Bikepacking Toronto

Spanish snack inquisition

Epic #5 - The Lavielle Loop

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/epic-5)** ***Welcome to The Epics!*** ***Through this series, we will embark together on five of the most legendary and challenging adventures anywhere in Ontario.*** **History** Deep in the interior of Algonquin Park lies a chain of lakes that remains a bucket list trip for serious paddlers. The Lavieille Loop is a high-endurance expedition named after one of the most beautiful lakes in a park full of incredible scenery. This is a route of extremes: from the crystal-clear expanse of **Lake Lavieille** to the winding, moose-heavy waters of the **Crow River**, culminating in the legendary 5.5km **Dickson-Bonfield portage**, this is a true test of grit. This expedition is inspired by the Meanest Link, a legendary challenge created by our friends and partners at Algonquin Outfitters. Designed by Alex Hurley and Gord Baker as a tribute to AO’s founder, Bill Swift Sr., the Link was built to push the limits of exploration and self-reliance. While our loop covers a specific, scenic section of this historic network, we’ve designed this Epic to channel that same spirit of adventure and respect for the park’s heritage. Learn more about the history and the original route of the Meanest Link on the [Algonquin Outfitters website](https://algonquinoutfitters.com/about/meanest-link-history/). ‍ **What You Need to Know** This journey is a true ode to Algonquin Park. We’ve carved out a nearly 100km route, taking us from the massive waters of Lake Opeongo, along the winding Crow River, and into the remote reaches of Lake Lavieille before heading back down to Opeongo. By doing this in early September, we catch the park at its absolute best: the bugs are gone, the weather is beautiful, and the wildlife is active along the riverbanks. Awaiting us in the second half of our journey is the notorious Dickson-Bonfield portage. At over 5km,this is the longest single portage in Algonquin Park. It’s relatively flat but a huge challenge and, once you set your canoe down at Bonfield Lake, you’ll have earned your place among the most dedicated paddlers in the province. This trip requires a high level of fitness and a genuine willingness to embrace the challenge of a 5km trek with a canoe on your shoulders. For those willing to take on the challenge, this offers the most rewarding sense of accomplishment you can find on the water. **What's Included:** * *2 expert guides with advanced wilderness skills and medical training* * *Rentals for lightweight canoes, PFDs and paddles* * *All camp meals, cooking equipment and mess kits* * *All safety equipment (including first aid kits and water purification)* * *Tents and all the camping equipment you'll need (sleeping bags and pads are available for rent)* * *All permits and campsite bookings for the whole trip* * *A preparatory information session* * *Detailed trip plan with packing lists, maps and the indigenous history of the route we're following* * *Extensive planning to ensure your safety throughout the adventure* * *A custom, iron-on patch to immortalize your unforgettable adventure* ***Epics are mentally and physically demanding adventures, and participation isn’t automatically guaranteed. These expeditions require skill, determination and teamwork to get through.*** ***To help ensure a safe and rewarding experience for all, anyone who has not previously completed an Epic will need to fill out a short questionnaire so we can assess readiness together.*** ***Your level of fitness and outdoors experience will play a role in this process. Having certain adventures under your belt will ensure you have the right skills and preparation for these kinds of experiences. These include:*** * ***Any Wilder Series adventure, including the upcoming Wilder Loop*** * ***Any Survivalist Series adventure, including Introduction to Navigation or Cold Exposure*** * ***Canoe Foundations Clinic*** * ***Hilton Falls Mega*** * ***Any other adventure with 4 or 5 star difficulty*** ***If you register for an Epic and are not approved, you will receive a refund in full.*** **Highlights** **An Epic Challenge -** Our longest and most ambitious epic will be the ultimate reward. **Dickson-Bonfield Portage -** The legendary portage spans 5.4km and is the longest single carry in the park. ‍**Secret Lake Sanctuaries** \- True crown jewels of the Algonquin interior\, there are no easy routes to the lakes we will be seeing\, which keep them incredibly quiet and pristine\. **Event cost: $1185+HST. $50 optional transport also available. Please register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/epic-5)** **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/)***

Feedback | An Open Mic Comedy Show @ Backroom Comedy Club

Ticket Link: **[https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1974279855193](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1974279855193)** Welcome to **Feedback \| An Open Mic Comedy Show** at the **Backroom Comedy Club**! Get ready for a night filled with laughter, jokes, and good vibes. Whether you're a seasoned comedian or just looking for a fun night out, this event is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy some live comedy. Come join us on **Sundays** at **10:00 PM** for a hilarious evening that you won't forget. Talented and non-talented lineups of comedians will be taking the stage to entertain you and keep you laughing all night long, and if they fail, owners Ariel Kagan & Brandon Sobel will offer feedback on sets at the request So grab your friends, grab a drink, and get ready to have a great time at the **Backroom Comedy Club**. Don't miss out on this opportunity to experience some of the best or worst comedy in town!

Bus Hike: Terra Cotta (New Hikers/Families Welcome)

New Hikers (but all are welcome) are invited to join me on a 10 km Introductory Level Bus Hike on the Toronto Section of the Bruce Trail around Terra Cotta less than an hour from Toronto. Expect some downhill/uphill and tree roots but nothing too rocky or challenging. We'll be following behind the hikers completing the club's annual two day E2E hike. There will be the option of a short out and back hike on the Walking Fern Side Trail at the end. After the hike we'll drive to Spirit Tree Estates Cidery that offers pizza and baked goods and a country store. Hopefully the weather cooperates so we can sit on the picnic tables outside. Optional dropout at 5 km. Hiking boots are recommended. Beginners and families welcome. \*\* Registration opens Sun Aug 30 at 8:00 PM. You must register and prepay the bus fare on the Bruce Trail Conservancy Website $25 Members/$32 Non-Member Children Under 10 $12/$14 (bus fares are non-refundable and the hike goes rain or shine) Registration link: [https://hikes.brucetrail.org/event/bus-hike-terra-cotta-new-hikers-families-welcome/2026-09-12/](https://hikes.brucetrail.org/event/bus-hike-terra-cotta-new-hikers-families-welcome/2026-09-12/)

GO transit food network (part 2)

Dinner at Bale Kapampangan (after Bathurst Street hike)

This is a companion event for the [Jewish and Filipino Bathurst Street hike](https://www.meetup.com/hike-to-eat/events/316245847/). You don't have to do the hike to join this, but it's more rewarding if you do. Pampanga is regarded as the culinary capital of the Philippines and [Bale Kapampangan](https://balekapampangan.ca/) is the place to indulge in its cuisine. The Kapampangan palate is adventurous and quite different from the rest of the Philippines. Snails, frogs, blood, monitor lizards, and dogs are fair game. Thankfully, you won't find the latter two at this restaurant. Their menu is still unusual compared to other Filipino restaurants in Toronto. They've even introduced lobster dishes, in a nod to its Canadian home. Most dishes are large and meant for sharing. Bale Kapampangan does not take reservations on weekends, so we'll arrive before the dinner rush. Although the restaurant is aware of our arrival, **there's no guarantee there will be enough seats**. You might have to wait or we might split to different restaurants. RSVP closes 1 day before the event. If there are many people on the waitlist, we may increase the attendee limit. **Payment** * The $5 event fee is a deposit. 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 for the restaurant event, you don't have to pay yet. After you've made it off the waitlist, you have 24 hours to pay. Remember to check your junk mail and Meetup notification settings so that you know when you've snagged a spot. * When sending the e-transfer, please add a note that mentions your Meetup.com name. * If you do not pay 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, rescheduled, or you can't get a seat at the appointed time.

Forks of the Credit Summertime Trek

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/fforks-of-the-credit)** **Ten kilometers, one river, and about 300 metres of elevation gain packed into a single Caledon loop.** We start near Kettle Lake, a small glacial pond that gives this section of the park its name, and follow the Meadow Trail as it dips down toward the water before climbing back out through mixed forest. From there we pick up the Bruce Trail along an open ridge, where the ground flattens out and the Credit River valley opens up below. The second half of the loop is where the park earns its name. We drop down toward the ruins of a former hydro power station, its concrete foundations still standing next to the river, before a short detour to the viewing platform for Cataract Falls. It is not a thundering waterfall, but the setting, tucked into the escarpment with the old ruins for company, is worth the stop. The final stretch follows the river home, easy and flat, the escarpment behind you and the Credit River keeping you company the rest of the way. **Highlights** **Kettle Lake:** A glacial pond formed over 10,000 years ago, ringed by the lumpy, uneven ground left behind by melting ice. **Cataract Falls and the Ruins:** A quiet waterfall next to the crumbling remains of a 19th century power station. **Escarpment Ridge Views:** An open stretch of the Bruce Trail with sightlines down into the Credit River valley. **Event cost: $50+HST (for explorer members) - $40 optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/fforks-of-the-credit)** **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/)***

🌳🚶‍♂️ Eglinton West Trail & Mimico Creek + Swiss Chalet 🍗! 12KM

**🌳🚶‍♂️ Eglinton West Trail & Mimico Creek + Swiss Chalet 🍗** Golden trails, sparkling creek, great conversation… and Swiss Chalet after 🍗. We’re walking **Eglinton West & Mimico Creek** this weekend — once it’s over, it’s gone. Meet awesome people, get fresh air, and make memories you *won’t* get sitting at home 💬☀️. 📱 Don't forget to join our **WhatsApp Group – [CLICK HERE](https://chat.whatsapp.com/H59mSCbsAi018gYANrKAnc)** **📍 Meetup Details** 🚌 **Start:** We’ll begin by taking the **73 Bus** to Eglinton West. 🚶‍♀️ **Route:** Follow the city trail until we reach Mimico Creek, take a short park break 🌳, then continue back to **Royal York Subway Station** 🚇. 📌 **Location:** Inside Royal York Subway Station — by the stairs on the bus platform. Look for me in my 🦌 Moose Hat! ⏰ **Time:** We leave with the **10:55am bus** — I will only wait until departure. 💵 **Fee:** $5 cash 💰 or e-transfer to **mathewmaclean@hotmail.com** **🎒 What to Bring:** 💧 Water 👟 Good walking shoes 🥪 Snack 🚻 Bathroom stop before you arrive (there *may* be facilities on the walk, but not guaranteed) 🏁 **End Spot:** Back at Royal York Subway Station 🕒 **Leaving Time:** Anytime you like — your pace, your choice! **⚠️ Notes:** * Plans can change — please check for possible cancellations 🔔. * You can **just show up** if you’re not sure until the last minute. 💬 This group is open to *everyone* — singles, couples, social butterflies 🦋, and anyone who wants to meet great people. We also host 🎥 movies, 🥾 hikes, 🎭 arts & culture outings, and more.**[!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/H59mSCbsAi018gYANrKAnc)** 📩 **Organizer:** Mathew — post a message on the wall or email **torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com** for questions. **Come for the trails.** **Stay for lunch.** **Leave with a new connection — and maybe a new friend.** 🌳🍦💛

Sunset Paddle (Kayak or SUP) & Social @ Keating Channel Pub

Downsview Park to Toronto Island Via Humber River and Martin Goodman Trails

48,2 km easy downhill ride. Meet at West side exit Downsview Park Station 12 PM Catch 4 PM ferry to Wards Island Beach Ride to Centre Island then Hanlan's point nude beach From Hanlan's point, catch 6 PM ferry back to the mainland Route Map: https://www.komoot.com/tour/2962923492

4 hr Guided Tour of the Islands

HikeFit: Earl Bales – Steep Hills Fitness Hike – L3 (Moderate)

Ready to sweat it out on the hills? Join us for a HIIT-style hill training hike This hike is part of the **HikeFit Series**, a collection of fitness-focused hikes designed to build strength, endurance, and overall hiking fitness. We’ll challenge you with steep climbs, rugged terrain, and a high-intensity workout. This isn’t a fast-paced hike, but it is **intense**. We’ll tackle multiple **very steep hills** in intervals, with plenty of chances to catch your breath, recover, or skip hills if needed. This hike is designed for intermediate hikers, but it’s **beginner-friendly** since you can skip as many hills as you need. It’s perfect for anyone looking to **get stronger, improve endurance, and boost their hiking fitness** at their own pace. **Weather-Dependent Notice:** The hike is a go, **(light)** rain or shine; However, if there's a risk of excessive mud making the hills too slippery, the hike will be canceled with around 24 hours’ notice. **Distance & Duration:** * **Length of hike:** \~4 km * **Event duration:** \~1.5 hours * **Trail maps:** Random hill at Earl Bales park * **Difficulty level:** L3 (Level 3/Moderate) * Terrain: L4 * Pace: L2 * Distance: L1 **What to Bring:** * **Water:** 1\~2 liters * **Extras:** Hiking pole (Highly recommended) * **Required Gear:** Hiking boots or Trail Runners with good grip, Headlamp, and [Microspikes](https://kahtoola.com/traction/microspikes-footwear-traction/?srsltid=AfmBOoqq-URDFRgNAISoLYH1l1cSLKeXOTSuU6EqUC6VupfLNZAGRg8P) **Costs:** * **Member Event fee:** FREE EVENT **Travel Coordination:** * No Travel Coordination for this Event, Meeting at Starting Point **Event Guidelines:** * **Punctuality,** Please arrive on time so we can start promptly. We won't be able to wait for more than 5min past the start time * **Pack out everything you bring** (including nut shells, fruit peels, etc.) to help keep our trails clean. * **RSVP:** Only those marked as “Going” and have confirmed travel details (if requested) are eligible to attend the event. * If your **plans change** and you are no longer able to attend, please update your RSVP as soon as possible. * **No-shows** without prior communication may result in removal from future events. * **Weather Considerations** The hike is a go (light) **rain or shine**, so please be prepared for the conditions. for example, If it’s expected to rain, waterproof gear (like a jacket or shoes) * **Pets:** please check with the organizer for details before bringing your pet. Looking forward to seeing you on the trail