Summer made it easy to stay active while social distancing, as you could simply go out to enjoy the warm temperatures and sunshine. Though things might be starting to cool down now, the crisp fall air, lower humidity, and, most importantly, fewer pesky bugs still make it very enjoyable to be outside. Below are some ideas for how you can continue to stay active and outdoors over the season.

1. Fruit picking

Fall is the perfect time to head to a nearby orchard and pick your own fresh produce. You’ll likely have to follow social distancing and other guidelines, but simply being outdoors is always a good option for limiting the spread of COVID-19. All sorts of delicious fruits are in season this time of year, including apples, pears, plums, nectarines, apricots, and peaches.

2. Leaf viewing

Canada has some of the most renowned fall vistas in the world. But, even if you don’t live near one of the more popular sights, you can still have a great time viewing the leaves in your neighbourhood or at the local park. Go on a regular walk to watch as the leaves change from their spring and summer greens to stunning conflagrations of yellow, orange, and red.

3. Hiking

One of the best places to see the colours of fall is on a hiking trail. The cooler fall temperatures also make for a more comfortable trek than under the hot summer sun. This fall, explore your local area and check out a trail you’ve never been to before, or head to a trail you’ve only been on in the summer to see how different the trees look in the fall.

4. Flying a kite

If you’re looking for a lighter activity that still gets you outdoors and on your feet, why not fly a kite? Flying a kite can be a lot more relaxing in cooler temperatures as well. Just pick a day that’s windy–but not too windy–and head out to an open field or park. Make sure your selected spot is free of any power lines or tall trees and buildings.

5. Fishing

Don’t put your fishing gear away just yet, because there’s still plenty to catch during the fall! You might have to seek deeper waters, but you can easily come away with a nice haul. The fall months are a great time for catching popular species like walleye, bass, northern pike, and lake trout. The beautiful fall scenery is best enjoyed from the water as well.

6. Yard work

You don’t have to go far from home to get some physical activity in during the fall, as there is likely some yard work waiting to get done. It’s the time of year for raking leaves, aerating the lawn, cleaning up the garden, and trimming away rogue branches. The more work you put into spiffing up your yard, the more of a workout you’ll get as well.

As we continue to manage the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important to stay active while staying safe. The warm summer months may be over, but fall offers plenty of time and opportunity to enjoy the outdoors before winter hits.