Field Trips

🚐 **Doors Open Guelph Road Trip!** **Saturday, April 25** Let’s hit the road and make a day of it! We’re heading to **Doors Open Guelph** for a fun, curiosity-fuelled adventure exploring buildings and spaces that are usually closed to the public. **A little context:** Nick has been a **Doors Open Toronto volunteer for over two decades** (yep, a true Doors Open nerd in the best way 😄) and genuinely loves checking out how other cities do it. Guelph is packed with history, beautiful architecture, and some surprising hidden gems—perfect for a Doors Open day trip. *** ### 🏛️ What is Doors Open? If you’ve never been before, Doors Open is an **annual, free architectural and cultural event** where cities open the doors to historic, cultural, and behind-the-scenes spaces. Think heritage buildings, churches, civic spaces, theatres, old industrial sites, and more—often with tours, guides, or special access you wouldn’t normally get. 👉 [https://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/pages/events/guelph](https://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/pages/events/guelph) *** ### 🗓️ The Plan * **Departure:** 8:00 AM from just outside **Christie Station** * **Transportation:** Rental minivan * **Destination:** Doors Open Guelph * **Lunch stop:** **Chuck’s Roadhouse (Guelph – Clair Rd)** 👉 [https://chucksroadhouse.com/locations/guelph-clair/](https://chucksroadhouse.com/locations/guelph-clair/) * **Return to Toronto:** Around **6:00 PM**, traffic depending *** ### 🍔 Food & Drink * Lunch will be at **Chuck’s Roadhouse** * **You are responsible for your own food and drink purchases** *** ### 💰 Cost **$50 round-trip** This covers: * Car rental * Insurance * Fuel **It does NOT cover your food or drinks** To secure your spot, all participants must e-transfer $50 to: nicolasbello@yahoo.com Spots are limited based on vehicle capacity, so please RSVP only if you’re able to commit. *** ### 🎒 What to Bring * Comfortable walking shoes * Curiosity & good vibes * A little patience for traffic (it’s part of the road-trip charm) *** ### 🌦️ Weather Note This event **runs rain or shine**, so please **dress appropriately for the weather**. The good news is that we’ll be **inside most of the time**, but there will still be some walking between locations. **Health and safety** Just a quick reminder for our upcoming Doors Open road trips: if you’re feeling unwell or starting to come down with something, we kindly ask that you cancel your RSVP. Since we’ll be spending several hours together in a rental minivan, it’s important that everyone feels comfortable and safe throughout the day. Giving Nick as much notice as possible also helps—when there’s enough advance warning, he may be able to arrange a full or partial refund for your spot. We appreciate your understanding and consideration for the group, and we look forward to a great day together! Thanks so much. *** This should be a great mix of architecture, history, food, and classic road-trip fun. Come explore Guelph with us! 🚐✨

**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/)***

Experience the wonders of Algonquin Park in the beautiful early days of spring, when the park begins to wake up and wildlife activity really starts to pick up. Please join us for a fantastic day trip into one of Ontario’s most famous and beloved wilderness areas. This is a wonderful time of year to visit Algonquin. If you have ever dreamed of seeing a moose in the wild, this is one of your best chances. The ice is disappearing, the forests and wetlands are coming back to life, and there is always that sense of excitement that comes with a new season. Along the scenic roads and waterways of the park, we will be watching for moose, which are often seen feeding along roadsides and in marshy areas at this time of year. We will also keep an eye out for River Otters, Beavers busy repairing their dams, and other wildlife that make Algonquin such a special place. With some luck, we may also encounter specialty birds such as Spruce Grouse and Ruffed Grouse, especially during the breeding season when they can be very active. This is also an excellent time to look for birds like Black-backed Woodpecker and newly arriving spring songbirds. While moose are one of our main targets, this can also be a very rewarding time for other wildlife. Over the years, we have seen everything from Eastern Wolves and Red Foxes to Pine Martens and Barred Owls. Our adventure begins with departure from Toronto at 7:30 a.m. sharp from Finch Station Passenger Pickup and Dropoff. We expect to arrive in Algonquin Park at approximately 10:30 a.m., where we will begin exploring some of the park’s best wildlife and birding areas. We will do some short walks during the day, and we will also visit the iconic Visitor Centre with its panoramic views over the forest. With expert guidance, we will explore some of the park’s prime birding and wildlife locations, always hoping for memorable sightings and good photographic opportunities. While specific sightings can never be guaranteed, I will take you to the areas that offer us the best chances based on current conditions and recent activity. This outing is considered moderate, with short hikes and walks, as much of the birding and wildlife viewing is done from concentrated areas and roadside stops. Please wear appropriate footwear, as trails may be muddy or wet at this time of year. Cost is $129 per person, including tax. Payment can be made through PayPal or by bank e-transfer to torontonaturelovers@hotmail.com. Whether it is your first visit to Algonquin or one of many, spring is a magical time to be there. Please join us for a memorable day of wildlife viewing, birding, photography, and fresh air in one of Ontario’s true natural treasures. Limited spots, so do not miss out! Of course, wildlife can never be guaranteed, as these are wild animals, but with my years of guiding experience and by visiting at the best time of year, we give ourselves an excellent chance to see moose and other wildlife in the park.

Join us for **Shakespeare in Love**, a lively, romantic comedy that brings the magic of theatre and the thrill of first love to the stage. The play will be presented by Alexander Showcase Theatre, a high-quality community theatre company at the Fairview Library Theatre in North York. **THE PLAY:** Set in Elizabethan England, the story follows a young Will Shakespeare struggling with writer’s block—until he meets the bold and passionate Viola de Lesseps, whose secret dream of acting sparks the inspiration for *Romeo and Juliet*. Adapted from the Academy Award®-winning film, this play-with-music is packed with humour, sword fights, disguises, and a delightful play-within-a-play. With plenty of Shakespeare’s own words woven throughout, it’s a fast-paced, feel-good night at the theatre full of wit, romance and backstage drama. *** **TICKETS** **Discount Tickets:** $30 (includes HST and order fee) **Regular Tickets:** $39.50 adults / $36.50 seniors 60+ (includes HST) + $4.50 order fee **Meetup Fee:** $3 (per person paid at time of purchase) *** **HOW TO PURCHASE** Sign up on this event page and use the promo code THMBSL26 to get your discount ticket(s) **[online](https://alexandershowcasetheatre.com/shows/shakespeare-in-love/)**. Members are responsible for purchasing their own tickets directly from the theatre. Belinda will be seated in B9. **Seating Arrangements:** Seating is reserved so members will get together before, during and after the show. *** **OVERVIEW** **When:** Saturday, April 25, 2026 **Time:** Play starts at 7:30 p.m. Meet Belinda at 7 p.m. **Where:** Fairview Library Theatre, 35 Fairview Mall Drive, North York, Ontario (near Don Mills station on the Sheppard subway line) **Runtime:** About 2 hour, 30 minutes (includes intermission) *** **MEETUP ARRANGEMENTS** Meet Belinda at 7 p.m. beside the box office inside the lobby. She is very short and will be wearing a bright pink hat and pink eyeglass frames. Cell # (416) 879-7575 for use on day/time of performance ONLY. **Parking:** There is free parking in the lot beside the theatre.

Hello everyone, **\*\*Please kindly read carefully- Thank you\*\*** Please join me and my other groups for a fun and leisure nature walk through **High Park during Cherry Blossom Season.** We will meet at **La Diperie Cafe** where you are welcome to grab a coffee, water, pastry or ice cream if you like before we head out. This will give us an opportunity to introduce ourselves as everyone arrives; then make our way on a friendly walk through the iconic **High Park in Toronto.** Event Details below: Sincerely, Steve Flemming (Organizer) Event Details: **Cherry Blossom Walk through High Park (Meet at La Diperie Cafe) (Dinner After)** \*We can stop and rest at different spots, take some photos and share some laughs \*Play a couple ice-breaker games as well to help build some bonds and make connections \*This fun, leisure walk will be a great way to make new friends, appreciate the changing seasons, get some fresh air, and even get a little exercise. :) **Event Fee:** 10 dollars when you arrive at the La Diperie Cafe (cash only please) or e transfer in advance to **steveflemming11@gmail.com** \*I encourage you to take the subway as it is very close to the cafe but certainly driving in an option \*Street parking will be found along Bloor Street and residential area but not inside the park **Time and Location: Where to meet us?** Meet us at **La Diperie Cafe** at 4:00 p.m. (we will wait for everyone until 4:30 pm) **Address:** 1960 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M4W 1J2 Very close to the High Park Subway station (we will then head out for our walk at that point) \*We will find a place to eat for dinner too; last year we found a great place right inside High Park, but also some nice restaurants along Bloor after the walk :)

**UPDATE -** *Meeting Time is changed to 3pm. This event is rain or shine. If you are still planning to attend, pls bring umbrella or rain jacket.* **ABOUT** 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! *** **[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.*

\*\***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 price when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** The beloved CNE started out as the Toronto Industrial Exhibition in 1879 and has been an icon ever since. But the history of the CNE dates back to the mid 1800s when the Provincial Agricultural Association set up the first exhibition in 1846 here in Toronto. The "Fair" was an Upper Canada fair and moved from one place to another for the first 30 years until the permanent exhibition was established in Toronto. Seen as a mini world's fair the Industrial Exhibition changed the name in 1912 to the Canadian National Exhibition, as was known as the "People's University." The buildings were considered the most beautiful exhibition buildings on the continent. In 1906 the Crystal Palace burned to the ground and the current horticultural building built on the site. The architecture tells its own story of Toronto and what Torontonians thought about their city. Pride in Toronto, and all that it achieved was on display for all to see during the CNE days in late August. Learn about the history and the ups and downs of the "showplace of the nation." This walk is for all walkers and all skill levels. Please dress for the weather and bring water. Please meet on the south side of Springhurst and Dufferin Street, just north of the TTC 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**

\*\***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!\*\*** We have an amazing "Lecture on the Go" series for 2026. New topics and fascinating stories abound! Join us and learn about the world and keep active and warm during the winter months! I started this walking classroom when we were under that horrible cloud called Covid. This series was popular and helped people get out and back into society and life. The series is back for 2026 with 6 new topics for exploration over the winter and spring months. The "Lecture on the Go" Series is open only to members who have purchased the YEARLY MEMBERSHIP PASS, it's free for those members. If you wish to attend a lecture and you are not a yearly pass member then the price **per** lecture is $20.00. This third lecture is focussed on the History of Northern Ontario, a place most don't know too much about, and that's a shame. Northern Ontario is a place of pure magic. Let's take a closer look at this fascinating subject. Long before maps or borders, or places like Cobalt or North Bay even appeared, Indigenous peoples lived with the land, traveling and followed the seasons. Lakes were highways, canoes were cars, and everything you needed came from knowing the land. When Europeans showed up, they didn’t so much “discover” the North as wander. Business was first to get a notice. Canoes loaded with beaver pelts, trading posts popped up, and suddenly Northern Ontario was connected to Europe. Things sped up fast once railways arrived in the 1800s. Trains unlocked forests, minerals, and new towns were built. Places like Sudbury and Thunder Bay grew — nickel, timber, grain — and people followed jobs wherever they appeared. It was rugged, noisy, and a little chaotic, but it worked. Today, Northern Ontario is a world unto its own. Its big skies, long drives, and communities know how to adapt. The past is still there — in the land, the towns, and the stories — but the North doesn’t dwell on it. It just keeps going, and it's up to us as Canadians to understand. Topics upcoming in the 2026 series of lectures are as follows. We are a little behind but catching up. \*Dante; The Hidden Meaning Behind The Divine Comedy \*Philosophy 1: Great Minds of the Western World: Goethe to Kant! \*Philosophy 2: Great Minds of the Eastern World: Chuang Tzu to Dalai Lama Hope to see you on this "Lecture on the Go!" So book your plans now! This event is for all levels and walkers, there are a few steps here and there to navigate, but mostly on one level. This event in a non walking event. The lecture begins on the steps of Old City Hall at the northeast corner of Bay Street and Queen Street West and head into the PATH. This lecture event has a ticket price of $20.00 per person, and is **free with the yearly membership pass**. Hope to see you there! \*\* **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**

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/spring-birdwatching-26)** ***Join us at Tommy Thompson park in Toronto to experience spring migration in all its glory.*** Back by popular demand, our expert birdwatching guide Pedro Hernandez from [Outdoor Commute](https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.commute/) will be leading his Introduction to Birdwatching Workshop. This experience is designed for beginners and regular birders alike who are curious about the birds that share our city. Together, we’ll learn how to identify both local and migratory species, practice using binoculars, and explore field guides and apps, all while deepening our appreciation for the natural world around us. **What we might see:** The end of April and into May is peak spring migration season in Ontario. Tommy Thompson Park is one of the best birding spots in the province and is located right in the city. Depending on conditions, we might encounter warblers, sparrows, thrushes, and waterfowl such as northern shovelers and gadwalls, along with year-round residents like red-tailed hawks, black-capped chickadees, and northern cardinals. **Please note that binoculars are included in the cost of the adventure and that, due to the Toronto location, transportation is not offered.** **Highlights** **Spring Migration -** Experience birding at one of the best times of year, connecting with both local and travelling species before many move south for the winter. **Binoculars Included -** Every participant will get to use a pair of high quality NOCS binoculars. **Professional Birder -** Learn from Pedro Hernandez, founder of the popular Instragram account Outdoor Commute **Event cost: $50+HST - optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/spring-birdwatching-26)** **About Wilderness Union** Wilderness Union is deliberate about building an outdoors community that connects you to the life-changing magic of the outdoors and helps you find your people. Members range from 20-40 years old. The group is a mix of GTA locals and newcomers to Toronto from within Canada and abroad. Attendance numbers on Meetup don't reflect our actual event attendance - we typically have 15-20 community members at each event. Large enough that there's someone new to meet but small enough that it's not overwhelming! ***Learn more at our website [www.wildernessunion.com](https://www.wildernessunion.com/)***

Experience the wonders of Algonquin Park in the beautiful early days of spring, when the park begins to wake up and wildlife activity really starts to pick up. Please join us for a fantastic day trip into one of Ontario’s most famous and beloved wilderness areas. This is a wonderful time of year to visit Algonquin. If you have ever dreamed of seeing a moose in the wild, this is one of your best chances. The ice is disappearing, the forests and wetlands are coming back to life, and there is always that sense of excitement that comes with a new season. Along the scenic roads and waterways of the park, we will be watching for moose, which are often seen feeding along roadsides and in marshy areas at this time of year. We will also keep an eye out for River Otters, Beavers busy repairing their dams, and other wildlife that make Algonquin such a special place. With some luck, we may also encounter specialty birds such as Spruce Grouse and Ruffed Grouse, especially during the breeding season when they can be very active. This is also an excellent time to look for birds like Black-backed Woodpecker and newly arriving spring songbirds. While moose are one of our main targets, this can also be a very rewarding time for other wildlife. Over the years, we have seen everything from Eastern Wolves and Red Foxes to Pine Martens and Barred Owls. Our adventure begins with departure from Toronto at 7:30 a.m. sharp from Finch Station Passenger Pickup and Dropoff. We expect to arrive in Algonquin Park at approximately 10:30 a.m., where we will begin exploring some of the park’s best wildlife and birding areas. We will do some short walks during the day, and we will also visit the iconic Visitor Centre with its panoramic views over the forest. With expert guidance, we will explore some of the park’s prime birding and wildlife locations, always hoping for memorable sightings and good photographic opportunities. While specific sightings can never be guaranteed, I will take you to the areas that offer us the best chances based on current conditions and recent activity. This outing is considered moderate, with short hikes and walks, as much of the birding and wildlife viewing is done from concentrated areas and roadside stops. Please wear appropriate footwear, as trails may be muddy or wet at this time of year. Cost is $129 per person, including tax. Payment can be made through PayPal or by bank e-transfer to torontonaturelovers@hotmail.com. Whether it is your first visit to Algonquin or one of many, spring is a magical time to be there. Please join us for a memorable day of wildlife viewing, birding, photography, and fresh air in one of Ontario’s true natural treasures. Limited spots, so do not miss out! Of course, wildlife can never be guaranteed, as these are wild animals, but with my years of guiding experience and by visiting at the best time of year, we give ourselves an excellent chance to see moose and other wildlife in the park.

We’re bringing back Adult Field Day. Last year was a good mix of competition and just hanging out, so we’re doing it again with some new games mixed in. Think team-based challenges, simple races, and a few things inspired by game shows. You don’t need to be athletic. Most of the fun is just being part of a team and getting to know people you wouldn’t normally talk to. The goal isn’t really winning. It’s meeting people, laughing a bit, and leaving knowing a few more names than when you showed up. If you stick around after, we’ll have a potluck, a bonfire, and a couple comedians in the evening. Bring: * Something to share for the potluck * Clothes you can move around in A small contribution helps keep events sustainable and ensures those who RSVP actually show up. Include your Meetup name + event name in the note. Please send $2 per person to guarantee your spot. Venmo (preferred) or PayPal @WiseUnlimitedLLC Actual links in comments below! Include your Meetup name + event name in the note.

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. 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 [Grandview Grind](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063534163841)!

Join us for a relaxed and delicious brunch at Littleton’s Market! This is the perfect chance to unwind, enjoy great food, and connect with an amazing group of women who are in a similar stage of life. What to expect: * Casual, friendly conversation * Great food and cozy atmosphere * A chance to meet like-minded women and build connections

Dodgeball is back again! If you’ve been wanting to come out, this is an easy one to join. We’ll be playing for about 1.5 to 2 hours, you do not need to bring any equipment, and no experience is needed. We use a specific set of rules and equipment to make the games run better and keep them fun for everybody, not just people who already know how to play. If it rains, the event will be canceled.