Queer Ecology Hike with Zwena Gray

Start Point: " title="https://">Vista Trail Trailhead, Rouge National Urban Park [Google Map]

End Point: " title="https://">Vista Trail Trailhead, Rouge National Urban Park [Google Map]

Length: 4.5 km

Pace of hike: 3km per hour - Relaxed

Difficulty: Beginner

Dog-friendly: No

Family-friendly:(suitable for young people 17 and under) Yes

Stroller-friendly: (paved trails accessible for strollers) No

Requiring Ice Cleats: No, but highly recommended

Join Zwena Gray and Let’s Hike T.O. for a fun and enlightening hike in the Cedar Trail-Rouge National Park ! Along the way, Zwena will provide invitations to stop and engage with concepts in Queer Ecology. This activity based hike will help you engage with the land and each other. Des Mathews, a registered death doula and yoga instructor, will also be joining to lead a movement activity!

This event is proudly supported by Mountain Equipment Company and Let's Hike TO!

What is Queer Ecology?

Queer Ecology is an intersection of Queer Theory and Environmentalism. It's a disruptor of Western perceptions of nature being binary. Queering our relationship to nature opens the door to richer exploration, intricate connections, and deeper understanding.

This hike is open to everybody, whether you identify as Queer or not, please be ready for frequent stops and engaging with this discussion along the hike.

Zwena’s Bio:

Meet Zwena Gray, a 21-year-old environmentalist and avid long-distance hiker. Last year, she achieved a remarkable feat by hiking the 900-kms of the Bruce Trail. When Zwena is not out exploring the wilderness, Zwena can be found at the forefront of community initiatives, sparking conversations, and inspiring others to join her in this critical exploration. With every step she takes in nature and every word she shares, Zwena is carving out a path towards a more harmonious and equitable relationship between humanity and the environment.

Everyone and anyone is welcome, but Let's Hike T.O. has a focus on diversity and is keen to include newcomers, people of colour, and young adults aged 20-40.

What To Expect

Hike leader: Zwena (she/her) and Des Matthews

Registration fee: This is a FREE hike proudly sponsored by MEC+LHTO.

Limited tickets: This hike is restricted to 45 registrants. Tickets will be provided on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Pre-hike email: Registrants will receive additional details by email the day before the hike, such as what to bring on the day, what to wear, etc.

Weather precautions: The hike will take place regardless of rain, wind, or snow so please dress accordingly! We will only cancel or postpone the hike if weather conditions are considered extreme or dangerous, in which case registered hikers will be informed 48 hours in advance.

Questions? Email LetsHikeTO@gmail.com

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