Toronto man quit corporate job to take people on outdoor adventures across Ontario

For many people living in Toronto, spending a weekend hiking, paddling, or camping sounds like the perfect escape. But without a car or a group to go with, getting in tune with the wilderness can feel out of reach — and even intimidating.

That's the problem Isaac Strang wanted to solve when he launched Wilderness Union in late September 2022. The Toronto-based business now organizes more than 100 guided outdoor adventures each year, from beginner-friendly day hikes to multi-day backcountry expeditions, all while helping people connect with others who share a love of the outdoors.

The idea came from Strang's own experience after moving to Toronto from the United Kingdom.

"I moved to Toronto about 13 years ago, and I really wanted to get outside. But I didn't know how, I didn't have the means of getting there, and I didn't have anyone to go with," he tells blogTO.

Wilderness Union founder Isaac Strang.

Things changed after he joined a backcountry canoe trip to Algonquin Provincial Park with a group of friends, an experience he says completely shifted his perspective. "When I came back to the city [after this trip], I realized I was living for the weekends and felt like there should be more to life than sitting behind a computer screen."

Inspired by that realization, Strang began organizing regular weekend escapes into Ontario's wilderness with friends, which he says quickly became "a highlight of my weekend every week."

While those adventures became a regular part of his life, it was that first trip to Algonquin Provincial Park that planted the seed for what would eventually become Wilderness Union.

"I knew that everyone could benefit from better access to the outdoors. I started this idea then, and I gave myself a year to get it out and started, and it worked!" he says enthusiastically.

At the time, Strang had landed what he once considered his dream job: a leadership position running a corporate innovation team at a firm on Bay Street. But after only a few months, he realized it no longer aligned with his values. Having fallen in love with the outdoors, he decided to quit his job and build something different.

"Wilderness Union is about connecting the city with the outdoors and helping people find community," he explains. "These days, I see people asking how they can make friends in the city. And I do feel that you make friends doing repeated things with like-minded people."

Unlike traditional hiking groups, Wilderness Union focuses on adults aged 20 to 45. "Toronto is an incredibly diverse city, and you want to find something to do within your age group," he says, adding that research showed many long-established groups have struggled to attract younger participants.

"I wanted to create an easier inroad into the outdoors, for a generation of people like my own who need it most," he says.

Although anyone can sign up for trips with Wilderness Union, every participant is vetted before being approved. Strang says the process also helps create a safer environment, particularly for women who join alone.

Trips range from beginner-friendly outings to more ambitious expeditions, including visits to lesser-known destinations, or "hidden gems" across Ontario, as Strang puts it.

Experiences include single-day trips to Bruce Peninsula National Park and multi-day trips to places like Restoule Provincial Park and natural hotspots in Milton, Huntsville, and other areas.

Each year, Wilderness Union also hosts "The Epics," a series featuring some of Ontario's most challenging adventures that "get people most excited." This year's lineup includes a five-day paddle across Algonquin Provincial Park.

To help people get to know one another, trips are intentionally kept small, with a maximum of 20 participants. "It doesn't feel overwhelming," Strang says.

Those looking to explore the outdoors through Wilderness Union can sign up for day trips or multi-day adventures, with the option to arrange transportation from Toronto or to meet the group at the destination.

Each experience offers some flexibility depending on the itinerary, too. For example, on an upcoming three-day trip to Massasauga Provincial Park, participants can skip the morning paddle and hike on Moon Island, and simply stay at the campsite to enjoy a slower morning.

Trips start at $77 plus tax and can cost up to $500, depending on the destination and duration. Those interested in signing up for a trip must join through the membership portal, where guests will be assigned tour guides and join group chats leading up to their big adventure. 

For Strang, Wilderness Union has never just been about hiking or camping. It's about giving Toronto residents an easier way to experience the wild spaces beyond the city while making friendships that last long after the trip ends.

A full list of upcoming adventures is available on the Wilderness Union website.