Unless you’re a die-hard all-season runner or live for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, summer is your best chance to get outside and enjoy as many activities as possible in a short period.
While you may be a member of a local gym or boutique fitness studio, even the most devout OG members have been known to venture out and try something different to meet new people and make the most of the long, balmy summer days in Ontario. Plus, it’s a great way to put your fitness levels to the test after all the hard work you put in indoors all year long.
Go outside of your regular fitness routine—literally!—and try one of these fresh-air fitness programs this summer! Here are 8 to try:
Body Buster Fitness Bootcamp (Toronto)
Embrace the summer of 2023 with BodyBuster Fitness' exhilarating outdoor and indoor boot camps in Toronto. Achieve your fitness goals while enjoying the great outdoors—their feature class is set in Toronto’s famously scenic High Park. They also offer several indoor options for those looking for a little shelter from extreme heat or rain.
If you live in Ottawa and enjoy walking, hiking, cycling, camping, and canoeing, then the Ottawa Outdoor Club has some scheduled group events you may enjoy! While their website might hurt your eyes a little—we had to warn you!—they are well organized and up to date with loads of information including contact info for group leaders to help you get fit while enjoying nature.
Paddle Niagara (Niagara-on-the-Lake)
Paddle Niagra is where stand-up paddle boarding and community intersect in beautiful Niagara on the Lake. With private and group classes available, there are up to four different class times to choose from daily. They also offer kayak tours and special events like evening and full moon paddles for something a little extra special.
Jump in on a weekly yoga class right on beautiful Burlington beach every Tuesday night or attend a special moon event or social. The site also has a calendar of SUP events so be sure to check it out and get ready to get fit on the water this summer.
Outdoor Fitness Options (Kitchener)
While these may not be classes per se, the city of Kitchener is well organized with a variety of outdoor recreational activities to enjoy with everything from tennis and basketball courts, pools, parks, trails, and even horseshoe pitches to get you outside and active this summer.
Outdoor Cycling Tours (Across Ontario)
Calling all cyclists! Biking can sometimes feel like a solitary activity and if you haven’t found your “bike gang” yet, the destinationontario.com has a bunch of options for various biking tours across the province whether you’re looking for a half-day jaunt or a more all-inclusive long-distance journey.
The city of Toronto has stepped up its fitness game and now offers a wide variety of outdoor exercise classes including everything from cardio dance, HIIT, Pilates, Yoga, and Zumba. Programs fill up fast and registration is required so if you miss out on your top selection this season, be sure to set an alert to register early for the next one!
Port Hope has something pretty special when it comes to al fresco fitness. Take a 2km stroll or job along the Ganaraska River and stop at the 6 fitness stations along the way that include signs with detailed exercise instructions. Washrooms and parking are also available.
Please note that availability and schedules may vary, so it's best to check with each organization or visit their websites for the most up-to-date information on classes, timings, costs, and registration, ahead of time. Have fun!
