Urban Exploration

**Attendance policy is enforced for this hike** because it's a popular one. See below for details. Embrace Canadian winter by having ice cream! Deep winter is the best time for it. There are no line-ups and ice cream doesn't melt. And in Toronto, it's not so cold that ice cream becomes super-frozen. West Queen West has the highest concentration of ice cream joints in the city, so that's where our hike will be. We'll see street art in hip neighbourhoods and pass by attractions such as a chocolate factory and Dufferin Mall (!). At the middle and end of the hike, there is an optional tasting of signature ice cream flavours from various shops en route. For those who want something savoury, The Village by the Grange is a popular student hangout for cheap eats. The best of the lot is Manpuku, offering a large range of Japanese dishes. **Highlights** 1. Ruru Baked (depart 2pm; come earlier if you want to get something) 2. Dufferin Mall 3. Cadbury factory 4. Honey's Ice Cream / Death in Venice (depart 2:42pm) 5. Bang Bang Ice Cream 6. Outside Trinity Community Centre (depart 3:25pm) 7. Nadège 8. Sanko Trading Co. 9. Holy Shakes / Aux Merveilleux de Fred 10. Mizzica Gelateria / Kome Yogurt 11. OCAD (arrive 4:15pm) 12. Manpuku Modern Japanese Eatery **Neighbourhoods** Bloordale Village > Dufferin Grove > Brockton Village > Trinity-Bellwoods > West Queen West > Fashion District **Map** [https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1vii5YcymZ70QH0JX4kxzIoyIHUsj_tU&usp=sharing](https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1vii5YcymZ70QH0JX4kxzIoyIHUsj_tU&usp=sharing) **How it works** Hike starts punctually. Late or can't join at the beginning? 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. Two rounds of ice cream blind tasting. Outside Trinity Community Centre and outside OCAD. You can do the hike for free and skip the tasting. * Will contain dairy. We will try but cannot guarantee that we can accommodate other dietary restrictions. * Blind tasting means that you won't know which store or what flavour the ice cream is until the end. * Rate the ice cream and guess their main ingredients online: [https://forms.gle/b4YVczNry36JgGPz5](https://forms.gle/b4YVczNry36JgGPz5) * Tasting portions: at least 1 teaspoon of each flavour. * $10. Covers both rounds of tasting. Includes at least 6 ice creameries and surprise desserts. * Payment by cash or e-transfer to globaltorontoeats@gmail.com * Sign up for the tasting when we reach Death In Venice. If you're joining us after, e-transfer before 2:42pm to guarantee food. **Cutlery and containers are not provided.** Please bring your own for sharing and bringing back leftovers. See our [About section](https://www.meetup.com/hike-to-eat/) for more info. **Attendance policy** Please check in with an organizer when you attend. 24 hours before the hike, we'll check who is on the confirmed list. Those that don't show up will be flagged. Repeat offenders may be banned. Please change your RSVP if you can no longer attend. If you made it off the waitlist less than 24 hours before the event, you won't be considered a no-show.

**Paint My Love** is a guided creative experience exploring love - in all its forms. ***Love of self. Love we were taught. Love we long for.*** ***Love in friendships, family, community, and romantic relationships.*** Through art, reflection, and small-group conversations, we’ll create space to slow down and explore what love actually means to *us -* beyond clichés and socially imposed expectations. This is not an art class and you don’t need to be “creative.” This is about expression, curiosity, play, and connection. Get your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/paint-my-love-a-creative-exploration-of-love-connection-tickets-1982076347712?aff=oddtdtcreator ### What to expect * Guided prompts exploring love, relationships, and self-connection * Art materials to experiment, play, and express freely * Small-group, facilitated conversations * A warm, intentional space for meaningful connection, without pressure * Laughter, lightness, and room to be human We care deeply about creating events that feel both **heartfelt and fun**. Play is an important part of how we connect, and this evening will hold space for both depth *and* joy. ### Who this is for This event is for you if you: * Are curious about love and how it shows up in your life * Want deeper, more intentional conversations * Enjoy creative experiences without needing to be “good” at art * Are craving connection that feels authentic, gentle, and grounded Come solo or with a friend, many people arrive alone and leave feeling connected. ### What’s included * All art materials * Guided facilitation and prompts * Small-group discussions * A cozy, welcoming café setting Food and drinks will be available for purchase from MottoMotto Café. ### Accessibility MottoMotto Café is accessible directly from street level. If you have any accessibility needs or questions, please reach out - we’ll do our best to accommodate. We’re committed to creating inclusive, thoughtful experiences for all.

Our next monthly **Art Crawl** is on *Saturday February 7th. (Thank you for filling up the January Crawl so quickly and smoothly!)* For February--**starting close to Dundas West TTC, and finishing at Lansdowne TTC** PLEASE read everything over first! What are the next steps.. About 15-18 members each time. **Once each month** on a *Saturday afternoon*. (1pm-3pm range) **$10 per person. Sent via e-transfer when you signup/rsvp.** ***We will visit 3 different*** (downtown/west end) galleries each month (short walks between each one). \*\*\*Each month will be different galleries. \*\*We'll meet the Gallery owners/artists/directors--who will lead us in 30 minutes of tour and conversation at each stop. Cold, hail, snow, rain, slush---**we will carry on!** NO cancellations/No refunds or any re-scheduling. Interested in ART/artists--**and learning/visiting the exceptional local downtown galleries we have in Toronto?** Saturday February 7th (1pm-3:30pm) Once I have 15-18 confirmations from Meetup members (you)--I will email you the location of our ART Crawl!! In early January. *If interested, please email me $10. (e-transfer)* @ torontoisculture@gmail.com **Include your first name only, and email address for a reply. I will then confirm you.** See you on February 7th! We will do this in January, February, March, and April 2026. 12 galleries in total. Each month will be posted separately. $10 each time. **January 2026 is FULL.** You can email me directly here or questions. torontoisculture@gmail,com Greg Thanks. Upcoming: March 2026.

Join our **Toronto 5K Run Club** every Saturday at **12 PM** at **Queen’s Park**. This weekly **beginner-friendly 5 km run** is perfect for anyone in **downtown Toronto** looking for a consistent, social, and healthy way to stay active. **Why Queen’s Park?** Queen’s Park is one of the best running spots in the city: * A smooth **loop with no traffic lights** * **Nature scenery** and tree-lined paths * Easy to run at **your own pace** without interruptions * Perfect for runners and walkers who want a safe, simple route **What You’ll Get** * A relaxed **5 km running loop** * A friendly **run club community** * Zero pressure, all paces welcome * A great way to build **fitness, cardio, and endurance** **Who Should Join** * Beginners who want an easy, welcoming start * Regular runners looking for a consistent weekly 5K * Anyone training for a 5K, 10K, or half marathon * People interested in **downtown Toronto fitness** and community

Happy New Year! Hope everyone had a fun and relaxing holiday season. **We're back with our weekly Expressive Art Classes for 2026.** **Weekly Expressive Art Classes** Our weekly **Expressive Art Saturdays** weekly sessions are an invitation to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with yourself through creativity and mindfulness. Each class weaves together meditation, connection, and expressive art, guiding you toward stillness, clarity, and calm. We will explore different expressive art activities designed to support ongoing self-discovery and emotional release. Some practices may return over time, allowing for deeper reflection and new insights with each experience. To sign up please complete the form: https://forms.gle/v6NWdEXNsfsKnKY66

**Meet Up Point: Danforth Subway Station Parkette north of the Subway.** We will take you to a winter city hike and the social after Point-to-Point hike for 13+ km Exploring Toronto in the winter is such a vibe! ❄️ I love a good city hike, and hitting the trails around here in the snow is surprisingly peaceful and beautiful. After we've worked up an appetite, it's time for the best part: finding some delicious food to refuel. 🍛🍜🍝 Nothing beats warming up with a tasty meal after a chilly adventure. It's the perfect way to cap off a winter day in the city. Route: 1\. Starting from Broadview Subway Station Parkette North of TTC Broadway Subway Station \(Line 2\) 2\. Walking towards North to Todmorden Mill's Park 3\. Following on Lower Don River Trail 4\. Forks of the Don 5\. Passing by Elevated Wetland Sculpture 6\. Turning to Taylor Creek Tral 7\. Along the Cullen Bryant Park 8\. Passing through Alder Stairs 9\. Passing through Stan Wadlow Park 10\. Along the Taylor Massey Creek to Taylor Creek Park 11\. Ending on Victoria Park Station \(Line 2\) 12**. Social at Dhaka Kebab at Danforth Avenue and Victoria Park Avenue**

\# ❄️🥾Mount Pleasant Cemetery Winter Walk ### **Toronto’s Most Peaceful Winter Walk** Join me for a gentle 90-minute winter stroll through one of Toronto’s most beautiful hidden gems — **Mount Pleasant Cemetery.** This isn’t just a cemetery — it’s like walking through a living museum and botanical garden, full of winding paths, tall evergreens, and peaceful charm. It’s also one of the best places in the city to meet friendly people, share good conversation, and soak in the quiet magic of winter. 💫 **Did you know?** When Mount Pleasant first opened in 1876, it was a *Victorian-day destination*! Torontonians would dress up, hop on a streetcar, and spend the day here picnicking and strolling before heading back downtown. \*\*\* \#\#\# 🕚 Meetup Details **Meetup Time:** 11:00am (I’ll wait 5 minutes) **Meetup Spot:** Inside the main gates of Mount Pleasant Cemetery at the **Yonge Street entrance** (the one with the big stone archway). Look for me — I’ll be wearing my *famous Moose Hat!* 🦌 **End Spot:** Right back where we started. \*\*\* \#\#\# 🍗 Lunch After After the walk, join us for a cozy lunch at **Swiss Chalet!** Great food, friendly prices, and warm vibes — the perfect way to wrap up a winter morning. \*\*\* \#\#\# 💲 Meetup Fee **$5 cash in person** or **E-transfer** to: 📧 \*\*[mathewmaclean@hotmail.com**](http://mathewmaclean@hotmail.com%2A%2A/) (This small fee helps support the group and future events!) \*\*\* \#\#\# 🧣 What to Bring * Warm boots and layers * Hat and gloves * A drink to keep you cozy ☕ * A small snack if you like ☃️ **Weather:** This walk happens in *any kind of weather* (we’ll only cancel if it’s -20°C or colder). Remember — *there’s no bad weather, just bad clothing!* 😉 \*\*\* \#\#\# 💬 Final Notes * You can **just show up** — no need to commit early! * Please keep an eye out for updates in case of cancellation. * 📱 **Don’t forget to join our WhatsApp group** – [CLICK HERE!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/H59mSCbsAi018gYANrKAnc?mode=ac_t) \*\*\* ✨ This is one of the best, calmest, and friendliest ways to spend a winter morning in Toronto — good company, good conversation, and a peaceful setting that feels miles away from the city. **Organizer:** Mathew 📩 [torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com](http://torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com/)

# ❄️🥾 **Mount Pleasant Cemetery Winter Walk** **Toronto’s Most Peaceful Winter Walk** Join me for a gentle **90-minute winter stroll** through one of Toronto’s most beautiful hidden gems — **Mount Pleasant Cemetery**. This isn’t just a cemetery — it’s like walking through a **living museum and botanical garden**, filled with winding paths, towering evergreens, and that quiet, magical winter stillness that makes you forget you’re in the city at all. It’s also one of the **best places to meet friendly people**, share great conversation, and enjoy winter without the chaos. Calm. Cozy. Surprisingly social. “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” So **layer up, grab your cutest toque, and let’s make January our personality** 😏❄️ *** 💫 **Did you know?** When Mount Pleasant first opened in **1876**, it was actually a **Victorian-era destination**. Torontonians would dress up, hop on a streetcar, and spend the day picnicking and strolling here before heading back downtown. Very *romanticizing your life*, 19th-century edition. *** 🕚 **Meetup Details** **Meetup Time:** 11:00am *(I’ll wait 5 minutes — winter waits for no one)* **Meetup Spot:** Inside the **main gates of Mount Pleasant Cemetery** at the **Yonge Street entrance** (the big stone archway). 👀 **Look for me:** I’ll be wearing my **famous Moose Hat** 🦌 **End Spot:** Right back where we started — easy, breezy, no stress. *** 🍗 **Lunch After** After the walk, join us for a **cozy lunch at Swiss Chalet**. Warm food, friendly prices, and excellent post-walk vibes — the perfect winter reward. *** 💲 **Meetup Fee** $5 (cash 💵 or e-transfer 📲 to [mathewmaclean@hotmail.com**](http://mathewmaclean@hotmail.com%2A%2A/) You can send it before or on the day of the walk. *** 🧣 **What to Bring** • Warm boots and layers • Hat and gloves • A cozy drink ☕ • A small snack if you like *** ☃️ **Weather** This walk happens in **any kind of weather** — snow, cold, crisp winter magic. We’ll only cancel if it hits **-20°C or colder**. Remember: **no bad weather, just bad clothing** 😉 *** 💬 **Final Notes** • You can **just show up** — no need to commit early • Please keep an eye out for updates in case of cancellation • 📱 **Don’t forget to join our WhatsApp group** – [CLICK HERE!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/H59mSCbsAi018gYANrKAnc?mode=ac_t) Get updates, chat with other walkers, and stay in the loop for future events! ✨ This is one of the **calmest, friendliest, and most peaceful ways** to spend a winter morning in Toronto — good company, great conversation, and a setting that feels miles away from city life. **Organizer:** Mathew 📩 **torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com** If someone asks what you did this weekend and you say *“stayed in”*… just know this walk happened 😌❄️

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/sauna-plunge)** **Wishing for a new sort of wellness experience? Wilderness Union has created something different, authentic and impactful for you.** In this very special adventure, you will be taken out of the over-stimulating churn of the city and brought to a stunning and serene private island near the township of Minden. Here, you will go on an incredible journey to support your mind and body. What to expect: \- Small\-group sauna sessions \- An ice bath carved out of the private island’s frozen lake \- A comfortable hot\-tent for blissful recovery \- An ice walk on the frozen lake and hike through the island's trails \- An offering of nourishing food and drinks to sustain your body for each circuit \- Guided mindful exercise **WU transport is strongly encouraged for this event as we cannot guarantee safe and available parking for you at the location.** **Highlights** **Wilderness Sauna:** Enjoy this unique sauna experience in a stunning natural setting **Ice Walk & Nature Hike:** Explore frozen landscapes and serene trails by foot **Private Island:** This special, solitary location allows us to dive inwards without distraction **Event cost: $95+HST - optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/sauna-plunge)** **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/)***

Hey Toronto! This is your weekly escape into global cultures. [[[Click this WhatsApp Groupchat Link to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/GyoGCkYt392Bi8c9nOP2d4) ] Every Saturday at 7:30 PM, people in their 20s and 30s gather for a mix of language practice, travel stories, and community. Whether you’re new in town or born here, this is where world citizens connect. No judgment, no pressure — just pure, human interaction.

Join us for a casual chat over coffee & tea at Grandview Grind! Come out and meet some new people, enjoy your favorite drink, and make some new friends!

Let’s meet Sunday afternoon for a hike at Highbanks. This will be an average paced hike and we won’t leave any hiker behind. We will hike for approximately 1 hour maybe a little more. Total distance around 3-3.5 miles. I will be going to Tim Hortons afterwards to have a tea as well if anyone would like to join. We meet at the Oak Coves Picnic area at the PLAYGROUND. Come in the main entrance to the park and take the first left. You will pass two parking areas. The third parking lot is on the right-hand side has a bathroom and a playground.

Thursdays just got smarter (and sassier). 🧠🍻 Join us at TownHall Short North for Trivia Night with Marquis—where the questions are fun, the competition is friendly, and the vibes are immaculate. Grab your crew, sip something good, and prove you know random facts you absolutely shouldn’t.

We'll play board games at the [Land-Grant Brewing Company](https://landgrantbrewing.com/). They have multiple [food trucks](https://landgrantbrewing.com/food/) on Sundays. Ray Ray's also has coffee, and the brewery has free water (and Jeni's ice cream). You can come late or leave early. Please just sign up so I know to expect you. **Notes on Parking** * You'll (probably) have to park on the street, but street parking is free on Sundays. * There are [parking garages](https://landgrantbrewing.com/parking/) a little farther away if you want. These are obviously not free, though. * There is a [lot next door](https://www.google.com/maps/place/39%C2%B057'26.0%22N+83%C2%B000'40.9%22W/@39.957211,-83.0119921,19z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m12!1m7!3m6!1s0x88388f3efd89238b:0xc139207386232411!2sLand-Grant+Brewing+Company!8m2!3d39.9577613!4d-83.011426!16s%2Fg%2F1pzt7t9df!3m3!8m2!3d39.957211!4d-83.011347?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDEyMS4wIKXMDSoKLDEwMDc5MjA3MUgBUAM%3D) to the brewery that you're allowed to park in, but it is not free. I've never parked there, so I don't know anything about rates. (I'm told though that if you eat at Milo's Deli next door to this lot that Milo's will stamp your parking so it's free.) * You're going to see odd signs on [Lucas St](https://www.google.com/maps/place/39%C2%B057'26.1%22N+83%C2%B000'40.3%22W/@39.957256,-83.0124134,19z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m10!1m5!3m4!2zMznCsDU3JzI4LjgiTiA4M8KwMDAnNDEuNSJX!8m2!3d39.957993!4d-83.011536!3m3!8m2!3d39.957256!4d-83.011197?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDEyMS4wIKXMDSoKLDEwMDc5MjA3MUgBUAM%3D) (saying it's a "private street") that will lead you to believe you're not allowed to park there, but you actually are. * Columbus parking cops literally do not work on Sundays. This means that, even if you're driving a non-EV, you can park in the EV spots near the brewery. **Games** I do bring many games, but please bring some of your own as well.

At Unity of Columbus, our Youth and Family Ministry nurtures the spiritual growth of children and families through love, joy, and practical spiritual teachings. Each Sunday, children explore timeless spiritual principles through stories, creative activities, music, and group sharing in a safe and welcoming environment. Our program encourages children to discover their own inner light, express kindness, and develop a personal connection with God. Together, we celebrate diversity, cultivate understanding, and inspire each child to live with purpose and compassion. Parents and families are invited to join in this uplifting journey of learning, laughter, and spiritual connection.

Let's check out a Popular Astronomy and Science Based Film at COSI Science Center on their HUGE 360 Degree 4K Spherical Dome Screen Theater, in which is touring the nation and has already sold over 10,000 tickets! COSI is one of the leading Science Centers in America. Alan Watts was one of the Most Influential Amateur Astronomers of the 20th Century and held fascinating views of the Galaxy. Tickets are only $33 plus a small fee and taxes and can be purchased here: [Trust the Universe: Immersive Dome Show](https://www.sphericalpictures.com/tickets) PLEASE purchase tickets for the 8:15 PM Feature on Friday, February 13. There seem to be at least 10 tickets left, possibly more. We should be able to sit together in the same row or at least in the general section. This is an exciting chance to view actual footage of the Solar System on a Large 4k Resolution Screen plus added in Cosmological and Astronomical Related Philosophy! We will plan on meeting at about 7:50 PM by the Atomic Cafe on the first Floor of COSI, where the Movie Theater is located, in order to give us time before the show starts to purchase refreshments. Parking is available at the COSI Garage and in the area on side streets and adjacent garages. We can also walk somewhere in the area and get food afterwards, if anyone wants to do so. Thanks and hope to see you come out!