What we’re about
Getting away from the city and into the wild takes effort. We plan regular, unique trips with great people each weekend, and arrange the transport along with all the gear you'll need. All you need do is show up.
We plan wilderness adventures to show you more of Ontario than you thought possible, and feel reset after the weekend. All of our trips are professionally guided and we do a huge variety of activities with regular hikes, camping, paddling, skiing, snowboarding and other special adventures.
Most of our trips are pretty unique and we look for places where we won't see anybody else. It's just us and nature.
Join us to explore more of the incredible wilderness around our city, find your people and live your weekends to their fullest.
Our community
Our community of members is the heart of Wilderness Union and we carefully manage new applications to the group so you can feel confident that you'll be safe and surrounded by people you'll enjoy exploring with.
Before accepting you to the meetup, we ask you to please apply for membership on www.wildernessunion.com to join future adventures. We simply use MeetUp to advertise our Adventures and do not monitor the chat on this platform.
We'd love to have you join!
Most of our members are between the ages of 18-40 and live in the GTA.
Wondering why the RSVP count for events is low?
Members sign up for trips at www.wildernessunion.com - we just use Meetup to alert everybody to new adventures. We limit attendance to 18 people for our adventures and many more at our socials!
Want to figure out if Wilderness Union is right for you?
We host a regular new member intro session as an opportunity to learn more about the community, meet other members and get prepared for upcoming adventures. New members have a one month free trial and $25 in trip credit so you can try us out, risk free!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Muskoka Crown Land HikeKeele Subway, Toronto, ONCA$75.00
It's looking like a particularly warm and sunny Sunday and we've organized a last minute trip to make the most of it. This adventure is a rare chance for non-members to join a Wilderness Union trip - we're opening it up to anyone 18-50, member or not.
We're driving approx 2.5 hrs out of Toronto to a secret Muskoka destination that is one of the most beautiful hikes in the province. We'll be face to face with giant boulders, stunning lakes and a breathtaking view awaits us at the peak of our hike. This 8km hike is suitable for most, not excessively long but has a few challenging climbs for which we'll take our time.
Along the way you'll find a sandy beach, awesome granite rocks and gorgeous forest.
The location of this secret hike will be revealed in the adventure plan once you've registered for this trip. Need a ride? Join us in our comfortable air conditioned van - you'll have the option to sign up during checkout.Itinerary
06:50 - Meet close to Keele Subway Station.
09:45 - Arrive at secret hike location and hike
14:30 - End hike and return to Toronto
17:00 - Anticipated return to Keele StationSign up now here
- Weekly New Member Intro and Upcoming Trip InfoLink visible for attendees
Join us for a Zoom and learn more about Wilderness Union. In this short info session you'll have the chance to:
- Meet other members
- Learn about the huge variety of activities we offer
- Find out about our upcoming adventures and socials
It's a great opportunity to get a feel for the group and understand why WU is much more than a meetup!
Register for this session below or at this link. - Secret Lake HikeKeele Subway, Toronto, ON
Join us for a breathtaking 10km trek through the stunning wilderness of Muskoka. We'll be exploring the edge of Algonquin Provincial Park in a little known spot with pristine lakes, lush forests, and incredible rocky landscapes.
As we hike along the trail, we'll trace the edge of a crystal-clear lake and wander through dense, old-growth forests where towering trees create a green canopy overhead. Keep your eyes peeled for glimpses of wildlife like deer, beavers, and all sorts of birds that call this place home.
One of the coolest parts of the hike is getting to see the raw beauty of the Canadian Shield up close. Picture ancient granite cliffs rising up from the shoreline, carved by glaciers over millions of years. We'll stop at several lookout points where you can take in the incredible panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness.Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just looking to get out in nature, this 10km trail has something for everyone. There's a mix of terrain, including boardwalks, rocky sections, and well-maintained paths which is suitable for any moderately fit hiker.
This is one of Wilderness Union's 'secret' hikes- we'll only reveal the location to registered members in the days before the trip. This will be our first time visiting this spot!
Itinerary
07:00 - Leave from Keele Station
10:00 - Arrive at secret hike spot
10:00 - 15:00 - Hike, eating lunch en route
18:00 - Anticipated return to Keele StationPlease note you'll need to be a member of Wilderness Union and Register here for this activity
- Algonquin Park Canoe & Hike Day TripKeele Subway, Toronto, ON
Spend a day discovering the best of Algonquin Park—by canoe and on foot.
This guided day trip packs a lot into a relaxed pace, giving you a true taste of why Algonquin is one of Canada’s most iconic wilderness areas.
We begin with a gentle paddle on Canoe Lake, one of the park’s most historic and scenic bodies of water. After a short paddling lesson, we’ll set off for a two-hour loop that winds past quiet bays, spruce-lined shores, and the same routes once travelled by famed artist Tom Thomson. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled—loons, otters, and even moose are often spotted in the early morning calm.Back on land, we’ll head to the Hemlock Bluff Trail for an easy 3.5 km hike through shady old-growth forest. This loop brings you to a scenic lookout perched high above Jack Lake, where you’ll take in sweeping views of unbroken forest and glimmering water. Interpretive signs along the way offer insight into the ecology and research history of this remarkable landscape.
After a relaxed lunch, we finish the day with a visit to Ragged Falls, one of the park’s most beautiful and accessible waterfalls. A short trail leads us right to the thundering cascades, where you’ll have time to explore, take photos, or just sit and enjoy the sound of rushing water.
Throughout the day, our friendly wilderness guides will share stories about the land, help spot wildlife, and make sure you’re comfortable and confident—whether it’s your first time in a canoe or your fiftieth.
What’s included
This trip is professionally guided by qualified, friendly wilderness guides and includes transportation from Toronto, canoe rental, paddles, life jackets, and all safety equipment. You’ll just need comfortable shoes, a water bottle, and your sense of adventure.Highlights
Canoeing
You'll confidently be exploring the area by canoe after a short lesson from our expert instructors. Canoe, paddle and all safety gear included!
Wildlife viewing
Bears, moose, beavers 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.
Stunning scenery
Experience some of the most beautiful scenery our province has to offer on our carefully planned adventureItinerary
06:30 – Leave from close to Keele Station
10:00 – 12:00 – Pick up canoes and hit the water for a paddle
12:30 – 13:00 – Packed lunch break
13:00 – 14:30 – Hike the Hemlock Bluffs Trail
15:00 – 16:00 – Check out Ragged Rapids Falls
19:00 – Anticipated return to TorontoPlease note that you will first need to become a member at www.wildernessunion.com and register here for this activity. We offer a one month risk-free trial and $25 trip credit to new members to figure out if the group is right for you.
Want to learn more? Come to our next info session!
