We use cookies on this site to enhance your experience.
By selecting “Accept” and continuing to use this website, you consent to the use of cookies.
By Veronica Specyal, English and Film Studies MA student
Summer is now well underway, so we have been thinking about how to make the most of the remainder of our time before we dive into the next fall term. We compiled a list of nine activities that we will be trying over the coming weeks, and which we wanted to share with you so that you can make the most of the summer, too.
Of course, many of these suggestions aren’t solely restricted to the summer months, so feel free to let them inspire your free time well into the future.
Being physically active is a great way to improve both your mental and physical health but, if you’re like us, you may be disenchanted with the more common methods of getting active, like running or weightlifting. Fortunately, there are many opportunities for unorthodox and lesser-known ways to get moving.
This summer, why not try rock climbing, taking a dance or aerials class or going ice skating. These unique activities are a great way to get active, and one or more of them is offered near each of Laurier's campuses.
If physical activity isn’t your thing, or you require something gentler on the body, why not try out a creative endeavour. You can try your hand at visual art, music or acting at various local events and classes being hosted over the course of this summer.
If you would prefer to be an audience member, rather than a creator yourself, there are plenty of creative endeavours which you can spectate this summer.
Although streaming is now the go-to movie watching mode for many, there are plenty of movie theatres which you could attend this summer. With multiple chains near each of Laurier's campuses playing everything from recent blockbusters to arthouse works and international hits, you are sure to find something that interests you.
If you prefer the stage to the screen, we encourage you to seek out some of the local theatres consistently showcasing a diverse range of live performing arts.
Tip: If you’re willing and able to travel a bit further, Stratford and Toronto are both accessible by car or public transit and are also home to a wide array of theatrical productions (oftentimes with student discounts on tickets).
Another low-stakes path to mental stimulation could include visiting one of the art galleries that Kitchener-Waterloo, Milton and Brantford are all respectively home to.
Tip: If you're on the Waterloo campus, you can check out the Robert Langen Art Gallery, which is housed in Laurier's own library!
If you’d rather get outside and enjoy the summer weather, we recommend checking out the local natural amenities.
There is a wide array of trails for hiking and biking in Kitchener-Waterloo, Brantford and Milton. If you're in Kitchener-Waterloo, you can also accelerate your outdoor adventuring by taking advantage of the e-bikes and e-scooters available for rent in the area.
If you start to get too hot and want to cool off, there are sites for swimming in Waterloo, Brantford and Milton. The Brant Conservation Area has one of the largest pools in the province. Milton is home to the Kelso Conservation Area which features a sandy beach for swimming, among other activities. In Waterloo, you can visit Laurel Creek Conservation Area, which also has a beach with access for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, sailing and fishing.
Tip: If you want to extend your trip to Laurel Creek, you can turn it into an overnight experience by staying at one of their 114 campsites.
After all of this activity, you’re bound to be hungry, so why not satisfy your cravings by dining at one of the diverse restaurants local to Laurier.
Cuisines from an expansive range of cultures are available near our campuses, including: Türkiye, the Philippines, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Korea, Jamaica, Cuba, China, Japan, Nigeria and Syria.
Another option for dining this summer could be through a visit to one (or more) of the farmer’s markets near Laurier's campuses. Ready-to-eat food is available from many vendors, or you can take this opportunity to source fresh, local ingredients to cook something up for yourself.
Although there is much to gain within our local communities, it is always good to remember to give back as well. A great way to do so can be through volunteering with the countless charities and organizations in the community that are looking for support.
Tip: Volunteer positions are often posted on Navigator, making it easy to find and apply for them.
As much as it is enriching and entertaining to spend the summer trying new activities and engaging with the local community, it’s also vital to enjoy some downtime during this period.
Making it through another academic term is a big achievement and often a tiresome endeavour, so make time to rest and rejuvenate before the hustle and bustle starts up again in the fall.