The kids are out of school, we just celebrated Canada Day, and it’s above 20 C! Summer has finally arrived, and it is time to take advantage of the exciting summer offerings in Ontario. From hiking trails, picnic areas, and splash pads, to food, music, and cultural festivals, Ontario offers a variety of activities you can enjoy in the summer, no matter how old you are.
As a newcomer to Canada, it is also the best time to get acquainted with and immerse yourself in your new community and province. Here are some tips and resources to help you plan and get the most out of your summer:
A great place to start learning more about attractions in Ontario is by visiting one of the Ontario Information Centres or Explore Ontario. You can pick-up, download, or order Ontario guides to learn more about the many beautiful national parks and attractions, and you can also receive coupons.
If this is your first summer in Ontario and you do not yet have a car, you can still access the many National Parks. Parkbus offers direct return trips to many parks and attractions, some trips even free of charge.
Alternatively, if you prefer to go local and explore within your community, there are plenty of festivals and events in every community in Ontario. In addition, there are many urban parks with playgrounds, splash pads, beaches, natural landmarks, walking and biking trails, barbeque spots and picnic areas. Do keep in mind to keep yourself updated with local rules and regulations, such as where coal barbeques are permitted, etc.
Check out your municipalities’ website to learn more about festivals and events happening in your city. The best part is that many of the events and festivals are free, so you can make a day out of it by hanging out with friends and family, partaking of the local food sold there, or bringing your own picnic.
City of Toronto Festivals and Events Calendar
Mississauga Festival and Events Calendar
Hamilton Festival and Events Calendar
In addition to food festivals, June-September is the peak time to get fresh local produce from farmers throughout Ontario. Be sure to check out your local farmers’ market, as nearly every community has their own locally- sourced farmers' markets. Many farmers’ markets run from May to October but some also operate year-round.
One activity that is quite popular and great for children and adults alike, is fruit-picking at the various farms across Ontario. Most farms update their fruit schedules online so make sure to circle that in your calendar.
These are just a few ideas on what to do in the summer in Ontario. We hope you have a wonderful summer!
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