Summer Activities for Every Type of Student

The nice weather is here, and it looks like it might actually stay! Our Winter term is almost done and whether or not you are enrolled for summer courses, there is time to get out and enjoy the wonderful Canadian spring and summer.

In this post we want to give ideas for online and outdoor activities in the Greater Toronto Area that anyone can enjoy. Whatever type of person you are, something in this list will be fun!

Don’t forget to adhere to all health authority guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

For the Fitness Freak

If you’re someone who loves to work out or just get your sweat on, here are some ideas to keep physical this season.

Online Fitness Classes

The York Lions hold online fitness classes. Make sure you check out their schedule for things like group yoga, Muay Thai and kickboxing!
There are also Muv On-Demand classes to suit your schedule.

Hiking and Running Trails in the GTA

Anyone who has lived in Canada knows we really appreciate our warm weather. When you experience the winters that we do, there’s nothing like getting outside and going for a hike or walk. Grab a friend for a socially distanced hike and use this list of great trails in the GTA.

For the Artist

If you are an artist of any type, these museums are offering free online tours and online collections that can inspire and move you!

• Online virtual tours
• Online collection you can tour
• Virtual tour of the Salvador Dali Museum
• Explore the Guggenheim

For the Music Lovers

Thank goodness we are in the twenty-first century and have the internet. There are loads of ways to enjoy live music at home – although, I know we are all excited to get back to concerts!

• The Toronto Symphony Orchestra has online Streams: www.tso.ca/concerts
• Twitch.tv is not just for video game streaming, DJs have taken over with great sets!
• CBC is looking for the best new/underrated Canadian musician, enter yourself into the annual Searchlight event
• The Summer Music Garden is online this year, make sure to check out their program for performances ranging from Swedish Folk’apella to Ecurentro Flamenco

For the Theatre Kid

Oh, how I miss going to the theatres and seeing plays and musicals! Here are some summer events taking place online that you can enjoy:

• The Toronto Fringe is hosting their Digital Festival, keep an eye out for program details!
• Factory Theatre has a digital season, make sure you check it out to support local talent!
• Bad Dog Theatre has moved their content onto YouTube for unscripted comedy, make sure you check out their classes if you’re wanting to hone your improvisational or comedy writing skills

For the Bookworm

One of my favourite things about the warmer months is getting to lay out in the sun, whether it’s a park or beach, and read a book! There are also tons of ways to get your book fix even if bookstores are closed.

• The Toronto Public Library hosts tons of programs including book clubs and author talks.
• Flying Books is a local bookstore that hosts writing workshops and author events.

For the Film Buff

Writing this list made me realize how much I am missing out on this last year! I miss movie theatres and movie festivals, but these online events will fill that gap for now:

• The Hot Docs Film Festival is online: make sure you check it out for great documentaries!
• The Toronto International Film Festival has digital rentals for you to check out

A Fun Road Trip for Anyone

This is a great option for those based in Ontario! If you love the CBC show Schitt’s Creek, check out this road trip that takes you through all the filming locations.

Well, I am so excited for this nice weather! Hope you all have a great end of term and enjoy some of these recommendations.

Let us know what you’ll be doing this summer! Tweet us @YorkUStudents or comment below.

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