Top 10 Wellness Activities to Check Off Your Summer Bucket List

As summer winds down, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the wellness activities that have enriched our lives over the past few months. For Black Women and Women of Colour in the GTHA, wellness isn’t just about physical health; it’s about nurturing our minds, bodies, and souls. Here are ten wellness activities to celebrate as we wrap up the season and prepare for the transitions ahead.

1. Embracing Nature with Hikes and Walks

There’s nothing like taking a break from the city hustle to reconnect with nature. Toronto’s Don Valley Trails and Mississauga’s Rattray Marsh Conservation Area offer peaceful escapes where you can breathe in fresh air and get your steps in. Walking or hiking not only boosts your physical fitness but also clears your mind, reduces stress, and gives you a chance to reflect.

2. Outdoor Stretching and Meditation

Taking your stretching mat to a local park for some outdoor stretching and meditation is another fantastic summer wellness activity. Trinity Bellwoods Park in Toronto and Rotary Park in Ajax, Durham, are perfect spots for this. Practising stretching and meditation outdoors helps deepen your practice and connect with the earth, all while soaking up the sun’s energy.

3. Exploring Local Farmers' Markets

Exploring local farmers' markets is a great way to support local agriculture and enjoy fresh, organic produce. St. Lawrence Market in Toronto and the Port Credit Farmers Market in Mississauga are must-visits. Not only do you get to discover new ingredients, but you also support local vendors and enjoy a lively community atmosphere.

4. Water Activities on Lake Ontario

Water activities on Lake Ontario have been so rejuvenating this summer. Kayaking at Woodbine Beach in Toronto or paddleboarding at Frenchman’s Bay in Pickering not only provides a great workout but also helps relieve stress and anxiety. There’s something so calming about being out on the water, surrounded by natural beauty.

5. Spa Day Retreats

Pampering yourself with a spa day is essential for relaxation and rejuvenation. Hammam Spa in Toronto and The Facial Place in Oshawa, Durham, offer luxurious treatments that leave you feeling refreshed and renewed. A day of massages, facials, and hydrotherapy can significantly boost your well-being and provide much-needed relaxation.

6. Picnic in the Park

Enjoying a picnic in the park with friends is a perfect summer activity. High Park in Toronto and Eldorado Park in Brampton offer beautiful settings for a relaxing day outdoors. Preparing healthy, home-made meals and spending time with loved ones in nature is a wonderful way to enhance your social well-being.

7. Gardening and Urban Farming

Gardening and urban farming can be incredibly therapeutic. Joining community gardens like Black Creek Community Farm in Toronto or Oshawa Community Garden in Durham allows you to grow your own produce and connect with nature. The sense of accomplishment and connection to the earth you get from gardening is truly rewarding.

8. Participating in a Book Club

Participating in a book club is a great way to stimulate your mind and connect with other Black women who share similar interests. The Toronto Public Library hosts various book clubs, and the Ajax Public Library offers similar programs. Reading and discussing books can be a powerful tool for mental wellness and personal growth.  

Did you know that Gyallivant has a book club too?  Join asap - we’re reading our next selection soon.

9. Taking Wellness Workshops

Taking wellness workshops tailored to diverse communities is invaluable. Ankh Yoga in Toronto and Yoga Village in Durham provide workshops on everything from nutrition to mental health. These sessions are a great way to learn new wellness practices and connect with others on a similar journey.

10. Joining Outdoor Fitness Classes

Joining outdoor fitness classes is a fun way to stay active while enjoying the summer weather. Riverdale Park East in Toronto and Chinguacousy Park in Brampton offer boot camps and Zumba classes that are both fun and effective. These classes provide a great workout and create a sense of community and motivation.

As we look back on these wellness activities, let’s celebrate the moments of joy, peace, and connection they brought into our lives. Whether you’ve checked all these activities off your summer bucket list or just a few, each step towards wellness is a victory. Here’s to carrying these healthy habits into the fall and beyond, continuing to nurture our minds, bodies, and souls.