Backpacking Toronto

Humber salmon run (5 km)

**Attendance policy is enforced for this hike**. See below for details. It's salmon season! The short falls at Etienne Brulé park is the most reliable place to see salmon jumping against the current. It's also the most convenient too; just a few minutes from a subway station. We'll use the last light of day to spot migrating salmon. At dusk, we'll hike through so-called garden suburbs. Baby (pronounced babby) Point was the site of Teiaiagon, a Seneca village. Today, it's developed into landscaped single-family homes around swirly lanes. There are decent cafes but they're closed at night. So, we won't linger. We'll head to Bloor West Village, filled with restaurants and minor attractions. There's a converted theatre, a library with Haida totem poles, and scattered Ukrainian businesses. This neighbourhood was a magnet for Ukrainian immigrants in the 1950s. Most have moved on to other parts of the GTA but there's a resurgence in recent years with new Ukrainian restaurants sprouting up. There will be very quick stops to check out some bakeries and cafes en route. **Highlights** 1. Old Mill Restaurant (depart 6:15pm) 2. Salmon jump at Etienne Brulé Park 3. Rabago Bakery and Cafe (depart 7:05pm) 4. Momo Ghar 5. Chebureky House 6. The CakeSmith 7. Bao Bao Dim Sum / Meaty Eats 8. Runnymede Theatre 9. Runnymede Library (arrive 8pm) **Neighbourhoods** The Kingsway> Baby Point > Runnymede **Map** [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1VU95gNa5QAVCCoPTJcNK3jto8T7USBI&usp=sharing](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1VU95gNa5QAVCCoPTJcNK3jto8T7USBI&usp=sharing) **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. 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 have been 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](https://www.meetup.com/hike-to-eat/) for more info. **Attendance policy** Please check in with an organizer when you arrive. 24 hours before the hike, we'll note 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.

Sunnybrook bounce (10 km)

**Attendance policy is enforced for this hike**. See below for details. Sunnybrook Park is surrounded by undulating mountain biking trails. It's a bouncy ride, and that applies to those going on foot. These trails have lovely names like Roller Flowster, Asylum Climb, and Trash Panda. Come trek the hidden parts of the park. We'll pass by the major landmarks of Sunnybrook, including historical estates and the sprawling hospital grounds. Since there are no restaurants in Sunnybrook, we will continue to the adjacent neighbourhood of Leaside. It's one of the garden suburbs in Toronto, characterized by winding roads radiating from a central park. Businesses are sprinkled around the edges, including one of Toronto's best fish and chip shops. The hike ends at an industrial brewery and a trampoline park if you want to bounce some more. We don't usually rate difficulty of hikes because every person's capabilities are different. Other hiking groups in Toronto would rate this as an intermediate hike, except for the start which is **advanced** because of a very steep climb. If you're not confident, join us at Sunnybrook Stables or Sushi by K. This hike will be postponed if the trails are muddy from rain. **Highlights** 1. Charmaine Sweets (depart 11am) 2. Eglinton Avenue over Don Valley 3. Trash Panda trail 4. Wilket Creek 5. Sunnybrook Pavilion 6. Sunnybrook Stables (depart 12:10pm) 7. Memorial Arboretum 8. McLean House / The Coach House 9. Vaughan Estate 10. Sunnybrook Hospital 11. Roller Flowster trail 12. Burke Brook Ravine boardwalk (under restoration) 13. Lyndhurst Centre 14. BanCan Kitchen / Sushi by K (depart 1:20pm) 15. Leaside library 16. Olde Yorke Fish and Chips / Naan and Kabob 17. Former Canadian Northern Railway Eastern Lines Locomotive Shop 18. Amsterdam Brewery (arrive 1:50pm) **Neighbourhoods** Sunnybrook Park > Leaside **Map** [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1WOeg-9G_egPlKTgGToJkIwaxUJ814-Y&usp=sharing](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1WOeg-9G_egPlKTgGToJkIwaxUJ814-Y&usp=sharing) Undulating terrain. Steep, narrow paths. One massive incline near the start, which may require scrambling. Some tall bushes. Please wear appropriate clothing to avoid ticks and nasty stuff. Footwear with a good tread will help with descents. Please observe trail etiquette. Keep to the trail to avoid ecologically-sensitive areas and give way to bikes. **How it works** Hike starts punctually. Late or can't do the whole route? Meet us at scheduled checkpoints. See our [homepage](https://www.meetup.com/hike-to-eat/) 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 hike, you won't be considered a no-show.

Morningside salmon run (11 km)

Salmon will be doing the running, not us. Late September to October is the season for watching salmon swimming upstream. There are four places in Toronto to see the salmon jump but Morningside is the only one that has a festival for it. In fact, this hike happens on that day! Toronto Region Conservation Authority will be conducting guided walks. If interested, sign up at [TRCA](https://trca.ca/salmon-adventures/). We're not affiliated with them and this hike will start after the festival. For our hike, we'll start at a clutch of restaurants near Colonel Danforth Park and follow Highland Creek upstream. If there's anything more attractive than the salmon migration, it's food. We'll skip the main section of Morningside Park and visit restaurants around Morningside Ave and Lawrence Ave. Then, it's back to nature and ravines. We'll end at Toronto's only Czech restaurant in a lush hideaway, where you can try the different dumplings of Central Europe. **Highlights** 1. Shamrock Burgers (depart 2:30pm) 2. Mark's Pizzas 3. Colonel Danforth Park 4. Miller Lash House 5. Morningside Park 6. The Suya Spot / Amira's Hot Roti and Doubles / Spice Club / Homies Doughnuts (depart 4pm) 7. St. Margaret in-the-Pines 8. Lawrence Ave bridge overlooking Highland Creek 9. Simi African Food Market / Upali Caters (depart 4:45pm) 10. Highland Creek Park 11. Cedar Ridge Creative Centre 12. Prague Restaurant (arrive 5:40pm) **Neighbourhoods** Highland Creek > West Hill > Golfdale Gardens **Map** [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1g6tIwKCmtHbLqMdGmwgwWTawibbrD2A&usp=sharing](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1g6tIwKCmtHbLqMdGmwgwWTawibbrD2A&usp=sharing) Multiple moderate climbs: downhill to Colonel Danforth Park, uphill from Morningside Park, down- and uphill from Highland Creek Park. The end point is 1 km from the nearest bus stop. **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. 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 [home page](https://www.meetup.com/hike-to-eat/) for more info.

Humber Bay Shores Farmers Market and High Park Ravines (11.3 km)

Join us on this hike to Humber Bay Shores Farmers Market, taking place in the picturesque Humber Bay Park West. It's the final one of the season. You'll find an incredible variety of farm-fresh produce, baked goods, artisanal products, preserves, meats, and more, all sourced from the city and surrounding regions. The market is a staple of the community, fostering engagement and supporting local agriculture. After the market, we will head east over the Humber Bay Arch Bridge to High Park and through its ravines, ending at Keele Station. Those who want a sit-down meal can continue east on Bloor St for Ukrainian syrnyky (cheese pancakes), deruny (potato pancakes), green borscht, and varenyky (dumplings). **Highlights** 1. Old Mill subway station (depart 10:30am) 2. Old Mill 3. Humber River Recreational Trail 4. Oculus Pavilion 5. Floating bridge over Humber Bay wetlands 6. Humber Bay Shores Farmers' Market 7. Views of CN Tower and downtown Toronto 8. Humber Bay Arch Bridge 9. Grenadier Pond 10. Spring Creek 11. Bloor and Keele (arrive 1:45pm) **Neighbourhoods** The Kingsway > Sunnylea > Stonegate-Queensway > Humber Bay Shores > Sunnyside > High Park **Map** [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=12q2PqID-bXHnS1prfD9QVvxdc3tWhTE&usp=sharing](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=12q2PqID-bXHnS1prfD9QVvxdc3tWhTE&usp=sharing) Unpaved and narrow trails in High Park. **How it works** There are no scheduled checkpoints for this hike. If late, you can try to find us at the farmers market. Bus 66B goes to the market from Old Mill Station. See our [homepage](https://www.meetup.com/hike-to-eat/) for more info.

Canoe Camping in Killarney 2

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/killarney-camping-2)** **Dive into the Killarney backcountry with this beautiful and beginner friendly canoe camping adventure.** We're heading to Bell Lake, on the quieter east side of the park, for a weekend that mixes an easy paddle-in camping trip and an incredible hike to Silver Peak, the highest point in Killarney. Friday, we'll paddle the short 2.5km crossing to our backcountry site, set up camp, and spend the afternoon settling in. The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend how you like. If you want to learn to pitch a tent, get a fire going properly, or handle a canoe, we'll show you. If you'd rather find a rock in the sun and do nothing, that works too. Saturday, you can chill around camp or paddle over and hike Silver Peak, the highest point in the park. It's a roughly 11km round trip, starting on an easy rolling trail before a steep, hands on scramble up exposed quartzite for the final push. At the top, you're rewarded with a 360 degree view over Killarney's white ridges and out to Georgian Bay. Trust us, you won’t get many views in Ontario that are better than this! Both nights, we'll eat around the fire and fall asleep under some of the clearest skies in Ontario. Killarney's stargazing is genuinely other-worldly. On a clear night you'll see the Milky Way and more stars than you knew existed. Sunday, we pack up and paddle back out. By Sunday, you'll have spent two days swimming, paddling, and sleeping under the stars, surrounded by Killarney's unmistakable landscapes. What's included * Professional & certified guides * ‍All camp meals, cooking equipment and mess kits * ‍Tents * Canoe rentals Sleeping bags and sleep pads can be rented from WU for a small fee. **Highlights** **Silver Peak Summit:** The highest point in Killarney, with sweeping views over the range and out to Georgian Bay **Stargazing:** With some of the darkest skies in Ontario, the Milky Way is in full view on a clear night **Lake Swimming:** Cool off in clear water, or take the canoe out for a closer look at the shoreline **Event cost: $455+HST (for explorer members) - $70 optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/killarney-camping-2)** **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 - SOCKS - BEER (Bermuda Triangle)

Toronto Solo Adventures Together: Plan Your Journey

If you have been dreaming of a solo trip but feel like you need a bit of support or extra confidence to finally book that ticket, this meetup is for you. We are getting together to talk through the practical side of traveling alone, from choosing the right destination to staying safe and meeting people on the road. This is a space to share your anxieties, swap tips, and find others in Toronto who are in the same boat. Whether you are a seasoned solo traveler looking for your next challenge or someone who has never left the country on their own, you will fit right in. We will spend the afternoon brainstorming ideas, looking at maps, and helping each other troubleshoot the logistics that often keep us from actually hitting the 'confirm' button. It is a casual conversation among friends, and I hope you leave feeling a little more prepared to take that first step. We would love to get a sense of who is coming so we can arrange enough space for everyone to chat comfortably. If you think you can make it, please take a second to RSVP so we can look forward to seeing you there.

Crothers Woods to St Clair via Vale of Avora. Moderate. 2.7

Group Camping at Killbear

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/camping-killbear)** **Join us for a fall camping trip at the famous Killbear Provincial Park!** We're spending one night during peak fall colours at Killbear's group sites, tucked into the pines a short walk from Georgian Bay's beaches. This site offers all of the conveniences of front country camping. It's a good entry point if you've never spent a night outside the city, and a good reset if you have. Day one will include a short hike along the beach in Parry Sound, arrival at camp, camp setup and exploration. Once tents are up and the site is sorted, the afternoon is easy: a walk down to the beach to take in the shoreline, a few camp skills to pick up around the site, and time to just hang out before dinner. As the sun starts to drop, and if the weather smiles down upon us, we will head to Sunset Rock together, where Killbear's famous windswept pine has been holding its ground on bare granite for decades. It's one of the most photographed sunsets on the peninsula, and it's even better in person. Day two starts with the Lookout Point Trail, a moderate \~6km climb through hardwood forest of ash, beech, oak, and maple to a granite lookout with sweeping views across the Bay's 30,000 Islands.From there it's back to camp to pack up and head back to Toronto. You'll leave with sand in your shoes and a crew you didn't have two days ago. What's included * Professional & certified guides * ‍All camp meals, cooking equipment and mess kits * ‍Tents Sleeping bags and sleep pads can be rented from WU for a small fee. **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** **Fall Colour on the Bay: **Early October is peak leaf colour at Killbear, with the hardwood forest along the trails turning red and gold against the granite and water. **Sunset at the Lone Pine: **Killbear's windswept pine on Sunset Rock is the park's unofficial symbol. **Lookout Point Trail***:* A moderate 3.5km hike through hardwood forest to a granite viewpoint over the Bay's 30,000 Islands. **Event cost: $235+HST. $60 optional transport also available. Please register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/camping-killbear)** **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/)***

One Last Backcountry Weekend in Frontenac

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/weekend-in-frontenac)** **Fall (aka shoulder season) camping brings the serene beauty of the backcountry, without the crowds and bugs.** At this time of year, Frontenac will be less busy and the trail into Big Clear Lake belongs mostly to us. It's a 9km hike to reach the site, working through root tangled trails and stretches of open granite typical of this stretch of the Canadian Shield. Only the most stubborn leaves will remain on the trees and you’ll enjoy long sightlines through bare branches where the canopy used to be. The pace is steady and moderate the whole way in, never technical but never quite letting up either. We set up camp on the shore of Big Clear Lake as the light starts to drop, we get a fire going, and cook dinner together. Late October nights out here are serene, with a sky full of stars over the lake. In the morning, we’ll take our time over breakfast before packing up and heading out along the other side of Big Salmon Lake: a different stretch of trail from the one we hiked in on, with its own look at the park before we're back where we started. By the time we're back at the cars, you'll have had that sweet final night of the year in the backcountry. What's included * Professional & certified guides * ‍All camp meals, cooking equipment and mess kits * ‍Tents Sleeping bags and sleep pads can be rented from WU for a small fee. **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** **Last Trip of the Season:** The final overnight on the calendar before WU's backcountry program pauses for winter **Shoulder Season Solitude**: Long, quiet stretches of trail, with the lake mostly to yourselves. **A Clear Night Sky:** Bare branches and dry autumn air make for some of the best stargazing conditions of the year at the campsite. **Event cost: $265+HST. $70 optional transport also available. Please register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/weekend-in-frontenac)** **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/)***

Crothers Woods to St Clair via Vale of Avora. Moderate. 2.7

Backgammon Social (تخته)

Join us for an evening of coffee, connection, and competition! We will kick things off by socializing, grabbing a drink, and getting to know each other. Afterward, the games begin with a friendly backgammon tournament.