Conservation Volunteering 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 to Beach to # 3 and enjoy the beach and the amazing water and then after lunch go on a hike. 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.

Survivalist Series: Introduction to Camp Skills

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/intro-camp-skills)** Think you're ready to get into the wild? Start here. In this intro session, you will practice the core skills every outdoor adventurer needs. You'll learn how to read and select a campsite, pitch a tarp in any conditions, tie the knots that actually matter, hang your food to stay bear-safe, and use your tools with confidence. Learn hands-on fundamentals built for real wilderness. Whether you're brand new to camping or filling gaps in your skillset, the Survivalist Series gives you the foundation to go further more safely. **Who It's For:** Anyone who wants to further develop their camping fundamentals. No prior camping experience required. For those with some background, this is a great change to fill in gaps and build greater confidence. **About this series:** The Survivalist Series is an expert-led set of courses designed to develop applicable and life-saving skills in the outdoors. Keep your eyes peeled for more courses on many other topics as they become available **Highlights** **Expert Instruction:** Our amazing expert guide will teach you everything you need to know in a safe and approachable way. **Hone your Skills**: Get hands on experience Pitching a tent, tying knots, using tools, and protecting your food for your next backcountry adventure. **Confidence Built from Scratch**: Use practical skills and knowledge to demonstrate your new abilities. Ask questions, get experience, and practice with friends. **Event cost: $60+HST (for explorer members) - $50 optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/intro-camp-skills)** **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/)***

Event equipment carry and set up volunteers

Need 3-5 volunteers depending on how many nets we will need Sign up here if you want to volunteer to help with equipment and set up in the morning. Volunteers will come early before the event start to help carry equipment and set up nets. Volunteers please arrive early at the assigned time and place. Meeting time will be up to an hour before the event start time. Volunteers will play for free and will get additional perks. Number of volunteers needed will depend on how many nets are required. Regular volunteers will get preference. **Please only sign up to volunteer if you are attending the event for sure.** Please answer the RSVP question and add yourself to the waiting list and I will add you if you’re needed as a volunteer and I will contact you to confirm with details. Once confirmed you will be added as a volunteer

Filming Monarch Butterflies

We are going to film monarch butterflies! Every year, monarch butterflies gather here to prepare for their extraordinary southbound migration to Mexico. Late August is the peak time to see that transition, offering rare opportunities to film colorful close-ups, aerial courtships, and, with some luck, the first signs of their epic mass migration. Other possible sightings include swallows and great blue herons.

Wilder Series: Secret Wilderness Hike & Swim

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/ragged-rapids)** ***The Wilder Series is back! Are you up to the challenge?!*** We're heading deep into Ontario's Canadian Shield for a day on one of the province's most rugged backcountry routes. Tucked inside a little-known nature location, this trail trades manicured paths for raw granite, beaver dams, and dense forest that test both legs and navigation skills in equal measure. While only 15km, this trek and it's technical terrain are no joke. However, the payoff is incredible: raging rapids, amazing views and an incredible wilderness swim that you won't soon forget! **Secret Location** This is one of Wilderness Union's secret hikes. We visit spots that are undiscovered by the wider world, keep them pristine, and share them only among members. The location is revealed to registered members in the days before the trip. ***Please note that attendees will need a high fitness level to successfully complete this adventure. This will be a serious challenge!*** **Highlights** **True Wilderness:** Experience the Canadian shield in all of its glory! Unmanicured, untamed and unbelievably beautiful. **Beaver Dams:** Cross quiet backcountry ponds and streams along the way. **Powerful Rapids**: The Black River churns through a gorge with 20–30m cliffs. **Event cost: $60+HST (for explorer members) - $50 optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/ragged-rapids)** **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/)***

Community Meal Service at Good Shepherd (Toronto)

✨ **Community Meal Service at Good Shepherd** An opportunity to come together as a group to serve the homeless and those at risk in our community. **Registration** Toronto Joy is now using our website as the main place to stay connected and register for events. **To attend this event, please visit:** [https://torontojoy.org](https://torontojoy.org/) *After completing the quick registration, please select this specific event. This helps us prepare, stay connected, and make sure everything is organized for everyone attending.* *** During our recent sessions, we served meals, chopped veggies, made sandwiches, and helped prepare pasta. Each session is similar, but the tasks may vary depending on what is needed that day (e.g., sorting food). We had a great time serving together with lots of smiles, laughter, and good energy. Every session gives us an opportunity to come together, support the community, and share meaningful moments while serving alongside one another. *** **Only 6 spots are available.** If you sign up, please do so with the intention of attending, as the organization relies on our numbers for planning. We will send a reconfirmation message closer to the date, and if any spots become available, we will reach out to those on the waiting list. *** **Arrival Information** When you arrive at Reception, the staff will guide you to the volunteer room, where you can place your belongings in a locker and meet the group. Below are simple guidelines on what to wear, safety, and other things to know: [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1piAyloECv9YUDkPJuoJBdCmh3x8n1un1rGvJSFIkbs4/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1piAyloECv9YUDkPJuoJBdCmh3x8n1un1rGvJSFIkbs4/edit?usp=sharing) *** **Good to know:** • Closed-toe shoes are required. • Tie back long hair and wear minimal jewelry. • Water will be provided, but feel free to bring your own bottle if you prefer. • **Please arrive by** **1:40 PM at the latest** so we can plan who will be doing which roles and begin together. • If you can’t make it due to an emergency, please message me as soon as possible 🙏 Grateful to serve alongside you.

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/)***

Epic #4 - Western Uplands Backpacking Trail

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/epic-4)** ***Welcome to The Epics!*** ***Through this series, we will embark together on five of the most legendary and challenging adventures anywhere in Ontario.*** **Background** The Western Uplands Backpacking Trail is widely considered the premier hiking challenge in Algonquin Provincial Park. While the area is now a recovering hardwood forest, these paths once served the industrial logging operations that preceded the park's establishment. Today, the trail is famous for its solitude and wildlife; you’re likely to meet grouse that aggressively defend their territory and see constant signs of the moose population that calls the area home. **What You Need to Know** We’re hiking the northern most loop of the trail, entering at the beautiful Rain Lake access point. We’ll have 45km of hiking ahead of us, a significant challenge when you’re carrying all of your gear on your back. This access point feels like finding a secret back door to the park's most remote reaches, starting with a gentle stretch along an old logging railway bed. It starts as a flat, historic stroll that lets us find our rhythm before the real work begins as we climb into the rugged heart of Algonquin. We'll trade the flat path for a steady rhythm of roots and ridges, pushing into the lush hardwood forests that define the park's western highlands. The rewards come in the form of solitude, like the deep, clear waters of Islet Lake - the perfect mid hike swimming spot. Day 2, we push on for a massive 18km day, making our way to Brown Lake. It's a world of total silence and dark skies where the only sounds are the wind in the hemlocks and our own footsteps on the trail. This is a tough, honest trek through a landscape carved by ancient glaciers, offering a sense of pure wilderness that few others ever get to see. We can guarantee that this trail will test you. Because there is no bailout option mid-route, we move as a tight crew, supporting each other through every climb. For those willing to put in the work and find out what they are made of, the Western Uplands offers some of the most raw and rewarding backpacking in the province. **What's Included:** * *2 expert guides with advanced wilderness skills and medical training* * *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 shortest epic packs a serious punch. Conquering this 45km loop with packs on our backs will be an incredibly rewarding challenge. **Moose Spotting** \- There are a huge number of moose in this part of the park and there’s a good chance we’ll come across them during our journey\. **Uninterrupted Wilderness -** Deep in the woods, with no roads or cell service, this adventure gives you the ultimate opportunity for nature immersion **Event cost: $635+HST. $50 optional transport also available. Please register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/epic-4)** **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/)***

Bruce Peninsula Camping Adventure

Hiking Wilket Creek Trail/Sunnybrook Park Trail

The Wilderness Brothers (Sudbury)

Contact Alex for location and information.

Camp at Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier

Québec Long-Weekend Group Hike & Camp Trip length: Friday → Monday Starting point: Oshawa Hike at parc national de la Jacques-Cartier: Sentier Les Loups — Iconic View & Challenge L’Escarpement — Harder Ridge & Vistas Le Scotora — Epic Mountain Loop Site at L'Escarpement