Challenging Hikes Toronto

Midweek morning hike - Earl Bales

Morning Hike

🍂 Fall Walk: Rouge National Urban Park and Picnic🌳

# 🍂🌳 Fall Walk: Rouge National Urban Park 🌳🍁 ### A Real Hike, Beautiful Fall Colours & a Picnic Together Want to get out of the city without actually leaving Toronto? **Rouge National Urban Park** is Canada's only urban national park — and one of the most popular hikes we do. Once you get onto the trail, it can be hard to believe you're still in Toronto. Forest paths, rolling hills, changing leaves, and quiet stretches of wilderness make this feel much more like a trip outside the city than a walk through it. And fall is one of the best times to experience it. This is **a real hike**, though. There are some hills and ups and downs, so it isn't the best choice if you're looking for an easy, flat walk. But if you're up for the challenge, there's something satisfying about reaching the end knowing you did it together. And then we'll have a picnic. 🧺 📱 Don't forget to join our **WhatsApp Group – [CLICK HERE](https://chat.whatsapp.com/H59mSCbsAi018gYANrKAnc)** *** ## 🥾 What We'll Do We'll meet at **Don Mills Station** and take the 85C bus together toward Rouge National Urban Park. Once we arrive, we'll begin our hike through the park. Along the way we'll: * Hike through forest and open spaces 🌳 * Enjoy the fall colours 🍂 * Navigate the hills and changing terrain * Take in some beautiful views * Stop for a short break along the route * Finish at the Park's Welcome Centre * Have a **30–40 minute group picnic** afterward 🧺 The hike takes approximately **2½ hours**, plus a short break. Afterward, we'll take some time to relax, eat, and enjoy each other's company. *** ## 🍁 Fall Weather & Expectations This is a **moderately challenging hike**, not a casual stroll. There are hills, uneven sections, and some ups and downs, so good walking or hiking shoes are important. Please come prepared for typical fall weather and bring enough water for the hike. If you're comfortable walking for a couple of hours and handling some elevation changes, you'll be fine. If you're looking for something completely flat and easy, **this probably isn't the walk for you.** *** ## 🚌 Meetup Details ### 🚇 By TTC 📍 **Meetup Location:** Don Mills Station — on the platform for the **85C bus** 🫎 **Look for me in my Moose Hat!** ⏰ **Meetup Time:** **9:45 AM** 🚌 **Bus Leaves:** **10:06 AM sharp** I'll wait for the bus, but if you miss it, **you won't be able to join the group afterward.** **Early is on time. On time is late.** ### 🚗 By Car Parking is **not available at our TTC meeting point.** If you're driving, please park at the **Toronto Zoo** and walk to the **Park's Welcome Centre (the house)**. 🚗 **Car Meetup Time:** 11:00 AM We may be a few minutes late arriving, depending on the bus and traffic. *** ## 🧺 The Picnic After the hike, we'll have a **30–40 minute group picnic** at the end. Please bring something small to share — nothing too large or heavy. The goal is simply to have something to eat together after the hike. 🥪 Sandwiches 🍎 Fruit 🍪 Snacks 🥤 Drinks Whatever is easy to carry and share is perfect. *** ## 🧢 Meetup Details at a Glance 🥾 **Hike:** Approximately 2½ hours + short break 🧺 **Picnic:** 30–40 minutes 🏁 **End Point:** Park's Welcome Centre 💲 **Meetup Fee:** $5 cash or e-transfer 📧 **mathewmaclean@hotmail.com** *** ## 🎒 What to Bring 💧 Water 🥾 Good walking shoes or hiking shoes 🥪 A snack 🧺 Something small to share for the picnic 🧥 A fall jacket or layers *** ## 🌈 Who Is This For? This hike is great for: * People who enjoy a little challenge * Anyone who wants to explore Rouge National Urban Park * People who love fall colours 🍂 * Hikers looking for a social outing * Anyone comfortable walking hills and uneven terrain * People who want to meet others while getting outside This isn't the easiest walk we do. **But sometimes the harder walks are the ones you remember.** You're welcome to RSVP ahead of time or just show up on the day if you're unsure about your schedule. Sometimes things happen and events may need to be cancelled or changed, so please keep an eye on the event page for updates. 👤 **Organizer: Mathew** Questions? Post on the event wall or email **torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com** **Come for the hike.** **Stay for the picnic.** **Leave with a new connection — and maybe a new friend.** 🍂💛

Algonquin Park Centennial Ridges Trail Hiking See Fall Colour

Join our WhatsApp group [https://chat.whatsapp.com/F7838OJWfkiAlMEyNffVfZ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/F7838OJWfkiAlMEyNffVfZ) **Sat Oct 24, 2026 Algonquin Park Centennial Ridges Trail Hiking See Fall Colour** **Meeting Point**: 07:30 am In front of Tim Hortons Dufferin Station 1094 Bloor St W, Toronto **Reserve Carpool or Driver** [https://www.extremelyshy.com/toronto&1d4hsg](https://www.extremelyshy.com/toronto&1d4hsg) * **Carpool**: You will be assigned to a vehicle. Let the driver scan your QR code to access your carpool service. * **Driver**: You will receive driver instruction in your confirmation email. Scan the QR code from the passenger to provide your carpool service to get paid under the [Payout Policy](https://extremelyshy.com/pages/pricing) The Centennial Ridges Trail in Algonquin Provincial Park is one of Ontario's premier hikes for panoramic autumn foliage. Trail Overview & Fall Details * **Distance:** About 10 to 10.5 km loop (shorter out-and-back options to the main lookouts are available). * **Elevation Gain:** Roughly 450 meters with steep ascents and descents across rocky ridges. * **Time to Complete:** 3.5 to 5+ hours depending on pace and photo stops. * **Trailhead Location:** Near km 37.6 / km 38 on the Highway 60 corridor (south of Pog Lake Campground). * **What’s included** * Gas, Vehicle use, Driver effort. * Split bill with your vehicle people if any other expense is exist. Legal Stuff - Liabilities, Obligations, and Responsibilities * We are a group composed of volunteers. We are NOT a professional organization or pro trail guides and/or pro event organizers. However, as a group of friends and acquaintances, we will look out for each other. * The organizer and any/all assistant organizers and other attendees are in no way responsible and liable for your personal safety and health state, before, during, and at any time after this event. By RSVPing "Yes", for this event, * You acknowledge that you fully understand and accept the aforementioned conditions and following event attendance conditions and, you are solely responsible for your health, safety, and well-being before, during, and at any time after the event as stated previously. All attendees shall forever hold harmless the organizers and other attendees and unconditionally waive any liabilities resulting from attending and/or participating in this event

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

🍂 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.** 🍂💛

Challenging Hike at Hockley Hills and Mono Trail Loop

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. 🥾🥾

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/)***

Rucking and Hiking the Moore Pk Ravine

Halloween Dance Party and Scavenger Hunt

**It's a Halloween Dance Party and Scavenger Hunt!** **Location: Party Room 51 Trolley Crescent** **(Scavenger Hunt is under the bridge)** **Fee:** **20 by October 19th******** **25 from October 20th to 28th **Send to** **boots4hikingthesix@gmail.com** **Party Details** ***Theme**: Unmask your hidden self.* *** Vibe*: Grown-up drinks, killer costumes, and zero filters. **Drop the mask and let your true monster out to play this Halloween.** Prize for best costume! Every day we wear the mask of the professional, the polite, and the responsible. Not tonight. This Halloween, it’s time to shed your civilized skin and unleash your **real personality**—no filters, no judgements, just pure, unadulterated fun. Come as who you *actually* are on the inside. 🖤 The Ritual *** Date: **Saturday, October 31st, 2026 *** Time: **7:00 PM until the spirits fade** *** Lair: We are just confirming the venue. We will keep you posted! 🍷 The Elements *** Potions & Brews: **Drinks and nibbles provided! *** Attire: **Costumes required. Dress as your inner alter-ego, your deepest obsession, or the version of you that only comes out after dark. *** The Vibe: **Dark beats, heavy pours, and wicked company. ADMISSION IS $20, Are you brave enough to show your true colours?

🍂🌿 NEW FALL WALK: Discover Biidaasige Park 🌿🍂

# 🍂🌿 **NEW FALL WALK: Discover Biidaasige Park** 🌿🍂 ### A Brand-New Toronto Park, Fall Colours & Waterfront Trails We're trying something **new**! Join us for our first group walk to **Biidaasige Park**, one of the newest and most ambitious parks in Toronto. Opened as part of the massive transformation of the Port Lands, the park sits on **Ookwemin Minising**, Toronto's new island where the Don River meets Lake Ontario. This isn't a walk we've done before, which makes it a little more exciting. We'll spend much of the afternoon actually **exploring the park rather than rushing through it** — following its trails, enjoying the waterfront, taking in the fall scenery, and stopping along the way to appreciate the new landscape. The park is enormous, with more than **50 acres already open** and more sections being added as the Port Lands transformation continues. There are curated trails and paths, viewpoints, natural areas, and places to get down closer to the new Don River. And because we're doing this in the fall, we'll get to experience the park at a completely different time of year — cooler air, changing leaves, open skies, and fewer summer crowds. 🍂 We'll meet at the **Young Centre in the Distillery District** simply because it's an easy and convenient meeting point before we head toward the park. We won't be spending the day touring the Distillery District — **the park is the destination.** 📲 **Don't Forget to join our WhatsApp Group – [\[CLICK HERE!\]](http://xn--%5Bclick%20here!%5D(%20join%20our%20whatsapp%20group-cu832c:%20Click%20here%20to%20join)/)** *** ## 🚶‍♂️ **What We'll Do** We'll meet outside the **Young Centre for the Performing Arts** and make our way toward Biidaasige Park. Once we reach the park, we'll slow things down and spend about **90 minutes exploring the trails and waterfront**. Along the way we'll: * 🍂 Enjoy the fall colours * 🌿 Explore the park's trails and green spaces * 🌊 Walk along the new waterfront landscape * 📸 Stop for photos and scenic views * 🌳 Explore the natural areas around the new Don River * 🌆 Take in views toward the Toronto skyline and Toronto Islands * 🚶‍♂️ Enjoy plenty of time to walk and talk with the group The walk itself will be approximately **2 hours**, but we're not trying to race through it. **This is about experiencing the park.** It's our first time doing this walk, so we'll take our time and actually enjoy discovering what has been created here. *** ## 🌊 **Why Biidaasige Park?** Biidaasige Park is part of one of the biggest transformations Toronto has seen in decades. The new Don River was created as part of the Port Lands Flood Protection project, transforming former industrial land into a new river valley, wetlands, parkland and public spaces. The first phase of Biidaasige Park opened in July 2025. The park includes **accessible trails, cycling paths, river access, wetlands, viewpoints and waterfront promenades**, with views toward the Toronto Islands, Inner Harbour and skyline. And there's something particularly fun about visiting a place that is still **brand new**. We're not revisiting an old Toronto favourite. **We're discovering somewhere new together.** *** ## 🍺 **After the Walk: The Keating Channel Pub & Grill** After exploring the park, we'll head over to **The Keating Channel Pub & Grill** for lunch. The pub sits right on the Keating Channel and has been a local fixture in the area for more than 20 years. After years of Port Lands construction made the neighbourhood difficult to reach, the transformation of the area has brought new life and new visitors back to the waterfront. It's a nice way to finish the day: **a brand-new park followed by one of the neighbourhood's old survivors.** Lunch is optional, but everyone is welcome to join us. *** ## 🍂 **Fall Weather & Expectations** This is a **social urban walk**, not a difficult hike. We'll be walking for approximately two hours, including our time exploring the park, so you should be comfortable being on your feet for that length of time. Please dress for typical Toronto fall weather. The waterfront can be cooler and windier than other parts of the city, so a warm layer is a good idea. *** ## 🧢 **Meetup Details** 📍 **Meetup Location:** Outside the **Young Centre for the Performing Arts**, 50 Tank House Lane, in the Distillery District. Young Centre for the Performing Arts 🫎 **Look for me in my Moose Hat!** ⏰ **Meetup Time: 11:00 AM sharp** I will only wait **5 minutes**. **Early is on time. On time is late.** 🏁 **End Point:** The Keating Channel Pub & Grill *** ## 🎟️ **Meetup Fee** **$5 cash in person or e-transfer** 📧 **mathewmaclean@hotmail.com** This fee helps support the group and allows us to continue organizing walks and events throughout Toronto. *** ## 🎒 **What to Bring** 💧 Water 👟 Comfortable walking shoes 🥪 A snack 🧥 Weather-appropriate clothing 📸 Your phone or camera for photos *** ## 🌈 **Who Is This For?** This walk is great for: * People who enjoy discovering new places in Toronto * Anyone who likes parks and waterfront trails * People who want a relaxed social walk * Anyone interested in seeing Toronto's newest public spaces * People who enjoy exploring somewhere they've never been before * Anyone who wants to spend a fall day outside with good people The park may be new. **The idea is the same: come out, walk with us, and meet some people along the way.** *** 📲 **You're welcome to RSVP ahead of time — or just show up on the day if you're unsure about your schedule.** Sometimes things happen and events may need to be cancelled or changed, so please keep an eye on the event page for updates. 👤 **Organizer: Mathew** Questions? Post on the event wall or email: 📧 **torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com** **Come discover a new park.** **Stay for the fall colours.** **Stay a little longer for lunch and friendship.** 🍂🌿🍺