Taking the scenic route with UTM Moves
From treetop trekking to horseback riding, UTM Moves offers students opportunities to get active and explore the outdoors this fall semester.

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The start of a new semester usually comes with the insane pressure of staying active. If you’re not hitting the gym five times a week or lifting 100 pounds, you’re somehow not active. Between lectures, assignments, and the commute home, staying active becomes a hundred times more difficult than it should be. However, it doesn’t have to be.

Spearheaded by peers and campus staff, UTM Moves—a student-led wellbeing program—serves as an approachable wellness program centered on accessible exercise, holistic health, and community building. One of the main focuses of this initiative is to represent groups traditionally underrepresented in fitness environments, such as racialized individuals, the 2SLGBTQ+ community, female identifying persons, and students navigating accessibility barriers. Beyond standard campus gatherings, participants can get involved through social walks, peer guidance, and various off-campus outdoor adventures.

For transparency, I serve as UTM Moves’ Art & Design Lead and have also contributed to its wellness blog throughout the summer. That involvement forms part of my connection to the program,  its efforts, and the importance of bringing movement into students’ everyday lives.

The outdoor calendar begins with UTM Ascends, a treetop trekking trip scheduled for September 26 at Heart Lake Conservation Park in Brampton. Participants will spend three hours navigating aerial activities, including rope bridges, climbing challenges, and zip lines. Equipment and instruction are included, along with transportation from the University of Toronto Mississauga.

The bus is scheduled to leave at 9:45 a.m. and return around 4:00 p.m. Listed fees are $25 for early registration and $45 at the regular rate. Students must be at least 60 inches tall—approximately 5’0 feet—weigh no more than 250 pounds, and be able to climb independently. Closed-toe shoes are required. Although the activity welcomes beginners, these requirements are important to review before registering. 

For students interested in exploring the outdoors on horseback, UTM Rides will take place on October 10 at Fallbrook Trail Ranch in Georgetown. The outing includes a one-hour guided trail ride, a safety demonstration, riding instruction, and access to additional ranch activities such as pickleball and hayrides.

The trip is advertised as beginner-friendly, with ranch guides and UTM Moves staff supporting participants. Transportation is included in the listed $90 early-bird or $100 regular fee. Riders must wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, meet the 230-pound weight limit, and be able to mount and dismount independently using a mounting block. Students should also bring their own lunch and snacks to enjoy in between rides. 

Beyond its outdoor excursions, UTM Moves will host a free queer line dancing class on October 1, from noon to 1 p.m. in the Recreation, Athletics, and Wellness Centre (RAWC) Gym C. Led by SPURS Night Toronto, the beginner-friendly workshop welcomes students, staff, faculty, and librarians who identify as 2SLGBTQ+ or as allies. Instructors will break down classic and contemporary routines step by step, with a warm-up and water breaks built into the session. No partner or previous dance experience is required, and the class will take place in a sober, low-pressure environment. Registered participants will also receive refreshments.

Later in the month, the MoveU Refresh & Recharge trip will bring students from across the University of Toronto’s (UofT) three campuses to Hart House Farm on October 28. The advertised activities include caving, cider making, archery, and s’mores, with lunch and bus transportation included in the $20 fee. The trip adds another opportunity to spend a day outdoors while meeting students beyond UTM.

Students can find registration links on individual event pages and should review each activity’s eligibility requirements before booking. The full extended calendar with more events later in the fall can also be found here. 

UTM Moves also provides event difficulty ratings to help participants assess physical demands and mobility considerations. Questions about suitability or accommodations can be directed to utm.moves@utoronto.ca. 

Carving out time for a brief getaway during a busy week brings a refreshing shift in perspective. Whether you find yourself navigating aerial rope bridges, connecting with a horse on a guided trail, or venturing down paths you usually rush past, these experiences offer a welcome break from the rigorous campus routine. Academic to-do lists will be an essential part of your day-to-day lifestyle, but it’s important to create a health and wellness to-do list that includes taking a step back and simply enjoying the programs UTM Moves have to offer.

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