What we’re about
What does backyard venture mean?
Well, as a kid, I often went beyond the fence of my backyard, into a wide and vast field that I considered to be the true backyard. It was there that I had my adventures, alone or with my friends and to this day remain to be some of the fondest memories of my early childhood. We would search for firewood, turning over tree stumps and scaring ourselves to death with a gigantic and slimy looking centipede! After it left, would take the wood back to camp and make some burnt yet amazing BBQ!
Somewhere along the way, I stopped doing that, being a child and stop having fun. I have grown into an adult, quickly as I wanted, free to do as I please, professional yet somewhat boring. This group was created to venture out, be a kid again, have fun and cherish those moments.
In this group, there will be lots of hiking, camping trips, dinner parties and fun times together. City people, with or without outdoor experience to mountaineers of all levels are all welcome to join us.
The plan below is a rough guide to some backyard venture in mind and structed in a way to build up our skills together as a group, both physically and mentally, to take on the next challenge ahead. You can join what you find interesting and leave out the rest.
2024
Greater Toronto Area / Ontario
2025 - 2026
New York - Mt. Marcy (1628m, 25km)
New Hampshire - Mt. Washington (1917m, 26km)
Alberta - Mt. Columbia (3,747m), Mt. Assiniboine (3,616m)
British Columbia - Mt. Robson (3,954m), Mt. Waddington (4,019m)
2027
Canada tallest mountain - Mt. Logan (Yukon, 5,959m)
USA tallest mountain - Mt. Denali (Alaska, 6,190m)
2028 - 2030
Mt. Everest base camp (5,364m)
Mt. Everest peak (8,849m)
My 20s are already behind me and waiting till my retirement probably won't make it easier to take on Mt. Everest so it's going to be within this decade. If not, would probably die with regret. This group isn't about joining me to the end of this crazy adventure but of course you're welcome, in person or from a distance. It's more about making friends along the way, have some good laughs, maybe build a community together and cherish those moments. Alright, that's it, enough with my blabbing, come join us and let's go have some real adventure together.
Organizer,
Jonathan
WhatsApp community group:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/D698ppurYVlAfSfuGlZgz6
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Rouge park & Beare hill summit walkVista Trail Trailhead, Rouge National Urban Park, Toronto, ON
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Start 12:00pm, End 4:30pm:
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Meeting location
Vista Trail Trailhead parking lot
https://maps.app.goo.gl/TdPHMR12mYTVnZBJ9Destination
Beare Hill Summit
https://maps.app.goo.gl/P86v1cfZm5tetzTh9- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Details
Speed: 3 km / hr
Distance: 10 - 12km
Rest break: 30 minThis is probably the best hiking location within GTA with lots of naturally grown trees, changes in elevation and good view of the city at the summit. Every 2 weeks we will take different path to explore Rouge National Park and start exactly on the dot at 12:00pm.
Everyone will take turn being a leader on this hike and choose the path together as a group since the host will most often not be attending. If the host does not arrive 5 min before the start time, then he will not be coming that week. However, the hike will still go as schedule to give group members a chance to get some fresh air, keep active and maintain a healthy life style.
This way of self-organization will make each walk unique and build stronger connection among those that decide to come out. The trails are well label and paths are clearly define so it's almost impossible to get lost in such a central location.
Wear comfortable outdoor shoe and clothing suitable for the weather condition. Friendly dogs & kids are welcome to join with a supervised adult. If the event is more than 3hrs, you might want to consider bring some food and drink. If you wish to leave early, you may do so at anytime.
There is a possibility this event could be rescheduled due to extreme weather condition and will give a notice at least 48 hrs in advance via message below and Whatsapp group chat. In the case of light rain and snow the hike will still go on. If you have any question(s), kindly contact via WhatsApp group below.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Participation fee
Free- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Supporting the groupIn the case you enjoy this hike, find value in the group and would like to support the group, any donation amount of your choice would be much appreciated for the time, efforts and fees it cost to keep this group running.
E-transfer: bv.jon.01@gmail.com
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Winter notice
Dress warm with layers but not too much as our body will generate heat as we walk. Carry extra clothing in backpack when we sit down for lunch / rest break. There could be a possibility with snow and ice on the trail depending on weather and would suggest to bring a "proper" pair of crampon.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Disclaimer:
By RSVP to this event, you agree and consent to the following: We’ll have fun together as a group but you’re solely responsible for yourself, your safety, the decision(s) you make or take part in and shall not hold the organizer, any other participant, this group, accountable or legally responsible. There will be photos, video & audio recording taken of you and other members during this event which may be posted on social network platforms, such as but not limited to, Meetup, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, etc. - Hike training: Rouge park & beare hill summitVista Trail Trailhead, Rouge National Urban Park, Toronto, ON
Start 3:00pm, End 8:00pm
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Meeting location
Vista Trail Trailhead parking lot
https://maps.app.goo.gl/TdPHMR12mYTVnZBJ9
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Destination
Beare Hill Summit
https://maps.app.goo.gl/P86v1cfZm5tetzTh9
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Description
Speed: 3 km / hr
Distance: 10 - 12km
Rest break: 1 hr
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Training details
Mainly focus on how to properly walk uphill & downhill over different terrain. Will go over how to adjust weight of gear in your backpack, proper posture when walking and how to find the most suitable route to go up or down.At the top of beare hill summit, around 6 - 7pm, will have a picnic and enjoy the panoramic view during sunset. Everyone is expected to bring your own drink and 1 home made dish that can be share among the group. If you don't have time to make your own, it's ok get a nice, shareable dish from outside.
Once it start to get dark, will head downhill and walk around a bit longer in the woods with headlight. Will be back at the parking lot around 9pm but feel free to leave sooner.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Notice
Bring headlight with you but will have few extra rentals available and price listed below in the rental section.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Participation feeEarly birds: $12
Period ends 7 days prior to event start date.Requirement:
1. RSVP on meetup.
2. Send e-transfer payment.
3. Contact the host via text or whatsapp at +1-226-622-3863.
4. Send host the reference number or screenshot of e-transfer.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Late birds: $20 (cash upon arrival)
RSVP after early bird period or did not complete the requirements above.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Include
Training session (1 hr)
Practice session (1 hr)
Social walk (2 hr)
Picnic break (1 hr)
Picnic cloth
Garbage bags
Tissue
Disposable paper plates, spoon, fork, knife & cups.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
E-transfer: bv.jon.01@gmail.comAll payments are 100% refundable if cancel 7 days before start date, event cancel due to extreme weather conditions or unable to attend due to medical reasons with a doctor's letter.
After this period, all payments are non-refundable but you may switch your spot with a friend or with another member in the group at anytime. Senior (60+) and students with a valid ID are eligible for 50% discount. Free for children below 10 years old.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Membership program:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1TPgrPxEAuOqtjCG8DU8r1gtfUAZWZIIxjK2A5D2SgW4/edit?usp=sharing
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Late arrival & RSVP No show:
If you arrive 1 min past the start time, you'll be consider late & expected to donate $10 that will go towards administration fees & free drinks at the end of year party around Christmas holiday.https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1B6T7dhEvMWFGrh2NdmXqbixKnc5VoAZ7VoTghZBVjnU
If you can't make it, is your responsibility to update your statues to not going 1 hr before event start time. RSVP no show will result in a kick & ban from the group.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
General notice
Wear comfortable outdoor shoes and clothing suitable for the weather condition. Friendly dogs & kids are welcome to join with a supervised adult. If the event is more than 3hrs, you might want to consider bring some food and drink. If you wish to leave early, you may do so at anytime. There is a possibility this event could be rescheduled to the following week due to any unexpected situation / weather condition. However, the odds are low. If you have any question(s), kindly contact via WhatsApp group above.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Rental gears
* means the rental come in a pair (2 item) and fee is price for the whole day unless otherwise specified. 5% discount for each additional rental night up to maximum 7 nights total or 35% discount. Contact Jonathan for more details.
Hiking:
5 - Head light
5 - Insulated winter glove*
5 - Darn tough hiking wool sock*
10 - Adjustable hiking stick*
10 - Hiking shoes, low cut (Merrell, men, size 8.5)*
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Disclaimer:
By RSVP to this event, you agree and consent to the following: We’ll have fun together as a group but you’re solely responsible for yourself, your safety, the decision(s) you make or take part in and shall not hold the organizer, any other participant, this group, accountable or legally responsible. There will be photos, video & audio recording taken of you and other members during this event which may be posted on social network platforms, such as but not limited to, Meetup, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, etc. - Potluck picnic, Cherry blossom peak season @ High Park (Wed 16th, 12pm)High Park, Toronto, ON
Start 12:00pm, End 5:00pm
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Free parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/mTKGHSAukMY2EoCS7
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Meeting location:
High Park Hillside Gardens
https://maps.app.goo.gl/hWpdVzVecpVNcTWQ6
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Description
High park is hands down the #1 best spot in the Greater Area of Toronto to see the cherry blossom. List of what everyone will bring will be written below on a closer date to avoid bring too many of the same dish. If you have any allergies, leave a comment below.All participant is expected to bring one home-made dish that can be share among the group. It's possible to bring a take out dish that can be share but home-made dish would be preferred. In the case of take out, feel free to bring anything that you would consider to be a special meal that can be share with everyone.
12:00 PM - Introduction
12:15 PM - Setup & tea time
12:30 PM - Start picnic & enjoy the cherry blossom around us
2:00 PM - Game time & team sports
4:00 PM - walk around park
5:00 PM - End of event
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Participation feeEarly birds: $12
Period ends 7 days prior to event start date.Requirement:
1. RSVP on meetup.
2. Send e-transfer payment.
3. Contact the host via text or whatsapp at +1-226-622-3863.
4. Send host the reference number or screenshot of e-transfer.
5. Leave a message below of what dish you plan to bring for the potluck.
6. Let the group know below if you have any allergies or food you don't eat.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Late birds: $20 (cash upon arrival)
RSVP after early bird period or did not complete the requirements above.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
E-transfer: bv.jon.01@gmail.comAll payments are 100% refundable if cancel 7 days before start date, event cancel due to extreme weather conditions or unable to attend due to medical reasons with a doctor's letter.
After this period, all payments are non-refundable but you may switch your spot with a friend or with another member in the group at anytime. Senior (60+) and students with a valid ID are eligible for 50% discount. Free for children below 10 years old.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Include:
Picnic cloth,
Tissue,
Garbage bags,
Disposable paper plates, spoon, fork, knife & cups.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Membership program:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1TPgrPxEAuOqtjCG8DU8r1gtfUAZWZIIxjK2A5D2SgW4/edit?usp=sharing
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
RSVP no show will result in a kick & ban from the group.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
General notice
Wear comfortable outdoor shoes and clothing suitable for the weather condition. Friendly dogs & kids are welcome to join with a supervised adult. If the event is more than 3hrs, you might want to consider bring some food and drink. If you wish to leave early, you may do so at anytime. There is a possibility this event could be rescheduled to the following week due to any unexpected situation / weather condition. However, the odds are low. If you have any question(s), kindly contact via WhatsApp group above.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Disclaimer:
By RSVP to this event, you agree and consent to the following:
We’ll have fun together as a group but you’re solely responsible for yourself, your safety, the decision(s) you make or take part in and shall not hold the organizer, co-organizer(s), assistant organizer(s), event organizer(s), member(s), participant(s) and this group, accountable or legally responsible. There could be possible photo(s), video(s) & audio recording taken of you and other members during this event which may be posted on platforms, such as but not limited to, Meetup, Whatsapp, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and our website. If you do not wish to have any recording taken of you, kindly contact the organizer on WhatsApp in advance.
