
What we’re about
Explore food and trails in the diverse neighbourhoods of the Greater Toronto Area.
Foodie hikes are at a moderate pace of 4 to 6 km/h. They are neither walking tours nor strenuous workouts. We encourage you to research the route beforehand because we won't give much commentary. You should be prepared for unpaved trails, hills, and any weather. Dangerous weather like lightning and low visibility will cancel hikes.
Typically, hikes end at a restaurant. But we'll also pick up takeout and groceries along the way.
Timed hikes
Hikes run like trains. We depart on time and hit scheduled stops. If late or lost, you can refer to the map to find us at these timed checkpoints. You can join or leave at any point according to your schedule and level of fitness.
If you're going below 4 km/h or the minimum stated speed, you might be left behind because we have to keep a schedule. This ensures
- we arrive at food places before they close or get too busy
- we show up on time for restaurant reservations
- others that join in the middle won't wait long at scheduled checkpoints
- we end on time and respect those who need to leave punctually
The list of places on the route are those that we'll pass by or come close to. We'll not stop at all of them. You're free to break from the group and use the map to catch up when you're done.
While the hike is ongoing, organizers might not respond to messages. They will be busy leading the group and ordering food. Also, Meetup notifications can be delayed by a few hours!
Omakase
For some hikes, we offer omakase. This is an optional program where participants chip in a small amount of money and the organizer will use the pool to buy food for sampling. The food bought, and where and when to share, is entirely up to the organizer. Omakase literally means "I leave it to you".
At some point in the hike, usually during the first leg, the organizer will ask who's interested in omakase and collect money. Payment by cash or e-transfer. Please mention dietary restrictions before signing up. We may not be able to accommodate and will advise if you should join.
No refunds after orders are placed, even if you left early, got lost, or missed samples for whatever reason. Collected money would have been already spent on food. We do not make a profit. Leftover funds go to Meetup.com fees.
Situations where we will give a full or partial refund:
- the organizer didn't honour your dietary restrictions and you mentioned it before signing up
- you didn't get your fair share of food because there was not enough to go around
Limited cutlery provided. Bring your own cutlery and containers to save the environment.
Featured businesses do not compensate us. We recommend them because we think they are good or interesting.
Waitlist
If you're on the waitlist on the day of a hike, you can show up and hope that there's space. It's usually OK because of no-shows at free events.
However, if the event is over capacity, the priority is: those on the confirmed list, then the waitlist according to order of sign up. The rest will be asked to leave. We will strictly enforce the number of participants because of safety concerns.
For restaurant events, only those on the confirmed list can attend.
Pets policy
Pets are welcome but they may not be allowed into some buildings and businesses.
For certain hikes, there may be narrow and steep trails which may not be suitable for your pet. Only you will understand your pet's capabilities. Check the route in advance.
Finally, respect those who may be uncomfortable or allergic to certain animals by keeping them a distance from others, unless they're ok with it.
Photo policy
Photos are welcome but if you are taking pictures of other humans, please ask their permission if you intend to post or share them, including on Meetup.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Vale of Rosedale (5.6 km)North Toronto Station, Toronto, ON
Attendance policy is enforced for this hike. See below for details.
For this hike, we're seeking the Vale of Avoca. Sounds like some fantasy adventure quest, but it's really just a minor valley along Yellow Creek. It's one of the three ravines that encircle Rosedale, one of the wealthiest neighbourhoods in Canada.
Unlike other posh neighbourhoods, many mansions here are old: over a hundred years old. You'll see 19th-century British architectural styles like Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian. As with other prestigious neighbourhoods, there isn't a lot of good food. Options are few and overpriced.
Fortunately, there are some exceptions. On the budget end are standout sandwiches and poke. On the luxury end, there's Armenian and Filipino fine dining. We'll end the hike at the latter.
Arrive earlier to check out the top LCBO in Toronto. It's in a restored train station with a boutique selection of liquors.
Highlights
- (Former) North Toronto Station (depart 6:30pm)
- Umami Poke
- Frontier College
- David A. Balfour Park / Rosehill Reservoir
- Vale of Avoca
- Summerhill Market (depart 7:25pm)
- Rosedale United Church / John Kent House
- Mansions of Rosedale
- Mineral (arrive 8:15pm)
Neighbourhoods
Summerhill > RosedaleMap
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1eTeJKhcSd_1BpjH0s7MLTnVjxBm5dMI&usp=sharingHow it works
Hike starts punctually. Late or can't do the whole route? Meet us at scheduled checkpoints.We'll browse many food places but won't linger long. Grab ready-made food, or see the route in advance, organize takeout, then pickup along the way.
See our About section for more info.
Attendance policy
Please check in with an organizer when you attend. 24 hours before the hike, we'll check who is on the confirmed list. Those that don't show up will be flagged. Repeat offenders may be banned. Please change your RSVP if you can no longer attend.If you made it off the waitlist less than 24 hours before the event, you won't be considered a no-show.
- Scarborough in a nutshell (10.8 km)Albert Campbell Square, Scarborough Civic Centre, Scarborough, ON
Scarborough has the most diverse cuisines in the GTA. It's particularly known for Chinese, Lebanese, Jamaican, Trinidadian, Indian, and Sri Lankan food. This compact hike is a sampler of what Scarborough has to offer (except for Chinese cuisine, which is north of Highway 401). There are also Armenian, Nepali, Nigerian, and Indian supermarkets to browse.
It's not just food. Scarborough also has rivers, ravines, and long trails. We'll get a taste of that along Birkdale Ravine. It leads to the premier historical attraction in the borough, Scarborough Museum.
For lovers of spicy food, we'll end the hike at a Sri Lankan restaurant. Warning: they do not hold back on spice.
Highlights
- Albert Campbell Square (depart 11am)
- Scarborough Civic Centre and Library
- St. Andrews Fish & Chips / Hyderabad Biryani Hut
- Birkdale Community Centre (depart 11:33am)
- Birkdale Ravine
- St. Andrews Presbyterian Church
- Thomson Memorial Park / Scarborough Museum (depart 12:28pm)
- Spice Bar / Paandian Vilas
- ACR Hot Roti & Doubles
- African Freshness Superstore
- Pizza Nova (the original)
- Mr John's Real Kerala Kitchen
- Karaikudi / Atiya's Fresh Farm (depart 1:40pm)
- Crown Pastries
- Patisserie Royale / Al'deewan Manak'eesh Bakery
- Anush Market / Hopper Hut (arrive 2:30pm)
Neighbourhoods
Scarborough City Centre > Bendale-Glen Andrew > Dorset ParkMap
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1jVK1Gt3Wq1BEqK1hDq_o_mTLsk-GAHY&usp=sharingHow it works
Hike starts punctually. Late or can't do the whole route? Meet us at scheduled checkpoints.We'll browse many food places but won't linger long. Grab ready-made food, or see the route in advance, organize takeout, then pickup along the way.
Not sure what to try? Join our omakase for $5, which gives a tiny sample from different restaurants. Payment on the day of event by cash or e-transfer to globaltorontoeats@gmail.com. No refunds after orders are placed. Details of sampled food will be uploaded after the hike.
Limited cutlery provided. Highly recommended to bring cutlery and containers for omakase and bringing back leftovers.
See our About section for more info.
- Central Hamilton trails and grub (15 km)Hamilton GO Centre, Hamilton, ON
Hello Hamilton! This is an industrial town and also a refuge for people fleeing the high cost of living in Toronto. Well, at least up until a few years ago. Today, prices aren't that much cheaper. It still has something Toronto doesn't have: lots of waterfalls and easy access to wetlands and lakes.
We'll be doing a hike around Central Hamilton, through wetlands and the waterfront trail. Unfortunately, waterfalls are not in this part of town. But there will be a huge farmers' market and cultural attractions along the way. We're also visiting during Lucky Lion Night Market and Festival of Friends. There will be lots of music and food.
The specialty of Hamilton is pub grub: burgers, sandwiches, soups, and tacos. James Street North is the major restaurant axis of Hamilton and it's where we'll sample some of the elevated fare. We'll also pass by some minor food streets along the way.
End the day at a gastropub with global influences. Sign up on our companion event to secure a seat.
Highlights
- Hamilton GO Centre (depart 1:30pm)
- Whitehern Historic House / Hamilton City Hall
- Art Gallery of Hamilton
- Jackson Square / Hamilton Farmers' Market (depart 2:10pm)
- Tondou Ramen / Tomah / La Luna
- Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King
- The Burnt Tongue (1019 King St W, depart 3:10pm)
- Sassafras Point
- Princess Point
- McQuesten High Level Bridge (depart 4:50pm)
- Waterfront Trail
- Dundurn Castle
- Bayfront Park
- West Harbour GO station (depart 5:40pm)
- Liuna Station
- Charred Rotisserie House / Ola Bakery
- Willard’s Ice Cream
- Rapscallion and Co
- Cowabunga+
- The Standard / HAMBRGR / Mystic Ramen
- Gore Park
- Szechuan Noodle Bowl / Chaatter Box / Brothers Grimm Bistro
- Undefined (arrive 6:25pm)
Neighbourhoods
Central Hamilton > Strathcona > Westdale > Cootes Paradise > Dundurn > West HarbourMap
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=19oglGnXG9fXhJc_E9qCgc6hDRj-wYNY&usp=sharingUnpaved trails and steep hills in Cootes Paradise. This is a faster and longer hike than usual. Those with no hiking experience should join after, because we will maintain 4.5 km/h or faster on nature trails.
Tip: $10 GO transit pass to get to Hamilton. Enjoy unlimited travel throughout the GO network.
How it works
Hike starts punctually. Late or can't do the whole route? Meet us at scheduled checkpoints.
We'll browse many food places but won't linger long. See the route in advance, organize takeout, then pickup along the way.
Not sure what to try? Join our omakase for $5, which gives a tiny sample from different restaurants. Payment on the day of event by cash or e-transfer to globaltorontoeats@gmail.com. No refunds after orders are placed. Details of sampled food will be uploaded after the hike.
Limited cutlery provided. Highly recommended to bring cutlery and containers for omakase and bringing back leftovers.
See our About section for more info.
- Dinner is Undefined (after Central Hamilton hike)Undefined, Hamilton, ONCA$25.00
This is a companion event for the Central Hamilton hike. You don't have to do the hike to join this, but it's more rewarding if you do.
The cuisine at Undefined is undefined. They cook whatever they feel like. At least there's a defined menu, though that changes seasonally. Chefs draw inspiration from Italy, Japan, Thailand, Mexico, Morocco, and wherever they feel like. Despite not having a unifying theme, they're one of the top ranked restaurants in Hamilton. The ambience is fun and casual; think of it as a gastropub.
RSVP closes 5 days before the event. If there are many people on the waitlist, we may arrange more seats. If there isn't enough people, we will reduce the table size.
Payment
- The $25 event fee is a deposit. The restaurant charges this amount for no-shows. It will be refunded when you show up for the event.
- If there are spots available when you sign up, you have 24 hours to e-transfer the fee to globaltorontoeats@gmail.com
- If you're on the waitlist, you don't have to pay until a space opens up. You have 24 hours to pay the deposit after you've made it off the waitlist. Remember to check your junk mail and Meetup notification settings so that you're informed when you've snagged a spot.
- When sending the e-transfer, please add a note that mentions your Meetup.com name.
- If payment is not received in time, you will be removed from the attendee list. The spot will be given to the next person on the waitlist.
Cancellation and refund policy
- You can cancel and get a full refund 5 calendar days before the event. For example, if the event is on Friday 7pm, you can cancel without penalty anytime before the preceding Sunday 11:59pm.
- No refunds within 5 calendar days of the event, unless someone can be found to take your place.
- Full refund if the event is cancelled or rescheduled.