Staycationing is the new vacationing, and with summertime, right around the corner, the question on everyone’s mind is how to make the most of it. While the majority of 
Ontario is moving into Phase 2 of reopening, there are still social distancing restrictions in place. No matter where you go or what you do, be sure to abide by the current safety measures recommended by the Government of Ontario. Practise social distancing, wear a mask when necessary and sanitize your hands often.
So how do we make the most out of our summer? It’s been a stressful year, and it has left a lot of us exhausted and needing an escape or a mental break.
Here are some tips for staycationing in Ontario and how to make the most of your summer vacation.
1) Spend time outdoors! Green space is not hard to find in Ontario, even if you live in a big city like Toronto. Go for a hike at a national or provincial park or take a day trip out to a beach. Pack a picnic, forget your phone, and your responsibilities, at home and disconnect for a little bit. Spending time outdoors and with nature is a fantastic way to recharge and ground yourself.
2) Visit local landmarks and tourist attractions. This is the perfect time to get better acquainted with your city or town. Make it a point to explore more of it by going to local farmers markets, walking around the downtown core or by finding hidden gems in the suburbs. Write a list of all of the places in your hometown that you’d like to visit and cross them out as you go!
3) Have an at-home spa day. Little luxuries can sometimes be the best luxuries so really lean into it. Draw a bath, light some candles and live your best-quarantined life. This will give you a much-needed escape from reality, and it’s something that you can do from the comfort of your own home, and it’s something that you can do on your own terms. Despite some lockdown measures being lifted, some of us are still unable to leave the house due to health reasons or otherwise, but it’s still important to give yourself a break.
4) Host a social distance BBQ. Starting on Friday groups of up to ten people will be able to social distance together. Put together a BBQ and invite over some of your closest friends and family. Social interaction is few and far between these days for most people and, if you’re an extrovert, that can really take its toll. Getting away and enjoying your own company is great for some people, but it can be essential to recharge your social batteries as well.