Summer’s here!
And now that the weather is getting warmer, everyone’s ready to get out of the house and explore.
But with the COVID pandemic, it’s pretty challenging to find new, fun and, most importantly, safe activities to enjoy with your friends or family.
Here are 10 of the best-hidden gems in Brampton that are COVID – friendly and packed full of adventure and excitement (just remember to keep your mask on)!
1. Watch a Movie Under The Stars.
Bored of watching Netflix on your couch? Head outside to a nearby park or a community center with your blanket and snacks, and enjoy a jam-packed list of movies lined up just for your entertainment.
Here’s the best part – this outdoor movie theater is entirely free! The screenings are airing all across Brampton, although the main batch will be shown on a big screen at Garden Center. Fun activities begin at 8 PM and the actual movie starts at 9 PM.
Here’s a list of all the exciting movies that will be shown this summer – they have old pictures guaranteed to bring up nostalgia as well as new movies that you might’ve missed. This movie theatre under the stars will last until December.
2. Breathtaking Views On Bruce Trail
Located in Southern Ontario, Bruce Trail is a hiking trail (footpath) running from the Niagara River to the tip of Tobermory in Ontario.
Quite long (890km!) and with many stunning waterfalls on the way, Bruce Trail is one of the oldest hiking trails in Canadian history.
Luckily, it runs close to Brampton while making its way north from Niagara. There’s an entrance to the trail close to Georgetown with a parking lot so you won’t have to hike all the way home.
You will also enjoy the streams and rivers that run up to the Niagara Escarpment, and you’ll be able to reach the Niagara falls using the same trail if you’re up for the challenge.
3. Test Your Puzzle-Solving Skills With An Escape Room
Escape rooms have been gaining popularity in recent years. It’s no wonder – an escape room is a real-life game, where you need to find clues to get yourself out of a room before a timer runs out. It can be thrilling, scary, or mysterious, depending on the theme you decide to choose.
There are several Escape Rooms in Brampton. Here are just a few top-rated ones:
Key Quest Escape room
Omescape
Mr. Escape
Captive Rooms
Escape The House
DeCode Adventures
X-Treme Escape Adventures
Perplexity Escape Games
4. Mono Cliffs
Located on the Bruce Trail, the Mono Cliffs are a trendy place and usually gets packed in the summer. If you plan to visit it, make sure you prepare in advance to avoid any disappointments when you get there.
First, you need to get a daily vehicle permit if you plan on driving there. Without it, you won’t be able to get a parking spot or even be allowed inside the park.
Second, pick an activity for the day! With over 20 hiking trails throughout the park, biking paths and horseback riding, there’s plenty to choose from.
Aside from that, it’s advised to visit the cliff when it is less crowded to make your trip more COVID-friendly. Mono Cliff gets the largest amount of visitors during weekends and holidays, so going during the weekday may be the safest option.
5. Topaz Lake
Can’t wait to go on a tropical vacation? Well, Topaz Lake is a place for you. Found in Killarney Provincial Park, this stunning swimming hole features turquoise water and can instantly transport you to paradise.
It’s found along the La Cloche Silhouette Trail and is only a four-hour trip from Brampton, making it a perfect day-trip destination. With the sunny days and water that will soothe your skin, spice up your summer with a little beach getaway.
6. Hogg’s Falls
This is one of the best-hidden gems in all of Canada! The Hogg’s falls are conveniently located in a forest preserve in Beaver Valley.
They are camouflaged by the forest around and are pretty secluded, but if you want to come visit them they are easily accessible.
The water on the waterfall lasts all year round, and the bottom of the Hogg’s has a good fishing spot. If you love fishing, private locations, and waterfalls this is a must-visit!
7. Enjoy a Day Out at Treetop Trekking
If you’re feeling bold, you should check out Treetop Trekking! This adventure park company offers zip-lining and tree climbing, so you can enjoy the view way up top.
Treetop Trekking has 5 parks all over Southern Ontario and one of them is right here, at Brampton! From observation courses to team-building exercises, you can find and book an experience that is unique and most fun for you!
They even have open nights, meaning that you can enjoy the adventure after sundown. If you’re not afraid of heights, then this is something you must try out!
8. Discover Outside Sports at Professor’s Lake
The Professor’s Lake is a recreational center in Brampton. Located at the beach, this center is open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM and offers both indoor and outdoor amenities.
Here are just a few of the things that you can do at the Professor’s Lake recreation center:
Have a bite at the snack Bar
Go to the seasonal beach
Hike on a beautiful trail around the lake
Enjoy a water slide
Play beach volleyball
9. See The Badlands Before They’re Gone
Just outside Brampton, in Caledon, are the famous Cheltenham Badlands. They are located on the west of highway 10 between Creditview and Chinguacousy Roads.
The Cheltenham Badlands were caused by the terrible farming practices in the 1930s. Over the years, they have gotten more fragile and now are only available for viewings – not for walks.
They are still a sight to behold, so you might wanna hurry up and get your tickets, as they might soon be replaced by a parking lot. Keep in mind that you have a reservation in advance to be able to visit the badlands.
10. Bask in the Warm Weather with a Nice Patio
If you love good food and the outdoors, then you must visit at least one of these top 5 patios in Brampton this summer:
The Crown and Lion English Pub. In the mood for live music this summer? The Crown and Lion offers live music and dart tournaments on weekend nights. This patio is also surrounded by transparent walls, allowing you to bathe in the sunlight.
Iggy’s Grill Bar Patio. Located at the Mississauga Road and Financial Drive intersection, Iggy’s Grill Bar Patio is more of a restaurant than a bar. Part of a golf course, Iggy’s offers a modern take on a traditional golf menu – if you’re planning to play this summer, this patio will be an excellent choice.
The Works Crafts & Beer. This restaurant specializes in everything burger and beer related! Located at Queen St. in downtown Brampton, this patio is guaranteed to satisfy and central right beside Starbucks.
Carve on Lot 5. This is the only rooftop patio in Brampton, so it is definitely worth checking out. Not only does this patio have a bar and fantastic scenery, the menu (that’s loosely based on a concept of an English carvery) does not disappoint!
NINE18. Looking for a quick bite, an evening out or tasty dessert? How about all 3? This enormous covered and heated patio has a full service bar & lounge and was voted one of the best patios in Brampton. Plus, it has a great golf course view and this same extensive golf course helps accommodate multiple groups while abiding by COVID-19 social distancing guidelines.