Conservation Groups Toronto

Beautiful Awenda Park - hike, lay on the beach, swim - repeat

Awenda Park is one of the best provincial parks. it has beautiful beaches on Georgian Bay and great hiking trails. It is close to great attractions like the Wye Marsh and Sainte Marie Among the Hurons. **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 • Arrive on time! Please be punctual, as the group will leave on time. • Know your limits! Choose the hike that match your fitness level. This is an intermediate hike. We will meet in the parking lot at 8:30 am. https://maps.app.goo.gl/x1Dn9SPXNs1J9FAb6 We'll go on the trail for a 2 hour hike and then to Beach to # 3 and enjoy the beach and the amazing. Pack a lunch and snacks, sunscreen, bug spray and a lot of water. There is a park entrance fee/car. You may consider carpooling. If you get lost, call my cell 647 949 6912.

LEAF 30th Anniversary Celebration

Hosted by [LEAF (Local Enhancement & Appreciation of Forests)](https://www.yourleaf.org/): *Celebrate 30 years of LEAF and all that we’ve accomplished together.* *Join us for a tree-mendous evening of connection and leafy fun as we honour the people, trees and stories that have helped our community grow. Whether you’ve planted with us, volunteered, partnered on a project, taken part in a program or cheered us on from afar, we’d love for you to celebrate with us as we look ahead to the next 30 years.* ***What to expect:*** *• Delicious food (included with ticket) and a cash bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic options* *• A free prize draw featuring some excellent prizes, plus a photo booth and other fun activities* *• Brief remarks from LEAF and visual displays highlighting 30 years of impact* *• A warm, welcoming crowd of volunteers, alumni, partners and fellow nature lovers* Get tickets (your Meetup RSVP will not get you a ticket): [https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/leaf-30th-anniversary-celebration-tickets-1990358351408](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/leaf-30th-anniversary-celebration-tickets-1990358351408)

Boyd Conservation Area - Intermediate Hike.

Toronto Climate Film Festival screens 'The City Island' film with No Jets T.O.

**UPDATED** [Toronto Climate Film Festival](https://www.tcff.ca/) presents a screening of 'The City Island' film. Following the film will be a talk by the film-maker Elizabeth Littlejohn as well as a discussion with Norman di Pasquale of [No Jets T.O.](https://www.nojetsto.com/) and a representative from Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment ([CAPE](https://cape.ca/)). **Reserve your tickets (your Meetup RSVP will not get you in the door):** https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/no-jets-to-film-screening-of-the-city-island-tickets-1992848320974 'The City Island' Trailer: https://vimeo.com/464016471 Original screening press coverage: https://www.blogto.com/film/2022/06/the-city-island-toronto/ Background: The No Jets T.O. campaign was initially formed in 2013 after a proposal to bring jets to the runway of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and expand the runway to accomodate them was announced. Take Action: https://act.environmentaldefence.ca/page/192428/action/1?ea.tracking.id=dfhb60p1WP Sign the petition: https://www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en/Petition/Sign/e-7404 Learn more: https://environmentaldefence.ca/nojetsto/timeline/ Further reading: https://torontolife.com/city/lawyer-and-activist-brian-iler-fighting-billy-bishop-expansion/ Socials: https://www.facebook.com/NoJetsTO/ https://x.com/NoJetsTO

Piping Plovers & Red-headed Woodpeckers at Presqu'ile!

**Presquile Park Summer Birding Adventure** **Sunday, July 12** Join me for a fantastic summer birding adventure to one of Ontario's premier birding destinations, **Presqu'ile Provincial Park**. This time of year is full of surprises, but our two main targets are among Ontario's most exciting birds: the **Endangered Piping Plover** and the spectacular **Red-headed Woodpecker**. Piping Plovers are one of Canada's rarest breeding shorebirds, and seeing one on its nesting beach is something every Ontario birder should experience. Red-headed Woodpeckers are equally special. With their brilliant crimson heads and striking black-and-white plumage, they are among the most beautiful woodpeckers in North America. We'll spend the day exploring several of Presqu'ile's best birding hotspots, walking beautiful forest trails, beaches, marshes, and shoreline habitats in search of as many birds and wildlife species as possible. One of the highlights of the day will be a visit to a private backyard bird sanctuary inside the park. This hidden gem has become one of my favourite stops at Presqu'ile and often attracts an incredible variety of birds at close range, providing excellent viewing and photography opportunities. Although our primary targets are Piping Plovers and Red-headed Woodpeckers, there's always plenty more to see. July can produce Eastern Bluebirds, Baltimore Orioles, Indigo Buntings, warblers, flycatchers, swallows, herons, terns, waterfowl, woodpeckers, and many other summer birds. Butterflies, dragonflies, turtles, and other wildlife often add to the day's excitement. One of the things I love most about Presqu'ile is that no two visits are ever the same. Every trip seems to produce a few unexpected surprises, making each outing a unique adventure. Whether you're a beginner hoping to learn more about birds or an experienced birder looking for another great day in the field, this trip is designed to be relaxed, enjoyable, and full of great wildlife opportunities. We'll stop at Tim Hortons on the way if you'd like to pick up breakfast or lunch. Please bring water, snacks, binoculars if you have them, sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable walking shoes. I'll also have a cooler in the van to keep your lunch cold throughout the day. **Departure:** 8:00 a.m. from Finch Subway Station Passenger Pick-Up **Return:** Approximately 5:00 p.m. Included • Transportation • Admission to Presqu'ile Provincial Park • Full-day guided birding and wildlife tour **Only $119 per person** Only **3 seats** are available, ensuring a small-group experience with plenty of opportunities to ask questions, learn, and enjoy the birds at your own pace. If you'd rather drive your own vehicle and follow along, that's perfectly fine too. Wildlife can never be guaranteed, but July is a wonderful time to experience Presqu'ile, and we'll visit the best locations to maximize our chances of finding our target species. Come spend the day exploring one of Ontario's finest birding destinations. You never know what amazing birds we'll discover next!

Sunset Yoga

Join us for a fun, relaxed yoga practice with a beautiful sunset as your backdrop — right by the Statue of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen. Danilo and Tia guide Hatha/Vinyasa flow classes that blend breathing exercises, restorative postures, and active sequences to strengthen both body and mind. All levels are welcome. Classes are donation-based — pay what you can. Please bring a yoga mat or sarong and a water bottle. Follow us on Instagram @innerpath.yoga Come practice, breathe, and connect with our community. 🙏 Namaste.

Restoule Reset Summer Camping

**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/)***

Bus Hike - Hike Followed By Niagara Winery Tour/Tasting

Join us at a moderate paced 8.5 km hike at Short Hills Provincial Park Along the way we'll see the beauty of Terrace Creek Falls and Swayze Falls and its surrounding landscape. Some moderate hills. After our hike the bus will take us to Pillitteri Estate Winery for a private structured wine tasting (four wines selected by the host) and tour by one or more of their knowledgeable and friendly staff where we'll learn the art of winemaking from the vineyard to the wine lounge. The cost per person for the tasting and tour is $20.00 (tax & tip included) and must be paid at time of registration via Interac E-Transfer to [ross.estrella@rogers.com](mailto:ross.estrella@rogers.com). The Bus will depart the North Parking Lot at Kiping Station at 8:30 AM sharp. The Bus Fare ($30 BTC Members/$37 Non-Members is seperate and must be paid through the BTC Hike Schedue at: [https://hikes.brucetrail.org/event/swayze-falls-to-short-hills-provincial-park-tracing-rim-of-africa-bruce-trail-friendship-trail/2026-07-18/](https://hikes.brucetrail.org/event/swayze-falls-to-short-hills-provincial-park-tracing-rim-of-africa-bruce-trail-friendship-trail/2026-07-18/) Hikers must register at the above and travel with the group on the bus from Kipling Station. No drivers. Hiking boots/shoes are mandatory and hikers are to be prepared and equipped for an 8 km hike over moderately challenging terrain. Please register by Thursday July 9th as we need to confirm the number with the winery ahead of time.

High Park Yoga

**\~Please [SIGN UP here](https://calendly.com/breathinginnature/yoga-in-nature) for free before the class\~** [Click here for a map of the exact location](https://goo.gl/maps/x1YMV41Bmhcf7chb6). My community classes in High Park are by donation, for all bodies, and no experience is required. What is yoga? We combine breath, movement and awareness, all in the healing nature of High Park. **What to bring?** * Yoga mat (optional - the grass is nice to yoga on) * Water * Weather-appropriate clothing/ blanket for relaxation We yoga rain or shine. There is shelter if we need it. [Exact location](https://maps.app.goo.gl/9424Zn5G1Xf4kTEj7), close the the High Park Forest School by the North Gate (short walk from High Park Subway station, Bloor and High Park intersection). My classes are by donation, or pay what you can. It's also drop-in, so feel free to just show up. Donations can be made at the class in person, via our [Breathing in Nature Gift Economy](https://www.breathinginnature.com/gift-economy/) or e-transfer to nici@breathinginnature.com. On average folks donate between $5-$30 per class. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. 416.885.0583 If you are wondering who I am and what I do, feel free to check out my my [website](https://www.breathinginnature.com/), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/breathinginnature/), [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/nicole.bohr) page, [my bio](https://www.breathinginnature.com/about/), or [my LinkedIn](www.linkedin.com/in/nicoleczerwinski/).

🦫⚽ THE GREAT BEAVER QUEST! ⚽🦫

# 🦫⚽ THE GREAT BEAVER QUEST! ⚽🦫 ### Hunt for 52 Giant Beavers Across Downtown Toronto! The FIFA World Cup is coming to Toronto, and the city is celebrating in a uniquely Canadian way... with **52 giant beaver sculptures** hidden throughout the downtown core! Join us for **The Great Beaver Quest**, a fun and social walking adventure as we try to find as many of these public art installations as possible. We'll explore parts of downtown Toronto, take photos, compare discoveries, and see how many beavers we can track down together. Whether you're a huge soccer fan, a casual fan, or someone who couldn't tell a corner kick from a corner store, this is a fun way to be part of the World Cup excitement while exploring the city and meeting new people. This is not a race and there are no prizes (other than bragging rights 🦫), but we'll do our best to find as many beavers as possible during our adventure. After the walk, we'll head over to **St. Lawrence Market** for lunch where we can relax, chat, and compare our favourite beaver sightings. 📲 **Join Our WhatsApp Group:** [Click here to join](http:/#) *** ## Meetup Details 📍 **Meetup Location:** Outside the Elgin & Winter Garden Theatres 🫎 **Look for the Moose Hat!** ⏰ **Meetup Time:** 11:00am ⏰ **I will only wait 5 minutes.** 🚶 **Please be prepared to walk.** This is not a difficult walk, but we will be covering a fair amount of distance over approximately 2 hours as we search for the beavers. 💰 **Meetup Fee:** $5 cash in person or E-transfer 📧 mathewmaclean@hotmail.com 🏁 **Ending Spot:** St. Lawrence Market 📱 **Beaver Quest App:** [Click Here!](https://oldtowntoronto.ca/beaverquest/) *** ## What To Expect 🦫 Hunt for as many of the 52 giant beavers as we can find 📸 Lots of photo opportunities 🚶 A fun downtown walking adventure 🤝 Meet new people and socialize ⚽ A unique way to experience Toronto's World Cup celebrations 🍴 Lunch afterward at St. Lawrence Market for anyone who would like to join us *** ## What To Bring 💧 Water 👟 Good walking shoes 📱 A fully charged phone for photos and the app 🧢 Weather-appropriate clothing *** REMEMBER YOU CAN JUST SHOW UP OR SIGN UP ON THE DAY IF YOU ARE NOT SURE YOU CAN MAKE IT. THIS GROUP IS OPEN TO THOSE THAT WANT TO BE SOCIAL, MAKE FRIENDS, WHETHER YOU ARE SINGLE OR NOT. WE ALSO HAVE LOTS OF OTHER EVENTS INCLUDING MOVIES, WALKS, HIKES, ARTS & CULTURE, AND RESTAURANTS. NOTE: Sometimes things happen and I might have to cancel, so please keep an eye on the event page for updates. Mathew is the organizer for this meetup. If you need to contact him, please post a message on the wall or email him at torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com. 🦫⚽ Fifty-two beavers. One city. Countless photo opportunities. Let's see how many we can find! ⚽🦫

Tubing the Grand River

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/tubing-the-grand-river-26)** **This is one of our most popular adventures every year: sweet summertime relaxation through the beautiful Grand River. Just lay back, enjoy and let the current take you along this scenic journey.** Life along the Grand River moves at a pace that invites you to disconnect from city stress and be present. This 5 km float from Five Oaks to Brant Park runs entirely through a natural corridor: no shops, no crowds and no paddling required if the current's running well. The water is shallow with a gentle current and a gravel bottom, so it's a solid first river experience even if you've never done anything like it before. Tubes take most people around 2 hours, with plenty of spots along the way to hop off for a swim. We wrap up the day with a group picnic lunch at Brant Park once you're off the water. Bring shoes you don't mind getting wet, sunscreen, and snacks. This will be a sun filled day to remember! **Highlights** **Tubing the Grand:** Kick back and let the current do the work. The Grand River's easy flow and shallow gravel bottom make for a laid-back float that anyone can enjoy **Picnic lunch at Brant Park:** The float ends at Brant Park Conservation Area, where we pull out our packed lunches and decompress h in the shade. **River Swimming:** Plenty of spots to pull over and jump in along the way. On a warm day, it's hard to stay in the tube. **Event cost: $75+HST - $50 optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/tubing-the-grand-river-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/)***

🌿 Kirtan & High Park Yoga 🎶

Join us for a beautiful summer afternoon in High Park as two heart-centered communities come together for an afternoon of movement, music, breath, and connection. We'll begin with a gentle hour of yoga and breathwork led by [Nici](https://www.breathinginnature.com/), helping you arrive in your body, deepen your breath, and prepare your voice for chanting. From there we'll settle into a two-hour **Kirtan** with[ ](https://www.hearts-calling.com/)**[Hearts Calling (Dana & Rishi)](https://www.hearts-calling.com/)**[.](https://www.hearts-calling.com/) If you've never experienced Kirtan before, you're in for something special. Kirtan is a joyful, meditative practice of call-and-response chanting that invites everyone to participate—no musical experience or singing ability required. You can sing, listen, clap, sway, dance or simply soak in the experience. Dana and Rishi blend traditional Kirtan, Medicine Music, heart-inspired poetry, and uplifting chants to create gatherings that are both deeply grounding and beautifully energizing. Having shared their music across Canada, Europe, and India, their intention is simple: to bring people together through love, presence, and authentic expression. We'll close our afternoon with relaxation, allowing the sounds and stillness to settle. Whether you come for the yoga, the music, the community, or simply to spend an afternoon in nature, everyone is warmly welcome. **This offering is by donation.** Give what feels right and within your means. Your contributions help support community gatherings like these and make them accessible to everyone. ### What to bring • Yoga mat or blanket • Water • Comfortable clothing for movement and sitting outdoors • A foldable camping chair if you'd prefer not to sit on your yoga mat during the Kirtan • An open heart 💚 **No experience with yoga or Kirtan is necessary. This is a rain or shine event, we will have shelter if we need.** Come as you are.