Bikepacking Toronto

Sunnybrook - Don River ADVANCED Hike 🌻

Practical Philosophy Social!

Get to know your fellow hikers more intimately with a night of Practical Philosophy. In partnership with the Practical Philosophy Meetup I thought it would be a fun a social ! **How does it work?** We select a topic like monogomy vs pologomy and in groups of 6-8 with a moderator (so conservations are respectful) ten questions are asked and everyone has a chance to give their take on the subject. Get to know your fellow hikers on a deeper level! You may be surprised! **Opposing views are of course welcome!** Location to be determined!

Feedback | An Open Mic Comedy Show @ Backroom Comedy Club

Ticket Link: **[https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1974279855193](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1974279855193)** Welcome to **Feedback \| An Open Mic Comedy Show** at the **Backroom Comedy Club**! Get ready for a night filled with laughter, jokes, and good vibes. Whether you're a seasoned comedian or just looking for a fun night out, this event is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy some live comedy. Come join us on **Sundays** at **10:00 PM** for a hilarious evening that you won't forget. Talented and non-talented lineups of comedians will be taking the stage to entertain you and keep you laughing all night long, and if they fail, owners Ariel Kagan & Brandon Sobel will offer feedback on sets at the request So grab your friends, grab a drink, and get ready to have a great time at the **Backroom Comedy Club**. Don't miss out on this opportunity to experience some of the best or worst comedy in town!

Bon Echo Provincial Park camping

**Bon Echo Provincial Park**

Humber River to High Park Loop

Sunnybrook Fall Hike

Join us for a refreshing, brisk trek through nature for our late-autumn hike at Sunnybrook Park. With the leaves on the ground and the trees mostly bare, it is a great time of year to enjoy the crisp air, clear forest views, and great company. Maximum 10 members for this event. Event Agenda We will meet at parking lot #3 at 1:00 PM for quick introductions before hitting the trails. We plan to hike for about 2.5 hours at a moderate, social pace. What to Bring Late November can be quite chilly, so please dress in warm layers and bring a hat and gloves. Make sure to wear sturdy hiking boots or athletic shoes with excellent traction. The trail floor will be heavily carpeted with fallen leaves, which can make the ground slippery or hide hidden roots and mud patches. Don't forget a water bottle to stay hydrated! How to Find the Group We will meet at the trail entrance of parking lot #3.

HikeFit: Earl Bales – Steep Hills Fitness Hike – L3 (Moderate)

Ready to sweat it out on the hills? Join us for a HIIT-style hill training hike This hike is part of the **HikeFit Series**, a collection of fitness-focused hikes designed to build strength, endurance, and overall hiking fitness. We’ll challenge you with steep climbs, rugged terrain, and a high-intensity workout. This isn’t a fast-paced hike, but it is **intense**. We’ll tackle multiple **very steep hills** in intervals, with plenty of chances to catch your breath, recover, or skip hills if needed. This hike is designed for intermediate hikers, but it’s **beginner-friendly** since you can skip as many hills as you need. It’s perfect for anyone looking to **get stronger, improve endurance, and boost their hiking fitness** at their own pace. **Weather-Dependent Notice:** The hike is a go, **(light)** rain or shine; However, if there's a risk of excessive mud making the hills too slippery, the hike will be canceled with around 24 hours’ notice. **Distance & Duration:** *Length of hike:* \~4 km *Event duration:* \~1.5 hours *Trail maps:* Random hill at Earl Bales park *Difficulty level:* L3 (Level 3/Moderate) * Terrain: L4 * Pace: L2 * Distance: L1 **What to Bring:** *Water:* +0.5 liters *Extras:* Hiking pole (Highly recommended) *Required Gear:* Hiking boots or Trail Runners with good grip, Headlamp, and by December [Microspikes](https://kahtoola.com/traction/microspikes-footwear-traction/?srsltid=AfmBOoqq-URDFRgNAISoLYH1l1cSLKeXOTSuU6EqUC6VupfLNZAGRg8P) **Costs:** *Member Event fee:* FREE EVENT **Travel Coordination:** No Travel Coordination for this Event, Meeting at Starting Point **Event Guidelines:** *Punctuality,* Please arrive on time so we can start promptly. We won't be able to wait for more than 5min past the start time *Pack out everything you bring* (including nut shells, fruit peels, etc.) to help keep our trails clean. ***RSVP:*** *Only those marked as “Going” and have confirmed travel details (if requested) are eligible to attend the event. If your **plans change** and you are no longer able to attend, please update your RSVP as soon as possible. No-shows without prior communication may result in removal from future events.* Weather Considerations **The hike is a go (light)** rain or shine, so please be prepared for the conditions. for example, If it’s expected to rain, waterproof gear (like a jacket or shoes) ***Pets:*** please check with the organizer for details before bringing your pet. Looking forward to seeing you on the trail

Port Lands: Moonlight shining toward us (6.1 km)

Biidaasige Park has become the top urban park in Canada in barely more than a year. The play area is impressive with ziplines and water works. Biking and walking paths wind through tranquil, restored wetlands and scattered artworks. Design thinking is evident in the placement of amenities and trail layout. If you haven't visited it already, go during the day. This hike happens at night, when you can see the park in a different light (or lack thereof). The park is a key development in the Port Lands area, which will transform into Toronto's newest neighbourhood in the next decade. This hike will start at the eastern end, follow the coastline to Cherry Beach and swing up to the park. Most of the area is still industrial. The only good place to eat is at the end, a local favourite for barbecue. **Highlights** 1. Leslie Lookout Park (depart 6:30 pm) 2. Hearn Generating Station 3. Waterfront Trail 4. Cherry Beach Life Guard Station (depart 7:13 pm) 5. Bridges of Port Lands 6. Atlas Crane 7. Lassonde Art Trail 8. Views of Toronto skyline 9. Ziplines at Biidaasige playground 10. Giant snow owl, beavers, raccoons, and other critters 11. Cherry Street Bar-B-Que (arrive 8pm) **Neighbourhoods** Port Lands > Lower Don Lands **Map** [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1EJACCyOoX-EdS2UE7Kpnic7P6rtmvac&usp=sharing](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1EJACCyOoX-EdS2UE7Kpnic7P6rtmvac&usp=sharing) The trail from the start to Cherry Beach has no lighting but is wide and flat. You will be walking in the dark, perhaps with moonlight or city lights illuminating some of the way. Headlamps or torches can be helpful. Recommended to bike, walk, or take a TTC bus to the start point because it's troublesome to return there in the dark. **How it works** Hike starts punctually. Late or can't do the whole route? Meet us at scheduled checkpoints. See our [home page](https://www.meetup.com/hike-to-eat/) for more info.

🌿 Ride Line 5 to the Wild! Don River Ravine Walk

🌰 Hogg’s Hollow Fall Walk & Lunch! 🍂!

### 🌰 Hogg’s Hollow Fall Walk & Lunch! 🍂 Join us for a beautiful fall walk through Hogg’s Hollow, one of Toronto’s charming historic neighbourhoods tucked away in North York. With its winding roads, forested trails, stone bridges, and scenic ravines, this area feels like a hidden village in the middle of the city — especially when the leaves turn golden and the air starts to feel like autumn. We’ll explore the valley around the Don River West Branch, taking in the neighbourhood’s natural beauty and historic character. Along the way, we’ll touch on the story of James Hogg, the Scottish settler associated with the area’s early mill, and the tragic **Hogg’s Hollow Disaster of 1960**, when five workers lost their lives during tunnel construction. After our walk, we’ll head to **Swiss Chalet** for lunch, because nothing says fall like comfort food and good company! 🍗 ### 📍 Meetup Location — Please Read Carefully! **We’re meeting directly in front of the Shell gas station store entrance.** Please stand **right in front of the entrance to the store**, where people walk in and out. Look for my famous Moose Hat! 🦌 ### 🕒 Meetup Details * **Meeting time:** 11:00 AM * **Departure:** 11:05 AM sharp. I’ll wait a maximum of five minutes. * **Ending location:** We’ll return to our starting point, making it convenient for anyone arriving by transit or car. * **Meetup fee:** $5, payable in cash or by e-transfer to **[mathewmaclean@hotmail.com](mailto:mathewmaclean@hotmail.com)**. ### 🥾 What to Bring * Water * Comfortable walking shoes * A snack if you’d like something before lunch * Weather-appropriate clothing ☔ **Rain or shine!** There’s no such thing as bad weather — just inappropriate clothing. ### 🍽️ After the Walk — We’d Love You to Join Us for Lunch! The walk is only part of the fun! After exploring Hogg’s Hollow, we’ll head to Swiss Chalet for lunch and more conversation. We encourage everyone to join us, even if you can only stay for a little while. Some of our best conversations happen after the activity, when we share stories, get to know one another, and start building friendships. The walk brings us together, but spending time together afterward is often where those connections really begin. We’d love for you to be part of it! Everyone pays for their own meal. ### 👥 About the Group Whether you’re single or partnered, you’re welcome to join us to get outdoors, meet people, and make connections. We also organize movies, walks, hikes, arts and culture outings, restaurant visits, and plenty more. **You can RSVP ahead of time or show up on the day** if you’re not sure you can make it. Organized by Mathew. Questions? Post on the event wall or email **[torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com](mailto:torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com)**. 🍂 Enjoy the walk. Stay for lunch. Leave with new connections.

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/)***

🍁🎄 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.** 🍁🎄