Even with the dropping temperatures, Canadians love to take advantage of the great outdoors. Squeeze every last drop out of the pre-snow weather with this list of fantastic activities that will get you outside with friends and family.
1) Exercise on the Beach
Build core strength, increase endurance and relax your mind on the Burlington waterfront with SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) Yoga. Large and sturdy enough to act as a mat, paddleboards are the perfect addition for yoga-lovers looking to challenge themselves, all while spending a beautiful evening on the water. Participants must be able to swim and take a SUP Lesson prior to registering for the class. Go online for pricing and registration details.
Burlington Beach Rentals
1094 Lakeshore Road, Burlington
burlingtonbeachrentals.com
2) Take a Hike
Spend two weekends outdoors and complete the four sections of the Bruce Trail 2014 Annual Iroquoia Club Official End to End Hike. This challenging but extremely rewarding hike will take place rain or shine and is just one part of the Bruce Trail End to End program that covers 890km of trails from Niagara to Tobermory. Upon completion of each of the trail sections you will receive a badge so you can proudly display your accomplishment with the Iroquioa section awarding hikers with the Waterfall Badge. Registration is $30 and covers the cost of transportation and the Waterfall badge for those who complete all four hikes, or $8 for a single day hike. Space is limited, go online for more details and to register.
October 25 & 26 and November 1 & 2
iroquoia.on.ca; brucetrail.org
3) Visit an Apple Orchard
Harvest season isn't over just yet! Get outside and pick your own apples at one of these great orchards:
Halton Hills:
Chudleigh's
Open daily from 10a.m. until 5p.m. including holidays until November 2.
9528 Hwy 25, Halton Hills
chudleighs.com
Waterdown:
Frootogo Orchards
Open daily from 10a.m. until 6p.m. until October 31 and from 10a.m. until 5p.m. from November 1 until December 22.
573 Parkside Drive, Waterdown
frootogo.ca
Brampton:
Carl Laidlaw Orchards
Open daily from 9a.m. until 5p.m. September and October.
9496 Heritage Road, Brampton
carllaidlaworchards.ca
4) Relax at the Drive-In
Go back to a simpler time and take in a double feature movie under the stars at Oakville's 5 Drive-In or Hamilton's Starlite Drive-In. Cuddle up in the station wagon or bring lawn chairs to sit outside underneath a blanket and indulge in classic treats like Pogos or the giant Chilly Dilly (pickle on a stick) from the diner. Arrive early to get the best spot and let your kids run around in the newly opened Playgound Area pre-show. Dogs welcome! Closing late September, check website for updates.
The 5 Drive-In, 2332 Ninth Line, Oakville;
Starlite Drive-In, 59 Green Mountain Road East, Stoney Creek
5drivein.com; starlitehamilton.com
5) Go for a Bike Ride
Bike one of five route options while exploring the ins and outs of Mississauga with the 7th Annual Tour de Mississauga. This free bike race begins and ends at Celebration Square with rides of 15KM, 30KM, 60KM, 100KM and 120KM with a free lunch being provided post-ride thanks to the support of the Region of Peel Walk + Roll program. Go online to register and read up on the Group Ride Safety Guidelines.
Sunday, September 21
Tour de Mississauga at Celebration Square
300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga
mississaugacycling.ca