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- Secret Lake Hike and SwimKeele Station, Toronto, ON
Please note that you MUST sign up and pay for this event on our website, individuals who sign up on meetup only will not be permitted to join us.
Join us for a breathtaking 10km trek through the stunning wilderness of Muskoka. We'll be exploring a little known spot with pristine lakes, lush forests, and incredible rocky landscapes. Limberlost Wildlife Preserve, on the edge of Algonquin Park!
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 moose, 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.
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.
This spot is approximately 2.5 hrs North of Toronto.Itinerary
07:00 - Leave from Keele Station
10:00 - Arrive at secret hike spot
10:00 - 15:00 - Hike, eating lunch en route
15:00 - 16:00 - Lak swim
19:00 - Anticipated return to Keele StationThe cost of this event is $60 for members of the Wilderness Union.
This adventure is NOT open to non-members, please note that you will first need to become a member at www.wildernessunion.com and complete registration there 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.
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!
Questions, come to our next info session!
- Hamilton Waterfall, Donut and Brewery TourKeele Station, Toronto, ON
Please note that you MUST sign up and pay for this event on our website, individuals who sign up on meetup only will not be permitted to join us.
Hamilton's basically on our doorstep and easy to overlook. Did you know that Hamilton is home to more than 100 waterfalls, the most of any city in the world!? Or that it's got one of Ontario's biggest Craft Breweries? And arguably the best donuts in Ontario?
For this adventure we're combining a hike with a mini food tour. First, we'll check out the falls, then head into town to visit one of Hamilton's famous Donut spots and drop in for a pint at craft brewery - Merit which also has a great food menu for lunch. There'll be non-alcoholic options available making it suitable for all members.
This easy 8km hike will take us past two waterfalls, Canterbury and Sherman falls.
The hike crosses the Bruce Trail as we make our way through the Niagara Escarpment, so we'll be going through field, forest, orchards and hopping over plenty of streams.
While we're there we'll also take in the Hermitage Ruins, an impressive derelict estate that some say is haunted. Legend has it that in the 1830s, Hermitage estate coachman William Black hung himself in the stables after he was denied the estate owner’s niece’s hand in marriage. He was buried at a nearby crossroad now known as Lover’s Lane, where some can still hear his cries and see his ghostly figure.
Once we're done with the hike, we head into town for lunch and a drink at Merit, a fantastic local brewery then end up at Donut Monster for what have got to be the best donuts we've ever had.
Itinerary
08:00 - Pick up at Keele Station
09:00 - 12:30 - Hike
13:00 - Lunch at Merit Brewing
14:30 - Dessert at Donut Monster
16:30 - Expected return to TorontoThe cost of this event is $40 for members and $55 for non-members of the Wilderness Union.
This adventure is open to non-members, but you MUST 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!
Questions, come to our next info session!
- Barron Canyon CampingKeele Station, Toronto, ON
Please note that you MUST sign up and pay for this event on our website, individuals who sign up on meetup only will not be permitted to join us.
Join us for a weekend exploring the iconic Barron Canyon, one of the most beautiful spots not just in Algonquin Park but in the whole of the province. This canyon stands out due to its towering granite cliffs, rising sharply over 100 metres above the Barron River, creating dramatic views that are unlike anywhere else in Ontario. The best way of experiencing the canyon? By canoe, paddling under its vertiginous walls.
On the 1st day, we'll set off early, arriving by midday to load our canoes and enjoy a relaxed lunch. We'll paddle through calm waters that serve as an introduction to the area, arriving at our campsite by mid-afternoon, leaving plenty of daylight to comfortably set up camp and soak in the peacefulness of this secluded spot. The evening is yours to unwind at camp under clear skies, take a swim or simply enjoy the natural surroundings.
Day 2 is dedicated to the highlight of the trip: paddling the Barron Canyon itself. We'll journey a gentle 10km round-trip, floating beneath cliffs that showcase remarkable geological formations, sculpted over thousands of years. We'll pause halfway at Brigham Chute, a beautiful waterfall perfect for lunch and a break from paddling. Early to mid-afternoon, we'll return to camp, allowing time to relax or explore nearby.
On the final day, we'll pack up camp and hike the Barron Canyon Lookout trail—a short but breathtaking hike that provides spectacular panoramic views of the winding river and towering cliffs we've paddled past. The overlook gives a different perspective of the impressive landscape and makes for excellent photographs. After this hike, we'll celebrate the weekend with a group lunch on our way back, arriving in Toronto by evening.
This trip blends peaceful paddling with scenic hikes, giving you a full experience of what makes Barron Canyon such a standout destination. Its rugged beauty, impressive cliffs, and clear river waters make it a bucket list experience for many Canadians.
What's included
This trip is professionally guided and includes all of the following:- Experienced guides with advanced medical qualifications
- Lightweight canoe rental along with all necessary equipment
- All camp meals, cooking equipment and mess kits
- Tents
- An experience you'll never forget
Before the trip we'll be sharing a detailed packing list telling you absolutely everything you need to think about and pack, as well as a dedicated info session to ask any outstanding questions so you can turn up feeling totally prepared, ready to have an amazing time with the WU crew.
Meals
We'll have vegan/veg and meat options for meals with everything from dinner on the first night until breakfast of the last morning fully catered.
Sample menu
Breakfast - Fancy oatmeal, topped with nuts, dried fruits and cinnamon flakes
Lunch - Tortilla wraps with hummus, pepper, cheese and dried meat for carnivores
Dinner - Thai curry with chicken or tofuItinerary
Friday - September 5th
06:00 - 12:30 - Drive to Barron Canyon
12:30 - 13:30 - Load canoes, eat lunch
15:00 - Arrive at site. Set up camp
Evening at campsite
Saturday - September 6th
Paddle Barron Canyon (10km) return
Lunch at Brigham Chute
Return to campsite early/mid-afternoon
Sunday - September 7th
Morning - Break camp, hike the Barron Canyon Lookout trail
Celebratory Lunch on way home
20:00 - Anticipated arrival back in TorontoThe cost of this event is $495 for Wilderness Union Members.
This adventure is NOT open to non-members, please note that you will first need to become a member at www.wildernessunion.com and complete registration there 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.
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! - Bruce Peninsula CampingKeele Station, Toronto, ON
Please note that you MUST sign up and pay for this event on our website, individuals who sign up on meetup only will not be permitted to join us.
The Bruce Peninsula is famous for its gorgeous limestone landscapes and crystal clear turquoise water. There's really nowhere else quite like it in Ontario. Nearby is one of Canada's most iconic hikes to the Grotto, a ridiculously pretty natural cave and swimming spot.
This trip is car-camping so it's an easy way to get comfortable spending a night outside in a tent. We'll be leaving first thing on Tuesday morning with a first stop in Tobermory to tour the famous town and eat their legendary fish & chips.
We'll then move on Cyprus Lake Campground where we'll set up camp and explore the trails. At night we'll all have dinner together and roast smores over a campfire.
Bruce Peninsula is a Dark Sky Preserve meaning that if the clouds are clear we'll be in for some truly incredible stargazing.
The morning after, we'll hike to The Grotto, those who want to brave the cold can jump in for a swim. Later in the day, you can explore the Bruce Peninsula or hang around the campsite to learn camp craft like starting a fire and hanging a tarp.
For our final day, we'll have a lazy morning at the campsite then check into nearby Lion's head for lunch on the beach.What's Included
This trip is professionally guided and includes all of the following:- Experienced guides with advanced medical qualifications
- All camp meals, cooking equipment and mess kits
- Tents
- An experience you'll never forget
Before the trip we'll be sharing a detailed packing list telling you absolutely everything you need to think about and pack so you can turn up feeling totally prepared, ready to have an amazing time with the WU crew.
Meals
We'll have vegan/veg and meat options for each meal.
Sample menu
Friday Lunch - Fish and Chips in Tobermory (not included in cost)
Friday Dinner - Hot dinner around the campfire
Saturday Breakfast - Hot Breakfast and coffee/tea
Saturday Lunch - Wraps/sandwiches
Saturday Dinner - Hot dinner around the campfire
Sunday Breakfast - Hot Breakfast and coffee/tea
Sunday Lunch - Packed lunch at Lion's HeadItinerary
Friday 12th September
07:30 - 11:30 - Drive to Tobermory
12:00 - 13:00 - Lunch at Fish and Chips shop
14:00 - Check in at Cyprus Lake
15:00-17:00 - Set up camp
18:00 - Dinner
Evening - Fireside hangs and stargazing
Saturday 13th September
10:00 - 12:00 - Day at campsite
08:00 - 10:00 - Dawn Grotto visit
12:00- 13:00 - Lunch
13:00-17:00 - Either explore the bruce peninsula or hang around the campsite
Evening - Dinner fireside
Sunday 14th September
07:00 -10:00 - Breakfast, pack up site
11:00 - Check out
12:00 - Climb Lion's Head
19:00 - Anticipated return to TorontoThe cost of this event is $325 for Wilderness Union Members.
This event is NOT open to non-member, please note that you will first need to become a member at www.wildernessunion.com and complete registration there 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.
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!
