Canyon Hikes Toronto

Hike & Swim the Canadian Shield

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/mccrae-lake-hike-swim)** ***Join us for this peaceful, day-long getaway spent exploring the trails, forests and waters of McCrae Lake!*** Our morning begins with a gentle 3.5 km trek through the lush forest. These trails meander through and along the granite ridges that make the Canadian Shield so famous. We’ll eventually arrive at the famous Crow’s Nest Lookout with its amazing panoramic views of the lake and adjacent pine-covered hills. This is where we’ll stop to refuel and enjoy our lunch while soaking in the quiet atmosphere that you can only get when you get out of the city and into nature. After our meal, we’ll make our way down to the water’s edge for a few hours of pure relaxation. You can jump in for a swim in the clear lake water or simply find a smooth rock to lounge on and take in the rays. Once we’ve had our fill, we’ll finish the day by retracing our steps through the forest and heading back into the city. **Highlights** **Pristine Backcountry Swimming -** Escape the crowded city beaches to this amazing and secluded cool off spot. The water is refreshing and clear, providing the perfect reward after our morning hike. **Possible Wildlife Spotting** \- Otters\, bears\, beavers\, eagles and loons are just some of the creatures that call this area home\. You might even have a chance to spot some from a safe distance for a magical encounter\. **Panoramic Forest Views -** Look out from the famed Crow’s Nest panorama where you can see for kilometers across the green canopy and the shimmering blue waters. **Event cost: $60+HST (for explorer members) - $50 optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/mccrae-lake-hike-swim)** **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 Flats and Mount Dennis: Jamaican-Nigerian flavours (5.8 km)

Jane and Eglinton is surrounded by recreational flat lands on all four quadrants. They were created after the aftermath of Hurricane Hazel as a flood control measure. The most scenic quadrant is the southeast one with a pond, but we'll go through all of them anyway. Except Scarlett Woods Golf Course which is accessible for hiking in winter only. Above the floodplains sits Mount Dennis. It's not a mountain and barely a hill. There is a strong Jamaican and Nigerian presence which is precisely the type of food we'll encounter along the way. Unfortunately, pickings are slim and there are only a handful of notable restaurants. We'll end at the best of the lot, a modern restaurant specializing in Nigerian suya (spiced BBQ meats). **Highlights** 1. York Recreation Centre (depart 6:30pm) 2. Kodak building 3. Mount Dennis mural 4. Douro Bakery 5. Gladhurst Park 6. Eglinton Flats Tennis Centre (depart 7:15pm) 7. Optical illusion artbox 8. Humber River 9. Suya City Express (arrive 8:05pm) **Neighbourhoods** Mount Dennis > Eglinton Flats **Map** [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1Q4F5JunRqI-2JV4mwrkr3Vrdh56ChSU&usp=sharing](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1Q4F5JunRqI-2JV4mwrkr3Vrdh56ChSU&usp=sharing) Start point is easily accessible by Eglinton LRT, UP Express, and GO trains. **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. See our [About section](https://www.meetup.com/hike-to-eat/) for more info.

Another Opportunity to Learn New Skills - Trekker Training

**Meet up Point:** Algonquin Park - Maggie Lake Entrance **Two Days...sat and sun** **Fee for Trekking Training: $99.** Because it was so much fun, we are offering Trekker Training again in June! We want you (and all our members) out Trekking. Don't give up your Sunday hikes, but hey it's time to up your hiking game! Which is why we are offering skills training for future trekkers so they can join in on trekking adventures outside of Ontario. There is a lot to learn to prepare for a multi day trekk, and we want you to be prepared. It is not just knowing what equipment to buy, how much to carry, tent set up, it's also food prep, attitude, and emergency skills and so much more! So, in order for you to ensure you have a safe and the very BEST trekking experience we are offering an overnight training experience. **Experienced Boots Trekkers feel free to hop in and show them how it's done!** We will cover in one weekend - * your weighted pack * pack pacing * water filtering * trail etiquette * safety * equipment must haves * first aid * atittude adjustment * fire starting * navigation * ...and more

Wilkett Creek, Serena Grundy, Sunnybrook and Edwards Garden!

**MeetUp Point: Entrance is off Leslie Street. Turn left on Leslie to the parking lot 2 in Wilkett Creek Park.** (Don't follow the pin) Join us for a 12 km urban hike that is challenging. Starting past Wilcot Parking lot 2, we will be passing through sunnybrook Park and Edwards Gardens. For lunch we can atop at the TBG Bloom Cafe or bring a lunch, lots of water. Please ensure arms and legs are covered as there are plenty of ticks out there.

Scotsdale Farm

We are hiking at Scotsdale Farm with Debbie McDermott and Bohdan Bilyj. This is a Level_2 Bruce Trail hike with lots of woods, and some lookouts. We expect around 14km with a few hills. **Directions** 1. Exit Highway_401 at Trafalger Road (Exit_328), and go north. 2. After you pass through Georgetown, you will come to a T-intersection, which is Highway_7. Turn left. 3. After three and a half kilometres, fork right back onto Trafalger Road. 4. Continue north about 1.6_kilometres, and look for the sign. Google Maps: [13807 Trafalgar Rd, Georgetown, Ontario.](http://goo.gl/maps/EGPdsXsLuZC2) Après-hike suggestion: St. George Pub in Georgetown. Waiver Hiking is a dangerous activity; each participant agrees to assume his/her own risks. If you are new to hiking, please start with a Level 1 hike. Hike leader's decision is final. See you on the trail. ps. ps. ps. Know where you are going Paid app: Bruce Trail Map for smartphones (http://brucetrail.org/pages/trail/app) Free apps: Here's just a sample on the web: Google Fit (https://www.google.com/fit/), Runkeeper (http://www.runkeeper.com/), MyTrack (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.maps.mytracks&hl=en), GPS Essentials (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mictale.gpsessentials&hl=en)

Boyd Conservation Area - Intermediate Hike.

Doube’s Bridge + Canoe Day Plan

Doube’s Bridge + Canoe Day Plan Stop 1 — Morning Walk 📍 Orange Corners Road Access Walk the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail to Doube's Trestle Bridge Hiking Plan Start early: around 8:30–9:00 AM Walk east on trail Cross the bridge Continue until: 7.5 km Turn back Total: 15 km ~3.5–4.5 hours After Hike Drive about 20–30 minutes toward Omemee for paddling. Stop 2 — Canoe/Kayak Best launch area: Omemee Boat Launch Good for: beginner canoeing relaxing paddle scenic river views less stressful launching Paddle Route Explore the Pigeon River Paddle casually toward: marsh areas quiet shoreline Emily Provincial Park direction Timeline 8:30 AM → Start hike 12:30–1:00 PM → Finish hike 1:00 PM → Lunch/snack break 1:30 PM → Drive to canoe launch 2:00–4:00 PM → Paddle 4:30 PM → Early dinner nearby Bring For both activities: water electrolytes snacks/protein bars sunscreen bug spray hat extra socks towel portable charger change of clothes For canoe: waterproof bag sandals/water shoes life jacket

The Humber River Halcyonic Hike (8.2 km)

Wilder Series: Beaver Valley Mega Hike

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/beaver-valley-26)** ***Get ready for one of the hardest day-hike adventures in Wilderness Union history!*** Welcome to the next installment of the Wilder Series: this gorgeous, nearly 30km hike through Beaver Valley is not for the faint of heart. The pay off, however, is incredible, as you’ll pass multiple waterfalls, experienec stunning hilltop views and finish with a huge sense of accomplishment for completing this challenging adventure. While more rural than wild, you will feel immersed in remote nature with few other people to be found as you trek along the trail. You can expect lush forest canopies, diverse terrain and a great group to adventure onwards with. Due to the length of this adventure, we will move at a continuous pace of 3-3.5km per hour. While Ontario is fairly flat, this loop has significant elevation gain. You can expect a lot of ascents and descents throughout the day, which will make the distance covered more challenging but the views that much more exquisite. Please note that attendees will need a high fitness level to successfully complete this adventure. This will be a serious challenge! **Highlights** **Stunning waterfalls:** Experience two of Ontario’s most stunning water features- Eugenia Falls and Hogg’s Falls. **Secluded wilderness:** Enjoy the feeling of near total seclusion on the trail. Just you, the forest and your fellow adventurers. **Type 2 fun:** This adventure will not be easy but, for those willing to meet the challenge, it will be supremely rewarding! **Event cost: $50+HST (for explorer members) - $50 optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/beaver-valley-26)** **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/)***

Parkwoods creeks and Marydale eats (11.1 km)

This 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.

Sunny Sunnybrook ~6.5 km

This week we'll be visiting Sunnybrook Park, no guarantees that it'll be sunny though. Our group will leave at the posted time, so please arrive early. Please cancel your RSVP if you can't make it. How fast, how far? Assume 4.5 km/h for a distance of ~6.5km. The path is a mixture of paved and dirt trails so be prepared for anything. The route is a "there and back again", so we will finish where we originally start from. Bring water, a snack, and hiking footwear for a distance walk. We usually go out for coffee after our hike. This time we'll be going to Baretto's Caffe, located at 1262 Don Mills Road unit 106 Required reading for you and your guests before RSVP'ing to all events: 1. [Liability Waiver and Group Rules](https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vR0LFNJVYn5j1AYl8eR63HjAxKMkRwg5ifKXqL3rP6Xl7v_Wcsx4xR_kNFluE3eILpSmP-EJ0OouQvT/pub) (updated 05/30/22) 2. When asked at RSVP time, indicate **\*Yes\*** if you agree to the question provided. 3. See general information about [Tick Safety](https://www.ontario.ca/page/lyme-disease)

Bruce Peninsula Trip: Grotto & Hiking