I am definitely not the only one who is thinking that summer is FLYING by, that is why I put together an end of summer bucket list so that you can make the most of the time we’ve got left! Unfortunately, the days are getting shorter (seriously so sad) and the nights are getting cooler, but there is still so much to do.
Summer is my favourite season and I love to spend all the time I can outdoors. Seriously, I love the heat and can’t get enough of the sunshine. I am also pretty big on things that are active, outdoors and can be done with friends. I understand that these criteria are not everyone’s idea of fun but hey I’m going to put this out there anyway. So here is what is on my end of summer bucket list, take it or leave it.
Take a Hike
With so many beautiful trails to see, there is no better way to spend these last few days of summer! Get out and take a hike. There are even some really pretty trails within Toronto that are worth checking out. Within driving distance of the Toronto area I can recommend heading to the Mono Cliffs, the Bruce Trail as well as a number of great hikes in Simcoe County. If you’re from Ottawa there are some great trails at Gatineau Park to check out!
Not from the area? Check out google, there are sure to be many options with varying levels of difficulty and lengths. Going on a hike is such a fun way to get some steps in with friends and enjoy nature. You can set your own pace and increase your intensity by adding a pack or some weights. No matter who you are or what your level of fitness is there is a hike for you. And in my humble opinion, everyday is a good day for a hike!
Pick Some Fruit
There are so many local farms to visit in the Toronto area. Not from around here? A quick google search will definitely have several options for you! I picked cherries 🍒 earlier this summer and will definitely be heading out to a peach farm 🍑 soon. I enjoy heading down to the Niagara Region for some beautiful scenery and perfect fruit.
Be sure to check with the farm what’s in season and what the conditions are like so you’re prepared to pick. Once you have your fruit picked you can make some jam, maybe some desserts or just enjoy the fruit all by itself. I’ve made a few jars of jam this year and plan to do a few more ASAP! Pictured below are some jars of my cherry jam. More to come!
Have a Picnic
This screams summer. Grab a cute picnic blanket (maybe some cute friends) and your favourite drink/snack and voila. Who doesn’t want to eat al fresco with some pals. I plan to pair a picnic with a hike, no pressure. For my birthday a friend gifted me this really cute picnic blanket from indigo with a peach print, I can’t wait to use it! 🍑
Looking to make some snacks to bring along? Check out some fun recipes by Reilly here. Bonus points for those who bring their jams and jellies along for the picnic! This is one of my favourite end of summer bucket list activities. Here is a pretty peach tart I made. Perfect for this time of year!
Host a Bonfire
This screams summer. Especially as the nights get a little cooler. PLUS who doesn’t love s’mores? One of my absolute favourite things about summer is roasting marshmallows by the fire. Invite your friends over and enjoy this experience with them. Bonus points for those who make their own marshmallows.
I promise it’s super easy and they are absolutely beautiful. I made them earlier this year and added a little pink food colouring, they were a hit! You can opt to just leave them white if you prefer. Reilly also has a chocolate bar recipe here you can check out. Putting together a s’mores board will definitely be the cherry on top at your bonfire.
Catch a Sunset
If you live in Ontario and are looking to see a gorgeous sunset head west toward Lake Huron. Bayfield Ontario is one of my favourite places to catch the sunset. The view is truly breathtaking. However, anywhere along Lake Huron will do just fine. There is nothing more beautiful than watching a red sunset fade into the lake. Bring your friends, your partner or go solo, you won’t be disappointed. I will be heading back at least once more before the end of the season!
Floaty Party
Grab your favourite floaty and invite your friends over for a float! Right now I am using my favourite clam shell & pearl combo (I also have a donut depending on how warm the water is). Is there any better way to spend a hot day than soaking up some vitamin d on a floaty? No pool or lake? No problem! There are tons of local beaches and pools to take advantage of. Head to Bayfield for the sunset and bring your floaty, two birds one stone! Time is of the essence, people. Get out there and make the most of the summer we have left.
If you’re feeling ambitious you could probably do all of these in one weekend. You could also spread them out over the next couple of weeks. I’m definitely going to be checking all of these off my end of summer bucket list. Let me know what you end up doing in the comments below. Also let me know if you’ve got anything else on your list you think I should add! Now go get out there and soak it in!
