Five ways you can escape lockdown this spring in Ontario

BY NIKITA YOUNG

The snow has melted and the days are getting warmer again which is a big relief to many that have been cooped up all winter. For the most part, people have followed the orders set by the premier, but still a year later we are entering a new phase of lockdown.

On April 1^st, 2021 Doug Ford announced that he was putting the whole province of Ontario into lockdown for another four weeks. By now many are tired of the lockdowns and are willing to venture out while taking the precautions they see fit for themselves and their family. For the healthy people who are looking for something fun to do this spring, not all is lost. Here are five fun things to do this spring even in a lockdown situation:

Start a garden
First up on the list is helping out on a farm or starting a garden. Not everyone will agree that this is fun but it can be if you have small children or if you like being outdoors. It can also be a great resource to get involved in growing your food. Starting a small garden with just a few seeds of your favourite vegetables is a really fun and easy activity.

Staycationing
Second, on the list is going to a hotel with your friends and or family. Some hotels in Ontario allow guests to book use of the pool and gym privately during their stay so that you don’t have to worry about being in contact with others while having a swim or working out. This could be a great way to get together with people you know and just relax and have some fun locally. Many hotels have really low rates right now because they are not busy. Discount websites like Groupon are a great way to find a deal on an overnight stay.

Walk the walk
Pick number three is going on a walk and/or having a picnic. Now that the weather is nice again it doesn’t hurt to get out for a walk. Call up your friends and your family and explore one of the beautiful nature trails Ontario has to offer. Spencer Gorge Conservation in Hamilton is only forty minutes from Toronto and offers trails that take you to two waterfalls. If you are on the east side, Scarborough Bluffs is a great place to go for a stroll.

Go on vacation
In 4th place is taking a vacation. Many people have been waiting for Covid to end so that they can start taking vacations again, but many are starting to realize that there may not be an end in sight. Even though the mainstream media and government are pushing against travel, the opportunity is still available to those who are healthy and willing to go through all the testing and other requirements. New saliva tests make it easier to go through the testing process. Places like Mexico and the Dominican Republic are open and do not require testing or quarantines.

Support small businesses
Last on the list is shopping at the small businesses that refuse to lockdown. If you miss shopping why not try Googling local small businesses and checking them out to see how you can support them. Small businesses are important to our economy so getting out and shopping at one or a few could be a great outing to meet new people and help keep the local economy afloat. This could be a good chance to get a haircut or have a spa day at your local spa.

Ontario has a lot to offer especially when the weather is nice out. We have all learned in one way or another how to do what we have to do through Covid, so it’s really up to you to start living again. Beginning to go out and be amongst people again doesn’t have to be dangerous, just do what you are comfortable with and take whatever precautions you need to feel good about being out again.