For some people, retiring means having more leisure time, where they can sit back and take in the simple things in life. Others have no intention of slowing down whatsoever. Retiring just means more time for socializing, travelling, and pursuing all those passions they didn’t have time for while working.
Whatever your retirement lifestyle, the City of Toronto is a great place where you can experience it all. In this post, let’s take a look at some of the most exciting activities you have to look forward to once your work days are behind you.
Escape to Nature
Toronto is home to spectacular nature getaways that are perfect for rejuvenating your spirits. With so many trails and parks, it’s time to get out and take in the scenery. Here are a few of our favourite green spaces right here in the West End.
- High Park: Toronto’s second-largest park features a pond, stunning gardens, and even a petting zoo. It’s perfect for an afternoon stroll or sports game, whatever your energy level calls for. This is one of many places in Toronto that we never get tired of talking about!
- King’s Mill Park: Located a little to the west of Bloor West Village, King’s Mill Park has a beautiful trail that leads straight to Lake Ontario. It’s hard to find a better spot for a picnic, a leisurely stroll, or a bike ride.
- Beresford Park: Whenever you feel like relaxing on a bench and watching the world go by, you’ll find plenty of scenic options in Toronto. Beresford Park is one of many examples nestled between Baby Point and Bloor West Village.
If you can’t get enough of beautiful scenery and nature, you will want to learn all about our Top Hiking Trails In The West End.
A Golfer’s Paradise
Golfing is the quintessential activity for many retirees. What better chance to socialize, exercise, and take in the scenery and fresh air with friends? Fortunately, you don’t have to go far to play a round, as Toronto boasts some of Ontario’s finest greens. Here are just a few places where you can tee up:
- Islington Golf Club: 12 months of special events and great dining will ensure your calendar is full of fun activities all year long.
- Scarlett Woods Golf Course: This course is suitable for players at all levels, including beginners. You can download a map from the City of Toronto website.
- Lambton Golf Course: A private golf and tennis club provides a scenic and welcoming environment where you can relax and unwind with friends or family.
Are you planning to downsize in the next year or two? The resources below will help you plan:
- Your A to Z Guide to Downsizing in Toronto
- Is it Better to Downsize Before Retirement?
- Best Toronto Neighbourhoods for Active Retirees
Make a Splash
Swimming is the ideal activity for energetic retirees who remain kids at heart! Toronto is also a swimmer’s paradise, and there are plenty of opportunities to splash and cool off. Indoor pools operate year-round, providing a great way to get out of the house and feel like you’re on a mini-vacation while you’re at it. And there’s even more great news! All outdoor public pools in Toronto offer free admission during the summer.
- Sunnyside Gus Ryder Outdoor Pool: It’s hard to get more decadent than a luxurious swimming pool right on the beach! Here, you can enjoy a leisurely swim, get your strokes in, or even up your skills with swimming lessons.
- Sunnyside Beach: If you’d rather splash in the waves, the shores of Lake Ontario are calling your name. This beach is adjacent to the public pool, giving you plenty of options to cool down.
- Miles Nadal JCC: This fitness and aquatics centre offers a variety of activities and features a heated indoor saltwater pool.
- Joseph J. Piccininni Community Centre: An indoor pool with a giant water slide is a fantastic way to delight the inner child in all of us! Lane swims, recreational swims, and swimming lessons are available.
This is just a small taste of the many great places to make a splash in Toronto. To learn more, read our post Keeping Cool In The West End.
Take in the Dining Scene
Toronto’s West End is full of fantastic restaurants, from cozy cafes where you can relax with a book to world-class fine dining establishments and everything in between. If you don’t want to go out, you can get takeout. If you want more than just a meal, there are plenty of pubs that feature a bustling atmosphere and even live music.
Food isn’t isn’t just about satisfying our hunger. It’s about having fun and creating memories with the people we love. And nothing brings folks together more than laughing and bonding over a delicious meal.
Is out-of-this-world dining a big part of your retirement plan? Check out our Best Toronto Neighbourhoods for Foodies.
Get Social
As much as many of us look forward to retiring one day, one of the downfalls is losing touch with those we care about. That’s why it’s important to make an effort to stay social and to keep nurturing those precious connections.
Fortunately, Toronto is a friendly city with many opportunities to meet new people and create new experiences with those you’ve known for a lifetime. If you’re looking for a way to connect with others, there are many resources at your disposal. Numerous recreational centres offer free or low-cost drop-in programs for seniors where you can expand your horizons. You can learn more on the City of Toronto website here. Local Meet Up Groups are also a great way to get out and enjoy the city.
Whether you’re heading out for a coffee, hiking a new trail, learning some new dance moves, or exploring a hidden talent, it’s almost always better with a bestie at your side.
Do you want to know more about buying, selling, or investing in West Toronto real estate? Our friendly team of agents is standing by. Reach out to info@sidorovainwood.com or call 416-769-3437 to connect with us today.
