Toronto has plenty of things for you to do
The border may be closed but there’s no shortage of interesting things to do when accessing a world class city like Toronto is easy. And after months of being cooped up inside because of the pandemic, many older adults are ready to fly the coop and get out for some fun now that restrictions are easing. Still, the idea of venturing out can be a little – okay, a lot – daunting if you have trouble getting around on your own or have concerns about staying safe. This is where a companion caregiver can help.
For 4 to 8 hours every week, you can travel to Toronto and enjoy the attractions with your companion caregiver. A caregiver is the perfect travel partner. Not only do you get to enjoy the friendly company, but they also make it easier to get around while ensuring that physical distancing and other precautions are taken so you can focus on enjoying the outing.
Day Trip Ideas in Toronto for Seniors and their Caregivers
There’s so much to do in Toronto and we’ve rounded up some exciting and accessible options that are fun for all.
Toronto Waterfront
Toronto’s 46-kilometer shoreline is packed with exciting things to see and enjoy, from parks and beaches to art galleries and the Harbourfront Center.
Day-tripping the city’s shoreline offers up something for everyone and wide sidewalks and open spaces make it accessible to most and easy to physical distance.
Meander along the shoreline and stop at one of the many parks or patios and take in the beauty of the water, tall ships, and the skyline while you lunch. Beautiful Toronto Island is also just a ferry ride away! The ferries are all wheelchair accessible and the island almost completely barrier-free so getting around is a breeze.
High Park
High Park is Toronto’s largest public park and chock full of beauty and fun! It’s also one of the most popular Toronto day trip destinations for seniors and all other ages for that matter. It’s easy to access by car or public transportation and once there you can find enough to keep you busy for the entire day.
The park features wild forests and Chinese gardens, a mini zoo, and Grenadier Pond – the perfect spot for picnicking and watching the ducks and geese. If a picnic isn’t your thing, Grenadier Café is open for breakfast and lunch on the patio so you can dine surrounded by nature.
Toronto Zoo
The Toronto Zoo is fun for kids and those who are kids at heart!
The zoo spans over 710 acres with more than 10 KM of walking trails to let you see it all. To make it easier, the zoo has several accessible features like wheelchair accessible parking and pavilions, ramps rather than stairs, and free wheelchairs. Just keep in mind that tickets must be pre-booked for now due to Covid-19 occupancy restrictions.
Toronto Botanical Garden
The Toronto Botanical Garden is a nature lover’s paradise with award-winning and themed gardens that span close to four acres and feature over 4,500 plants, the Willet Creek Ravine, and numerous bird species.
When you’re ready for a break, the Garden Shop and Garden Café are open to visitors with physical distancing and other safety measures in place.
The Access 2 Card Program
Enjoying arts and entertainment with a caregiver is a lot more cost effective for those with an Access 2 card.
The Access 2 card program was launched by Easter Seals Canada in 2004 to make entertainment, cultural, and recreational opportunities available and accessible to all. It can be used at hundreds of venues across Canada, including many of Toronto’s attractions, including the Toronto Zoo, Harbourfront Center, and more.
The card is for people with all types of permanent disabilities who require the assistance of a support person.
A support person, such as a caregiver, is an adult who accompanies someone with a permanent disability to assist with services not provided by the venue. This includes assistance with eating, medication administering, use of the facilities, and more.
Access 2 cardholders receive free or discounted admission for their support person. The card costs $20 for 3 years or $30 for 5 years and is valid at all participating venues during that time.
This side of the border is full of wonderful places and experiences that can be enjoyed year round, so take your caregiver’s hand start exploring!
Article sources:
Access 2 Card. https://access2card.ca/
Harbourfront Centre. https://harbourfrontcentre.com/accessibility/
High Park Toronto. http://www.highparktoronto.com/index.php
Toronto Botanical Garden. https://torontobotanicalgarden.ca/
Toronto Island. https://www.torontoisland.com/index.php