V!VA’s Top Picks for Outdoor Activities in Mississauga
Published on August 6, 2021
Autumn is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors, especially for older adults who find this summer’s heat a bit too oppressive.
At V!VA Mississauga, we encourage all of our Community Members to get as much outdoor time as possible. Engaging in outdoor activities and new experiences is good for the body, mind, and soul.
Studies show that seniors that spend a significant amount of time engaging in outdoor activities lead happier and more fulfilling lives. Here are a few suggestions for outdoor activities for seniors living in Mississauga retirement residences.
Breathtaking Walks in Various Parks and Conservation Areas
Although spring is technically the peak blossoming season for the Japanese cherry blossoms at Kariya Park, this scenic outdoor space is still a beautiful natural sight to behold late into the summer months and early fall. Named after Mississauga’s sister city, Kariya, Japan, Kariya Park is adorned with breathtaking natural beauty and well-maintained footpaths that make it the perfect outdoor getaway for seniors of all ages and abilities. Similar parks in Mississauga include J.C. Saddington Park, Erindale Park, Lake Aquitaine Park, and Lakefront Promenade Park.
Visit Riverwood Conservancy
Riverwood Conservancy is the ideal outdoor space to explore for nature and animal lovers. Located along the famous Credit River, Riverwood features a whopping 150-acre nature conservation area and boasts almost 500 different animal and plant species. Not only is it a great place to explore local nature in the heart of Mississauga, but you can also participate in outdoor community events, exercise classes for seniors, and educate yourself about local wildlife in the area.
Have Fun in the Sun at the Beach
Mississauga may be a bustling city, but it’s also home to some of the most beautiful public beaches in Ontario’s Peel Region. More “mature” beach bums can spend hours having fun in the sun at various beaches including Jack Darling Park, Richard’s Memorial Park, and Lakefront Promenade Park to name a few.
Walk the Rattray Marsh Boardwalk
After you’re finished frolicking in the water and soaking up the rays at Jack Darling Park, you can make your way over to the nearby Rattray Marsh Conservation located on Bexhill Road in Mississauga. The raised boardwalk overlooks a stunning natural view surrounded by greenery and a crisp, clear Lake Ontario. Considering it’s the last remaining lakefront marsh from Toronto to Burlington, it’s definitely worth visiting at least once in your life.
Experience the Beautiful Wahoosh Waterfalls
If you happen to love waterfalls, but don’t have the means or ability to make the trek all the way to Niagara Falls, then the Wahoosh Waterfalls in Mississauga are the next best thing. Known as Mississauga’s hidden waterfalls, this gem of a natural phenomenon is tucked away near the intersection of Burnhamthorpe Road West just east of Mississauga Road. In fact, it’s so well hidden, that many locals don’t even know it exists! There’s no official parking lot to get to the waterfall, so visitors can park at the nearby Riverwood Conservancy or Sawmill Creek Park and walk over. We highly suggest visiting all three places and making a fun day of it!
Explore Port Credit
Port Credit is an incredibly scenic little slice of nautical paradise located in the heart of Mississauga. It features a beautiful red and white lighthouse on the harbour of Lake Ontario and is a major tourist attraction during the summer months due to its many restaurants, shops, and scenic boardwalk.
Visit the Credit Valley Conservation Area
Seniors living in a Mississauga retirement community would be remiss not to visit the idyllic Credit Valley Conservation Area at least once. From exploring the expansive conservation area at a leisurely pace to enjoying an outdoor BBQ in the park and taking a stroll along the boardwalk of the stunning Cheltanham Badlands, there’s a lot to see and do while visiting this ambitious community-based environmental organization that’s “dedicated to protecting, restoring, and managing the natural resources of the Credit River Watershed”.
Visit an Art Gallery in Mississauga
Whether you’re an avid art collector or simply appreciate timeless classic and contemporary masterpieces from local artists, visiting one of the many renowned art galleries in Peel Region is an important aspect of expanding your cultural education and understanding of the arts. Start with the Art Gallery of Mississauga and work your way over to the Crescent Hill Gallery and Harbour Gallery to experience the full and unique scope of the local art scene in Mississauga. You can opt to make a day of it or plan several different outings depending on your specific preferences.
Spend a Day at Streetsville
Aptly referred to as “the village in the city”, Streetsville is a charming old-fashioned small town located on the Credit River in the northwestern corner of Mississauga. Although it’s small compared to the rest of the city, it’s a main tourist attraction in the summer months and a steady cultural hub rapt for socialization thanks in large parts to its numerous restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops.
Make a Trip to the Historic Small Arms Inspection Building
During the height of the Second World War, this historic building was the site of a local and well-known munitions manufacturing facility. Although the original architecture has remained intact and been maintained over the years, the building itself was transformed into a modern hub for local artists of all ages to showcase their works. It also has a beautiful outdoor garden that features three trees that were transplanted from Vimy Ridge, providing a perfect mixture of natural historical artifacts with contemporary design.
Life at V!VA Retirement Communities in Mississauga
V!VA Retirement Communities is proud to provide top-notch retirement living for seniors in Mississauga. In addition to encouraging our Community Members to remain physically active well into their golden years, we also provide safe and clean suites, caregiving services as needed, delicious meals prepared by Red Seal chefs, fun indoor activities and classes, and an independent senior living experience unlike any other. Contact us today to discover the V!VA difference.
