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/)***

🦋 Toronto Women’s Nature Walk: Monarch Migration & Scarborough Bluffs

## Details This event is for women in their late 20s to 40s who want to spend some time outside, enjoy nature, get some fresh air, and discover something interesting together. We’ll combine a bit of wildlife, the waterfront, and time to explore the less busy side of Scarborough Bluffs. The exact meeting location will be sent privately after joining. **What we’ll do** * Meet at a garden where monarch butterflies are currently being tagged by volunteers as part of a migration research project, and learn more about the tagging process and monarch migration. If butterflies are around, we’ll spend some time watching them in the gardens. * Head to the waterfront trail and explore a quieter, less-busy side of the Scarborough Bluffs. The trail includes a short steep paved section, with under 60 m of total elevation. * Enjoy the lake and Bluffs views, take photos, and settle by the water for a relaxed break, snacks, and some time to take in the scenery. * Finish the walk with an optional nearby café stop for anyone who wants to continue hanging out. * Spend around 2–2.5 hours on the walk, plus optional café time afterward. **About the Monarchs** September is a great time to see monarchs in Toronto because the fall migratory generation is getting ready for its journey south to Mexico. Butterfly activity depends on weather and conditions, so we can’t guarantee how many we’ll see or whether tagging will be taking place when we arrive. **The Walk** The route includes a short but steep paved section between the garden and the waterfront, with under 60 m of total elevation. Please join if you’re comfortable with a short uphill section and a roughly 2-hour walk. The rest of the route is relatively easy, but the uphill section can feel more strenuous. **Why join** Come see monarchs up close, learn about the tagging project and migration, and then explore a quieter side of the Scarborough Bluffs and waterfront. It’s a chance to spend a few hours outdoors, take in the lake and Bluffs, and do something a little different from a typical Toronto walk. **Getting there** TTC accessible Exact meeting location will be provided privately after joining Route is out-and-back, returning to the starting location **What to Bring** * Comfortable walking shoes * Water * A small snack to eat for the waterfront break * Weather-appropriate clothing **Disclaimer**: This group is designed to offer a peaceful, enjoyable space for women to connect and spend time outdoors together. Participation fee helps cover meetup costs. Please note that I am not responsible for any personal belongings, injuries, or incidents that may occur during our events. Participants are responsible for their own safety and items. Photos may be taken during events for future promotions or group memories, and by joining, you consent to being included in these images unless otherwise specified. By joining, you agree to respect the privacy of others and engage in a positive, supportive environment. Please note: the fee is non-refundable.

Sip n Stitch - September

Hello Fall Colours: Dorset Hike & Lookout Tower

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/dorset-hike-and-lookout)** **Not every good trail makes it into a guidebook, and this hidden gem sure hasn't.** Tucked just southwest of Algonquin, it's a route we keep close for our members: rolling rock outcrops, quiet beaver ponds, and wide ridges that open into sweeping views when you least expect them. In September, the whole forest turns to a radiant display of red, orange, and gold; the kind of colours that makes you stop mid-stride. Welcome to fall in Ontario. We'll cover 7.5 km at a comfortable pace, with plenty of time to take it in before stopping for lunch at one of the best views on the route. It's a moderate hike, and a solid choice if this is your first time out on trail. From the trailhead, it's a short drive to Dorset. The tower was first built in 1922 as a fire lookout and rebuilt in 1967 into the structure that stands today. Climbing to the top puts you level with the treetops and gives you a panorama of the hills and lakes around Lake of Bays, all dressed in their fall colours. It's one of Ontario's most recognizable lookouts, offering a totally different perspective after a morning spent within the tree canopy. **Please note that anyone not taking the WU transportation will need to purchase their own tower access pass.** ‍ **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](mailto:info@wildernessunion.com) **Highlights** **The Lookout Tower Climb:** The observation deck sits 142 metres above Lake of Bays, with a 360 degree view over the surrounding hills and lakes. **A Trail Off the Map:** A quiet, little-known route kept for Wilderness Union members, far from the lineups that build up around Dorset in the fall. **Fall Colours:** Red, orange, and gold scattered across the Canadian Shield. **Event cost: $75+HST (for explorer members) + $60 optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/dorset-hike-and-lookout)** **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/)***

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**

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 (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**

Afternoon and Sunset at Hanlan's beach

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

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

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.) 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!