Bird Watching Toronto

Fall Migration Birding in Toronto

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/fall-birding-26)** **Toronto has some hidden natural gems, and October is when it puts on its best show.** Join our guide Pedro Hernandez of[ Outdoor Commute](https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.commute/) for a beginner-friendly birdwatching walk through the unique Tommy Thompson Park. You do not need to know a warbler from a wren, but you probably will when the day is done. This walk is built for people who are simply curious about the birds sharing our skyline. We’ll move slowly and stop often, learning how to identify species by shape, colour, and call, how to actually use a pair of binoculars (yours to borrow for the day), and how to make sense of field guides and birding apps you can keep using long after the trip ends. October is peak Fall migration in the city, with so many different birds to spot. Depending on conditions, we might spot warblers, sparrows, and thrushes moving through, along with waterfowl like northern shovelers and gadwalls resting on the water. Year-round residents including red-tailed hawks, black-capped chickadees, and northern cardinals tend to make an appearance too. **Please note that binoculars are included in the cost of the adventure and that, due to the Toronto location, transportation is not offered.** **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 Migration:** October is one of the best windows of the year to bird at the Spit, with local species and southbound migrants both moving through the park at once. **Professional Birder:** Pedro founded the popular birding account[ Outdoor Commute](https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.commute/) and brings a genuine, patient teaching style **Binoculars Included:** Every participant gets a pair of high-quality NOCS binoculars for the walk **Event cost: $60+HST (for explorer members). Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/fall-birding-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/)***

Don Valley Ravine Hike Oct. Autumn Leaves

The autumn fall colors in the Don Valley are fantastic. Perhaps this will be the best hike of all. It is going to be a special hike because we will go on some different trails that go deeper in the ravine. You are going to really feel the autumn and nature. Then of course the very nice Farmers Outdoor Market where we go towards the end. On our last hike, a number of us went to Kupfert and Kim vegan restaurant in Yorkville. And it was well like. We may do it again if there is enough interest. We may also go to Indigos again and see if we can play the piano. Lets get another good turn out. You can invite your family and friends, Just make sure they have good health to do the 8 - 10 km hike with hills.

Underwater Rugby Practice and Game

**Welcome to our group! We hope to see you out at the pool soon.** **We have spare gear for you to try the game, so there is no need to buy anything before you try U/W Rugby. Please let us know your shoe size in advance to see can ensure we have fins to fit you. Just bring your swim suit and towel. And your first 2 practices are free!** **We also play Fridays 8:30-10pm at Riverdale Collegiate Institute pool throughout the school year.** \*Please note: This game requires swimming. While we do have lifeguards, you must be a competent swimmer and comfortable in the water in order to participate. **Looking forward to meeting you and seeing you at the pool,** **Gord**

Algonquin Park – Fall Photo Workshop

COST: $250 + HST PAYMENT: [https://buytickets.at/torontotraveloutdoorphotography/2432982](https://buytickets.at/torontotraveloutdoorphotography/2432982) TIME: 12pm - 4pm LOCATION: We'll meet on the west side of Algonquin Park. Exact location and meeting spot will be sent to participants. Spend a day in Algonquin Park at the most magical time of year — when the maples turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. This 1/2 day photo workshop is all about slowing down and learning how to capture the beauty of fall in a way that feels true to your style. This is a hands-on intensive one-on-one workshop where I’ll share practical tips on composition, working with natural light, and getting the most out of your gear — whether you’re shooting with a DSLR, mirrorless, or even just your phone. The pace is relaxed, with plenty of time to ask questions, try new techniques, and of course, make some great photos. By the end of the day, you’ll head home with fresh inspiration, new skills, and a collection of images that capture the spirit of Algonquin in autumn. **What’s included:** * Instruction on composition, exposure, and working with natural light * Individual feedback tailored to your goals * Access to some of the park’s best locations for fall colours * limited to 6 participants **What to bring:** * Your camera and favourite lenses * Tripod. I have extra you can borrow if you need * Lunch, snacks, and water * Comfortable footwear and layered clothing for the outdoors It’s a day out surrounded by peak fall colours and a chance to connect with nature, photography, and a group of like-minded creatives.

Underwater Rugby Practice and Game (Beginner's welcome)

**Welcome to our group! We hope to see you out at the pool soon. We play Fridays 8:30-10pm at Riverdale Collegiate Institute pool. We have lots of spare gear for you to try the game, so there is no need to buy anything before you try U/W Rugby. Just bring your suit and towel. And your first 2 practices are free!** \*Please note: This game requires swimming. While we do have lifeguards, you must be a competent swimmer and comfortable in the water in order to participate. **Enter the school through this door: [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1T1BP7DXur9QHK5aYo-s3vwmHu3MG9N55/view?usp=sharing](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1T1BP7DXur9QHK5aYo-s3vwmHu3MG9N55/view?usp=sharing)** **Directions to the pool:** **[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ggRqpd6UiCX1L-1Hbupg2GMclkbxNVx7/view?usp=sharing](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ggRqpd6UiCX1L-1Hbupg2GMclkbxNVx7/view?usp=sharing)** **Looking forward to seeing you at the pool,** **Gord**

Walk and Salmon watching (hopefully)

Salmons are expected to be swimming upstream. An annual upward migration. We will spend some time to watch at a few spots and then continue with our walk and return back to the starting point. If you arrive late, pls follow the Humber River Trail heading north and you can catch up with the group. Distance: 7 to 9km Difficulty: Very Easy Trail: Flat Paved Trail **Transport** Recommend taking TTC or Uber. **TTC**: Get off Old Mill station and walk to the park. **Parking**: There is Paid & Free Parking available nearby meeting spot. Pls look up if you are driving. 💬 **Stay Connected:** ***Join Whatsapp Group - [CLICK HERE](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSflzD3fDrU5sLARAT5yDF3OhEu3Vj-2P7ci8mP5FYX46rt1NQ/viewform)*** ***Follow on Instagram - [CLICK HERE](https://www.instagram.com/tam.club/)***

Friday Night Get-Together Jays Watch Party

Join us as we gather and watch the Jays play for the final Wild Card Spot.

Pub Night + Stargazing

Let's get together, drink beers and shoot the shit about space! And then also, do some star-gazing through a telescope on the nearby Kew-Balmy Beach! First bit of the evening, a blast from the past, we'll drink beers at Gabby's! Just like old times, though this is not the same location. They serve pub food, so you can come hungry too or whatever. We can talk about the feasibility of AI Data Centers in space, LOL. Also, some show and tell for recent stuff Space Club has been doing - we'll have a glider & control electronics on hand. Then around 8:30 or 9pm, if the weather is good (clear skies, etc), we'll walk south to the beach (600m, \~10 minute walk), we will setup a telescope, and we'll do some stargazing. The moon will be close to full (97%, waxing), and well in the sky, and Saturn rise in the sky around 9:30pm (it's a spectacular site though a telescope, you can see the rings). No other planets will be visible, but stars, galaxies, etc, plus there is some view of downtown though a gap created by the boardwalk. We'll pack up around 11pm. **\*\*\*Come with extra layers of clothing available\*\*\***, it can be amazingly cold to stand around on a beach, even if it seems warm on the street. Do not say I didn't warn you! Also you're welcome to bring any star gazing stuff you have, the more the merrier! If the weather is not good, we'll probably stay a bit longer at the pub, but it will be shorter evening. Hope to see you all out again!

Lion’s Head Lookout Hiking Trip

Barbecue and Hike through Tommy Thompson Park.

Location: Meet at the entrance of Tommy Thompson Park -Leslie Street Spit **It's time to have some fun!** What better way to celebrate the end of Summer with a barbecue by the lake. Join us for burgers and drinks **under the tents** and on the water at Ashbridges Bay for burgers and drinks! ($10. For a burger and drink.) Please etransfer $10 to boots4hikingthesix@gmail.com and add your preference for meat or veggie burger in the comment. Etransfers are required by Wednesday, Sept 23rd After a 8km hike (with some fun things happening along the way) at Tommy Thompson Park we will head to Ashbridges Bay for burgers- veggie and meat. Feel free to bring alcoholic beverages, and board games - We will have a beach ball. Tommy Thompson Park is a man-made urban wilderness and wildlife sanctuary built on the Leslie Street Spit, stretching 5 kilometers to Lake Ontario. Managed by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, this unique park offers a peaceful escape from the city with a mix of wetlands, meadows, and trails. A unique place near downtown Toronto to experience nature, and *one of the best places for bird-watching in the city*, with more than 300 recorded species!

Now For Something Arty!

**Meetup: St. Mathews Clubhouse; 450 Broadview Ave.** So while we have a day event on the 27th, if you have an arty side, continue your day by joining me at St. Mathew's Clubhouse for an arty experience. While many of you know I am a writer by trade, I am also a painter. I'm just an arty girl! I have put together an Art Collective with 6 artists along with myself to showcase and of course sell our work but also enjoy Art, Wine & Inspiration — Come Create With Us! 🍷 Join us for a free collective art show celebrating creativity, connection and the joy of making art. And why just look at art when you can explore your own creativity too? Come discover what inspires you, try something new, and let your imagination wander. ✨ Art to explore. 🍷 Wine to enjoy; nibbles to share. 🥂 Hear from the.artists! 🎨 Creativity to discover. 💫 And best of all — it’s FREE

Tommy Thompson Park — Full Trail to the Beacon & Back

Join us for an afternoon hike through one of Toronto’s most unique waterfront landscapes! 🌿🌊 📅 Saturday, September 26, 2026 🕒 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM 📍 Meeting Point: Main Entrance, Tommy Thompson Park 🥾 Distance: ~9–10 km round trip ⏱️ Total time: 4 hours 💪 Difficulty: simple — mostly flat Meetup Fee - 2$ interac to vibhuchaudhary@yahoo.com (mention your meetup profile name and the event name) We’ll hike from the main entrance of Tommy Thompson Park all the way toward the Beacon/Lighthouse at the tip of the Leslie Street Spit, take some time to enjoy the views and take photos, and then make our way back together. Expect Lake Ontario views, Toronto skyline photography, wetlands, wildlife, open waterfront and plenty of opportunities for great pictures. 📸 🗺️ Itinerary 3:00 PM — Meet at the Main Entrance 👋 Check-in & introductions. 15-minute waiting period We’ll wait for late arrivals until 3:15 PM. Please try to arrive on time so we can keep the hike on schedule. 🚶 3:15–3:30 PM Main Entrance → Nature Centre 📍 ~0.7 km Easy warm-up section as we enter the park and leave the city behind. 🌿 3:30–3:55 PM Nature Centre → Inner Park / Wetland Areas 📍 ~2 km from entrance We’ll continue toward the outer peninsula, with opportunities to spot birds and wildlife. 📸 3:55–4:05 PM Short photo & regroup stop A quick break for pictures and to make sure everyone is together. 🌉 4:05–4:25 PM Continue toward the Pedestrian Bridge 📍 ~3 km from entrance The landscape becomes increasingly open as we move deeper into the Leslie Street Spit. 🌊 4:25–4:35 PM Pedestrian Bridge — short stop Group photo, water break and regroup. 🚶 4:35–5:10 PM Pedestrian Bridge → Beacon/Lighthouse area This is the more remote section of the hike, with Lake Ontario surrounding the peninsula and increasingly wide-open waterfront views. 🎯 5:10–5:30 PM Beacon / Lighthouse — Main Stop Our destination! We’ll spend around 20 minutes here for: 📸 Group photos 🌊 Lake Ontario views 🏙️ Toronto skyline views 🌿 Exploring the surrounding landscape 🥤 Quick snack/water break 🔄 5:30 PM — Start return hike We’ll retrace our route back toward the main entrance. 🌉 ~6:15 PM Pedestrian Bridge / Outer Park Quick regroup and water break. 🚶 6:15–6:50 PM Continue back toward the entrance We’ll maintain a steady pace so everyone can finish comfortably within the event window. 🏁 6:50–7:00 PM Arrive back at the Main Entrance 7:00 PM — Event officially ends ⸻ 📏 Distance Entrance → Beacon: approximately 4.5–5 km Total round trip: approximately 9–10 km The exact distance can vary depending on the route and any trail restrictions/closures. 🎒 Bring Along * Comfortable walking/hiking shoes * 1–1.5 L water * Small snacks * Sunscreen & sunglasses * Light jacket/windbreaker * Bug spray * Phone/camera * Small backpack 🌬️ Tip: The outer peninsula is exposed to the lake, so it can feel considerably windier than downtown Toronto. ⚠️ Important This is a long-distance hike rather than a casual walk. Please be prepared to walk approximately 10 km within the four-hour event window. We’ll have short photo and regroup stops, but we won’t be taking extended breaks because we need to reach the Beacon and return by 7 PM. Please stay on designated trails and follow park rules. 🐕 Please note: Tommy Thompson Park has restrictions on pets because of its importance as a wildlife habitat. 🌅 Let’s walk to the edge of Toronto! A long waterfront trail, wildlife, skyline views, Lake Ontario and the Beacon at the end — a perfect Saturday afternoon adventure away from the usual city walk. 🌊🌿📸