Wilderness Survival

We have been offered free passes by Universal to an advance screening of Steven Speilberg's DISCLOSURE DAY. The screening will take place at Yonge-Dundas VIP Cineplex on June 8 at 7 p.m. **Expiration Notice:** Please note that the link will expire by [**12 pm ET**] on [**Sunday, June 7**]. We cannot guarantee replacements once they expire, so we encourage you to redeem your pass as soon as possible. **Redeeming Your Pass:** 1. Visit  [https://gofobo.com/wVKxR41050](https://gofobo.com/wVKxR41050) , and click on “Get My Passes” 2. Create or login to your account to finalize the redemption process. This account will allow organizers to contact you regarding any screening updates and unforeseen changes. 3. Download your passes. The link allows for the redemption of [one double pass, which is valid for the entry of up to two people]. **Fraudulent Ads Warning:** * Be vigilant of fraudulent ads online, especially through third-party ad providers like Google Ads. **Gofobo will never ask for credit card information to redeem passes**. If prompted for such information, it's likely you’ve accidentally clicked a fraudulent ad. **Screening Overbooking Notice:** * Please be aware that screenings are intentionally overbooked to account for no-shows. While we are usually able to accommodate all attendees, redeeming a pass does not guarantee entry and seating is on a first-come first-served basis. **We recommend arriving at least 30 mins before showtime early to avoid disappointment.**

**Welcome to Miss Bachata & Miss Salsa!** **Spring is in the air, and with it comes the promise of new beginnings, fresh energy, and the joy of connection!** As the season of renewal unfolds, we invite you to step into the rhythm of community, dance, and celebration at Miss Bachata & Miss Salsa. My objective has always been to create a different kind of social gathering—one that is open, non-judgmental, and safe. A place where you can meet people just like you, where socializing and dancing come together to help build community and tear down the walls that separate us. Here, we make new friends, feel a sense of belonging, and enjoy the calmness that comes from knowing we are in a safe and welcoming space. Many times, I have been asked, “Why host an event on Monday night?” Many people escape on the weekend and dread Mondays when they return to work. I believe that if you dance and socialize on a Monday, you infuse your week with joy and positive energy, giving your life balance and helping you face your challenges with enthusiasm and confidence. We’re also thrilled to announce that our trial of advanced Bachata lessons, which began last September, has been a resounding success! Building on this momentum, we’re excited to offer an enhanced schedule for 2026. Our dance evenings will now feature three hours of classes: one hour of beginner to intermediate Bachata, one hour of advanced Bachata, and one hour of beginner to intermediate Salsa. As always, the entrance fee remains $15 for a night of 2 lessons and social dancing. For those interested in the advanced Bachata lessons, there will be an additional $5 fee. Here’s our updated schedule: **Miss Bachata – Main Ballroom** 🕖 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Beginner to Intermediate Bachata Lesson (No partner required) 🕗 8:00 pm – 12:00 am: Social Dancing **Miss Salsa – Round Room** 🕖 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Advanced Bachata Lesson (+$5) **NEW** 🕗 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Beginner to Intermediate Salsa Lesson 🕘 9:00 pm – 12:00 am: Social Dancing ✨ **Additional Details:** ✔️ Free Parking ✔️ Full Bar (Free Water, Beer: $5.75) Over the past decade, organizing Latin dancing events in Mississauga has been a labor of love. Our mission has always been to foster a sense of community, proving that the connections we share are far stronger than the differences that divide us. Loneliness is a growing concern, with over half of U.S. adults and many Canadians experiencing its effects. The COVID-19 pandemic has only heightened this issue. Harvard University's long-term study on happiness, which began in 1938, highlights the detrimental impact of loneliness on health. People with strong social connections experience slower mental and physical decline and greater overall happiness compared to those who are isolated. Here are some key findings from the study: 🌿 Close ties help delay mental and physical decline more than money, fame, social class, IQ, or genetics. 🌿 Relationship satisfaction is a better predictor of aging well than cholesterol levels in middle age. 🌿 A strong sense of community improves memory function. 🌿 Loneliness can be as harmful to health as smoking or alcoholism. And there’s hope! Strengthening our relationships and supporting community initiatives can combat loneliness and build healthier, happier lives. Miss Bachata & Miss Salsa provides a wonderful opportunity to make new friends, expand your social circle, and enjoy a safe, welcoming, authentic environment. Bring your open heart and a smile, and we’ll take care of the rest. 🌸 **Cheers to a season of renewal, joy, and community!** 🌸 **Anna G.** https://www.facebook.com/groups/1871491806494168/ https://www.facebook.com/EventsByAnnaG

Weekly Monday night online meditations in a welcoming community 35-minutes of sitting meditation practice followed by interactive sharing, discussion We experiment with different solo meditations, from restful absorption to creative visualizations, mindfulness-style noting (of various mind-body components), loving-kindness, sound meditations, choiceless awareness and many others. You don’t need to follow any of these techniques if you don’t want to – some people prefer to stay with their tried-and-true regular practice. The CEC is passionately nonsectarian – both humanistic and contemplative traditions are represented. Check our website for more sit details: http://cecmeditate.com/calendar/ Since Covid-era lockdowns began in 2020, we've hosted these on zoom. zoom link: [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/799184864?pwd=UXIvUkZ4QVBZQ0Q2VUh0Y2NNVnJkQT09](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/799184864?pwd=UXIvUkZ4QVBZQ0Q2VUh0Y2NNVnJkQT09) Starting May 2026 we're meeting in person in Toronto AND online. Come sit with us!

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/intro-canoe-camping)** ***If you've been curious about backcountry canoe camping but unsure where to start, this is a solid entry point.*** We’ll be heading into the iconic Algonquin Park for an easy canoe camping adventure on Joe Lake. It’s a short paddle in, about 7km total, with just one 240m portage along the way. The route offers a good intro to how we carry gear between lakes at a steady, safe and manageable pace. We'll launch from Canoe Lake and follow a calm route past narrow channels and rocky shorelines typical of the Canadian Shield. Weather conditions can change quickly, so we’ll pack accordingly and help you plan ahead. Wildlife sightings are common in this area, so keep your eyes peeled for turtles, beavers, and the occasional moose if we’re lucky. Once we reach camp, you can settle in and do what feels right. Swim, read, hang out with the group, or practice campsite basics like setting up a tarp or hanging food safely. This is a chance to experience the magic of the backcountry - falling asleep to the sounds of loons, your tent illuminated by the milky way and learning what you need to know without being thrown in the deep end. What's included * Professional, certified guides * Canoes along with all safety equipment * ‍All camp meals, cooking equipment and mess kits * ‍Tents Sleeping bags and sleeping pads can be rented from WU for a small fee. **Highlights** **Pristine Backcountry -** Escape the crowded city and enter into the serenity of the backcountry. **Learn to Portage -** An essential skill for conquering the Ontario backcountry, learn how to portage with confidence from our expert guides. **Possible Wildlife Spotting** \- Bears\, moose\, beavers\, eagles and loons are just some of the creatures that call this area home\. You'll have a chance to spot some from a safe distance for a magical encounter\. **Event cost: $349+HST - optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/intro-canoe-camping)** **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/)***

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/niagara-hills)** ***Just under two hours from the city, Short Hills Provincial Park offers a peaceful day in one of Ontario's most unique landscapes.*** We're heading down to the heart of Niagara right before the turn of summer for a relaxed hike through a beautiful, yet little-known provincial park. You can expect quiet trails, a surprising waterfall and a forest ecosystem that doesn't exist anywhere else in the country. The route winds across glacial ridges and through stands of mature hardwood trees before opening out at the lookout over Swayze Falls. Along the way, the trail traces the headwaters of Twelve Mile Creek, with small footbridges, mossy banks and a real sense of being deep in the woods despite being so close to St. Catharines. This is the southernmost band of forest in Canada, known as the Carolinian zone, and it's home to plants and animals that thrive nowhere else in the province. Keep an eye out for white-tailed deer along the trail, owls roosting in the canopy and stunning wild flowers. It's a slower-paced, contemplative kind of day. Perfect for trading city noise for birdsongs and getting reacquainted with the last days of spring before the busier summer trips kick in. Please note that the waterfall is seasonal, so while the views remain stunning, the water flow may be limited. **Highlights** **Hidden Niagara Gem** – Skip the crowds at the better-known parks nearby and enjoy quiet trails far from the beaten path. **Carolinian Forest** – Walk through one of Canada's rarest forest ecosystems, with tulip trees, shagbark hickories and other species you won't find this far north anywhere else. **Swayze Falls** – Reach the lookout above the park's signature falls, which tumbles into a steep, fern-lined ravine carved by glacial meltwater. **Event cost: $50+HST - $30 optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/niagara-hills)** **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/)***

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/spring-birdwatching-26-2)** **Spend the day exploring one of Ontario's most incredible birding destinations on the western cusp of Lake Ontario.** Our birding workshops are built around a simple idea: different locations reveal different birds, different habitats, and different nature experiences Next up is Cootes Paradise in Hamilton: one of Canada's premier birding destinations and a very different landscape from our last outing at Tommy Thompson. If you missed our Toronto workshop, this is a great place to start. If you were there, you already know why it's worth coming back. Cootes Paradise is a sprawling 250-hectare wetlands conservation area at the head of Hamilton Harbour. It is officially recognized as a globally Important Bird Area and one of the most significant bird habitats in southern Ontario. The marsh, surrounding mudflats and adjacent Carolinian forest support an incredible diversity of species, especially during spring migration when waterfowl, waders and songbirds pour through the area in huge numbers. Whether you’re completely new to birding or looking to discover a new local hotspot, this workshop is a perfect starting point. Enjoy a relaxing, guided birdwatching walk through this stunning area with our expert birder, Pedro. Along the way, you’ll learn how to identify local and migratory birds and use binoculars confidently, while gaining a deeper appreciation for the rhythms of the natural world. Take time to slow down, listen, and connect with nature as you immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of this unique ecosystem, leaving with new skills, fresh perspective, and a renewed sense of calm. **Please note that binoculars are included in the cost of the adventure.** **Highlights** **Wetland Migration Hotspot –** Cootes Paradise is a designated Important Bird Area and one of the richest marsh habitats on the Great Lakes, drawing thousands of birds during spring migration. **Professional Birder -** Learn from Pedro Hernandez, founder of the popular Instagram account Outdoor Commute **Binoculars Included –** Each participant gets to use a pair of high-quality NOCS binoculars for the day. **Event cost: $65+HST - $30 optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/spring-birdwatching-26-2)** **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/)***

Doube’s Bridge + Canoe Day Plan Stop 1 — Morning Walk 📍 Orange Corners Road Access Walk the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail to Doube's Trestle Bridge Hiking Plan Start early: around 8:30–9:00 AM Walk east on trail Cross the bridge Continue until: 7.5 km Turn back Total: 15 km ~3.5–4.5 hours After Hike Stop 2 — Canoe/Kayak Emily Provincial Park Canoes and kayaks are available for rent throughout the summer months. Please contact the park directly for availability. All necessary safety equipment is included. Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) are available for loan at the park store. For a $35 refundable deposit, visitors can borrow a properly fitted PFD for themselves and their children. Good for: beginner canoeing relaxing paddle scenic river views less stressful launching Paddle Route Explore the Pigeon River Paddle casually toward: marsh areas quiet shoreline Emily Provincial Park direction Timeline 8:30 AM → Start hike 12:30–1:00 PM → Finish hike 1:00 PM → Lunch/snack break 1:30 PM → Drive to canoe launch 2:00–4:00 PM → Paddle 4:30 PM → Early dinner nearby Bring For both activities: water electrolytes snacks/protein bars sunscreen bug spray hat extra socks towel portable charger change of clothes For canoe: waterproof bag sandals/water shoes life jacket

It's better when we're together. Come and experience the power of the WHM with a wonderful group of people. We breathe, we go into the cold and we teach our bodies to heat up properly. We develop resilience and the mindset to use these powerful healing tools over and over again, all year round. This gathering is fully guided by Wim Hof instructor Steve Beattie. If you are new to this, come on down, enjoy the support and practice in a safe way with us. If you already have a WHM practice this meetup is a great way to take it to the next level, and make lots of new friends. There will be a fire, snacks and drinks shared by other attendees. We have been doing this 6 for years! **What to bring?** * Yoga mat * Weather-appropriate clothing (better to dress too warm!) * Bathing suite, towel * Water shoes (optional) In extreme weather being prepared is very important. Especially if it's your first time, please read up on how to come prepared [here.](https://www.breathinginnature.com/wim-hof-method-meetup/) Learn more about our Wim Hof meetups, workshops, breath classes, wilderness trips, medicine work and special events at **[Breathing in Nature](https://breathinginnature.com/)**. Join the "**[Wim Hof Toronto](https://www.facebook.com/groups/1714218015474146/)**" group on Facebook to see all of our local events. This is a free event made possible by our Gift Economy. You can learn more about the Gift Economy [here](https://breathinginnature.com/gift-economy/).

Excited to head to Dolly Sods Wilderness in June. As Juneteenth falls on a Friday this year, it's a three-day weekend for some. Planned split is 1/14(+optional 5)/8. Here is the planned route: https://caltopo.com/m/E6C3C1L **NOTE**: I'm doing trail work in Dolly Sods Wilderness (my first [AHS Volunteer Vacation](https://americanhiking.org/volunteer-vacation-trip/american-hiking-legacy-project-dolly-sods-vistas-famous-blackwater-falls-wv/)) Sunday June 14 through Thursday June 18. As I'm going to be off-grid leading up to the trip, co-organizer Aileen will be the point person for carpools, questions, etc. the week before the trip. **Waiver**: By RSVPing to this trip or any other DC UL trip, you agree to these guidelines and to DC UL's waiver liability terms ([https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver/](https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver/)) COVID-19 policy: [https://dculbackpacking.com/about/covid-19-guidelines/](https://dculbackpacking.com/about/covid-19-guidelines/) **Dues**: Members and above, don't forget to pay your annual dues. You can check if you need to pay dues by seeing if the current year is listed next to your name in your DC UL profile. Applicants do not need to pay dues for their first trip. To pay your dues via PayPal, use this link: **[https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JenniferAdach/15](https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JenniferAdach/15)** ($10 annual dues plus a $5 suggested donation to City Kids Wilderness Project.) **Carpool**: As per our carpool policy, riders should pay drivers $0.10/mile. Expect around $29. \- James \(Biodome\)

I've never done the North Fork Mountain Trail and wanted to do it, but it's a long drive for a 24-mile hike. So, I am combining it with one of my favorite WV hikes: Spruce Knob/Seneca Creek. We will need a car shuttle for the North Fork Mtn Trail, so depending on the number of participants, we will need 2-4 drivers. The plan is to leave Vienna Friday morning at 7:30 am, drive to the northern trailhead (38.98168, -79.23100), leave 1-2 cars there, drive to the southern trailhead (38.71083, -79.40214), start North Fork Mountain Trail hike. We will do about 12.4 miles to the campsite and possible spring (if it's really dry, we can set up a water cache or carry enough for the whole hike). Saturday morning, we will get up early and hike the remainder of North Fork Mtn Trail, drive to southern trailhead and from there to Spruce Knob Parking. Saturday afternoon we will hike down from Spruce Knob to Seneca Creek and camp anywhere along the creek, ideally by the Seneca Falls. Sunday morning, we'll hike up to see the plane crash site from the 70s and then hike back up to Spruce Knob and drive home. Caltopo: [North Fork Mountain - CalTopo](https://caltopo.com/m/QH724F1#) North Fork Mtn Trail: https://myhikes.org/trails/north-fork-mountain-hike Spruce Knob/Seneca Creek: [Backpacking the Spruce Knob/Seneca Creek Loop](https://www.greatamericanhikes.com/post/backpacking-the-spruce-knob-seneca-creek-loop) **Waiver**: By RSVPing to this trip or any other DC UL trip, you agree to these guidelines and to DC UL's waiver liability terms ([https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver/](https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver/)) COVID-19 policy: [https://dculbackpacking.com/about/covid-19-guidelines/](https://dculbackpacking.com/about/covid-19-guidelines/) **Dues**: Members and above, don't forget to pay your annual dues. You can check if you need to pay dues by seeing if the current year is listed next to your name in your DC UL profile. Applicants do not need to pay dues for their first trip. To pay your dues via PayPal, use this link: **[https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JenniferAdach/15](https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JenniferAdach/15)** ($10 annual dues plus a $5 suggested donation to City Kids Wilderness Project.) **Carpool**: As per our carpool policy, riders should pay drivers $0.10/mile.

Hello everyone! Come join us for a hike around Sugarloaf Mountain. We will meet in the East View parking lot by the picnic benches by 9:00am. Please allow yourself extra time (10 - 15 min) for parking, as it is crowded on the weekends. Then, we will go on the White Trail until it intersects with the Blue Trail, hop on the Blue Trail until we reach the West View parking lot, and then go on the Green Trail until we reach the summit. We will take a break at the top, enjoy the views, and then head back down the Orange Trail, until we reach our starting point at the East View parking lot. Please see the linked map below. The enlarged map is on the second page. [Sugarloaf Mountain Hike Map](https://sugarloafmd.com/downlaods/Sugarloaf-Mountain-Trail-Map-2020v1.pdf) Please bring water to stay hydrated. After the hike, we will grab lunch in Urbana. We can decide as a group where we want to eat. I hope to see you there!

Join us for a fun visit to Wilderness Road State Park! Meet at the visitor center for a 2-ish hour relaxing bike ride along scenic Wilderness Road Trail. Rentals are available at the park for just $15 for 3 hours. For those not up for riding, there are reenactors demonstrating frontier life in the Martin Station area until 5 PM. After the bike ride, we'll explore the rest of the park and check out the Bison herd! There's a new baby! (Squeel!) Park closes at dusk.

Greetings Meetup friends of the outdoors and AMC -- here is an opportunity! Wilderness First Aid – National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and the Appalachian Mountain Club Croydon Creek Nature Center, 852 Avery Road, Rockville, MD, June 13 and June 14 Required for AMC backpacking volunteer leaders, recommended or suggested for hiking volunteer leaders, AMC Members and friends. Even just outdoors people will benefit greatly. Prepare for the unexpected with this engaging, hands-on introduction to wilderness medicine, taught over two days. If you like to take short trips relatively close to medical resources, work at wilderness camps, enjoy weekend family outdoor activities, or recreate outdoors, this course is for you. This course is great for people of all experience levels. You’ll learn the Patient Assessment System, how to provide effective first aid treatments for injuries and illnesses common in the outdoors, and how to make appropriate evacuation decisions. You’ll learn both in the classroom and in outdoor settings regardless of weather, so come prepared for wet, muddy, cold or hot environments! This is a fast-track, two-day course that certifies you in Wilderness First Aid and CPR. **The minimum age to participate is 18.** **Schedule:** **Wilderness First Aid:** 8am–5pm both days (lunch break included) **CPR:** Evening of Day 1, up to 3 hours. The instructor will finalize the timing on the first day of the course. Please anticipate either 5:30pm-8:30pm or 6:00pm-9:00pm. You are required to register to attend. To register and for more details: [https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UUN000001rtQn2AI/act00016887](https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UUN000001rtQn2AI/act00016887) If you took Wilderness First Responder from NOLS (a 10-day class), this class can be used for recertification Local contact for questions: Peg Barratt [barratt@gwu.edu](mailto:barratt@gwu.edu)