It’s fair to say that summer 2020 is starting in a way that no one really anticipated. With a pandemic in tow, it’s hard to get used to awkward restrictions and adapt to the new normal.

However, those restrictions are easing and in the meantime you can look into a few interesting ideas on how to pass your time.

1. Get active 

Golf courses, trails, dog parks, skate parks, sports fields, tennis and pickleball courts are open but with important COVID-19 guidelines that must be followed. Check out these guidelines on the City of Saskatoon website and as always, remember to follow safe hygiene and distancing practices. At the moment, indoor recreation facilities, outdoor pools and spray parks are closed. 

2. Explore nature

Campgrounds and national parks are now open! Grasslands National Park still has select areas and services open, like the Badlands Parkway and the Ecotour Scenic Drive. Prince Albert National Park still boasts most of its day use trails and beaches with recreational boating and fishing on select lakes and rivers. For detailed information on both national parks, check out the Parks Canada website. National historic sites such as Batoche and Fort Walsh are also open and running a variety of services, with more information on specific closures on their respective websites.

3. Try out a drive-in movie experience 

Drive-in theatres are becoming increasingly popular and you might be interested in trying one out for yourself. The Prairie Dog, Twilite and Clearwater drive-in theatres in Saskatchewan have opened  and are featuring a variety of movies, from Ford v Ferrari to Sonic the Hedgehog. Even Sasktel Centre is turning its parking lot into a drive-in theatre and is screening a diverse range of classics. Of course, physical distancing guidelines apply, but cinema under the stars might just be a worthwhile experience in itself.

4. Browse an online art gallery (May 29-July 31)

The internet is no stranger to Art Now Online — the only online group exhibition of Saskatchewan’s galleries. Reawakening is Art Now Online’s ninth exhibition. Browse their collection of curated art and contact the gallery to place an order. This event itself is free and you can check out their website for more information. 

5. Don’t miss out on Canada Day (July 1)

This year, Canada Day is going to look pretty different. Canadian Heritage will feature midday and evening shows on its social media accounts. Additionally, CBC and Radio-Canada will be providing virtual interactive activities and online content specifically created for the holiday. Saskatoon Optimist Canada Day has cancelled this year’s Diefenbaker Park celebration but is compensating for it by hosting virtual “Opening Ceremonies” featuring local virtual ceremonies and tuning into the nation’s Virtual Canada Day celebration.

6. Attend the Saskatchewan Festival of Words (July 13-19)

The 24th annual Saskatchewan Festival of Words will be held online this year. Featuring a line-up of exciting authors, the event includes various panels, readings and workshops. View theatrical presentations by Hardly Art Theatre company, sharpen your character-building skills with Marina Encott, interview with Discovery Channel’s Jay Ingram and more! View SFW’s website for the full schedule, details on registration and other events hosted by the organization. 

—

Fiza Baloch | Staff Writer

Photo: Jiem Carlo | Editor-in-Chief

Graphics: Anh Phan | Design Editor