Covid-19 has taken the last year and a half by storm. We’ve missed important days, events, and celebrations. We’ve lost touch with friends, felt isolated, and suffered through the dreaded Covid-19 winter; where seasonal depression collided with mandatory isolation. But, with the light at the end of the tunnel approaching more and more rapidly every day, we can (cautiously) reclaim our fun in the summer sun. As of June 10th, 73% of Canada’s over 12+ population had had at least one dose of a vaccine; with nearly 200,000 vaccines administered in one day. While reopening procedures vary around the world if you haven’t had a chance to research plans for Ontario, here’s where we need to be with vaccines for each phase of reopening.
Phase 1
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- 60% of adults with at least one dose
- Allowances:
- Outdoor events of up to 10 people
- Outdoor dining for up to 4 people
- Essential Retail reopening at 25% capacity
- Non-Essential retail reopening at 15% capacity
- Indoor religious ceremonies at 15% capacity
- Outdoor sports training of up to 10 people
- Day Camps and overnight camping
- Outdoor races without spectators
- Outdoor pools
- Minimum of 3 weeks before next phase
Phase 2
- 70% of adults with at least one dose and 20% of adults with both doses
- Allowances:
- Outdoor events of up to 20 people
- Indoor gatherings of up to 5 people
- Outdoor dining for up to 6 people
- Essential retail capacity at 50%
- Non-essential retail capacity at 25%
- Large indoor religious services and other ceremonies with capacity limits
- Overnight camps
- Personal care services (with masks)
- Outdoor meetings and events
- Outdoor amusement and water parks
- Outdoor sports games
- Outdoor cinemas, art, and music events
- Minimum of 3 weeks before next phase
Phase 3
- 80% of adults with at least one dose and 25% of adults with both doses
- Allowances:
- Large indoor and outdoor social gatherings
- Indoor dining
- Essential and Non-essential retail with limited capacity
- Large indoor religious services and other ceremonies with capacity limits
- Indoor meetings and events
- Indoor sports
- Indoor seated events
- Indoor attractions and amenities
- Casinos and Bingo Halls
- All activities from phase 2 eligible to operate indoors
We are on track to have a safe and pleasant reopening, but just because things are starting to clear up, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take some precautions to stay safe while having fun. Here are some fun summer activities for each phase of Ontario’s reopening plan.
Phase 1:
Rent a Campsite at a Provincial Park
Ontario is home to so many beautiful provincial parks. Some of my favorites are Pinery, Sandbanks, Algonquin, and the Bruce Peninsula. Pack a car with your family or a friend and spend the weekend in the great outdoors. Weekend fun with lots of fresh air and minimal mask use!
Algonquin Provincial Park
DIY Drive-in
This idea is a little bit involved, but I’ve tried it before and it definitely satisfied all my quarantine entertainment cravings. If you have a car, fill the trunk with blankets, pillows, and a foam mattress if you have one. For bonus points add some fairy lights. Next, get a projector and screen. Projectors can run about $100 (like this one) and you can either use a laundry line and a sheet as a screen or buy one online for around $30. Plug in your projector and drive to a nice location for a beautiful DIY, covid-safe movie theatre!
Picnic and Food Boards
This is an oldie, but a goodie. Picnics are a classic outdoor activity and with a gathering allowance of up to 5, grab your besties and make a cheese board if you haven’t already. For inspiration, check out The Cheese Plate, HEB, or Jeremy Scheck on Tiktok or scroll through Pinterest!
Photo By Evangelina Silina
Hiking
Ontario hiking is underrated. During Phase 1, take advantage of fresh air and get outside with one or two friends. Some of my favorite places are Red Rock/Nipigon, Cup and Saucer Trail, Flowerpot Island Loop, and Eagle’s Nest.
Eagle’s Nest Lookout
Phase 2:
Monochrome Cocktail Night
Now that you can have a few friends over outside, take advantage! One of my favorite summer activities is monochrome cocktail/potluck night. Have all your guests pick a color and come in a monochrome outfit with matching food and/or drinks. It’s a great way to get into the swing of summer!
Nail Day
Personal care opens during phase 2! Grab your best friend, your mom, or just have a day to yourself and head to your closest nail salon. Here is some summer nail inspo.
Visit One of Ontario’s Amusement Parks
Ontario might not have many, but amusement parks are a distinct summer activity that, during phase 2, is possible! Social distance and have a mask on standby in case you have to enter indoor spaces. Some parks around the province include Canada’s Wonderland, Calypso Water Park, and LaRonde (if you feel like crossing over into Quebec).
Canada’s Wonderland
Non-DIY Drive-In
Didn’t feel like doing it yourself? Drive-Ins open during phase 2! Pack up your car and head to one of the many drive-ins around Ontario. Pro-tips: Bring bug spray and/or a mosquito net, a portable tunable radio, snacks, and something comfy to sit on!
Phase 3:
Support a Local Restaurant
When it’s safe to do so, restaurants are a great way to reconnect with loved ones and enjoy some delicious, warm, non-takeout food. Furthermore, help out small businesses in your area as they recover from restrictions. 
Try a sport/Exercise Class
Sports clubs and gyms are in the same boat as other small businesses. A great way to have fun and stay in shape during phase 3 is to pick up a sport either short or long term. Hit up a class or two with a friend or commit to learning a new skill, either way, this is definitely something to look forward to!
Quarantine Theme Party
Indulge in the irony and host a quarantine theme party! While respecting all precautions and regulations, invite a few friends over and celebrate the prospective end of covid as vaccines roll out. Dress in covid-approved loungewear. Bring back quarantine delicacies like whipped coffee, baked feta pasta, pancake cereal, cloud bread, and baked oats. Have fun with it and say a proper goodbye to Covid-19 (while staying safe)!
Whatever you decide to do, make sure you’re being considerate of others and doing your part to prevent the spread. Summer 2021 is going to be lots of fun, but only if we work together and follow guidelines. For updates on summer activities, covid-19, and more, check back to Femonomic next week! Stay positive, test negative.
