Roller Coasters

**Vancouver • North Vancouver • Whistler • Squamish • Vancouver Island (Victoria)** **Date:** May 31 – June 6, 2026 (7 days/ 6 nights) **Group Size:** Approx 30 people **Tour page:** https://funtours.ca/tour/best-of-british-columbia **Places We Will Visit:** * Vancouver City & Downtown * Stanley Park, Vancouver * Panoramic views from Downtown Vancouver * Gastown Steam Clock * Vancouver Lookout * Granville Island * Grouse Mountain * Capilano Suspension Bridge * Whistler Village * Whistler Peak-to-Peak Gondola * Squamish (Shannon Falls Provincial Park) * Victoria Island * Victoria Downtown * Butchart Gardens, Victoria **PRICING** Per person, Double occupancy: CA$ 2600 + Tax = CA$ 2938 (Flights, Hotels, Tours are included) Per person, Single occupancy: CA$ 3600 + Tax = CA$ 4068 (Flights, Hotels, Tours are included) Only a $500 deposit per person is required to secure your spot. **What’s Included** * 6 nights accommodation in a 3–4-star hotel (Excellent 8.6 rating) * 6 Continental breakfast * Round-trip flight to Vancouver (on Flair) * Airport Transfers * Accompanying Tour Guide * All transportation and sightseeing tours are by a comfortable coach bus **Your tour includes all of the following Ammission fees:** * Ferry to Victoria Island ($20 + tax) * Grouse Mountain admission ($80 + tax) * Capilano Suspension Bridge ($75 + tax) * Butchart Gardens ($42 + tax) * Whistler Peak-to-Peak ($160 + tax) * Vancouver Lookout ticket ($20 + tax) * Total Cost Included: $397 + BC taxes \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- If you have any particular questions about the tour details, you may text/call the "tour leader, Shamseddin" @ 647-671-6711, or leave a comment under this post. \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **IMPORTANT NOTE:** \>\> RSVP in Meetup means you are "interested"\. You are NOT confirmed until you pay the deposit\. \>\> This event has been published on other meetups/platforms\. Some people book directly through the website without RSVPing for the meetup\. So\, the participant count displayed here may not be updated\. \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Hope to see you on board :) Noushin **This tour is operated by: Toronto Fun Tours** 📧 Email: info@funtours.ca 📞 Phone: 416-477-2087 (Mon–Fri, 10 AM – 5 PM) 📱 WhatsApp: 416-477-2087 🌐**Web:** [https://funtours.ca/](https://funtours.ca/)

**🏐 Drop-In Volleyball at the Miles Nadal JCC** Come bump, set, and spike your way into a great game — right in the heart of the Annex! Join us for **friendly, casual volleyball** at the Miles Nadal JCC, just steps from Spadina Station. With two full courts available, this is a great opportunity to stay active, meet new people, and enjoy some light competition in a welcoming environment. \*\*\* **🏐 Event Details:** 📍 **Location:** 750 Spadina Ave. (enter through the Spadina doors) 🛑 **Check-In:** Stop by security and check in at the front desk when you arrive \*\*\* **🏐 Registration & Payment (Required in Advance):** RSVP on Meetup **does not reserve your spot**. To participate in Drop-In Play, you must register and pay in advance through our system. 👉 **[Register here](https://app.amilia.com/store/en/miles-nadal-jcc/api/Activity/Detail?activityId=yn6XJ5L)** 📞 **Or register by phone:** 416-924-6211 🔢 **Space is limited** and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Once full, no additional participants can be accommodated. \*\*\* **🏐 Other Info:** • Volleyballs are available for loan at the front desk with a $20 cash deposit and valid ID • This session is intended for **intermediate players and above** — participants should have a solid understanding of volleyball rules, scoring, and gameplay, and maintain proper court positioning in both serve, receive and transition play • Games are self-organized with regular rotation to ensure everyone gets time on the court • Friendly, inclusive atmosphere \*\*\* Come ready to play, connect, and have fun — we can’t wait to see you on the court!

\*\***The Toronto History Walks Yearly Pass is available. Get it now for $125.00 for 1 year of unlimited tours, email** [torontohistorywalks@gmail.com](http://torontohistorywalks@gmail.com%2A%2A/) **for more information or for signing up!\*\*** \*\* **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](http://torontohistorywalks@gmail.com%2A%2A/) The area was first settled in 1794 by the Ashbridge family, whose name is remembered by the nearby bay and park. Their homestead on Queen Street East was well to the west of the area currently identified as the Beaches. A later generation of the Ashbridge family rebuilt the family home in 1854 and can be seen on Queen Street East opposite the TTC barns near Kingston Road. The Beaches remained a sparely settled community until the end of the 19th century when extension of the Grand Truck Railway, the draining of the northern parts of Ashbridges Bay, and the construction of street car tracks on Queen Street and Kingston Road, opened the area to settlement. From Sunnyside Amusement Park built in 1922 to Scarboro Beach built in 1906, it seemed that Toronto cornered the market on summertime chills and thrills. We had 5 major amusement parks along our waterfront, and two smaller parks, Victoria Park and Munro Park, virtually unknown to Torontonians today, but extremely popular summertime places, years ago as pleasure parks. This walking tour is for all walking levels and fitness skills. Please dress for the season and bring water. And remember to bring your love of history. It begins outside the Beaches Branch of the Toronto Public Library at Queen Street East, and Lee Avenue adjacent to Kew Gardens. The tour ends at the Neville Park Queen Street Streetcar Loop. This tour has a ticket price of $15.00 per person. \*\* **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](http://torontohistorywalks@gmail.com%2A%2A/)

Join our WhatsApp group [https://chat.whatsapp.com/F7838OJWfkiAlMEyNffVfZ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/F7838OJWfkiAlMEyNffVfZ) Welcome to beach volleyball All Level Learn and Play Event in Spanish Banks. If you never play before but want to, no worry, you can learn basic skills over here. All the equipment is prepared. This event is for come to meet new friends, improve your volleyball skill and build your team. **Only 20 spots** **If you can HOST our volleyball event, peope learn basic Skills from you. Reserve as HOST, get paid** * People will **learn basic skills and rules from** **Our Host Leon** in the first hour. * In the next hour, we will be divided into the different teams to play on the court. * People who purchase the summer pass will be put into the same team, play with your same team players and build your team. **Drop In $10** **Flash Sale 2026 All summer Pass $69** and May 17 2026 - Sep 6 2026 Sunday (No Events in Holiday or Raining) [https://www.extremelyshy.com/toronto&RAP1VF](https://www.extremelyshy.com/toronto&RAP1VF) **Book online only**, you will receive details and contact information in your confirmation email. Show your QR code to our host Natalie to verify. 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

We are hiking at Scotsdale Farm with Debbie McDermott and Bohdan Bilyj. This is a Level_2 Bruce Trail hike with lots of woods, and some lookouts. We expect around 14km with a few hills. **Directions** 1. Exit Highway_401 at Trafalger Road (Exit_328), and go north. 2. After you pass through Georgetown, you will come to a T-intersection, which is Highway_7. Turn left. 3. After three and a half kilometres, fork right back onto Trafalger Road. 4. Continue north about 1.6_kilometres, and look for the sign. Google Maps: [13807 Trafalgar Rd, Georgetown, Ontario.](http://goo.gl/maps/EGPdsXsLuZC2) Après-hike suggestion: St. George Pub in Georgetown. Waiver Hiking is a dangerous activity; each participant agrees to assume his/her own risks. If you are new to hiking, please start with a Level 1 hike. Hike leader's decision is final. See you on the trail. ps. ps. ps. Know where you are going Paid app: Bruce Trail Map for smartphones (http://brucetrail.org/pages/trail/app) Free apps: Here's just a sample on the web: Google Fit (https://www.google.com/fit/), Runkeeper (http://www.runkeeper.com/), MyTrack (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.maps.mytracks&hl=en), GPS Essentials (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mictale.gpsessentials&hl=en)

**Volleyball Foundations 3 — Connect Your Skills & Play with Confidence (15+)** Ready to move beyond isolated skills and start playing with flow and purpose? Volleyball Foundations 3 is designed for players who are ready to connect their techniques and develop real game awareness in a team setting. In this progressive clinic, you’ll focus on integrating your skills into live, rally-based play: • **Reading the Ball:** Anticipate trajectory and react earlier to stay one step ahead • **Defense:** Improve footwork, positioning, and overall court coverage • **Attacking:** Learn the 3-step approach and develop controlled, effective hits over the net You’ll also begin to understand the rhythm of the game through continuous play. Sessions emphasize “wash drills” and extended rallies, helping you stay engaged, make decisions under pressure, and build confidence during longer points. Players will be introduced to the **6-Up defensive system** and develop strong on-court communication skills to navigate fast-paced, unpredictable situations. *** **Who This Clinic Is For:** • Players who have completed Volleyball Foundations 2 or have a strong base in passing, setting, and serving • Players ready to develop game awareness, teamwork, and rally consistency • Athletes looking to feel more confident playing in game-speed environments *** **Location:** Miles Nadal JCC — 750 Spadina Ave. (enter through Spadina doors) **Format:** Group instruction led by an experienced, supportive coach **Registration Required in Advance** RSVP’ing on Meetup does not reserve your spot. [Register here](https://app.amilia.com/store/en/miles-nadal-jcc/api/Activity/Detail?activityId=yQ90BGe) ☎️ Or call 416-924-6211 ext. 0 *** **Early Bird Discount:** Register by April 26 at 10 PM to receive **10% off** sessional registration. *** **Why Join?** • Learn to connect skills into fluid, game-like play • Improve decision-making, timing, and court awareness • Build confidence in rallies through continuous, high-energy gameplay • Develop communication and teamwork within a structured system Take the next step toward real gameplay—where skills come together, rallies get longer, and confidence truly starts to show.

🌲🥾 **CROTHERS WOODS TRAIL HIKE & DAIRY QUEEN STOP** 🥾🍦 Real Trails, A Solid Climb & An Ice Cream Finish Toronto doesn’t have many *true* hiking experiences — but this is one of them. Join us for a more active, nature-focused walk through Crothers Woods, one of the city’s best spots if you’re looking for something that actually feels like a hike. This isn’t your typical flat city stroll. There are hills, forest paths, and a proper climb — especially at the end (Pottery Road 👀). But don’t worry… we’ve got a reward waiting. This is not a formal tour. It’s a social hike — a bit more effort, a bit more nature, and a great group to do it with. 📲 **Join Our WhatsApp Group:**[ Click here to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DRFTkxRlHS4B3IL1lMleUd) \*\*\* **🚶‍♂️ What We’ll Do** We’ll start at Broadview Station and head south along Broadview before making our way down Pottery Road into the Don Valley. From there, we’ll connect to the Don Valley trails and enter Crothers Woods, where we’ll hike through forested paths and take a short break along the way. After the hike, we’ll make our way back — finishing with the climb up Pottery Road (the final challenge 💪). And then… we reward ourselves with a stop at Dairy Queen for some well-earned ice cream. 🍦 We’ll end back near Broadview Station. \*\*\* 🌦️ **Weather & Expectations** This hike happens rain or shine. Please come prepared — trails may be muddy, and conditions can vary. This is a slightly more challenging walk than most of our events: ✔️ Uneven trails ✔️ Some hills ✔️ One bigger climb at the end Good footwear is important. Also — this is NOT a guided or historical tour. It’s about movement, nature, and being social. \*\*\* 🧢 **Meetup Details** 📍 Meetup Location: Outside Broadview Subway Station 🫎 I’ll be wearing my Moose Hat ⏰ Meetup Time: 11:00 AM I will only wait 5 minutes. Early is on time. On time is late. We’ll head out promptly. End Point: Broadview Subway Station \*\*\* 🎟️ Meetup Fee: $5 cash in person or e-transfer to 📧 \*\*[mathewmaclean@hotmail.com**](http://mathewmaclean@hotmail.com%2A%2A/) This helps support the group and allows us to keep hosting events like this. Thank you for supporting community! 💖 \*\*\* 🎒 **What to Bring** Water Good hiking/walking shoes (important!) A snack Weather-appropriate clothing (trail-ready 🌧️🌿) Optional: cash/card for ice cream 🍦 **Please also use the washroom before arriving, as stops are limited.** \*\*\* 🌈 **Who Is This For?** This group is open to anyone who wants to be social and make friends — whether single or not. **We also host:** 🎬 Movies 🚶 Walks & hikes 🎭 Arts & culture outings 🍽️ Restaurant gatherings There’s always something happening. \*\*\* **REMEMBER:** You’re welcome to just show up on the day if you’re unsure about your schedule. And as always, sometimes plans shift and events may need to be canceled — please keep an eye on updates. \*\*\* 👤 Organizer: Mathew Questions? Post on the event wall or email 📧 [torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com](mailto:torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com) Come for the trail. Stay for the challenge. Leave feeling like you actually *earned* that ice cream. 🍦🌲✨

**Explore the scenic Humber River in Toronto with our Kayak, Canoe, and stand-up paddle board 2-hour rentals during the week!** Use the following link to book your spot:[ ](https://torontoadventures.ca/all-adventures/kayak-canoe-sup-rentals/)**[https://torontoadventures.ca/all-adventures/kayak-canoe-sup-rentals/](https://torontoadventures.ca/all-adventures/kayak-canoe-sup-rentals/)**[ ](https://torontoadventures.ca/all-adventures/kayak-canoe-sup-rentals/) The calm meandering Humber River is one of Toronto’s hidden gems! Home to a huge variety of wildlife, including Beaver, Blue Heron, Deer and much more, you’ll feel like you’ve left the city behind! *Events are subject to weather and other factors out of our control. If we must cancel or delay an event we will those booked on the [torontoadventures.ca](http://torontoadventures.ca/) website know as soon as possible.* **Weekend Pricing (per 2-hour rental), Payable online through:** [https://torontoadventures.ca/all-adventures/kayak-canoe-sup-rentals/](https://torontoadventures.ca/all-adventures/kayak-canoe-sup-rentals/) Single Kayak (seats 1 person) : $49.95+taxes Tandem Kayak (seats 2 people) : $89.95+taxes Regular Canoe (seats 2 people) : $79.95+taxes Large Canoe (seats 3 people) : $89.95+taxes Stand-up Paddle Board ( 1 person): $49.95+taxes **Included:** * Boat(s), Paddle(s), PFD(s)/ “Life Jacket(s)”, & Coast Guard Safety Kit. * Brief orientation covering paddling safety, Toronto Adventures’ rules, and the Humber River paddling route * Our friendly staff to help you launch your boat(s) and/or boards. * SUP Leash (For Paddle Board Rentals Only) **What to bring?** * Dress for the weather! * Wear closed-toe athletic footwear you don’t mind getting wet & muddy (shoes not required on SUPs). * Sunscreen, sunglasses & hats, are all recommended for sunny days. * A water bottle. * Government Issued Photo ID. **Important Information** Anyone under the age of 18 must have a Parent/Guardian/Adult accompany them all the times on the water. Online Adult Waivers are available through confirmation emails. For minors, waivers will need to be signed in person on location. There must be an Adult to Child ratio of 1:4 in the children are under 12 years of age. From ages 12-18 we require a 1:5 adult to youth ratio. We have lifejackets starting at 30 pounds and are fully adjustable. * Paddlers must be comfortable treading water while wearing a PFD and reaching a shoreline (minimum 20 metres to shore). * Late Fees Returning Boat(s)/Equipment – $20/15 minutes per boat. **[Google Link Directions](https://torontoadventures.ca/directions/#humberriverlocation)** **[Cancellation Policy](https://torontoadventures.ca/faq/#cancellation)** We hope to see you out on the water!

Living On Video + DJ Lazarus presents Sat May 30 - PANIC: 80s/90s Video Dance Party w/ Echo & The Bunnymen Spotlight ADVANCED TIX $10: https://PANICECHO.eventbrite.ca PANIC is a brilliant evening of new wave, post-punk, classic alternatives, synth pioneers, britpop, shoegaze, madchester, new romantic, classic industrial, ska, and more. Join hundreds of your friends dancing to the coolest retro tunes at PANIC. Saturday May 30, 2026 PANIC: 80s/90s Video Dance Party w/ Echo & The Bunnymen Spotlight Ground Control - 1279 Queen St West - Toronto 9pm Lounge - 10pm Mainroom- 19+ event Adv. Tix ONLY $10: https://PANICECHO.eventbrite.ca $15 at the door INVITE: www.facebook.com/events/1966276970762815/ (please INVITE your friends) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- SOCIAL: www.instagram.com/groundcontroltoronto www.facebook.com/livingonvideoclub www.facebook.com/djlazarusrocks www.twitch.tv/livingonvideoclub www.mixcloud.com/livingonvideo www.instagram.com/djlazarusrocks www.twitter.com/djlazarusrocks

I think we're ready to start this group's running season! 5K every week till the snows come down! Or try to! This seems like a good Sunday to start as the temperature and sunlight should all be moderate. Also, plenty of time to prepare with stretch and strength if you haven't run since last year! BTW, I've learned there is a lot of benefit to starting with slow jogging - rather than walking. Please look that up, if you are slow - like me - and want to improve your endurance, consistency, aerobic and anaerobic capacity. We'll meet by the track. I'll be there early to warm up. We will start the 5K exactly at 9:30am. As mentioned in the About Us, * Using the park track we can all go at our own pace and never really be left behind unless we all finish way ahead of you. :D I think an hour is enough time to dedicate to the run. I'm pretty slow, so you will likely have me around for most of the hour. * Members are free to leave the run whenever they want. * Bring your kids, your pets, your partners, etc. * All encouraged to stick around afterwards and enjoy the park or neighbourhood on your own. * Let's get stronger, healthier and foster a great community at the same time. * As part of our kick-off, I am open to heading off to get some brunch on the Danforth afterwards, if anybody is interested! Lots of great options there! We also welcome runners who are not in our neighbourhood and want to join us spiritually and run from their own neighbourhoods. :-) Imagine how much healthier and communal the world would be if we all stopped for an hour once in a while to run together; re-centring and re-charging together?

**Paddle, Laugh & Meet New People 🚣‍♀️** Looking for a more active, outdoorsy way to meet singles this spring? **Celebrate Asian Heritage Month with an outdoor singles social featuring dragon boating, teamwork, and new connections. Beginner-friendly!** **When:** Sunday\, May 31\, 2026 \| 10:00am – 1:00pm **Where:** Sunnyside Pavilion (1755 Lake Shore Boulevard West) **Tickets:**[ ](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/toronto-dating-hub-may-dragon-boat-experience-singles-social-tickets-1988492050251?aff=meetup)[\[Buy Here\]](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/toronto-dating-hub-may-dragon-boat-experience-singles-social-tickets-1988492050251?aff=meetup) **(must buy ticket from website - RSVP from Meetup doesn't count)** #### **What to Expect 🚣‍♀️💬☀️** * Beginner-friendly dragon boat experience — no experience needed * Intro to paddling, teamwork & safety from experienced coaches * Time on the water paddling together as a team (with rotations) 🌊 * Shore-side mingling before, between & after boat sessions 🍹 * Light refreshments included * Fun, social, active atmosphere with a healthy-lifestyle crowd * Great for solo attendees — many people come on their own 😊 Can’t make it? Follow **[Toronto Dating Hub](https://www.torontodatinghub.com/)** for upcoming mixers & events!

### Details This event is for women in their late 20s to 40s in Toronto who want to get outside, move a bit, and enjoy a day in nature together. We’ll explore Taylor Creek Park, walking through wooded ravines, creekside paths, bridges, and open green spaces. The focus is on a relaxed outdoor experience, good company, and spending time away from the city pace while still staying within Toronto. ### What we’ll do * We’ll meet at the Main Street Station (exact location is sent in private message) and set out on a 7–9 km walk depending on the group’s pace and how the day unfolds. * The route follows Taylor Creek through forested areas, gentle ravines, and natural trails with light elevation changes. * We’ll pause along the way for photos, conversation, quiet moments, or simply enjoying the surroundings. * After the walk, there’s an optional stop at a nearby cafe or bakery for anyone who wants to continue the day together. * If parts of the trail are muddy or uneven, we may adjust the route slightly while staying in the same area. * Total time is around 2–2.5 hours of walking, plus optional cafe time afterward. ### Why join This is a simple outdoor day designed to step away from routines and spend time in nature with other women who enjoy walking, fresh air, and easy conversation. Taylor Creek offers a mix of forest, water, and open paths that feel like a break from the city without leaving it. ### Transit & Parking: * Trail is accessible by TTC * Street parking is available in the surrounding residential areas near the metting point. * Route will be out-and-back, returning to the starting location ### What to Bring: * Walking shoes (path is mix of paved and nature trails) * Water if needed **Disclaimer**: This group is designed to offer a peaceful, enjoyable space for women to connect and spend time outdoors together. Participation fee helps cover meetup costs. Please note that I am not responsible for any personal belongings, injuries, or incidents that may occur during our events. Participants are responsible for their own safety and items. Photos may be taken during events for future promotions or group memories, and by joining, you consent to being included in these images unless otherwise specified. By joining, you agree to respect the privacy of others and engage in a positive, supportive environment. Please note: the fee is non-refundable.

Do you sometimes feel like you do well in life then something happens and you slide back, never quite getting ahead. At this Meetup you'll find out how to identify what actually causes the lows, the highs and everything in between. More importantly you’ll get the secret of how to gain control over your life so the highs are higher and the lows go away. Wouldn’t it be nice to stop the wild roller coaster ride for good? Or at least make it a fun roller coaster ride, with more ups and downs. There is a hidden factor that will be going over and you’re going to be quite surprised what it is and how much it affects your life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to the event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is hosted at the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center.

Do you sometimes feel like you do well in life then something happens and you slide back, never quite getting ahead. At this Meetup you'll find out how to identify what actually causes the lows, the highs and everything in between. More importantly you’ll get the secret of how to gain control over your life so the highs are higher and the lows go away. Wouldn’t it be nice to stop the wild roller coaster ride for good? Or at least make it a fun roller coaster ride, with more ups and downs. There is a hidden factor that will be going over and you’re going to be quite surprised what it is and how much it affects your life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to the event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is hosted at the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center.

**Weather permitting**, we’ll take a casual ride from Pickerington Ponds (Glacier Knoll) to Three Creeks and back. Distance is **18–25 miles**, depending on where we turn around and whether we add a side loop. Pace is around **12 mph**, but this is a fun, no‑drop ride — we can slow down as needed. Here’s the **map** showing Glacier Knoll (bike), Confluence Park (flag), and BrewDog: [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit..](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit..). Text or call Scott at **614‑975‑4458** if you’re coming. Columbus ski club membership not required for this event. CSC assumes no responsibility for the event or any injuries as this is organized by a third party.

Westerville Pride Festival Sat\. June 6\, 2026 \| 5 PM \- 8 PM If you're thinking of attending, or being a sponsor, vendor, or volunteer, visit our website at https://www.westervillequeercollective.org/pride for more information! Location and other info will be announced soon :)

**History** [Chestnut Ridge Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/chestnut-ridge/) is historically significant because it sits on a 300-million-year-old outcropping of Blackhand sandstone. Geographically recognized as the very first foothill of the Appalachian Mountains, the ridge rises 1,116 feet above sea level. Long before European settlement, the land served as a sacred site for ancient civilizations. The park contains the Old Maid's Orchard Mound, an eight-foot-tall burial mound constructed by the Adena culture between 1000 B.C. and 100 B.C. This ancient landmark has remained largely intact and is now protected on the National Register of Historic Places. The documented modern history of the land began with an official survey conducted by Ebenezer Buckingham in 1801. Original land deeds of sale from this period notably bear the signatures of United States Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. In the 1830s, Irish laborers arrived at the ridge to quarry its rich Blackhand sandstone. The blocks they hewed were used to build the crucial locks for the nearby Ohio and Erie Canal. Remnants of this early sandstone quarrying operation can still be spotted by sharp-eyed hikers along the modern trails. Agricultural transformation defined the ridge throughout the mid-to-late 19th century. Settlers discovered that the high elevation created a natural air flow that prevented late-season frost damage to crops. Extensive fruit orchards were planted across the slopes between 1860 and 1880. One notable orchard was established by John Wagner, a Spanish-American War veteran who chose the ridge specifically for its proximity to the bustling Columbus market. The park's current name pays homage to the massive American chestnut trees that once dominated the ridgeline before a devastating ecological blight wiped them out in the early 20th century. The conservation story of the modern 486-acre park began in March 1962. The Metro Parks board announced land acquisition plans to block developers from building a residential housing development called Chestnut Heights. Director-Secretary Walter A. Tucker advocated heavily for the purchase, citing the ridge's immense value as a scenic overlook for central Ohio. The district systematically purchased multiple agricultural parcels over the next two decades. After operating strictly as undeveloped farmland through the 1970s, Chestnut Ridge Metro Park officially opened to the public on December 18, 1988. In recent decades, the park has evolved from a quiet hiking spot into a premier regional destination for outdoor sports. A major turning point occurred in 2010 when the Central Ohio Mountain Biking Organization (COMBO) partnered with the park district to develop new infrastructure. Volunteers worked extensively to construct a single-track mountain bike trail, which officially opened in October 2011. An expert gravity and flow trail featuring advanced jumps was later integrated into the loop in 2016. Today, the park successfully balances its deep ancient, industrial, and agricultural history with active recreation. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Chestnut Ridge](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/CHR_map_1980px_2026.jpg). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Ridge, Meadows, and Homesite Trails, and Law's Lane, which is unmarked on some maps. None of these trails is individually very long, so we will hike a few permutations and loops until we get in 4-5 miles. The hike will be moderately strenuous. **Where We'll Meet** Drive to the rearmost picnic area at the back of the park. There's a latrine here, but there's no water fountain here or anywhere else at Chestnut Ridge. I strongly recommend you bring some water of your own, at least for after the hike. Cell service at the park is spotty, although your GPS will get you there just fine. The map pin I've provided here is exactly where we'll be meeting and should be able to be used directly in Google Maps, although Chestnut Ridge isn't big and you're unlikely to get lost here. **After the Hike** Afterward, we'll head over to [BrewDog DogTap](https://drink.brewdog.com/usa/brewdog-dogtap-columbus) for [drinks](https://usa.brewdog.com/pages/brewdog-lineup) and [food](https://usa.brewdog.com/cdn/shop/files/DogTap_Menu_2025_65e1ff8b-97d4-4f26-80f1-68321d482025.pdf?v=17356939232910340498). They also have an outdoor area that's extremely popular. I've had their burgers and their pizza, and I think they're both very good. I also really like their [Cold Beer](https://usa.brewdog.com/products/cold-beer-2024) (that's its actual name), which is their American light lager. BrewDog's actual address is [96 Gender Rd, Canal Winchester, OH 43110](https://www.google.com/maps/place/96+Gender+Rd,+Canal+Winchester,+OH+43110/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88387c06afa21a85:0x804c611d373d8c54?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111), and they have a large, free parking lot. We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks.