Wilderness Hiking

**🎬 Friday Movie Meetup: *Good Will Hunting* 🎬** Join us for a special big-screen showing of the classic film *Good Will Hunting* at **Imagine Cinemas Carlton** — all for just **$5.99!** *** **🗓 Date:** Friday, April 24 **🕡 Showtime:** 6:40 PM **📍 Location:** Auditorium #4 👋 **Meetup Details:** Look for **Nick with a Meetup sign** outside Auditorium #4 before and after the movie. Feel free to say hi, chat about the film, and meet fellow movie lovers! *** **🎥 Movie:** *Good Will Hunting*\*\* **⏱ Runtime:** 2 hours 6 minutes *** **📝 Movie Description:** This powerful drama follows Will Hunting, a brilliant but troubled young janitor at MIT who solves complex math problems in secret. When his talent is discovered, he’s pushed to confront his past with the help of a compassionate therapist. What unfolds is a deeply human story about genius, friendship, and finding your place in the world. *** **⭐ Why This Movie Is Special:** * Academy Award-winning screenplay by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck * Features an unforgettable, Oscar-winning performance by Robin Williams * A rare mix of emotional depth, humor, and inspiring character growth * One of the most beloved films of the 1990s — even decades later, it still resonates *** **🎞 Watch the Trailer:** [https://youtu.be/PaZVjZEFkRs?si=6YxMIzvWGlw9LMud](https://youtu.be/PaZVjZEFkRs?si=6YxMIzvWGlw9LMud) *** **🎟 Grab Your Ticket:** Secure your seat here: 👉 [https://omniwebticketing6.com/imaginecinemas/carlton/?schdate=2026-04-24&perfix=134633](https://omniwebticketing6.com/imaginecinemas/carlton/?schdate=2026-04-24&perfix=134633) *** 💬 Whether you’ve seen it before or it’s your first time, this is a perfect chance to experience *Good Will Hunting* on the big screen with a great group. You can also just show up if you're unsure of your schedule — we’d love to have you!

🎬 Let’s Go to the Movies (and Actually Talk… or Not) Whether you're a film nerd, popcorn enthusiast, or just looking for a chill night out with interesting people — this one's for you. We’re heading out to see a movie together, then grabbing food or drinks after. If the film's great (or terrible), we’ll probably talk about it forever. If it’s just okay, we’ll talk about it for 10 minutes and move on to everything else — books, dating apps, weird dreams, how Toronto keeps getting more expensive, etc. The vibe is relaxed, friendly, and not too serious. No film degree needed. No icebreakers. No pressure to “perform.” Just come enjoy the film, connect with some thoughtful people, and see where the night goes Click here to watch trailer! 🎞️ **Movie Title + Trailer:** [\[Click here to watch trailer!\]](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATGaqU6Srcc) 📖 **📖 Plot Summary:** Long-buried wounds rise to the surface when iconic pop star Mother Mary (Anne Hathaway) reunites with her estranged best friend and former costume designer Sam Anselm (Michaela Coel) on the eve of her comeback performance. More Info *** ### 🗓️ **Event Details** 📍 **Meetup Time:** 7:00 PM...I will only wait 5mins 🎬 **Movie Start Time:** 7:20pm ⏱️ **Runtime:** 1hr52mins 📌 **Meetup Spot:** I will be at the top of the escalators on the 4th floor and I will be wearing my Moose Hat. 🎟️ **Cost:** * **$11.50** for *CineClub* members * **$16.00** regular admission 👉 You are responsible for buying your own ticket. **🪑 Reserved Seating:** You must buy your ticket *before* signing up. You'll be asked where you're sitting so we can all sit together! However, members are welcome to sit anywhere that works for them. 🎫 Buy your ticket here: [https://www.cineplex.com](https://www.cineplex.com) 📍🪑 **Where I will be sitting:** I will be in ROW "G" SEAT "12" 🍿 **After the Movie:** Yes, we’re heading out after! It’s not just a movie night — it’s a social night. Let's talk, laugh, and dissect every plot twist. *** ### ✅ **Before You Sign Up** * Please **buy your ticket first** — seating is limited! * When signing up, let us know your **seat number** so we can try to group everyone together. * You can still sign up or just **show up on the day** if you’re not sure you can make it — we’re flexible! 📲 **Join Our WhatsApp Group:** [Click here to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DRFTkxRlHS4B3IL1lMleUd) 🎟️ **Join Cineplex’s CineClub for discounts**: [https://www.cineplex.com/cineclub](https://www.cineplex.com/cineclub) 🎁 **Get your SCENE Card** for free movies and points: [https://www.scene.ca](https://www.scene.ca) *** ### 🎥 **A Quick Word About Movie Etiquette** We love a great film experience. Please: * Turn off your phone * Don’t talk during the movie * Be respectful of others Repeat offenders will be removed from the group — we take our cinema seriously (but with snacks). *** ### 👥 **About the Group** This event is open to everyone — single, not single, shy, social, new in town or a long-time local. We're a group for people who love movies *and* making real connections. We also do walks, hikes, restaurants, arts & culture — come be part of it! 🎬 **Organized by:** Mathew 📧 Questions? Reach out: **torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com**

Join us for a two-night camping trip at Algonquin’s Mew Lake. We’ll be tent camping, cooking outdoors, and spending our days immersed in nature. This small-group camping meetup is designed for those looking to slow down, disconnect from screens, and enjoy simple moments around the campfire. Beginner-friendly, supportive, and intentionally low-pressure. Limited spots available. Base Shared Cost: ~$30 per person This covers: 🏕️ Campsite fees at Mew Lake Campground 🔥 Firewood 🧻 Shared campsite supplies Additional Cost: Transportation If carpooling is arranged, gas and parking fees will be split fairly among passengers Muna Salahuddin is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Join Zoom Meeting https://us05web.zoom.us/j/89633704865?pwd=aYThEniopbV2HbVkD15Pbi5wqUYqyT.1 Meeting ID: 896 3370 4865 Passcode: 7kXLX5 April 10 Friday : 8 pm to 8:30 pm

What's good to eat at the airport? Not much, and almost nothing before security. Still, we'll go through Pearson Airport Terminals 1 and 3, checking out public art works and the paltry amount of food options. Airports can be great hiking destinations. The ones in Whitehorse, London Gatwick, and Singapore have trails through the terminals and around the runways, connecting to green spaces. Unfortunately, YYZ is not one of those airports. There is no pedestrian access so we have to settle with taking the (free) train to get out. In the second part of the hike, we'll head to Malton. It was once the aeronautical hub of Canada and a leading innovator on the world stage. The Avro Arrow aircraft was the crowning achievement and Malton boomed around the aviation industry. However, Avro quickly fell apart after government cuts. Some of the bright minds there went on to NASA for moon missions. Today, Malton has a neglected feel to it. Even Walmart left the neighbourhood in 2021. Its aviation history lives on in scattered monuments. It's a little corner that Mississauga forgot. The food landscape here is cheap South Asian food. We'll end at a rejuvenated mall packed with Indian and Pakistani stores, where we have a range of places for snacking. **Highlights** 1. Inuksuit sculpture at Airport Terminal 1 departure level (depart 2:30pm) 2. Artworks at Terminal 1 3. Airport train ride 4. Terminal 3 5. Viscount station (depart 3:05pm) 6. Zet's Restaurant 7. Food at Flightpath Centre 8. Food plazas around Airport Rd and Derry Rd / Mughal Mahal (depart 3:55pm) 9. Avro Canada Monument / Malton Sign 10. New Cane Grove 11. Food court at Westwood Square (arrive 4:40pm) **Neighbourhoods** Toronto Pearson Airport > Malton **Map** [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1ILncsGq4j07ndVKkB9woQWCRBb2FQLI&usp=sharing](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1ILncsGq4j07ndVKkB9woQWCRBb2FQLI&usp=sharing) **How it works** Hike starts punctually. Late or can't do the whole route? Meet us at scheduled checkpoints. We'll browse many food places but won't linger long. See the route in advance, organize takeout, then pickup along the way. Not sure what to try? Join our omakase for $5, which gives a tiny sample from different restaurants. Payment on the day of event by cash or e-transfer to globaltorontoeats@gmail.com. No refunds after orders are placed. Details of sampled food will be uploaded after the hike. Limited cutlery provided. Highly recommended to bring cutlery and containers for omakase and bringing back leftovers. See our [About section](https://www.meetup.com/hike-to-eat/) for more info.

Join us for refreshing spring hike at **Tommy Thompson Park**, one of Toronto’s most scenic waterfront nature areas. This relaxed group hike is a great way to enjoy fresh air, meet new people, and take in stunning skyline and lake views. We’ll walk at an easy-to-moderate pace with breaks for photos and conversation. No hiking experience required. ### 🚶 What to Expect * Approx. **6–8 km round trip** (flat terrain) * Easy to moderate pace * Beautiful spring lake & skyline views * Friendly, social atmosphere * Perfect for beginners and casual hikers *** ### 👟 What to Bring * Warm jacket, gloves. * Comfortable walking shoes or boots * Optional: snacks, sunglasses *** ### ⚠️ Important Notes * This is an **outdoor activity** – please dress for the weather * Event may be postponed in case of extreme weather *** ### 🤝 Who Can Join Open to adults of all fitness levels. Come solo or bring a friend — everyone is welcome! **Free Parking** Parking lot - small/medium sized parking lot Street Parking - Leslie Street, Unwin Ave **TTC** TTC bus stop is 5 mins walk to meeting spot. TTC street car is 15 mins walk to meeting spot. 💬 **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/)***

Join us for refreshing spring hike at **Tommy Thompson Park**, one of Toronto’s most scenic waterfront nature areas. This relaxed group hike is a great way to enjoy fresh air, meet new people, and take in stunning skyline and lake views. We’ll walk at an easy-to-moderate pace with breaks for photos and conversation. No hiking experience required. *** ### 🚶 What to Expect * Approx. **6–8 km round trip** (flat terrain) * Easy to moderate pace * Beautiful winter lake & skyline views * Friendly, social atmosphere * Perfect for beginners and casual hikers *** ### 👟 What to Bring * Warm winter jacket, gloves, and hat * Comfortable winter walking shoes or boots * Optional: snacks, sunglasses *** ### ⚠️ Important Notes * This is an **outdoor winter activity** – please dress for the weather * Event may be postponed in case of extreme weather *** ### 🤝 Who Can Join Open to adults of all fitness levels. Come solo or bring a friend — everyone is welcome! *** **Event Fee** FREE if you RSVP before Apr 10 $3.99 if you RSVP on/after Apr 11 **Payment** *(if applicable)* 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](https://buy.stripe.com/00w5kD1dac4SaUk1hT0oM01) **[Join WhatsApp Group Chat](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeV7PTQJLHF_vOb6ND0PxA0jHX3JYviVJR7BNsByG8PUMzR3w/viewform)** *Signing up in advance helps us plan better. If you attend the event without signing up or permission, there will be a $9 support fee.*

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/hockley-valley-and-winery)** ***Just over an hour outside of Toronto, enjoy a leisurely hike along the Niagara Escarpment, ending with great food & drink overlooking a vineyard.*** Hockley Valley offers some of the best hiking in the GTA. It’s especially beautiful in the spring time with the trees budding, the ice thawing and no bugs to be found. This hike covers a gentle 6km and brings you over trickling streams and bridges, winds through diverse, piney forests filled with fungi and brings you out to hilly meadows where you may spot the first few wildflowers of the season pushing through. After the hike, we’ll gather together for some time at the Adamo Estate Winery right beside the park to eat, drink and socialize with good company. **Please note anything purchased at the winery is not included in the cost of your registration.** **Highlights** **Diverse Landscapes-** Embrace the wide array of different landscapes you will encounter throughout this adventure **Winery Experience-** Savour amazing wines from a great Ontario producer **Group Social Moment-** The perfect opportunity to connect and chat with fellow WU members **Event cost: $40+HST - optional transport available.** **Register [here. ](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/hockley-valley-and-winery)** **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/)***

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.

Hi ladies. Let's hike the Edward Thomas, Spring Creek, and a little multi-purpose trail - approximately 4 miles. Please bring a water bottle as needed and appropriate shoes. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area.

Hi ladies. We will meet in front of the Nature Center and head to the two Observation decks. We will then hike Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook and Sugarbush trails to get approximately four miles total distance. We will walk approximately a 18 minute mile pace. Please wear appropriate hiking shoes.

We will hike the Ridge Trail and Meadows Trail twice, for a total of 3.8 miles. There are some pretty good inclines so plan on getting a cardio workout :). This is a loop which is pretty easy to follow; thus faster walkers can take the lead and the rest (like me) will bring up the rear at a slightly slower pace. You could also just do the loop once for 1.9 miles. No one left behind. Optional lunch to follow in Canal Winchester. I'm working through the metro parks - this is the third one!

Hi ladies. Let's hike the Edward Thomas, Spring Creek, and a little multi-purpose trail - approximately 4 miles so please wear your shoe of choice. Please bring a water bottle as needed and appropriate shoes. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area.