Challenging Hikes Toronto

Midweek morning hike - Earl Bales

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

🍂 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.** 🍂💛

Cliffs & Fall Colours: A Bruce Peninsula Hike

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/bruce-peninsula-26)** **The Bruce Peninsula does dramatic better than almost anywhere else in Ontario, and fall is when it really shows off.** We'll be out for most of the day, covering 8.5km of moderate hiking through some of the best autumn scenery in the province, with the changing leaves against the escarpment's limestone making for a proper contrast. We'll start in the forest before the trail opens onto the coastline, tracing the cliffs down to the Grotto. It's the most photographed spot on the peninsula for good reason: crystal clear water, a sea cave carved into the rock, and a natural window out to the bay. We'll take our time here, including a stop for lunch. From the Grotto we'll keep following the shoreline out to Stormhaven, crossing pebble beaches with open views across Georgian Bay the whole way. We'll turn around there and retrace the coastline back, catching all the same cliffs and colour from the other direction with the light shifted by then. **Two important things to note:** 1. **Self driving isn't possible for this trip. Parking passes at the trailhead sell out well in advance, so all members travel together on WU transport.** 2. **Bruce Peninsula National Park is stunning, but be aware that it is a long drive there and back. Full details are in the itinerary below.** **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** **The Grotto:** The peninsula's most famous natural feature: a limestone sea cave with turquoise water and a rock window looking out over Georgian Bay. **Stormhaven Coastline:** A stretch of cobble beach with wide open views across the bay, well past where most day hikers turn around. **Fall Colour on the Escarpment:** Peak autumn colour against the Niagara Escarpment's pale limestone cliffs, a contrast you don't get anywhere else on the Bruce Trail\*\*.\*\* **Event cost: $140+HST. Transportation is included in the cost of the adventure. Please register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/bruce-peninsula-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/)***

🏕️ 3 Days, 6 Spots: Algonquin Park Awaits

Get your boots ready—we’re heading into the heart of [Algonquin Provincial Park](https://www.ontarioparks.ca/park/algonquin) for a 3-day backcountry hiking extravaganza. Expect stunning views, crisp forest air, brilliant colors and three full days of asking each other, *"Does anyone know which way is North?"* **The Catch:** * **Cap:** Strictly limited to **6 hikers** (because 7 is a crowd, and 8 requires a larger campfire circle). No camping just glamping in a hotel. * **Duration:** 3 days of pure trail bliss. * **Date:** October 16-18. That’s Friday to Sunday * **Details:** Top secret for now. Trail maps, packing lists, and more will drop as soon as you lock in your spot. First 6 to RSVP by September 14th get a ticket to the trail. Hit reply to claim your spot before the bears beat you to it on this luxury autumn trek 🌲🥾 🍂

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

Rucking and Hiking the Moore Pk Ravine

Wilder Series: The Even Wilder Loop

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/wilder-loop-fall-26)** **We're heading somewhere new, and it's wilder than anything else in the series.** This is the first time WU is running the Even Wilder Loop, and it's the next step up in our Wilder Series, our lineup for those chasing bigger days out. The name isn't subtle. This is a remote, rugged backcountry in a less visited part of the park, and you'll feel it from the first kilometre. The trail climbs and drops hard in places, with some scrambles along the way where you'll need your hands as well as your feet. Between the climbs, it opens onto barrens and meadows, and you'll see plenty of beaver dams along the way. Partway through, the river crossing takes us through some rapids. It's only 8.5 km, but it's some of the wildest 8.5 km we run. ***Secret Location*** This is one of Wilderness Union's 'secret' hikes. As a group, we visit some truly special spots that are undiscovered by the wider world. We like to keep them pristine and only share them among our members - we ask that you do the same! We reveal the location to registered members in the days before the trip. **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** **The Rapids Crossing:** The most memorable stretch of the day. You will get wet! **Wildlife Spotting:** Bears, moose, beavers and loons are just some of the creatures that call this area home. You'll have a chance to spot some from a safe distance for a magical encounter. **A WU First:** Nobody in the crew has done this loop with us before. You'll be part of the first group on it. **Itinerary** **07:00** \- Shuttle leaves from near Keele station **10:00 - 15:00** \- Hike loop at secret location **15:00** \- Anticipated return to cars **18:00** \- Anticipated return to Toronto **Event cost: $66+HST. $50+HST optional transport also available. Please register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/wilder-loop-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/)***

🍂🌿 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.** 🍂🌿🍺

Challenging Hike at Hockley Hills and Mono Trail Loop

Fall colors walk / hike at Earl Bales park (Free OR $2)

Join us for a refreshing spring hike at **Earl Bales Park**. This scenic park offers a mix of forested trails, rolling hills, and beautiful views—perfect for getting outdoors, staying active, and meeting new people. We’ll hike at a **relaxed, steady pace**, making this suitable for beginners and regular hikers alike. Expect a mix of paved and natural trails, with time to enjoy the scenery and chat along the way. **What to expect:** * Easy to moderate trails * Friendly, social group atmosphere * Fresh air and great views * A chance to get moving and unwind Difficulty - Easy (with some uphill/downhill) Distance - 5 to 8km (Will adjust distance based on weather and trail conditions) **Meeting Spot** Earl Bales Community Center [https://goo.gl/maps/bN29TZPwFtUQCKE8A](https://goo.gl/maps/bN29TZPwFtUQCKE8A) **Free Parking** There are multiple parking lots in this park, some closer and some further from the meeting spot. **TTC** Get off at Sheppard & Bathurst and walk 5 mins to meeting spot. **SOCIAL** ***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/)*** **Event Fee\*** Free if you RSVP before Oct10 $2 if you RSVP on/after Oct11 **Cash** - *In person when you arrive at event* **Etransfer-** *[themoja@outlook.com](mailto:themoja@outlook.com) --> use password **meetup*** **Credit Card** - *[Click here to pay via stripe online](https://buy.stripe.com/bJeeVd3li4Cq3rS7Gh0oM00)*

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. 🥾🥾