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Backpacking Toronto

Toronto backpacking enthusiasts gather for urban adventures

The Queen Hike (18 km anniversary hike)

The Queen Hike (18 km anniversary hike)

Sat, Jul 25, 5:00 PM
From Hike to Eat
4.7

**Attendance policy is enforced for this hike**. See below for details. To celebrate our anniversary, we're hiking the entire length of Queen Street. Since Queen Street is *only* 14.3 km, we're continuing along the lakeshore to Etobicoke. Incidentally, this is the shortest route possible between Scarborough and Etobicoke. Queen Street runs through some of the most iconic neighbourhoods in Toronto: idyllic The Beaches, hip Leslieville, sketchy Moss Park, historic Old Town, bohemian West Queen West, and shabby chic Parkdale. The route buzzes with activity and attractions. And more importantly, acclaimed restaurants and bakeries featuring food from six continents. You need to be in decent shape and have a good appetite to do the entire route. However, as with other hikes, you are free to join and leave at any point. Those who walk the entire length of Queen St (Fallingbrook Rd to Roncesvalles Ave) will be eligible to buy a commemorative T-shirt (expected price \~$23). There are different dinner options at the end of the hike. 1. Modern Chinese. [Reserve your spot at Tis Two Cities](https://www.meetup.com/hike-to-eat/events/315259938/). 2. Asado (grilled steaks and meats): [Reserve your spot at Vos Restaurante Argentino](https://www.meetup.com/hike-to-eat/events/315260441/). 3. Panuzzo and pizza at San Vito's Bakery. Walk-in. 4. Sushi at Krazy Roll. Walk-in. [See all our past hikes](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1_FpYriQNv5okUB-oiCODi56uiRDgPGI&usp=sharing). **Highlights** Segment 1: The Beaches 1. Start (or end) of Queen St at Fallingbrook Rd (depart 1pm) 2. R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant 3. Bagels on Fire / Fox Theatre 4. XOLA / Kyouka Ramen 5. Beaches Library 6. Tiflisi / Limon / Inmigrante 7. Toronto Fire Station 227 / Delina 8. Holi Taco / Dulcinella (arrive 1:58pm; depart 2:15pm) Segment 2: Leslieville 1. Dirty Birrias 2. Ashbridge Estate 3. Sweet Bliss Bakery / Hastings Snack Bar 4. Descendant Detroit Style Pizza 5. Kristapsons' Smoked Salmon 6. Ocha's / Leslie’s Sandwich Room 7. Tabule / Amber Kitchen and Coffee 8. Lamoon Thai Kitchen & Coffee 9. The Broadview Hotel / Happy Burger / White Lily Diner 10. Elviras (arrive 3:16pm; depart 3:33pm) Segment 3: Moss Park 1. Queen Street Viaduct 2. Los Gyros 3. Kim's Convenience 4. Moss Park Armoury / Panemor 5. Eaton Centre 6. Old City Hall / City Hall / Osgoode Hall 7. Campbell House Museum 8. Aux Merveilleux de Fred / Alpha's Shawarma 9. Mizzica Gelateria & Cafe 10. Banh Mi Boys / Yukimi Donburi (arrive 4:43pm; depart 4:56pm) Segment 4: West Queen West 1. Ramen x Remix / Bagels on Fire 2. Mico Italian Sandwiches / Maison 118 / Ngogo / North of Brooklyn 3. Sud Forno / Sanko Trading Co 4. Trinity Bellwoods Park 5. Forno Cultura 6. King Slice / DoDoner / Lisgar Park 7. The Grand Order of Divine Sweets / Han Kki 8. The MoMo House 9. Garleek Kitchen / Afrobeat Kitchen 10. Katyn Monument (arrive 6:20pm; depart 6:35pm) Segment 5: Sunnyside 1. Roncesvalles Pedestrian Bridge / Palais Royale 2. Sunnyside Dinosaur Playground 3. Sunnyside Pavilion 4. Trans Canada Trail Pavilion 5. Humber Bay Arch Bridge / Sheldon Lookout 6. Krazy Roll 7. San Vito's Bakery / Tis Two Cities (arrive 7:30pm) **Neighbourhoods** Fallingbrook > The Beaches > Leslieville > Riverside > Moss Park > Old Town > Downtown Core > West Queen West > Parkdale > Sunnyside > Humber Bay Shores **Map and terrain** [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=17oNClOxL7LtZ7hqQv9AFxtxVDjozisU&usp=sharing](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=17oNClOxL7LtZ7hqQv9AFxtxVDjozisU&usp=sharing) Portions of Queen Street have narrow sidewalks and lots of people. Since we're a big group, you can pick between the north and south sides of Queen St to walk. The map shows which side has better food and attractions but the other side may have interesting stuff too. We're walking westwards in the afternoon, so bring sun protection. **How it works** Hike starts punctually. Late or can't join at the beginning? 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. The end of the hike is the only time when we can enjoy a leisurely meal. **Attendance policy** Please check in with an organizer when you arrive. 24 hours before the hike, we'll note down who is on the confirmed list. Those that don't show up will be marked as no-show. Repeat offenders will be banned. Please change your RSVP if you can no longer attend. If you got off the waitlist less than 24 hours before the event, you won't be considered a no-show.

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100 attendees
Lakeside Glamping or Tenting Getaway - Haliburton Highlands

Lakeside Glamping or Tenting Getaway - Haliburton Highlands

Fri, Jul 31, 9:00 PM
From WOOT Adventures
4.9

**Let's return to the Lakeside Cozy Glamping Camp where we had so much fun a few years ago in the heart of the Haliburton Highlands!** For this trip we will stay in a mix of accommodations: forest glamping domes (great comfort), glamping tents, or you can pitch your own tent. All subject to "first come first serve" so best to get your RSVP in ASAP. Think lakeside views, fireflies at night, short hikes on the property, water activities, lots of leisure time. Water activities will be just minutes away with kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats easily accessible. We will swim, go on short hikes, stargaze (the skies should be great for viewing), have a bonfire, tell stories, play boardgames, play outdoor games, listen to music, relax, enjoy nature, sip wine and other refreshments, and enjoy good food together and more! We are going to have so much fun. Depart Friday after work at 5pm. Everyone should arrange to be at their carpool location no later than 5pm to leave Toronto. We will return on the Monday (Monday is a holiday) That's 3 nights, and about 2.5 days. We will have various carpool departure spots. There are different prices for each type of accommodation and the options will be first-come first served based on who pays first. We will have up to 25 people or more going on this trip but it won't feel like a crowd as there is lost of space. We are a friendly group and you will feel part of the group in no time if you don't know anyone! **Accommodation Option 1:** **Forest** **Dome** **\- $280 to $299 per person \(incl\. tax and meetup fee\)** , Price dependent on number of people in dome. Has electricity, short 1 min walk to washrooms/showers, and well-equipped, large, sheltered outdoor kitchen only a short walk. **Accommodation Option 2: Small Glamping Tents** - **Limited availability** - **2 person occupancy at $212 each person sharing Queen bed or $231 with one on Queen bed and $193 for person on thick floor mattress.**. No electricity. Washroom with showers and indoor kitchen close by. **Accommodation Option 3: Large Glamping Tents - 2 person occupancy $266 each person on own double bed.** No electricity. Washroom with showers and indoor kitchen close by. **Accommodation Option 4: Pitch your own Tent - Most affordable option. (limited availability, the majority will need to be in glamping accommodation) .** There are lots of great spaces to pitch a tent in the area with the glamping tents. **About RSVPs:** Please read all RSVP instructions further below. Be sure to provide your phone number so the organizer can contact you. **No attendance confirmed until payment is received** and the organizer has spoken to you. Payment secures your spot. **Responsiveness:** Best way to secure your spot on this fun trip is to be responsive if I have contacted you. If I don't hear from you, I'll move on to the next person on the list. **About the Trip:** This is an outdoors exploring and camping weekend lakeside with activities, social time, and lots of time for relaxation. **About the Camp:** The place we are staying used to be a camp, and there are various facilities available. There are kayak, canoe and paddleboat rentals. The organizer will rent a few of each for the entire weekend, therefore saving on costs and everyone can take turns using them. They have washroom/shower facilities, and outdoor kitchens. However, we will also have an indoor kitchen we will use as well. There are bbqs and firepits for us to use also. **Cost for event**: -Accommodation for 3 nights \- Food \- food will be a combination of bringing your own food\, or optionally joining group meals \(TBD based on feedback/preferences\) \- $ to contribute to gas for driving there\. Gas costs are determined at the end of the trip\. Drivers are reimbursed for their gas\. \- $ for any extra activites or parking costs\. WOOT Score: Outdoors 5, Adventure 4, Fun 5, overall WOOT Score - 5++ (I only post events that are a 5 = awesome) Everybody must answer both RSVP questions to be moved to the GOING list, which you should see when you sign up for the event (everyone goes to the waitlist first): (1) What is your cell number? (this is private - only the organizer sees this info) (2) What are your transportation plans? A. Passenger at carpool B. Driver (have my own car) at carpool for x passengers - do not say "B" unless you own your own car. C. Prefer to be passenger, but driver at carpool for x passengers if needed D. Meet at location (limited spots available, preference given to those commuting from Toronto) The organizer will monitor the RSVPs. Hope you can make it! Hope you can join us! Rebecca (rphinn)

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10 attendees
Moon Island Backcountry Canoe Camping

Moon Island Backcountry Canoe Camping

Fri, Jul 17, 11:30 AM
From Wilderness Union Toronto - Outdoor Adventure and Hiking Club
4.7

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/moon-island-canoe-camping)** **The Massasauga is one of the only provincial parks in Ontario you can only reach by water. That changes the feel of everything.** The Massasauga sits nestled into the eastern shores of Georgian Bay. Upon arrival at the park, we paddle 9km through beautiful lakes and bays to reach Moon Island, a water-access-only backcountry camp that will be our home for the weekend. Friday starts with a canoe orientation on flat water, then the crossing. By evening you'll know how to set up a tent, hang a bear hang, and cook over a camp stove. Saturday morning brings the Moon Island Trail, a loop through varied terrain with lookouts over the bay. The afternoon is yours: swim from the island's rocky shoreline, take a canoe out to explore the surrounding channels, or sit and watch the water. Sunday we pack up and paddle home. This trip is built for people who want the real backcountry experience. We bring the boats, the gear, the food, and the guides. What's included * Professional & certified guides * ‍All camp meals, cooking equipment and mess kits * ‍Tents * Canoes Sleeping bags and sleep pads can be rented from WU for a small fee. This trip is slightly more challenging than our introduction to backcountry adventures. You should have a decent fitness level and a sense of adventure! **Highlights** **The 9km crossing:** Nine kilometres of open Georgian Bay water is a real paddle. Finishing it with a backcountry campsite on the other side is a genuinely good feeling. **Moon Island Trail:** A loop through mixed forest and exposed Canadian Shield granite, with lookouts over the bay, a heron rookery, and a beaver pond. Moose, deer, bear, and grouse all share the island. **True backcountry:** Water-access only means no roads, no car campers, no neighbours unless they paddled in too. **Event cost: $455+HST for explorer members. Optional transport available. Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/moon-island-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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3 attendees
Restoule Reset Summer Camping

Restoule Reset Summer Camping

Fri, Jul 24, 11:30 AM
From Wilderness Union Toronto - Outdoor Adventure and Hiking Club
4.7

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/restoule-reset)** **Some weekends are for slowing all the way down. This is one of those weekends.** Restoule is one of Ontario's best-kept secrets. It's every bit as beautiful as the big-name provincial parks, clear water, big pines, granite shoreline, but it sees a tiny fraction of the visitors. No fighting for a campsite, no crowded trails, just space to breathe. It's also the rare park that gives you both worlds. Camp comes with hot showers, running water, a fire pit and a picnic table, the comforts that make this an easy first camping trip. But push a canoe off the beach and you're into quiet, wild water within minutes. Frontcountry comfort, backcountry soul. We drive up Friday afternoon and settle into camp before dinner. The site is yours to inhabit, not just sleep in. If you're new to camping, our guides will walk you through the essentials, pitching a tent, working a camp stove, building a fire, so you'll leave with skills you can use on every trip after this one. Then bring a book, bring a card game, or just sit and watch the lake. Saturday is yours. The standout option is getting out on the water: canoe rentals are available right at camp as an optional add-on, and within minutes of pushing off you're on quiet, wild water with the shoreline to yourself. Prefer dry land? Lace up for the Fire Tower Trail, a loop through mixed forest that climbs to an old fire lookout with a sweeping view over the park and lake below. It's a real payoff for a reasonable effort. Or stay at the beach and do absolutely nothing. All correct choices. Sunday is breakfast, a slow pack-up, and an optional stop at Barton's Bistro in Restoule on the way out (lunch there is your own, not included), before the drive home feeling genuinely reset. This is a great first camping trip, and a great escape if you've been needing to slow things down. What's included * Professional & certified guides * ‍All camp meals, cooking equipment and mess kits * ‍Tents Sleeping bags and sleep pads can be rented from WU for a small fee. 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. Canoe rentals are an optional extra if this is something you want to do on Saturday morning. **Highlights** **Beauty Without the Crowds:** One of Ontario's best-kept secrets. As scenic as the big-name parks with a fraction of the people, and room to actually hear yourself think. **Canoe From Camp:** An optional rental right at the beach. Push off and you're on quiet, wild water within minutes, the easiest way into the backcountry. **Fire Tower Lookout:** An optional hike up to an old fire lookout with open views over the forest and the lake below. Manageable climb, genuine payoff. **Event cost: $350+HST for explorer members. Optional transport available. Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/restoule-reset)** **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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3 attendees
The Killarney Klassic: An Unforgettable Camping Adventure

The Killarney Klassic: An Unforgettable Camping Adventure

Fri, Jul 10, 10:30 AM
From Wilderness Union Toronto - Outdoor Adventure and Hiking Club
4.7

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/killarney-klassic)** **Killarney Provincial Park is one of the most gorgeous locations in Ontario! And it’s been on your list long enough. Join us this weekend to experience what it has to offer.** Killarney is one of those parks where you arrive and understand immediately why people come back every year. This weekend, we're setting up at George Lake Campground for three days of hiking, swimming, and good company. On the drive up Friday, we stop at Herbert Fisheries in Killarney town that offers fresh Georgian Bay whitefish, hand-cut fries, and a seat on the dock. It's been a fixture here since 1981 and a good way to arrive. Then we head to camp to set up and settle in for the evening. Saturday morning, we hike to Lumsden Lake along a section of the La Cloche Silhouette Trail, winding through mixed forest and over wooden boardwalks before arriving at a clear lake framed by white quartzite ridges. After the hike, the afternoon belongs to the beach. George Lake's shore is right at camp. Sunday is the shorter Cranberry Bog loop, leaving directly from the campground. The trail passes through wetlands and opens to views of the La Cloche hills before looping back. After that, we pack up and drive home. This is a front country trip, which means car camping with your full kit and no portaging. It's the perfect entry point if you haven't camped with WU before, and an unforgettable long weekend either way. What's included * Professional & certified guides * ‍All camp meals, cooking equipment and mess kits * ‍Tents Sleeping bags and sleep pads can be rented from WU for a small fee. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or it’s your first time in a tent, this adventure has something for everyone. **Highlights** **Lake swimming:** George Lake's shore is steps from camp.Jump in whenever you feel like it. **Nights at the campfire:** No agenda, just the group, the dark, and the tree line. This is where the trip actually starts. **La Cloche Views:** Halfway through Sunday's trail, the trees open up and the white hills come into frame. There's nowhere else in Ontario that looks like this. **Event cost: $350+HST - optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/killarney-klassic)** **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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2 attendees
NOGANOSH LAKE, SAT. AUG. 1 - MON. AUG. 3 CANOE TRIP 4/26 CIVIC HOLIDAY

NOGANOSH LAKE, SAT. AUG. 1 - MON. AUG. 3 CANOE TRIP 4/26 CIVIC HOLIDAY

Sat, Aug 1, 3:00 PM
From Algonquin Canoe Tripping
4.9

This trip has flexible dates. If you want to come in on Friday, or leave Sunday. We will arrange the trip to suit the people who want to go. Noganosh Lake is a remote, quiet area. We have always been able to get a premium campsite there. Noganosh Lake is an non-operating Provincial Park. There is no Park Gate, no rules, and no fees. Most campsites have a fireplace with a steel grill and a thunder box. The Park covers 3000 ha of pristine forest, all of the land within 60 to 200 m. of the shore of the lake. The water is deep, clear and full of fish. There is one fishing camp with a few small power boats. There are no public roads. Noganosh is a remote, quiet area. We have always been able to get a premium campsite there. We will paddle in on Sat. AM. The distance is 15 to 20 km., to find a campsite. There are 2 portages, of 153 m., and 318 m. on Smokey Creek. They are easy. Smokey Creek is still, winding, and deep, except for one spot where you push through floating bushes. On Sun. we can explore 20 km. of lakes, hike, fish, and swim. We will paddle out on Mon., the way we came in. **LOCATION:** **Fleming's Landing** **Birchwood Trail & Hwy. 522** **45.893272, -80.160721** Distance from Toronto, Hwy 400 & Hwy 7: 310 km., 3.5 hours. This is an easy, fun, trip for experienced canoe campers. To avoid a long drive on Sat. morning, some paddlers camp at Grundy Lake Provincial Park on Fri. night. The park is only 20 minutes from the put in. Reserve your campsite well in advance. Post your reservation so other paddlers can share your campsite, and the cost. Tornado's Resorts, 10 minutes from the put in, rents motel rooms for $100 per night and canoes for $40 per day. Tornado's is convenient because you don't have to unload your car, you just drive in, sleep, and they serve breakfast. **To join us: Add your name to the Spread Sheet and post your contact info on the Spread Sheet to arrange paddle partners and canoes.** https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1XRW4tAqGA7bLGCTqv6aFqLhqVVHfCdFqp8OdVotgL58/edit?gid=0#gid=0 1\. Find a paddling partner\, one of you has to be good paddling stern\. 2\. Own\, rent\, or borrow a canoe\. Grundy Lake Supply Post may or may not rent kevlar canoes to use in Noganosh for $50 /day. You must make your reservation months in advance, and specify it is for a Noganosh Lake trip. [https://grundylakesupplypost.ca/rentals/](https://grundylakesupplypost.ca/rentals/) The best location to get the best quality canoes is Swift, Georgian Bay, on Hwy 400,. A quality kevlar canoe is $60/day, and they will show you how to load it on your car. [https://swiftoutside.com/rentals/](https://swiftoutside.com/rentals/) 705-538-0881 3\. Please message or email me\, earlcowan@hotmail\.com\, to arrange your schedule or if you need help\.

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9 attendees
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Frequently asked questions

Meetup is a great place to start. Search for backpacking groups specific to Toronto and browse through a variety of options tailored for outdoor enthusiasts.

You can find everything from local group hikes to more intense backpacking trips designed for different skill levels and interests within the Toronto region.

Absolutely. Meetup allows you to join as many groups as you like, enabling you to connect with a variety of backpacking communities in Toronto.

Event descriptions typically include details on difficulty, length, and required experience, so you can choose events that match your backpacking skills and preferences.

Yes, many groups cater to beginners, offering events that are ideal for those new to backpacking, ensuring a welcoming and supportive environment.

It's recommended to bring essentials such as water, snacks, proper footwear, and sunscreen. Check event pages for specific recommendations or requirements.

Definitely. Joining Meetup backpacking groups is a great way to explore new trails and hidden gems in and around Toronto that you might not find otherwise.

Oftentimes, event organizers or members have extensive local knowledge, providing guidance and safety tips during group trips in the Toronto area.

Event routes and details are mostly provided by organizers, not directly by Meetup, so it's crucial to read the information shared by the hosts carefully.

While many events are organized by passionate individuals, Meetup cannot guarantee the organization quality. It varies by group and event leader.

Some backpacking events are family-friendly, clearly indicated in their descriptions, making them a great outing option for families.

Event frequency can vary. Some groups offer weekly hikes while others plan monthly adventures. Check specific group schedules for details.

Meetup enables meeting new people, but the success of making connections often depends on your active participation and the group’s size.

Many hosts outline safety guidelines on their event pages to ensure participant safety. It's important to review and follow these guidelines.

Some events might be free, while others could require a fee for permits or shared costs. Check each event page for any specified costs.