Kimberly De Oliveira
On March 20, 2023, spring officially came to be. After months of freezing temperatures and winter blizzards, the new season comes as a relief. For many of us, the exam season has not allowed us to truly enjoy the beginning of this beautiful season. However, as the Winter term comes to an end, we all find ourselves with more free time to take advantage of spring opportunities. So, in the interest of ensuring that we all truly get the chance to enjoy this season, I have compiled a list of spring activities that will help us kick it off well.
Visit the Cherry Blossoms in High Park
Sometime between the end of April to early May, the Japanese Sakura trees (more commonly known as cherry blossom trees) reach their peak bloom! The display at High Park attracts thousands of spectators every year to see the stunning blooms and compile their own collection of photos. If you aren’t able to make it to High Park, there are other places in Toronto where you can see cherry blossoms! On our own Keele campus, you can see cherry blossoms outside the Tait McKenzie Centre and next to Calumet College. Make sure to check them out.
Watch a Movie at a Drive-in
There is nothing like truly enjoying the warm weather and watching a movie at a drive-in theatre. Whether you prefer to deck out the trunk of your car with pillows and blankets or prefer to bring your own lawn chair, all that matters is getting to enjoy the movie in some fresh air. The two closest locations to Toronto are the 5 Drive-In in Oakville and Mustang Drive-In in Guelph. Don’t forget to bring your favourite snacks or some extra cash to satisfy your movie cravings at the snack bar!
Go Hiking on a Trail
Nature is synonymous with spring as this is the best time to see all the plants come back to life! One of the best ways to see that is by going hiking on trails all throughout the city and beyond. Whether you’re a beginner or have a lot of experience with hiking, this is a great chance to get connected with nature and even some family and friends. Find a list of Toronto’s featured trails.
Shop at a Farmer’s Market
For those of us who enjoy waking up earlier, going to a Farmers’ Market is one of the best ways to spend a Saturday morning. Not only can you enjoy a nice stroll, but these are usually some of the best places to get fresh and high quality produce and artisanal foods. You can also find unique and handmade products like candles, pottery and crafts. Luckily, these are not too hard to find and there is probably one close to where you live. Two popular farmers’ markets in Toronto are the St. Lawrence Market and the Downsview Park Market.
Experience Lumiere: The Art of Light
This outdoor light exhibition located in Trillium Park is the perfect chance to support Ontario artists whose works celebrate this new season! Every evening until May 7th you can check out exhibits like the “Disco Wall” and “Golden Hour” and even enjoy a bonfire if you go on a Friday or Saturday night. An added bonus is that admission to the park is free!
Don’t let spring pass you by! There may never be a perfect time to enjoy the season with friends and family, but it will always be worth it!
Hi, everyone! My name is Kimberly De Oliveira and I am a third-year undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Law & Society!
I enjoy writing because I view it as an infinite endeavour. There are a multitude of styles and forms that writing can take, all of which provide a unique platform for different messages to be conveyed. This variety inspires me and fills me with creativity to share with and learn from others.
Outside of writing I enjoy volunteering, working on jigsaw puzzles, reading, and spending time with my family and friends.
I hope you enjoyed my article and would love to hear your thoughts! Feel free to reach out to me via email at kdeoliv@my.yorku.ca.
— Kimberly De Oliveira, LA&PS Voices Volunteer Contributor