The Ultimate Summer Bucket List: Travel Edition

Welcome to part two of your ultimate summer bucket list. We're looking at some activities that are a little outside the Oshawa area, but I think they're totally worth the drive! 😝

1. Picnic at Scarborough Bluffs

Who doesn't love picnics? And if you haven't seen the beauty of Scarborough Bluffs, you need to combine the two. It'll definitely be worth it! 

📍Scarborough Bluffs Park, Scarborough, ON M1M 3H3

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2. Canadian National Exhibition (CNE)

CNE is such a blast! The rides, the snacks, and the open market are all super fun and worth checking out. Just make sure you save up a bit for this one because you will end up spending a lot 😬 but honestly, I think it’s worth it — at least once!

Also, my tip is to go on a weekday in the morning to avoid the rush because it gets pretty busy.

⭐PS: Scared to drive in downtown Toronto or don’t wanna deal with parking? Me too… so it’s a good thing there’s a GO Train that takes you right there! 

📍Canadian National Exhibition Foundation, 210 Princes' Blvd, Toronto

📅August 15, 2025 - September 1, 2025 

🔗Buy Tickets 

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3. Canada's Wonderland 

Who hasn't heard of Wonderland? I like it because it's roller coasters and a water park all in one! 

⭐PS: My money-saving tip is to leave the park and get food from outside because the food in the park is super overpriced. 

📍Canada's Wonderland, Vaughan, ON L6A 1S6

🔗Buy Tickets 

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4. Make Pottery 

We wanted to try something a little different this summer and learn a new skill, so we added making pottery to our bucket list. Plus, you'll get a cute mug/plate from it! 

Here is the place we had in mind, but I've yet to go. 

📍The Pottery, 498 Runnymede Rd, Toronto

🔗Learn More

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5. Kensington Market 

Kensington Market is such a vibe. It’s full of cool vintage shops, cute little cafes, and so many random spots to explore. It’s one of those places where you never really know what you’ll find, which makes it even better. Perfect for a day of wandering, shopping, and taking cute pics.

📍Kensington Market, Toronto, ON

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6. Uplå – Outdoor Trampoline Park in the Trees

This place looks so cool and different — it’s basically a giant trampoline park built into the forest. You’re literally bouncing through nets, slides, and lookout spots all up in the trees. I've never been, but from the TikToks I've seen, I need to go.

⭐PS: Make sure to book in advance because spots fill up fast, especially on weekends.

✨There’s also a nighttime version called uplå Aglow, where everything lights up!

📍Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area, 3291 Stouffville Rd, Whitchurch-Stouffville

📅Opens May 17, 2025

🔗Buy Tickets

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7. Wet’n’Wild Toronto

Such a fun way to beat the heat! The slides, wave pool, and lazy river make it perfect for a full summer day with friends. Bring sunscreen and try to go on a weekday to avoid the big crowds.

⭐PS: Since we’re in university, our perk is that we get out earlier than high school and elementary students. So, try going on a weekday before everyone else is off. The rush really picks up once school’s out. You’ll need to book ahead anyway, it gets super busy on hot days!

📍7855 Finch Ave W, Brampton, ON L6T 0B2
📅 Opens June 7, 2025
🔗 Buy Tickets

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8. Cobourg Beach

Cobourg Beach is a hidden gem and only about a 45-minute drive from Oshawa. It’s got soft sand and a boardwalk, perfect for a beach day without going too far. There’s even a splash pad and food trucks nearby, so you can easily spend the whole day there.

📍138 Division St, Cobourg, ON K9A 3P3
🔗 More Info

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9. Sandbanks Provincial Park

If you're up for a bit more of a drive, Sandbanks is totally worth it. The beach looks like it's straight out of the Caribbean. It’s about 1.5 hours from Oshawa, so perfect for a day trip or even a weekend getaway.

📍3004 County Rd 12, Picton, ON K0K 2T0
🔗 More Info 

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10. Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a must-see (just under 2 hours from Oshawa). It also has fireworks during the summer!

📍6650 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 0L0
🔗 More Info

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11.  Biking on Centre Island

We wanted to try something a bit different this summer, so we decided on biking around Centre Island. It's such a fun and relaxing way to explore the Toronto Islands!  You can bring your own bike on the ferry or rent one once you're there. The paths are mostly flat and easy to navigate, making it perfect for a leisurely ride with friends.

📍Centre Island, Toronto Islands
📅 Open year-round; ferry service varies seasonally
🔗 More Info

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Well, that's it, folks! I hope to document myself trying all these activities and hope you guys do too!