Hiking with Children

Ready to sweat it out on the hills? Join us for a HIIT-style hill training hike This hike is part of the **HikeFit Series**, a collection of fitness-focused hikes designed to build strength, endurance, and overall hiking fitness. We’ll challenge you with steep climbs, rugged terrain, and a high-intensity workout. This isn’t a fast-paced hike, but it is **intense**. We’ll tackle multiple **very steep hills** in intervals, with plenty of chances to catch your breath, recover, or skip hills if needed. This hike is designed for intermediate hikers, but it’s **beginner-friendly** since you can skip as many hills as you need. It’s perfect for anyone looking to **get stronger, improve endurance, and boost their hiking fitness** at their own pace. **Weather-Dependent Notice:** The hike is a go, **(light)** rain or shine; However, if there's a risk of excessive mud making the hills too slippery, the hike will be canceled with around 24 hours’ notice. **Distance & Duration:** * **Length of hike:** \~4 km * **Event duration:** \~1.5 hours * **Trail maps:** Random hill at Earl Bales park * **Difficulty level:** L3 (Level 3/Moderate) * Terrain: L4 * Pace: L2 * Distance: L1 **What to Bring:** * **Water:** 1\~2 liters * **Extras:** Hiking pole (Highly recommended) * **Required Gear:** Hiking boots or Trail Runners with good grip, Headlamp, and [Microspikes](https://kahtoola.com/traction/microspikes-footwear-traction/?srsltid=AfmBOoqq-URDFRgNAISoLYH1l1cSLKeXOTSuU6EqUC6VupfLNZAGRg8P) **Costs:** * **Member Event fee:** FREE EVENT **Travel Coordination:** * No Travel Coordination for this Event, Meeting at Starting Point **Event Guidelines:** * **Punctuality,** Please arrive on time so we can start promptly. We won't be able to wait for more than 5min past the start time * **Pack out everything you bring** (including nut shells, fruit peels, etc.) to help keep our trails clean. * **RSVP:** Only those marked as “Going” and have confirmed travel details (if requested) are eligible to attend the event. * If your **plans change** and you are no longer able to attend, please update your RSVP as soon as possible. * **No-shows** without prior communication may result in removal from future events. * **Weather Considerations** The hike is a go (light) **rain or shine**, so please be prepared for the conditions. for example, If it’s expected to rain, waterproof gear (like a jacket or shoes) * **Pets:** please check with the organizer for details before bringing your pet. Looking forward to seeing you on the trail

Play some beach and meet cool people

**Hello Hikers,** Ah the Ides of March, not quite, but this coming Saturday February 28th, and thankfully not a date associated with misfortune and doom. we walk more than hike. What’s up with that you ask? Nothing, it’s a change of pace a **brisk one**. We are going to do the Leslie St. Spit, more commonly known as Tommy Thompson Park, who incidentally is credited worldwide with the saying **“Please Walk on the Grass”** This is a classic out-and-back, 5.5 km to the lighthouse point and back for a total of 11 km. It’s paved, level, and straight all the way with little unpaved side finger trails if we so choose. No way to get lost unless you decide to swim to St. Catherines, or the island airport, catch the next flight out to the Caribbean and stowaway in the hold of a cargo jet. Far from boring, the views are spectacular so be prepared for many Kodak moments, it’s a photographer’s delight. The park is a nature reserve, so keep your eyes open for wildlife. Marty the Mink lives there. Lake Ontario on both sides, open water in one direction and Toronto’s skyline in the other. Runners are welcome to run the route if they wish. Icers likely won’t be necessary, but bring them just in case. Trail runners will be perfect if conditions allow — especially if you feel inspired to **“Run, Forest, Run.”** **Meet at 10:00** at the park entrance. Free parking and free entrance. Carpooling is available to those who want to be chauffeured in style. "Champagne wishes and caviar dreams." Bring your water and lunch. The address is 1-3 Leslie St. Toronto, ON M4M 3M9 [https://www.google.ca/maps/place/43%C2%B039'08.4%22N+79%C2%B019'22.7%22W/@43.652346,-79.3235232,19z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d43.6523449!4d-79.3229761](https://www.google.ca/maps/place/43%C2%B039'08.4%22N+79%C2%B019'22.7%22W/@43.652346,-79.3235232,19z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d43.6523449!4d-79.3229761 "https://www.google.ca/maps/place/43%C2%B039'08.4%22N+79%C2%B019'22.7%22W/@43.652346,-79.3235232,19z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d43.6523449!4d-79.3229761") The views for this walk are **unbe-*leaf*-able**. Looking forward to seeing everyone out there. Hike leader for this week Gadi 416.720.2800

🌸International Women’s Day Urban Hike🌸 Come join a special urban hike in celebration of International Women’s Day a day to honour the strength, resilience, and connection of women. Meet your fellow Toronto Hiking Moms and enjoy a relaxed walk through High Park, with space to connect, breathe, and move together. This will be a mom’s only event. No kiddos. We’ll begin at the entrance of High Park (Bloor St W & High Park Ave), make our way through the park, and pause for a short guided walking forest bathing meditation. From there, we’ll continue along Howard Park toward our final stop: The Commoner – 2067 Dundas St W Stay for lunch, a drink, or simply good conversation—whatever feels right for you. You are responsible for your own purchase of lunch/drink. ✨ Details: • Distance: \~4 km • All ages welcome • Optional lunch/social after the hike This is a beautiful opportunity to meet other women, build community, and get some fresh air and movement into your day. Not staying for lunch? No problem—you’re absolutely welcome to join just for the hike. Bring water, dress for the weather and come celebrate women with me. See you in the park. 🌸💙 Disclaimer: By attending Toronto Hiking Moms events, you accept all risks associated with outdoor activities and take full responsibility for yourself and your child(ren), if applicable. Toronto Hiking Moms is not liable for any injuries or damages. By marking “attending,” you agree to this disclaimer.

MeetUp Point: 55 Twyn Rivers Drive I love the Rouge and I also love to sleep in! So this weeks hike is close by and on **Saturday** to give everyone a chance to sleep in on Sunday. We have had a busy February and even leaders need some r&r. Join us for an iconic **Saturday hike** for a looped hike in this treasured green space where there is a variety of green space and nice challenges. Near the rivers it can be extremely icy so while spring is upon us, make sure you come with crampons please!

Scouting trip on QEW (**Day hike only**, not overnight) - basically we will follow the Ganaraska trail until we hit Sheldon lake. Around 4-5 KM 1 way (1-2 hours). I've done this trail before in the Winter, but it's probably been 10+ years. \- https://www\.alltrails\.com/trail/canada/ontario/sheldon\-lake\-via\-ganaraska\-devil\-s\-lake Meeting point is Devil's Lake Access point - 1115 Devil's Lake Road. Assumes that the weather does get warmer by March and non-SUV /4 wheel vehicles can access the parking lot, which presumably is unmaintained. This also means no registration / parking fees needed. **The weather will still be cold in March.** Anyone interested ensure you have the right gear to stay warm and for hiking and bring your own breakfast / lunch. **You are responsible for your own safety.** Unless things change, I'm planning on taking my 4.5 year old daughter along as a weekend outdoor activity, so beginners are welcome and we will likely go slow. 1 - Mainly hike along the trail and see the conditions for future overnight backpacking trip. 2 - If there is time, explore the different camp sites along the lake to see which would be best for a future trip and for different group sizes.

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/hardy-winter-2026)** ***Muskoka, Ontario's 'Cottage Country', is one of Canada's best-loved and most beautiful destinations. During the calm of winter, it is especially tranquil.*** We’ll start the day exploring Hardy Lake on a 10.5 km loop trail. This hike introduces you to Muskoka’s distinct scenery, around gorgeous lakes, the iconic granite outcrops of the Canadian Shield and an environment unmistakably shaped by beaver activity. Along the way, you may just spot some of the beavers, otters and turtles who call Hardy Lake home, offering a true snapshot of Muskoka's wilderness. What to expect: \- Snow\-dusted\, lakeside trails \- Distinct Muskoka scenery \- The iconic Lake Hardy wooden boardwalk \- Rich biodiversity **Depending on snow levels we may be required to use snowshoes or ice spikes. We have a limited quantity available that you can grab at check-out. Ice spikes are free to borrow and snow shoes can be rented for a small fee.** **Highlights** **Iconic Scenery -** You'll take in some of the region's most beautiful views and get up close with the Canadian Shield. **Wildlife Spotting -** If you're lucky, you may spot the beavers and otters that call this region home. **Pristine Frozen Lakes -** Take in the natural frozen beauty of Hardy Lake. **Event cost: $60+HST - optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/hardy-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/)***

Hike approx 4.0 miles at approx. 18 minute mile pace. Meet in front of the Nature Center.

Meet in front of the Nature Center