japanese whisky & small plates!)

🍂 Crothers Woods Fall Hike & Ice Cream Treat! 🍦

## 🍂 **Crothers Woods Fall Hike & Ice Cream Treat!** 🍦 Toronto doesn’t have many true hiking trails — but Crothers Woods is one of the best! This beautiful wooded trail is especially stunning in the fall, with the leaves turning every shade of red and gold. We’ll start by walking along **Broadview Avenue to Pottery Road**, heading down the hill to meet the **Don Valley Trail**. From there, we’ll join the **Crothers Woods Trail**, take in the fall colours, stop for a short break, and then walk back. There are a few light hills — and one big one at the very end (Pottery Road, I’m looking at you!) — but don’t worry, there’s a sweet reward waiting. After all that hard work, we’ll stop for **Dairy Queen ice cream**! This hike is a bit more challenging than some of our regular walks, but totally worth it for the views (and the ice cream). **This event happens rain or shine!** *** ### 📍 **Meetup Details** **Meeting Spot:** Right outside **Broadview Subway Station** — I’ll be the one wearing the **Moose Hat!** 🦌 **Ending Spot:** Broadview Subway Station **Meetup Fee:** $5 (cash in person or e-transfer to **mathewmaclean@hotmail.com**) *** ### 🕒 **Timing** 11:00am and I will only wait 5mins — the hike should take about **2 hours**. You can leave anytime you like if you need to head back early. *** ### 🥾 **What to Bring** * Water * Good walking or hiking shoes * A snack * A positive attitude (and maybe room for ice cream!) ### *** ### ⚠️ **A Quick Note** Sometimes things come up and I might need to cancel or reschedule. Please keep an eye on the event page for updates. *** ### 👋 **About This Group** This group is open to **everyone** — whether you’re single or not, new to the city, or just looking to be social and make friends. We also host **movies, walks, hikes, arts & culture events, and restaurant outings**! You can RSVP ahead of time **or just show up** if you’re not sure you can make it — we’re flexible like that. *** **Organizer:** Mathew 📧 Email: **torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com** **Come for the trails.** **Stay for the conversation.** **Leave with a new connection — and maybe a new friend.** 🍂💛

Humber River to High Park Loop

🍁 Fall Walk: Glen Stewart Ravine & Beach Boardwalk Adventure! 🍦🌊

## 🍁 **Fall Walk: Glen Stewart Ravine & Beach Boardwalk Adventure!** 🍦🌊 Join us for a **beautiful fall walk** through one of Toronto’s most scenic spots — the **Glen Stewart Ravine** — followed by a stroll along the **Beach Boardwalk**! We’ll take in the crisp autumn air, the colourful leaves, and the sound of the waves — plus a treat (or two) along the way. Our walk begins at **Main Subway Station**, where we’ll make our way down **Main Street**, head east along **Kingston Road**, and then wander through the **Glen Stewart Ravine** — one of Toronto’s best hidden gems. After exploring the ravine, we’ll stop for a well-deserved treat at **Ed’s Real Scoop**, home to some of the *best ice cream in the city*! 🍨 If you’re not in an ice cream mood, no worries — there’s a cozy coffee shop right across the street. ☕ From there, we’ll head down to the **Boardwalk**, walk along the lake, loop around **Ashbridges Bay** and finish our adventure at **Woodbine Beach**, taking in those gorgeous fall views of the water. This is the perfect way to soak up the fall season before winter sneaks in! 🍂 *** ### 📍 **Meetup Details** **Meeting Spot:** Outside **Main Subway Station** — I’ll be waiting and easy to spot in my **Moose Hat!** 🦌 **Meeting Time:** **11:30 A.M.** (I’ll wait about 5 minutes before we head out.) **Ending Spot:** **Woodbine Beach** *** ### 💲 **Meetup Fee** $5 (cash 💵 or e-transfer 📲 to **mathewmaclean@hotmail.com**) You can send it before or the day of the event! *** ### 🥾 **What to Bring** * Water * Comfortable walking shoes * A snack or a few bucks for ice cream ☺️ * A cozy sweater — it might get breezy by the water! *** ### 💬 **Stay Connected** 👉 📱 **Don’t forget to join our WhatsApp group** – [CLICK HERE!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/H59mSCbsAi018gYANrKAnc?mode=ac_t) Get updates, event reminders, and chat with other friendly walkers! *** ### ⚠️ **A Quick Note** Sometimes things come up and I might need to cancel or reschedule. Please keep an eye on the event page for updates. *** ### 👋 **About This Group** This group is open to **everyone** — whether you’re single or not, new to Toronto, or just looking to be social and make friends! We also host **movies, hikes, arts & culture events, and restaurant outings.** You can RSVP ahead of time — or just show up the day of if you’re feeling spontaneous! *** **Organizer:** Mathew 📧 **torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com** **Come for the fall colours.** **Stay for the friendship.** 🍁💛

SOCCER ⚽️ All Genders Welcome! Skill Level is Average and Above.

🍁🎄 Niagara Falls Fall Hiking Trip & Festival of Lights! 🌈

# 🍁🎄 Niagara Falls Fall Hiking Trip & Winter Festival of Lights! 🌈 🌦️ **RAIN OR SHINE!** The adventure goes on, whether we're enjoying golden sunshine, crisp autumn air, or a little mist from the Falls. After a day of hiking, we'll finish with dinner and the spectacular Winter Festival of Lights! ✨ *** ## 🥾 About the Trip Let's escape the city for a full day of fresh air, friendship, and breathtaking scenery! We'll explore the natural side of Niagara Falls — less time in the tourist crowds, more trails, trees, and spectacular views. We'll meet outside the **Fairmont Royal York on Front Street West**, travel together by GO Train to Niagara Falls, and make our way to **Niagara Glen Nature Reserve** for a hike among ancient boulders, winding forest paths, and the turquoise waters of the Niagara River. The trail features stairs, uneven ground, elevation changes, and a climb back up out of the gorge. This is a proper hike, so please read the expectations below before signing up. **A Special Guest Joining Us!** We're excited to welcome Miles Howard, visiting us from Boston on November 14–15! Miles is writing *HIKE EVERY CITY*, a book (coming in 2028) exploring urban hiking, community, and how exploring cities on foot brings people together. He also runs a similar urban hiking project in Boston called *Walking City Trails*. He'll be joining us for both weekend outings, including Niagara Falls, to experience our group firsthand and meet our members. Feel free to say hello, share your experiences, and chat with Miles if you'd like. No pressure, of course! It's exciting to see our community getting noticed beyond Toronto. Let's give Miles a warm welcome! *** ## 🌲 The Trail Experience Niagara Glen is a beautiful natural area carved into the Niagara Gorge over thousands of years. We'll follow forest trails, take photos, enjoy the fall colours, and experience a side of Niagara Falls that many visitors never see. The planned hike is approximately **4 km**, although the terrain makes it more demanding than the distance might suggest. We'll have opportunities to pause and enjoy the scenery, but everyone needs to be prepared for the physical demands of the route. ### ⚠️🥾 IMPORTANT: HIKE EXPECTATIONS — PLEASE READ CAREFULLY 🥾⚠️ **This is a real hiking trail, not a casual walk.** Before signing up, please be confident that you can: * ✔️ Walk for an extended period of time. * ✔️ Handle uneven terrain, stairs, elevation changes, and the climb back up out of the gorge. * ✔️ Keep up with the group at a steady pace without needing frequent or extended stops. * ✔️ Manage a full day of walking, travel, dinner, and evening sightseeing. **This is not the event to use to test your fitness level or see how things go.** If you're unsure whether you can complete the hike, please choose an easier event instead. If you find yourself unable to keep up, you may need to turn back or continue independently where the route and circumstances allow. The group cannot stop or slow down significantly to accommodate someone who is struggling, as this affects the experience and schedule for everyone. Please make an honest assessment of your abilities before committing. The goal is to keep the day safe, enjoyable, and on track for the entire group. *** ## 🍔 Dinner at Chuck's Roadhouse After the hike, we'll head to **Chuck's Roadhouse on Clifton Hill** for a relaxed dinner. Everyone is responsible for the cost of their own meal. ⚠️ **Please note:** The restaurant has limited vegetarian options. If this means you won't be joining us for dinner, please let me know in advance so I can plan the numbers. Please don't leave this until the last minute, as I'll be arranging the dinner headcount. *** ## 🎇 Winter Festival of Lights After dinner, we'll head down to the Falls to enjoy the **Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights**. The surrounding area comes alive with illuminated displays and colourful seasonal installations. We'll take a relaxed evening stroll, enjoy the atmosphere, and stop for photos along the way. Bring warm layers — temperatures near the Falls can drop, especially after dark! 🧣✨ *** ## 💲 Meetup Fee **$5 Meetup fee** 💵 Cash at the event, or 📧 E-transfer to **[mathewmaclean@hotmail.com](mailto:mathewmaclean@hotmail.com)** before or on the day. *** ## 🚆 TRANSPORTATION REQUIREMENT — PLEASE READ **Everyone must travel with the group on the GO Train to participate in this event.** We will not meet people separately in Niagara Falls. Travelling together helps us coordinate the day's activities, stay on schedule, and avoid confusion about meeting points and transportation. Please arrive on time at our Toronto meeting point. We will not be able to hold the train for late arrivals. *** ## 🕒 Travel Details (Approximate) * **8:15 AM** — Meet outside the main doors of the Fairmont Royal York on Front Street West. Look for my Moose Hat! 🫎 * **8:30 AM** — Depart for the GO Train. * **9:03 AM** — Planned GO Train departure for Niagara Falls. * **11:25 AM** — Expected arrival in Niagara Falls. * **12:30 PM** — Planned start of the Niagara Glen hike. * **4:30 PM** — Dinner at Chuck's Roadhouse. * **6:00 PM** — Head down to the Falls for the Winter Festival of Lights. * **8:00–9:00 PM** — Target return-train window to Toronto. 🚆 These times are approximate and depend on the transit schedule and conditions on the day. I'll share any necessary updates closer to the event. Please check the current GO Transit schedule before purchasing your ticket. *** ## 🎟️ Tickets & What to Bring Please purchase the **GO + WEGO Combo Ticket** in advance. The previously listed round-trip price was approximately $20, but please check the current price and service details before buying. 👉 **[Click here for the Niagara Parks GO + WEGO offer](https://www.gotransit.com/en/partners-and-promotions/go-train-to-niagara-on-weekends)** Bring: * 🥾 Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots with good grip. * 💧 Water and snacks. * 🧥 Warm layers for the evening. * 📸 A camera or charged phone. * 🎒 Anything else you need for a full day outdoors. *** ## ⚠️ Important Notes * This is a full, active day involving a train journey, a hike, dinner, and evening sightseeing. * The event is open to everyone — singles, couples, and friends — provided they can manage the hike. * Please RSVP only if you understand the physical requirements and can commit to the day's itinerary. * You can RSVP ahead of time or show up on the day if you're unsure about your schedule, but please remember that the train arrangements and group itinerary require punctuality. * Sometimes things happen and I may need to cancel or change the plans. Please watch the event page for updates. *** 👤 **Organized by Mathew** Questions? Post on the event wall or email **[torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com](mailto:torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com)**. **Come for the hike.** **Stay for the lights.** **Leave with a full day of adventure and new connections.** 🍁🎄

Muskoka Hiking Day Trip

Challenging Hike at Hockley Hills and Mono Trail Loop