Backpacking Toronto
Toronto backpacking enthusiasts gather for urban adventures
Long way to Leslieville (13.4 km)
Sat, Jun 13, 10:00 PMIn order to cross 2 blocks in Leslieville, we're taking a 12.5 km detour to Tommy Thompson Park. The entire park is made from landfill and is now a haven for birdlife. We'll be visiting near sunset, when wildlife is more active. Cycling is the most common way to get around the vast park. Since we're walking, we'll focus on trails where bikes can't reach easily. It's not just natural attractions. There's also one of Toronto's newest parks where one can watch the sun set. We won't be sticking long though as we return to Leslieville for food. The selection is eclectic, ranging from Italian to Polish to Canadian. The final stop is a brewery, with an innovative wine bar and Detroit-style pizzerias close by. This hike is faster than usual, at 5 - 6 km/h. **Highlights** 1. Tatsuro's (depart 6 pm) 2. Leslieville sign 3. Ashbridge Estate 4. Chick-N-Joy 5. Ashbridges Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant 6. Tommy Thompson Park Pavilion (depart 6:35 pm) 7. Tommy Thompson Park Nature Centre 8. Pond lookouts 9. Lookouts to downtown Toronto skyline 10. Bird Research Station (depart 7:22 pm) 11. Unwin Bridge / Portlands Energy Centre 12. Leslie Lookout Park (depart 8:25 pm) 13. Maple Leaf Forever Park (depart 8:42pm) 14. Gio Rana's Really Really Nice 15. Descendant Detroit Style Pizza / Completo 16. Slowhand Sourdough Pizza / Restaurant Ricky+Olivia / Avling (arrive 8:55 pm) **Neighbourhoods** Leslie Street Spit > Port Lands > Leslieville **Map** [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1WN27mgc_YCOQ0aSdMXDu5Jd1HfZ09qE&usp=sharing](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1WN27mgc_YCOQ0aSdMXDu5Jd1HfZ09qE&usp=sharing) Average speed is 5 - 6 km/h. Limited facilities in Tommy Thompson Park. **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. 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.](http://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](https://www.meetup.com/hike-to-eat/) for more info
Parkwoods creeks and Marydale eats (11.1 km)
Sat, Jun 6, 7:00 PMThis hike connects a chain of parks and creeks around Parkwoods and Maryvale. It's not as well-trodden as the Don Valley trails to the west and has a small neighbourhood feel to it. There are few attractions. However, there are an assortment of restaurants sandwiching the trails. We'll visit the original location of a Jamaican institution, a Greek market, Iranian bakeries, and various food plazas. At the end of the hike lies a solid Uyghur restaurant. Or for those who want more spice, a Hyderabadi restaurant that does more than just biryanis. **Highlights** 1. Sushi Ichiban Ellesmere (depart 3pm) 2. Venus Bakery / Oruma 3. Space age Metro supermarket at Parkway Mall 4. Frank O’Connor House 5. Broadlands Community Centre 6. High Street Fish And Chips / Allwyn’s Bakery (depart 3:45pm) 7. Brookbanks Park 8. Roywood Park (depart 4:45pm) 9. Terraview Park / Willowfield Gardens Park 10. Mangal Kebab House 11. Kostas Meat Market, Deli, and Bakery 12. Ellesmere Community Centre (depart 5:45pm) 13. Jain Society of Toronto 14. Golconda / Kroran Uyghur Cuisine (arrive 6:05pm) **Neighbourhoods** Parkwoods > Maryvale > Dorset Park **Map** [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1I7xUBiBafrHCddM0DPpRtfQarYvq9B8&usp=sharing](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1I7xUBiBafrHCddM0DPpRtfQarYvq9B8&usp=sharing) **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](https://www.meetup.com/hike-to-eat/) for more info.
Sideways on Steeles: Koreatown to Jewish town (6.2 km)
Tue, Jun 16, 10:30 PMYonge and Steeles is at the centre of Koreatown North and Little Persia. Bathurst and Steeles is the heart of the Russo-Jewish community in the GTA. This hike covers the transition zone between the two. We'll also make a detour to Westminster Creek at the edge of the neighbourhood. Unsurprisingly, the food here is Korean, Persian, Russian, and Ashkenazi Jewish. There are also two Georgian bakeries—Georgian cuisine is popular in the former Soviet bloc. The hike ends at Bathurst and Steeles, where there are also Vietnamese and Turkish restaurants thrown in the mix. The most interesting option in the area is probably jumbo Korean dumplings and hand made noodles, one of the best in the region. This is not a religious or political event. **Highlights** 1. Galleria supermarket (depart 6:30pm) 2. Sababa Fine Foods / JungSooNe Bonga 3. Sunny Dragon Restaurant 4. Synagogues and cemeteries 5. Tov-Li / Bathurst Village Market (depart 7:22pm) 6. Harryetta Gardens / Westminster Creek 7. Puri Georgian Bakery 8. Vietnoms / Pho Viet Xpress 9. Myeongdong Gyoza Kalguksu (arrive 8:20pm) **Neighbourhoods** Newtonbrook West > Westminster > Thornhill-Vaughan **Map** [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1wD5FerM13-YOJABBu67heHoB0jY9wHo&usp=sharing](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1wD5FerM13-YOJABBu67heHoB0jY9wHo&usp=sharing) **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. 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.](http://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](https://www.meetup.com/hike-to-eat/) for more info.
Affordable Glamping and Outdoors Activities in Algonquin – Summer Kick Off!
Fri, Jun 26, 9:00 PM**Let's return because we had so much fun last time. Let's start the Summer right with our 2nd Annual Glamping trip in Algonquin Park.** **Join WOOT for a glamping and outdoors weekend!** **Camping does not have to mean lying on a tent floor in a small tent. We’ll sleep in cozy Safari tents for this trip, hike to some great views, enjoy water activities, enjoy campfires, stargazing, and eating together!** **📅 Trip Details** * **When: Depart Friday preferably no later than 5pm and return Sunday (2 nights)** * **Where: Group Glamping campsite just minutes from Algonquin Park** * **Accommodation: 2 Large Safari Tents hold 6 people each, 3 Safari tents hold 4 people each. Each person has their own bed or a thick pullout mattress.** * **Amenities: Tents have solar lighting, and USB charging (but bring a battery pack!). Large BBQ area with propane, picnic tables, campfire pit with firewood included. Comfort station with showers/toilets nearby. Under 5 minutes walking distance this time!** * **This is a pet friendly event.** **Max Group Size: 19** **💲 Costs** * **Accommodation for 2 nights will be: $140 to reserve your spot via e-transfer** * **Contribution for gas (drivers contribute but are reimbursed passengers portion)** * **Shared food costs** * **Any cost for equipment for extra activities (such as kayaks/canoes) or parking fees (a heads-up on these will be provided and activities optional)** **RSVP: Everyone starts on the waitlist until payment + contact info are received. To move to the “Going” list, you must answer all RSVP questions:** 1. **What is your cell number? (private – only organizer sees this)** 2. **What are your transportation preferences?** **A. Passenger at carpool** **B. Driver (have my own car, can take x passengers)** **C. Prefer passenger, but can drive x passengers if needed** **D. Driver but meet at location (preference given to those who can take passengers)** **Note: Prompt responses required. Spots are first-come, first-served.** **🎉 Activities** * **Hiking, Water activities (swimming, canoeing/kayaking), Sightseeing, Stargazing, Campfires, Storytelling** * **Relaxing in nature** **WOOT Score:** **Outdoors: \[5\] \| Adventure: \[5\] \| Fun: \[5\]** **Overall WOOT Score: 5++** **Organizer: Rphinn / Rebecca**
Manitoulin Magic
Fri, Jun 26, 10:00 AM**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/manitoulin-magic-3)** ***We’re heading to Manitoulin Island, the largest freshwater island anywhere in the world, for an incredible four day tour.*** You’ll join us on this carefully-crafted journey through Manitoulin's greatest natural treasures. The island is a special place filled with crystal clear waters, ancient limestone formations, breathtaking viewpoints and immersive night skies. You'll ***camp in a certified Dark Sky Preserve*** where stars blanket the sky above you, ***conquer the legendary Cup and Saucer Trai*l** with its 70-meter cliffs and panoramic vistas, ***stand behind the misty curtain of Bridal Veil Falls***, spend a day at the stunning **Misery Bay** and ***cruise across Georgian Bay on the iconic Chi-Cheemaun Ferry***. It's a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, allowing you to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in Manitoulin life. There are very few trips organized to this magnificent place and we're thrilled to be running it for Wilderness Union members. Our journey begins in Toronto where you’ll be picked up by our driver who will be transporting you across the whole island in the coming days. Our base for the trip is a dark sky certified eco park centrally located on the island. Day 2 brings our most active day with a morning adventure to the gorgeous Bridal Veil Falls where you can actually walk behind the cascading water. There's plenty of time built in for swimming, exploring, or simply relaxing at this unique natural destination. In the afternoon, we’ll conquer the famous Cup and Saucer Trail with its breathtaking lookouts across the island's rolling landscapes. Day 3 will involve a full day of revelry and exploration at Misery Bay Provincial Park. This small inlet on the south-west part of the island has beautiful beaches and rocky platforms stretching into the sea Our final day features the perfect conclusion – crossing Georgian Bay aboard the legendary Chi-Cheemaun Ferry ("Big Canoe" in Ojibwe) from South Baymouth to Tobermory. This two-hour cruise across deep blue waters offers spectacular views on the way to the beautiful town of Tobermory where we stop for lunch and a quick explore before returning to Toronto later that evening. **What's included:** - *Expert guides who will be with you throughout the entire journey* - *Professional transportation taking you all across the island* \- All camp meals\, cooking equipment and mess kits - *A cruise on the Chi-Cheemaun Ferry* *-All park access permits* **** **NB: Due to the logistical complexity of coordinating transportation between parties for a multi-day itinerary with limited cell reception, self-driving will not be available for this adventure.** **Space for this Manitoulin adventure is strictly limited, so register early to secure your spot. This trip will fill quickly and won't be repeated this summer!** **Highlights** **Mesmerizing Nature -** Manitoulin Island is a landscape of ancient rock and turquoise water that feels a world away. You can hike the dramatic cliffs of the Cup and Saucer Trail or walk behind the freshwater curtain of Bridal Veil Falls. **Dark Sky Preserve Camping -** Stay at a designated Dark Sky Preserve where the stars are bright enough to cast shadows. The "no white light" rule ensures you witness the *unobstructed Milky Way*. **Sail the Chi-Cheemaun -** Our journey includes a crossing on the incredible "Big Canoe" ferry from Tobermory. Stand on the breezy upper deck to watch the shoreline disappear as you traverse *Georgian Bay*. **Event cost: $695+HST. Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/manitoulin-magic-3)** **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/)***
Intro to Canoe Camping
Sat, Jun 13, 11:00 AM**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/)***
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