Planning a field trip for a group of seniors doesn’t have to be a difficult process! There are so many destinations in and around the GTA that will make for a fun excursion. All you have to do is pick a location, book a bus, and get everybody on board!
A Bus Trip Away – Seniors Can Easily Explore Ontario, On-Budget
At Switzer-Carty Transportation, we utilize our school buses for seniors trips (yes, not just school children!). Whether you’re a seniors assisted living home or long term care social coordinator, or the leader of your seniors club – check out these destinations your seniors group will love and book a bus!
These are some of the top destinations for seniors in and around Toronto:
1. Explore the town of Elora
The town of Elora is a short drive from the GTA and is a beautiful destination for a senior’s field trip. The most well-known attraction in the area is the Elora Gorge and its 350 acres of conservation full of walking paths and hiking trails. Elora Quarry, a stunning limestone swimming hole, is the perfect place to swim and cool down on a hot summer day. If the group would rather explore in town, Elora is lined with charming shops and restaurants and is easily explored on foot.
2. Blue Mountain Village
Located about 2 hours north of the GTA, Blue Mountain is often thought of as ski destination, but the area has much to offer year-round. An open-air gondola takes visitors up the mountain to take in the beautiful views, while the Mill Pond Activity center is a great starting point for some on-the-water fun. The streets of Blue Mountain Village are lined with fun restaurants and cute shops, so there is plenty to do for everyone.
3. Visit a local garden or conservation area
For a relaxing outdoor adventure that involves calm walks and beautiful sights, head to a nearby garden or conservation area. The Royal Botanical Gardens, Rosetta McClain Gardens and the Allen Gardens are all great destinations for a group looking to enjoy an outdoor day of leisure.
Local conservation areas are also a nice option for an outdoor field trip, especially for those who struggle with mobility. With many different walking trails and paths (many of them paved), water features and outdoor activities, everyone in the group will find something they enjoy. There are dozens of conservation areas available in the Toronto area so it won’t be hard to pick one that’s convenient for a group bus tour.
4. Visit the St Jacob’s Market district
For the moderately early risers, St Jacob’s is the perfect seniors field trip excursion. The famous St Jacob’s Market runs until 3pm on Thursdays and Saturdays year-round, and the nearby antique mall and outlet mall are open daily until dinner. There are over 300 vendors at the market selling a variety of fresh baked pastries and breads, fresh fruits and vegetables and hand made art. Shoppers of all kinds will enjoy their day in St Jacobs. Walk through the nearby town of St Jacobs to find a great spot for dinner before everyone hops back on the bus at the end of the day.
5. Visit a flight or automotive museum
Car and plane lovers alike will find great enjoyment in taking a group trip to a local flight or auto museum. The Canadian Automotive Museum, the Toronto Police Museum, the Great Way Flying Museum and the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum are all in or near the GTA, and make for very interesting, historic and engaging destinations for a senior’s group field trip.
6. Escape to Prince Edward County
Quickly growing its reputation as one of Canada’s top craft wine, beer and cider destinations, PEC is a destination suitable for a daytrip or a multi-day getaway. Seniors’ groups will have a wide variety of activities to choose from, including beverage sampling, production facility tours, water and beach fun, hiking trails and farmer’s markets. The beaches here are all wheelchair and walker accessible with beach mats that help make getting into the water possible for seniors of all mobility levels.
A seniors day trip: for the fun and health benefits of it!
Encouraging seniors to join in on and create group trips to local destinations can help them maintain or improve their mobility, often leading to a higher quality of life and improved overall health. Further, getting out of a seniors residence is all the more exciting and provides mental health benefits.
Renting a bus to transport a senior’s group can make the daytrip easier on everyone, and allow everyone that is interested to take part, even if they struggle with mobility.
