What we’re about
Wilderness Union makes it easy to get into the wild and find your outdoor crew. 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.
We're obsessed with creating the most unique, professionally run, wilderness experiences that you'll find. Many of our trips are unique to Wilderness Union and you'll often visit places with nobody else around. 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.
Members get access to all of our adventures, discounted pricing and other benefits including:
- Regular socials
- Discounts at outdoor retailers like MEC, Teva, Algonquin Outfitters and more
- Free, member led clubs like Run, Climb, Bike and Book Club
We'd love to have you join! Learn more here.
Most of our members are between the ages of 18-40 and live in the GTA.
Public Adventures
We offer a selection of Public adventures that are also open to non-members. Filter by adventure type on our website to find what's right for you.
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- The Wilder LoopKeele Station, Toronto, ON
Please note we simply list our events on Meetup - the only way to register for an adventures is on our website so we keep RSVPs closed here.
You asked for a harder hike, here's a real challenge.
The Wilder Loop is a full 20 km of remote, rugged terrain through one of Ontario’s most untouched landscapes. Right from the start, the trail throws you into the wild: the first 5 km have everything we love about backcountry hiking; twisting forest paths, sweeping granite ridges, narrow boardwalks, and yes, multiple beaver dams to scramble across. No two kilometers are the same, and every twist in the trail feels like a secret waiting to be found.
Once we hit the loop section, things get much quieter. This part of the park sees very few visitors as human footprints give way to moose tracks, and the rustling in the brush might just be one of the many beavers that call this area home.
Though the total elevation gain is relatively modest (about 260 m over the whole route), the trail’s difficulty comes from its remoteness, terrain, and ever-changing conditions. That said, for those willing to take it on, the reward is huge: sweeping views, total solitude, an unfiltered experience of Ontario’s boreal beauty... and a well-earned sense of pride by the time we make it back to the trailhead.
Secret Location
This is one of Wilderness Union's 'secret' hikes. As a group, we visit some truly special spots that are undiscovered by the wider world. We like to keep them pristine and only share them among our members and ask that you do the same! We reveal the location to registered members in the days before the trip.Itinerary
06:30 - Shuttle leaves from near Keele Station
09:00 - Begin hike
17:00 - Anticipated end
19:30 - Anticipated return to TorontoEvent cost
Wilderness Union members: $60+HST (optional transport = $70+HST)
Non members: This is a member exclusive adventure
Register here.About Wilderness Union
Wilderness Union is deliberate about building an outdoors community of people like you who will become your new friend group. Members range from 20-40 years old and are a mix of people who've grown up here but their friends are in a different place, newcomers to Canada, and folks from out West who want that lifestyle in Toronto
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 - Algonquin Fall Colour HikeKeele Station, Toronto, ON
Please note we simply list our events on Meetup - the only way to register for an adventures is on our website so we keep RSVPs closed here.
We'll begin our Algonquin adventure with a scenic drive along the Highway 60 corridor, a perfect introduction to the park’s vast wilderness. Keep your eyes peeled for moose grazing in the lowlands, and spot loons, ospreys, and other wildlife along the way.
The 8 km Track and Tower Trail is moderately challenging, with steady climbs, rocky outcrops, and uneven terrain that demand focus and stamina. It’s a full-day commitment, best suited for those in decent shape who are ready for a rewarding hike rather than a short sightseeing stroll. Along the way, you’ll pass shaded woodlands, open ridges, and tranquil lakeshores, perfect spots to pause, hydrate, and take in the scenery.
At the summit, the payoff is spectacular: a sweeping panorama over Cache Lake and a forest ablaze in peak fall colours. This is one of Algonquin’s most iconic lookouts, offering a view that’s both breathtaking and hard-earned. Wildlife sightings are still possible, including beavers, bears from a safe distance, and soaring birds of prey.
Please note that self drivers will need to purchase a Daily Vehicle Permit 5 days in advance. These often sell out very quickly and Algonquin gets very busy during this time with driving becoming a bit of a nightmare so you're strongly recommended to book transport and ride in our bus for this trip.
Itinerary:
08:00 - Bus leaves
10:00 - 10:30 - Check in at park, look out for wildlife along Highway 60
10:30 - 15:30 - Hike the Track and Tower Trail
20:00 - Anticipated return to Keele StationEvent cost
Wilderness Union members: $60+HST (optional transport = $60+HST)
Non members: $75+HST (optional transport = $60+HST)
Register here.About Wilderness Union
Wilderness Union is deliberate about building an outdoors community of people like you who will become your new friend group. Members range from 20-40 years old and are a mix of people who've grown up here but their friends are in a different place, newcomers to Canada, and folks from out West who want that lifestyle in Toronto
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 - Dorset Lookout Tower - Fall Colour HikeNeeds location
Please note we simply list our events on Meetup - the only way to register for an adventures is on our website so we keep RSVPs closed here.
This trip takes us to one of those rare places you won’t find in a guidebook. Tucked just south of Algonquin, the trail is a little-known gem with everything you’d expect from the Canadian Shield: rolling rock outcrops, quiet beaver ponds, and wide ridges that suddenly open up into sweeping views. In autumn, it’s a canvas of red, orange, and gold the kind of colour that makes you stop mid-trail and just look around.
We start with a proper hike - we'll be going 6.5 km on a moderately easy route with enough time to enjoy the scenery before stopping for lunch at one of the most spectacular views you'll find.
Once the trail is behind us, we’ll make a short drive over to Dorset. The Scenic Lookout Tower rises above the forest canopy, and climbing to the top gives you a view like no other. From up there you get a 360° view of the hills and lakes all dressed in their fall colours. It’s one of Ontario’s most iconic lookouts, but after walking a trail where we had the forest to ourselves, it feels even more special.
This outing combines the best of both worlds: a little-known, quiet hike far from the crowds, and a panoramic view that captures the whole season in a single glance.
Itinerary:
07:00 - Leave from close to Keele Station
10:00 - Secret trail hike
13:30 - 14:30 - Lookout tower
18:00 - Anticipated arrival back in TorontoEvent cost
Wilderness Union members: $60+HST (optional transport = $60+HST)
Non members: This is a member exclusive adventure
Register here.About Wilderness Union
Wilderness Union is deliberate about building an outdoors community of people like you who will become your new friend group. Members range from 20-40 years old and are a mix of people who've grown up here but their friends are in a different place, newcomers to Canada, and folks from out West who want that lifestyle in TorontoAttendance 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
- Frontenac Fall ColoursNeeds location
Please note we simply list our events on Meetup - the only way to register for an adventures is on our website so we keep RSVPs closed here.
One of the most popular adventures we've ever organized returns! Last year's visit was unbelievably beautiful and quiet. While the crowds flock to Algonquin to view fall colours, Frontenac is where it's really at. East of the city with a fraction of the visitors, Frontenac is a unique landscape that is every bit as beautiful as the more famous parks but with a more diverse terrain. We'll be walking across beaver dams, over granite barrens and through golden forest.
The hike itself is a relatively easy 9km hike but super interesting due to the natural features along the way and some beautiful look outs. This is a long day so we'll be leaving early. You won't want to miss it.
Self drivers please note - Frontenac is at least a 3hr drive and requires a $15 day pass - you're strongly recommended to choose the transport option for this trip. The day pass is included for anyone riding in the van.
Itinerary
07:00 - Bus leaves from a Line 2 TTC stop on the West End of Toronto (precise location revealed on registration)
10:30 - 15:00 - Hike, eating lunch en route
19:00 - Anticipated return to TorontoEvent cost
Wilderness Union members: $60+HST (optional transport = $70+HST)
Non members: $75+HST (optional transport = $70+HST)
Register here.About Wilderness Union
Wilderness Union is deliberate about building an outdoors community of people like you who will become your new friend group. Members range from 20-40 years old and are a mix of people who've grown up here but their friends are in a different place, newcomers to Canada, and folks from out West who want that lifestyle in TorontoAttendance 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
