Urban Exploration

Italian immigrants have long moved out of Little Italy in downtown Toronto. Find them in Vaughan, home to a plethora of Italian restaurants, booming condos, and the local mafia. The areas around Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC) and Highway 7 / Weston Rd are packed with industrial food outlets. We'll visit two cheese superstores, a seafood mart, and other hidden gems. It's not just Italian food either. There's Vietnamese and a growing Turkish presence. Also, one of the top 3 croissants in the GTA. And a winery tour (subject to availability). If that's not enough Mediterranean food for you, stay for a meal at a upscale Greek restaurant or grab Roman pizza and panini at a hidden takeout joint. **Highlights** 1. VMC (Vaughan Metropolitan Centre) Library (depart 12pm) 2. Mapletri Supermarket 3. Bartholomew Bakery 4. Ricci's Pizzeria (depart 1:10pm) 5. San Antonio Seafood Market / Grande Cheese 6. Ciao Roma / Nes Bakery 7. Quality Cheese 8. Magnotta (depart 2:25pm) 9. Zet's Restaurant 10. Nonna Amina Turkish Bakery 11. Gulbay Turkish Bakery 12. Medusa Authentic Greek Cuisine / Giro Bottega / Corned Beef House (arrive 3:25pm) **Neighbourhoods** Vaughan Metropolitan Centre > Vaughan Business Park > Woodbridge **Map** [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=15a06BMqNFARkynRVVr-2Fn3-1ow7Wag&usp=sharing](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=15a06BMqNFARkynRVVr-2Fn3-1ow7Wag&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. Grab ready-made food, or 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.

\*\***The Toronto History Walks Explorer Pass is available. Get it now for $125.00 for 1 year of unlimited tours, email** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** **for more information or for signing up!\*\*** \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** First it was **Ambrose Small** and my team of brilliant detectives who tried to figure it all out. The walkers on this tour just about cracked the case. Well done my detectives. But your smarts are needed again however. The Harley Karulis Detective Agency needs your help! The famous murder of Burt Massey on Walmer Road awaits your inspection. This time we are needed as **jurors** to figure the case out and add a fresh perspective. Are you up for this interactive game once again? The story shocked the city back in February of 1915. How a young teenage maid shot and killed her boss on Walmer Road in the Annex made headlines across Canada and around the world. But it was the name of that boss that made people gasp, the Massey family, from the famous music hall of the same name on Shuter Street in downtown Toronto! And people talked and tried to come up with explanations. But the following trial exposed the undercurrents of Toronto life, and the class system that was in place. This trial changed Toronto at a crucial time in its history. The first World War was raging in Europe, and residents of the city now had something else to think about. Murder! How this could have happened to an upper middle class family in the centre of Toronto, the Annex neighbourhood was rife with theory and fears. This walking tour/game takes participants back in time to the 1915 trial and explores the many sites associated with the trial and the personalities involved. You will be introduced to 15 historic characters and each has their own dark secrets, it will be up to you to render a **verdict** in this case. Guilty, or Not Guilty, and was the trial fair, those are the questions that need answering! Are you up for it? Sites like the National Club and the Toronto Club, Old City Hall and the Morgue are explored and their stories exposed. **This tour requires a PRESTO card for TTC as this tour uses transit to get around the city for stops outside the downtown core. One could call it a hop on hop off walking tour!** Our walk begins on the steps of Old City Hall at the northeast corner of Bay Street and Queen Street West. We end the tour at the site of the murder in the Annex for the reading of the verdict! Just like in the Ambrose Small case, we end where it all begins! This tour has a ticket price of $15.00 per person. Please get your tickets early if you would like to attend. \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket price when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com**

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

❄️🚶‍♂️ **Winter Walk Along Yonge Street + Cozy Lunch Out! 🍝✨** Bundle up and join me for a **fun, easy winter stroll** down one of Toronto’s most iconic streets! Yonge Street is famously the **longest street in the world** and always buzzing — even in winter. From quirky shops to street performers and endless people-watching, there’s *always* something happening. 👀🏙️ We’ll walk, chat, laugh, and soak in the city vibes before ending our adventure at the wonderfully **campy and cozy Old Spaghetti Factory** — the perfect spot to warm up, unwind, and enjoy a relaxed meal together. 🍷🍝💛 This is a great walk for anyone looking to **get out of the house, move a little, and connect with others** in a low-pressure, friendly way. 👉 **Don’t forget to join our WhatsApp group** – [CLICK HERE!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/H59mSCbsAi018gYANrKAnc?mode=ac_t) \*\*\* \#\#\# ⚠️ Important Notes 🍽️ **Restaurant Reservations:** Reservations will be made in advance. Members who change their RSVP on the day of or do not show up will be removed from the group — no exceptions. This helps us stay in good standing with the restaurant. Thank you for understanding! 👉 **The Old Spaghetti Factory** **Menu:** [Click Here!](https://oldspaghettifactory.ca/locations/toronto/) ❄️ **Weather Policy:** Please don’t sign up unless you’re comfortable walking in the cold and possible snow. This walk happens rain, snow, or shine. 🚫 The event will be cancelled only if the temperature hits **-20°C**. \*\*\* \#\#\# 📍 Meetup Details 📌 **Meetup Location:** Outside the subway station — look for me in my **Moose’s Hat! 🫎🎩** 💰 **Meetup Fee:** $5 cash in person **or** e-transfer to \*\*[mathewmaclean@hotmail.com**](http://mathewmaclean@hotmail.com%2A%2A/) 📍 **End Spot:** Yonge Street & The Esplanade 🍝 **Old Spaghetti Factory Menu:** Click Here! \*\*\* \#\#\# 🎒 What to Bring 💧 Water 🥾 Good winter boots 🧤 Gloves & a warm hat ☕ Something warm to drink 🍎 A small snack \*\*\* \#\#\# 🚪 Can I Leave Early? Absolutely! Come for as long — or as little — as you like. 👉 **REMEMBER:** You can also just show up on the day if you’re not 100% sure you can make it. ⚠️ **Note:** Occasionally things happen and events may need to be cancelled — please keep an eye out for updates. \*\*\* 👤 **Organizer:** Mathew Questions? Post on the event wall or email \*\*[torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com**](http://torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com%2A%2A/) ❄️✨ A perfect winter walk, great company, and pasta at the end — honestly, what more could you want? 😄🍝

**Step into a next-level karaoke experience at Convivium — where music, ambiance, and elevated hospitality come together for an unforgettable night.** This is not your average karaoke. Enjoy professional backing vocalists, a live DJ, premium sound and lighting — everything you need to feel like a true star on stage of Convivium, your evening includes: • An elegant setting • Attentive service • Chef-driven cuisine & curated wines • Music that brings people together ✨ **Every Friday \| Starting at 9:00 PM** ❤️ **Free Entrance** ⚠️ Limited spots to maintain an intimate, elevated experience Come solo or with friends! (This is not a singles event - all are welcome whose 19+) **Founder of Toronto Dating Hub will be there checking out the experience - come say hi / sing together!** Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, date nights, and corporate gatherings. Signature cocktails available throughout the evening. We recommend starting your night with dinner at Convivium before stepping into the Karaoke Experience — the perfect way to ease into the evening and fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere.

Toronto Downtown Reads is hosting a bookstore crawl on Saturday, February 28, 2026, celebrating the unique charm of Toronto’s indie bookstores. * This is a open reading group, welcomes everyone. * No registration, sign-ups, or memberships required. * Rather than focusing on a single book, the goal is to encourage reading beyond four walls by gathering in parks, cafés, libraries, and other city spaces. For this edition, we’ll be in physical reading mode, exploring a curated list of independent bookstores while getting to know the city one neighbourhood at a time. It’s a relaxed, social way to read, wander, and connect with books, places, and fellow readers. Whether you’re a regular reader or just curious to explore Toronto’s indie book scene, you’re welcome to join and read along at your own pace. We will start from Corner of Union Station (Bay St and Front St Intersection) at 11 am and walk towards the bookstore. If you’re planning to middle of day then please message on Instagram @Torontodowntownreads

Discover a new way to connect through play, creativity, and shared experiences Ever leave social events feeling like you didn’t really connect with anyone? The Connection Playground is a facilitated, fun, and interactive experience designed to replace awkward small talk with collaborative games and creative challenges — where real connection happens naturally. This isn’t networking. It’s play-based social discovery. **✨ What Makes It Different** • Guided activities that spark laughter and authenticity • Creative team challenges (fun, not competitive) • Natural conversations through shared experiences • Designed for both outgoing and introverted personalities **🎮 What You’ll Do (90 minutes)** ✔ Play engaging warm-ups (no awkward mingling) ✔ Collaborate on creative challenges ✔ Meet open-minded, curious Torontonians ✔ Leave with real connections — not just contacts 🌟 Perfect For You If You: • Want meaningful social connections • Are tired of surface-level events • Love creativity, play, and new experiences **📍 Event Details** 📅 Friday, Feb 27, 2026 ⏰ 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM 📍 Downtown Toronto (address after registration) 🎟 FREE Community Launch Event 👥 Limited spots for an intimate experience **💫 Why It’s Free** This is our community launch to introduce a new way of connecting, meet amazing people, and shape future experiences together. Come curious. Leave connected. Register now — spots are limited!

\*\***The Toronto History Walks Yearly Pass is available. Get it now for $125.00 for 1 year of unlimited tours, email** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** **for more information or for signing up!\*\*** \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** So many walkers have expressed interest in a full explanation of the dreaded PATH, so here it is. A full course on the PATH, its history and explanation. You will become a PATH specialist after this, guaranteed! I've heard it so many times, with so many people, the common refrain, "I got lost in the PATH." If you are one of the many who have simply vanished in Toronto's underground never to be seen again, check out this popular historical walking tour. This tour demystifies the PATH system and explains how it works in grand detail. It takes walkers through the system and points out the crucial connectors and branches within the system to effortlessly guide the lost through the maze. Once experienced the PATH will be an invaluable aid to navigating the downtown, in both summer and winter, rain or shine, hurricane or drought. You might even enjoy getting lost in the underground, lost but not forgotten. This is the full PATH course curriculum: Part 1: The History of THE PATH Part2: Connectors and signboards Part 3: Understanding the above ground connection Part 4: Hidden paths to get one around quickly Part 5: The Blind Spots and how to work with them Part 6: The Maps Part 7: Getting from here to there! This walk is for all fitness levels and skills. This tour is indoors, so please dress for the conditions, and is considered an all-weather​ tour. The walk begins **inside** the Atrium on Bay at the northeast corner of Dundas Street West and Bay Street adjacent to the Red Lobster restaurant! This tour has a ticket price of $15.00 per person! \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com**

Join us Sunday, March 1st for a moonrise photography session at Wards Island. We will meet at the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at 3:30 PM sharp to catch the 3:30 ferry to Wards Island. Please do not be late, as we must board together. The moon is scheduled to rise at approximately 4:13 PM, and we will position ourselves at an east-facing spot near Wards Island beach (away from the main beach area) to prepare for a moonrise timelapse. Plan: – Meet at 3:30 PM at the ferry terminal – Take the 3:30 ferry to Wards Island – Walk to our east-facing location – Set up cameras and tripods – Capture moonrise timelapse and still images Tripods are highly recommended for timelapse. If you don’t have a tripod, you are still welcome to join and capture handheld moon shots. This event is weather dependent and will proceed only if skies are clear or partially cloudy. If conditions are fully overcast, the event will be cancelled. Important: – Dress appropriately for the weather – There is no shelter at our shooting location – Expect wind exposure near the shoreline – Bring fully charged batteries This is a collaborative, non-commercial event. **No selling or service promotion permitted**. Looking forward to capturing the moonrise together.

NO MEETUP FEES!!!!!!! We are going to watch the Leafs and Ottawa at Safari, which has a very cool vibe to it. Very trendy and upscale. There are pool tables and great food. A great way to make new friends and meet new people

March in Toronto is a mystery… it could be sunshine and birds chirping ☀️ or a little crisp and snowy ❄️ — and honestly? That’s part of the adventure. Let’s get out of the house, breathe in that fresh winter air, stretch our legs, and enjoy one of Toronto’s most beautiful parks together. 💙 **High Park** is the city’s largest public park — full of winding trails, little hills (yes, there are a few! 😄), open green space, squirrels plotting world domination 🐿️, a mini zoo, lakefront views, and some of the prettiest natural scenery in the city. This isn’t a power hike. This isn’t a marathon. This is a **fun, light, social winter wander** — about an hour of walking, chatting, laughing, and just being outside together. 🌬️👟 And then? We warm up at the **Grenadier Café**, right in the heart of the park, for a cozy lunch. ☕🍔🍟 Nothing hits quite like a warm meal after a brisk walk. Fresh air + good conversation + comfort food. That’s the vibe. ✨ *** 📱 **Don’t forget to join our WhatsApp group** – [CLICK HERE!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/H59mSCbsAi018gYANrKAnc?mode=ac_t) 👉 **Menu:** [Click Here!](https://www.grenadiercafe.net/grenadiercafemenu) *** ## 📍 Meetup Details 📌 **Meetup Location:** At the **High Park Sign** (west side at Bloor & High Park Ave). Look for Mathew in his famous **Moose Hat!** 🫎🎩 🕚 **Meetup Time:** 11:00 AM I will only wait 5 minutes (March weather waits for no one 😉). 📍 **End Location:** Back to the start. 💰 **Meetup Fee:** $5 cash in person or e-transfer to **mathewmaclean@hotmail.com** *** ## ❄️ Weather Policy Please don’t sign up if you’re not ready to walk in the cold or snow. This event is happening in *any* kind of weather — unless it hits -20°C. Then we call it character-building and reschedule. 😅 *** ## 🎒 What to Bring 🥾 Good boots (High Park has hills!) 🧤 Gloves & hat 💧 Water ☕ Something warm to drink 🍫 A small snack if needed *** ## ⏳ Can I Leave Early? Of course! Stay for the walk, stay for lunch, or stay for both. Come for as long (or as little) as you like. And yes — you can just show up on the day if you’re not 100% sure you can make it. ⚠️ Occasionally things happen and events may need to be cancelled — please keep an eye out for updates. *** 👤 **Organizer:** Mathew Questions? Post on the event wall or email **torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com** *** Let’s shake off winter blues, get some fresh air in our lungs, and remind ourselves how good it feels to move, connect, and share a meal together. 🌲❄️💛 High Park in winter has its own kind of magic — come see it with us.

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/historic-winter-2026)** ***Join us as we explore this seemingly untouched wilderness known to just a few.*** This hike is a genuine adventure, taking us to a spot where trails appear out of nowhere then disappear again as soon as you find them. While only 9km, this is a harder hike that will see us bushwhacking through dense forest, hopping over myriad streams and potentially trudging through thick snow. The reward is incredible however - we end up tracing a raging river along an impossibly pretty shoreline and past some ferocious rapids. If you've been itching for something a bit more challenging, this is your chance. On this hike you can expect: \- Trekking along icy rivers \- Sprawling frozen scenery \- Raging rapids \- An epic feat of engineering ***A note for self-drivers: parking can be precarious here, especially with heavy snowfall. You are strongly encouraged to take WU transport to avoid issues.*** ***Snowshoes are included in the cost of this adventure. Please indicate at checkout if you require a pair.*** **Highlights** **Ferocious Rapids -** Trek along this winding riverbank with tumultuous rapids forming the river's path **A Forgotten River -** This river is teeming with life and beauty, how could anyone forget that! **Little-Known Crown Land Hike -** Hike through the unknown where the trail comes and goes. We doubt you'll see anybody else out there. **Event cost: $60+HST - optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/historic-winter-2026)** **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/)***

Let us meet for some end of week catching up

Let’s meet, wander the exhibits and open galleries, and enjoy an evening out in the Franklinton Arts District. (Nearby pay parking is available in the garage on McDowell, right around the corner from One Line Coffee, and, past it along the curb as McDowell dead ends.)

Join us for a casual chat over coffee & tea at Porter’s Coffee House. Come out and meet some new people, enjoy your favorite drink, and make some new friends!

Coffee and conversation at [Stauf's Coffee Roasters](https://www.staufs.com/) in German Village. Street parking is free on Sundays.

We'll play board games at the [Land-Grant Brewing Company](https://landgrantbrewing.com/). The brewery has multiple [food trucks](https://landgrantbrewing.com/food/) on Sundays, including [Ray Ray's Hog Pit](https://rayrayshogpit.com/franklinton), [Buck City Sammies](https://www.buckcitysammies.com/menu), and [Hai Poké](https://www.haipokefoodtruck.com/). The brewery also has (passable) drip coffee, free water, and Jeni's ice cream. You can also walk over to the [Land Grant Extension](https://callinyourbluffcoffee.com/) for "real" coffee. (You may have to stand in line, though. The Extension is popular.) 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.

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Crimson Cup Coffee Shop - Clintonville](https://www.crimsoncup.com/about/location/clintonville)!