Canyon Hikes Toronto

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.

Barbecue and Hike through Tommy Thompson Park.

Location: Meet at the entrance of Tommy Thompson Park -Leslie Street Spit **It's time to have some fun!** What better way to celebrate the end of Summer with a barbecue by the lake. Join us for burgers and drinks **under the tents** and on the water at Ashbridges Bay for burgers and drinks! ($10. For a burger and drink.) After a 8km hike (with some fun things happening along the way) at Tommy Thompson Park we will head to Ashbridges Bay for burgers- veggie and meat. Feel free to bring alcoholic beverages, and board games - We will have a beach ball. Tommy Thompson Park is a man-made urban wilderness and wildlife sanctuary built on the Leslie Street Spit, stretching 5 kilometers to Lake Ontario. Managed by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, this unique park offers a peaceful escape from the city with a mix of wetlands, meadows, and trails. A unique place near downtown Toronto to experience nature, and *one of the best places for bird-watching in the city*, with more than 300 recorded species!

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/)

HIKE - SOCKS - BEER (Bermuda Triangle)

Humber salmon run (5 km)

It's salmon season! The short falls at Etienne Brulé park is the most reliable place to see salmon jumping against the current. It's also the most convenient too; just a few minutes from a subway station. We'll use the last light of day to spot migrating salmon. At dusk, we'll hike through so-called garden suburbs. Baby (pronounced babby) Point was the site of Teiaiagon, a Seneca village. Today, it's developed into landscaped single-family homes around swirly lanes. There are decent cafes but they're closed at night. So, we won't linger. We'll head to Bloor West Village, filled with restaurants and minor attractions. There's a converted theatre, a library with Haida totem poles, and scattered Ukrainian businesses. This neighbourhood was a magnet for Ukrainian immigrants in the 1950s. Most have moved on to other parts of the GTA but there's a resurgence in recent years with new Ukrainian restaurants sprouting up. There will be very quick stops to check out some bakeries and cafes en route. **Highlights** 1. Old Mill Restaurant (depart 6:15pm) 2. Salmon jump at Etienne Brulé Park 3. Rabago Bakery and Cafe (depart 7:05pm) 4. Momo Ghar 5. Chebureky House 6. The CakeSmith 7. Bao Bao Dim Sum / Meaty Eats 8. Runnymede Theatre 9. Runnymede Library (arrive 8pm) **Neighbourhoods** The Kingsway> Baby Point > Runnymede **Map** [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1VU95gNa5QAVCCoPTJcNK3jto8T7USBI&usp=sharing](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1VU95gNa5QAVCCoPTJcNK3jto8T7USBI&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 have been 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.

Scarborough Bluffs: Guild Park - South Marine Drive Park and back

This is a Photography hike in that we will take pictures at Guild Park and on the shore towards South Marine Drive Park You can view the history of the Guild Inn here: http://guildinnestate.com/guild-inn-history/ Distance: 8-10k hike Hiking Pace: slow to medium, take lots of pictures Elevation: +600' No Dogs Allowed (rules of Guild Inn) The Guild Inn Estate 201 Guildwood Pkwy · Scarborough, ON There are plenty of parking spots at Guild Park and Gardens. We'll meet in the first parking lot south of Guildwood Pkwy. In case you are lost, please call my cell: 647-949-6912 **Important Reminder:** By participating in this hike, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to the Liability Waiver and Acknowledgement of Risk. If you have not done so, we kindly request that you refrain from participating in this event. We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to an enjoyable and safe adventure! • Dress for the weather! Prepare for the weather and wear suitable gear for the trail. • Ice cleats are mandatory! • Arrive on time! Please be punctual, as the group will leave on time. • Know your limits! Choose the hike that match your fitness level. After the event we may stop for a hot coffee or tea.

Sunnybrook bounce (10 km)

**Attendance policy is enforced for this hike**. See below for details. Sunnybrook Park is surrounded by undulating mountain biking trails. It's a bouncy ride, and that applies to those going on foot. These trails have lovely names like Roller Flowster, Asylum Climb, and Trash Panda. Come trek the hidden parts of the park. We'll pass by the major landmarks of Sunnybrook, including historical estates and the sprawling hospital grounds. Since there are no restaurants in Sunnybrook, we will continue to the adjacent neighbourhood of Leaside. It's one of the garden suburbs in Toronto, characterized by winding roads radiating from a central park. Businesses are sprinkled around the edges, including one of Toronto's best fish and chip shops. The hike ends at an industrial brewery and a trampoline park if you want to bounce some more. We don't usually rate difficulty of hikes because every person's capabilities are different. Other hiking groups in Toronto would rate this as an intermediate hike, except for the start which is **advanced** because of a very steep climb. If you're not confident, join us at Sunnybrook Stables or Sushi by K. This hike will be postponed if the trails are muddy from rain. **Highlights** 1. Charmaine Sweets (depart 11am) 2. Eglinton Avenue over Don Valley 3. Trash Panda trail 4. Wilket Creek 5. Sunnybrook Pavilion 6. Sunnybrook Stables (depart 12:10pm) 7. Memorial Arboretum 8. McLean House / The Coach House 9. Vaughan Estate 10. Sunnybrook Hospital 11. Roller Flowster trail 12. Burke Brook Ravine boardwalk (under restoration) 13. Lyndhurst Centre 14. BanCan Kitchen / Sushi by K (depart 1:20pm) 15. Leaside library 16. Olde Yorke Fish and Chips / Naan and Kabob 17. Former Canadian Northern Railway Eastern Lines Locomotive Shop 18. Amsterdam Brewery (arrive 1:50pm) **Neighbourhoods** Sunnybrook Park > Leaside **Map** [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1WOeg-9G_egPlKTgGToJkIwaxUJ814-Y&usp=sharing](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1WOeg-9G_egPlKTgGToJkIwaxUJ814-Y&usp=sharing) Undulating terrain. Steep, narrow paths. One massive incline near the start, which may require scrambling. Some tall bushes. Please wear appropriate clothing to avoid ticks and nasty stuff. Footwear with a good tread will help with descents. Please observe trail etiquette. Keep to the trail to avoid ecologically-sensitive areas and give way to bikes. **How it works** Hike starts punctually. Late or can't do the whole route? Meet us at scheduled checkpoints. See our [homepage](https://www.meetup.com/hike-to-eat/) 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 hike, you won't be considered a no-show.

Now For Something Arty!

**Meetup: St. Mathews Clubhouse; 450 Broadview Ave.** So while we have a day event on the 27th, if you have an arty side, continue your day by joining me at St. Mathew's Clubhouse for an arty experience. While many of you know I am a writer by trade, I am also a painter. I'm just an arty girl! I have put together an Art Collective with 6 artists along with myself to showcase and of course sell our work but also enjoy Art, Wine & Inspiration — Come Create With Us! 🍷 Join us for a free collective art show celebrating creativity, connection and the joy of making art. And why just look at art when you can explore your own creativity too? Come discover what inspires you, try something new, and let your imagination wander. ✨ Art to explore. 🍷 Wine to enjoy; nibbles to share. 🥂 Hear from the.artists! 🎨 Creativity to discover. 💫 And best of all — it’s FREE

Bruce Peninsula Trip: Grotto & Hiking

Food evolution in poorly-planned neighbourhoods (6 km)

**Attendance policy is enforced for this hike**. See below for details. Liberty Village and CItyPlace are two high-density neighbourhoods that are examples of how not to do urban planning. Thankfully, some things have gotten better, like the presence of some good restaurants. This hike will highlight some of the better food options and architectural gems in these neighbourhoods. End the hike at a trio of casual restaurants: classic burgers, grilled chicken, or Thai street food—all the top of their kind in Toronto. **Highlights** 1. Haydn's Acaí at Stackt Market (depart 6:30 pm) 2. Puente de Luz 3. Mailo's 4. Canoe Landing Community Recreation Centre (depart 6:55 pm) 5. Parade condos 6. Roywoods 7. Fort York / The Bentway 8. Garrison Point condos / Garrison Crossing 9. bb.q Chicken / Burgers n' Fries Forever 10. Liberty Village Park (depart 7:35 pm) 11. Thindi Cafe / Chiang Mai Restaurant / Aloette Go 12. Wilbur's Taco Shop 13. Toronto Carpet Factory 14. Thai Barn Na / Burger Drops / Mozy's (arrive 8:05 pm) **Neighbourhoods** Liberty Village > Fort York > CityPlace **Map** [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1cTd7g0hRwCk-7OkO-O3UhhJRb4QBQYM&usp=sharing](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1cTd7g0hRwCk-7OkO-O3UhhJRb4QBQYM&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.](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. **Attendance policy** Please check in with an organizer when you arrive. 24 hours before the hike, we'll note 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.

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

Caves, Cliffs, and Crevices: The Duncan Caves Loop

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/duncan-caves)** **Join us as we head to the Duncan escarpment to explore some incredible ‘crevice’ or ‘fracture’ caves, created over thousands of years through a mixture of glacial movement, extreme temperatures and the raw force of gravity.** We start the hike through open farmland and meadow before the ground tilts up and we climb onto the escarpment itself. From there, most of the day is spent walking along the escarpment and through the forest that grows right up to the cliff edge and spill over its exposed rock. We will then descend into the caves, with some being over 30 metres deep. You will be scrambling in some places, working your way down and through one of the more unique pieces of trail anywhere in Ontario. From the caves, the trail climbs back along the escarpment edge through mature forest, with a stretch of cliff top that opens up into views out over the valley below. We drop back down and loop through the same mix of field and forest that opened the day. **Parking is extremely limited at the trailhead, so we recommend taking transport for this adventure.** ‍ **Accessibility** Wilderness Union is committed to making our adventures as accessible as possible. If you wish to make an accommodation request relating to a disability or provide feedback, please do so by sending an email to [info@wildernessunion.com](mailto:info@wildernessunion.com) **Highlights** **The Crevice Caves:** A gorge over 30 metres deep, formed by rock shifting off the escarpment face. **Cliff Top Views:** A stretch of trail along the escarpment edge showing off open views over the valley. **Farmland to Forest:** Open farm fields give way straight into escarpment forest. **Event cost: $60+HST (for explorer members) - $40 optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/duncan-caves)** **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/)***