V!VA Pickering’s Top Picks for Outdoor Activities in Durham Region
Published on August 27, 2021
Pickering is a vibrant city located in Durham Region, just east of Toronto. There’s no shortage of fun-filled indoor and outdoor activities for seniors in Pickering. It just depends on what your interests and capabilities are.
Outdoor Activities for Seniors in Pickering
If you’re a senior living at V!VA Pickering, here are our top picks for the best local outdoor activities for seniors to enjoy.
Take a Scenic Stroll Through a Nearby Park
Pickering is often overlooked as being nothing but a commuter city—a place you have to drive through or past to get to Toronto. But it’s actually so much more than that. To classify Pickering as simply a commuter city is underestimating the natural beauty and historical value of this place. Seniors who are looking for a little outdoor adventure in their own backyards can take a scenic stroll through one of the many public parks in Pickering. These include Beachfront Park, Grand Valley Park, Pickering Dog Park, and Petticoat Creek Conservation Area…the options are endless.
Visit the Pickering Nautical Village
Encompassing both Frenchman’s Bay Marina and Tenkey Marina, Pickering Nautical Village is a stunning location that features a scenic harbourfront boardwalk along Lake Ontario, a splash pad for young kids, bicycle trails, shops, cafes, restaurants, and so much more. Whether you enjoy boating, yachting, fishing, or simply want to enjoy a beautiful sunset or sunrise on the harbour, Nautical Village has something for everyone. Take a stroll on the famous Waterfront Trail to truly appreciate everything the Nautical Village has to offer. While you’re there, you can also take in a free live concert in the Millennium Square for the perfect summer evening.
Visit the Nearby Toronto Zoo
If you’re an animal lover, then the Toronto Zoo is only a 15 to 20 minute drive from the Pickering Nautical Village, depending on traffic, of course. Simply hop on highway 401 W and get off on Meadowvale Road and you’ll be there in no time! Be aware that COVID-19 health and safety precautions are currently in place and all guests must wear an appropriate face covering and maintain physical distancing while enjoying the indoor activities and exhibits at the zoo. Non-members must make timeslot reservations to walk through the zoo in advance to limit the number of people on the premises at any given time, so be sure to plan your day accordingly. Senior discounts are in effect, as always.
Take a Haunted Tour at the Pickering Museum Village
Do you love a good old fashioned ghost story? Would you dare wander through a real-life haunted house with a few friendly ghosts? Then a tour through the Pickering Museum Village might be right up your alley! If the Haunted Ghost Walk isn’t your cup of tea, there’s so much else going on at the Pickering Museum Village! You can also check out a series of themed walking tours, Bounty of the Harvest, a 1920s Prohibition-style escape room challenge, The Anne (of Green Gables) Experience, Friday Evening Ice Cream, the Pickering Fairy Tour, and so much more. With a variety of exhibitions, tour schedules, and activities for people of all ages, the fun doesn’t stop until you say so! As always, COVID-19 precautions are in place.
Cycle on the Bike Trails around Pickering
Pickering is chock-full of picturesque bike riding trails. The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail is the most popular bike riding trail in the city. It covers a total distance of 13 km, consisting of a 9 km off-road trail and a 4 km residential route. This is a family-friendly area that’s connected to a number of local parks and outdoor public spaces including Alex Robertson Park, Duffin Creek, and various parts of the Pickering Nautical Village.
Take a Hike Through the Altona Forest
The stunning Altona Forest in Pickering occupies approximately 53 hectares of woodlands. Home to many different species of plants and animals, the forest was labelled a significant environmental landmark and conservation area in 1982 by the City of Pickering. The forest is protected and maintained by the Altona Forest Community Stewardship Committee, which was established in 1998. Featuring picturesque trees, waterways, and natural phenomena, this is the perfect place to escape city life and truly immerse yourself in nature.
Online Activity Resources for Seniors in Pickering
Even though there’s a lot to see and do outside, spending time outdoors can be a little tricky for seniors even in the best of times. For those living in retirement homes in Durham Region who are unable to take lengthy walks and require special care, there’s a wealth of online resources at your fingertips that can connect you with nature. The staff at V!VA Retirement Communities in Pickering are more than happy to offer additional support in using the following resources.
Access the Pickering Public Library Online
For avid readers, the Pickering Public Library website contains a digital library that’s available to the public 24/7. Look up upcoming event schedules, reserve your spot for events, check the availability of books, sign up for a library card, browse through their online catalogue, and so much more.
Join the Pickering 55+ Facebook Group
Making new friends as an adult is hard, but social media has made it easier than ever to connect with new people virtually and in person. The 55+ Facebook Group is a group for older adults who are looking to make platonic connections later in life. Connect with different people by sharing favourite recipes, talking about books, TV shows, and movies, or your hobbies.
Engage in Digital Content about Local Wildlife
Do you love animals, but are unable to get outside as often as you’d like due to health conditions? Don’t worry, you can still get your daily wildlife and animal fix by listening to the Toronto Zoo podcast for all the latest updates on zoo events, exhibits, and animals. If you’re a wolf lover, the Haliburton Forest Wolf Webcams offer an up close and personal perspective of a day in the life of local wolf packs. The Canada Wildlife Webcams located in various national parks throughout the country also offer an unfettered close-up view of the natural habitats of various animal species in the wild.
At V!VA Retirement Communities, we truly value the personal experiences of our Community Members. Our goal is to help you make the most of your golden years by providing a variety of indoor and outdoor local activity options that cater to your specific interests. Contact us today to learn more about our retirement communities or to book a tour of our Pickering location.
