About | Let's Hike T.O.

About Let's Hike T.O.

Let’s Hike T.O. is a non-profit organization with the mission to diversify the hiking community through easy access to safe and enjoyable hikes for anyone interested in hiking, with a particular focus on intentionally engaging people of colour, newcomers, and young adults.

250+

organized hikes

3,000+

diverse hikers

60+

vetted routes

50+

active volunteers

Our Story

Let's Hike T.O. was founded in 2021 by local hike leader Camara Chambers, who noticed a distinct lack of diversity within the Toronto hiking community.

After encountering resistance from her initial club’s board when suggesting more inclusive practices, Camara rallied a group of friends to envision a truly diverse and inclusive hiking community. Thus, Let’s Hike T.O. was born.

At Let’s Hike T.O., we are dedicated to diversifying the hiking community by providing safe, accessible, and enjoyable hiking experiences for everyone. We focus particularly on Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour, newcomers, and young adults. Through thoughtfully designed hikes that reduce barriers to entry, we offer everyone the chance to enjoy nature and its positive impact on well-being. Our volunteer team aims to foster a sense of belonging and build a stronger, more connected community by exploring Toronto's trails, hidden ravines, and green spaces.

Why Hike With Us?

Diversity Focused

Welcoming environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds feel valued and supported

Trained Hike Leaders

Hike leaders equipped with skills in navigation, first aid, and crisis management ensure a smooth experience

Affordable Access

Removing financial barriers with low-cost tickets and convenient transportation for inclusive hiking access

Vetted Hike Routes

Carefully planned trails ensure participant safety, with thorough assessments and precautions

Fun-Themed Experiences

Hikes with creative themes, sometimes in collaboration with experts, covering biodiversity, mindfulness, cultural heritage, photography, etc.

Type of Hikes

Urban Hikes

Explore Toronto's well-known parks, hidden ravines, and forgotten rivers. Each hike starts at a public-transit accessible location and some are pet-friendly.

Bus Hikes

Venture beyond Toronto to conservation areas, national parks, and provincial parks. Enjoy day trips with bus transportation provided, offering moderate-level trails.

Multi-Day Hikes

Experience wilderness adventures, staying overnight amidst stunning landscapes. Offered a few times a year, suitable for those seeking advanced experiences.

See Upcoming Hikes

Media Features

Meet Our Board

Passionate, dedicated, and entirely volunteer-driven, they're the powerhouse behind our mission.

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Board Chair

Patricia

Patricia (she/her) is an outdoor enthusiast who humorously calls herself a 'professional slowspoke' on the trails. Originally from Vietnam, she has hiked through many parts of Asia, Canada, & the US.

Starting as a frequent hiker with Let's HIke T.O., Patricia was inspired by the mission and stepped up as Board Chair. Bringing her professional experience in management consulting and the tech industry, she is poised to drive operational excellence and scale the organization to new heights. In her free time, Patricia experimentally tests recipes from around the world.

Hiking Director

Laura

Laura (she/her) brought her love for the outdoors to Let's Hike T.O. in 2021 as Hike Leader and Social Media Coordinator. Since then, she has led multiple hikes in and around the GTA in every season. She is also a certified Master Naturalist, bringing what knowledge she can to her hikes. Laura's intent is always to help others feel as safe, comfortable and welcome being outside as she does, while fostering appreciation and respect for the land.

Laura's go-to hike spot in the city is Morningside Park in Scarborough, complete with river, deer, apple trees and Fall salmon run.

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Human Resources Director

Camara

Founder of Let's Hike T.O., Camara (she/her) discovered her passion for hiking after moving from London (UK) to Toronto. She is a trained Hike Leader with over 10 years' experience.

By day, she works as the Director of Leadership Development at Toronto Metropolitan University, leading staff and programs at the think tank The Dais. When she's not hiking or working, she is watching Love is Blind, perfecting her downward dog, or searching the city for the perfect craft beer.

Equity Diversity & Inclusion Director

Mahlon

Mahlon (he/him) is an experienced educator and EDI (equity, diversity, and inclusion) facilitator. He enjoys being outdoors, and after 6 years in Canada is still awestruck by the country's beauty and geographic landscapes.

He joined Let's Hike T.O. as the EDI Director to challenge the various barriers and obstacles that create inaccessibility to outdoor spaces. Whether supporting new Hike Leaders during their onboarding or devising ways to ensure our hikes are as inclusive as possible, Mahlon enjoys utilizing his skills and expertise in an area that brings joy and a sense of community to others.

Marketing & Communications Director

Victoria

Victoria’s heart leaps at breathtaking landscapes and verdant scenery. She thrives in sunshine and lush greenery, especially during invigorating walks in her home country, Jamaica. When not exploring nature, she whips up delicious Italian cuisine, blending her love for the outdoors with culinary creativity.

With a strong background in strategic marketing, Victoria excels in growing engagement and communication channels, bringing flair and innovation to Let's Hike T.O. Her marketing expertise ensures every initiative resonates as vibrantly as her diverse interests.

Treasurer

Linh

Linh (she/her) volunteers with Let's Hike T.O. because she enjoys Treasurer work as much as hiking! Before joining Let's Hike T.O., she and a friend led hikes for strangers by posting on Reddit! Fast forward to today, she is an active member of our community, helping out wherever she can. She remains friends with many of those she met on the hikes and is all for building community through enjoying the outdoors together!