If you’re looking for ways to stay active in Toronto this summer, here is a guide to give you some ideas.

Wheeling around town!

If you enjoy cycling, rollerblading, longboarding, or any other activity that involves human-powered wheels on pavement, look out for Toronto’s ActiveTO road closures. Every weekend, the City of Toronto closes select major roads to give patrons more space to practice their wheel-related sport of choice. This also gives athletes an opportunity to fit in training on more suitable terrain. To learn more about ActiveTO and to find the schedule of road closures for the Summer 2021 season, visit the City of Toronto’s page here!

Photo courtesy of Bike Share Toronto

If you want to get some cycling and site-seeing in during the middle of the week, check out Bike Share Toronto’s Free Ride Wednesdays. Sponsored by CAA, Free Ride Wednesdays gives patrons unlimited 30 minute passes for the duration of the day. This will only be available until the end of July so make sure to take advantage 

Get in a swim!

Now that COVID restrictions have been lifted, if you are a Toronto resident you can enjoy some time in public pools so long as you reserve a time slot. If chlorine in confined spaces aren’t your thing, why not head to one of Toronto’s beaches to enjoy a dip in Lake Ontario? You can find out which Toronto beaches have lifeguards on duty, and when conditions are safe to have a splash. 

Tired of the city? Take a hike! 

If you like walking for fun, Toronto has many walking trails that can be enjoyed. Surrounded by trees, these trails help you forget for a little while that you’re actually in a bustling city, which is perfect if you’re looking for a calm and quiet alternative from the exciting but noisey city atmosphere. To plan your day and find out more about what trails in Toronto have to offer, visit their website!

Photo courtesy of BlogTO

Get on the water!

If you enjoy paddling, Toronto’s proximity to Lake Ontario is definitely something to take advantage of. Kayaking, canoeing, rowing, paddleboarding, windsurfing and even surfing can be enjoyed just off of Toronto’s shore. Just down the Humber River, magic and comedy shows, and concerts can be enjoyed while floating in your vessel of choice, to find out more about show times visit Toronto Adventures’ website.

Get outside and take a class!

The City of Toronto launched a program back in June that will run until September. The program called ParkFitTO will allow Toronto residents to attend outdoor drop-in workout classes. These classes range from outdoor group fitness to walking workouts and will adhere to proper social distancing and public health guidelines in observance of the COVID-19 pandemic. To find out more check out the City of Toronto’s website.

If you are looking for more options to get your workout while enjoying some fresh air, Narcity Toronto compiled a list of participating gyms who are offering out-door fitness classes, you can see their list here.

Photo courtesy of BlogTO 

Have a climb of a time!

If you’re an experienced climber, or new to the sport, Toronto has some spaces that offer in-door climbing sessions. Basecamp has two locations, Queen West, and Bloor West, and they offer classes for all ages and skill levels. Joe Rockhead’s located in Liberty Village offers similar services, reservations can be made at both locations. If you are looking for an outdoor challenge, though not located directly downtown Zen Climb offers climbing courses in Milton, ON where you can learn risk management skills and elevate your rock climbing repertoire.

After a long winter trapped in-doors, why not take advantage of some wonderful activities to shake out those pandemic blues! 

By Kelly Luke