Another lockdown in Toronto & pretty much everything is closed. We’re not supposed to see anyone outside our households. So.. the fuck are we supposed to do now? Luckily for you guys, we’re here.
This post will contain 5 things you can still do in the City or from your own home, written by Pax
As we get closer to our inevitably long, cold Canadian winter, many of us Torontonians have begun feeling the impacts of seasonal depression. In a normal year, these pre-winter months can be particularly difficult for many of us. Throw in a pandemic and climate change, and BAM – we’re in for a stellar time. With the weather being more bipolar than Iris, we’ve had a mix of both sunny and warm days, and grey, depressing ones. So, while we’re all in lockdown, we all need to find ways to embrace the situation, and take advantage of the day – regardless of the weather.
What to do during the lockdown in Toronto
1. Virtual Classes & Activities
Virtual Yoga 
Work from Home
Eventbrite
Check out Eventbrite, and attend a virtual event based in the City, or abroad. On any day you can find a range of events like guided meditations, slam poetry, graphic novel book club, and a number of events for professional, and specifically, professional women in Toronto (i.e., networking, the Black Business & Professional Association (BBA)’s Boss Women Entrepreneurship Training Program, and a shhhiiiiitttttt ton more.) Believe me, you’ll find something. Also, you can use a filter to find only free events, of which there are plenty!
MadFit
Check out MadFit on YouTube, for a large number of no-equipment, free workouts with Toronto’s own Maddie Lymburner. Maddie’s YouTube account has become even more popular during the pandemic, as gyms closed down and Torontonians began looking for alternative exercise class options.
Maddie’s advice for staying fit during the pandemic: “moving your body in any way you enjoy is so important. You don’t need fancy equipment to feel good.”
In addition to MadFit, there are countless videos on YouTube that you can find to fit your exercise or meditation needs.
The Chesterfield
The Chesterfield is a new platform for Canadian artists to talk about their favourite Canadian art. The hosts of The Chesterfield will be video-chatting with some of the nation’s most creators from coast to coast, exploring the culture that inspires and connects us. There will be conversations with Rush (of course) and a number of award-winning authors, and discussion around Canadian horror films.
New episodes air every Tuesday.
2. Dating App Entertainment
If you’re single, you can download dating apps. Hear me out. You have SO many options. Personally, I’m a little weirdo and I never talk to anyone on a dating app unless they seem really weird. Because then thats the only conversation really worth having right now anyways. A hilarious one that I can talk to my friends about and write about. What more could I ask for? A cute guy? On a dating app? Who’s not a douchebag? Or exceptionally needy? Psh, come on. Plus, we’re in a fucking pandemic; we can add another one to the list of “things we don’t want”; that is a) to get pregnant b) to get an STI and c) to get COVID. So.. I might as well give up on sex for now in search of comedic relief to tide me over. BUT that being said, you do you and if you want to meet the love of your life, or just for the night, this is probably your best bet right now.
3. Go Green
First things first, by “go green” I don’t mean becoming more sustainable and eco-friendly. While I would love for you to do that, I’m thinking more along the lines of weed right now. We are so lucky in Toronto during this pandemic, that we now have dispensaries all over the City, delivery services, and we have things like WeedMaps to tell us everything we need to know.
Live it up, make some edibles, try out some of the interesting cannabis-infused beverages and stuff from the government. Plus, on nice days, what is better than a solo joint and walk or sesh in the park? If you’re a stoner like me, COVID could definitely be worse.
4. Hobbies
If like me you’ve probably already gone through the majority of Netflix (or if you’re really like me, you’ve also gone through most of Crave, Prime Video, and Disney+). So you’re probably ready to move on from the endless binging, and onto something that will make you feel more productive, creative, and less homicidal.
Since the beginning of the Toronto COVID-19 outbreak/lockdown in March 2020, I’ve managed to run through so many hobbies. From puzzles, to drawing, to taking random online courses, to exercise, and writing, I’ve tried a lot. So here are some ideas for you, to help you to keep from going crazy this lockdown:
- Learn a language
- I recommend using the app Duolingo – it’s been helping me a lot with my French! FYI, learning a second language/improving on your shit French skills can help make you much more employable here in Canada.
- Break out the paints
- Something I learned recently, everybody can paint. Will your painting be good? Maybe not. Mine weren’t. But, it’s still a really relaxing and expressive activity, and who knows, maybe you’ll make a masterpiece.
- Knit/Crochet/Needle Point
- Maybe you’ve managed to become older than Betty White during this pandemic, and you’re really hankering for some good old fashioned fun. If this sounds like you, you better go on down to your nearest craft store and stock up.
- Read a book
- Contrary to popular belief, you can actually read for pleasure, when you’re not in school. Want to know more about the roaring twenties? Check out F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Beautiful & Damned. Want to know more about slavery? Check out the Book of Negroes. Want to know more about any subject? Hit up your girl Pax, and I’ll give you a great recommendation.
5. Distillery District’s Winter Village
While the usual Distillery District’s annual Christmas Market won’t be happening this year, they’ve decided to celebrate with their alternative Winter Village. Beginning November 12, the historic spot will be turned into a festive holiday experience once more – with some changes. Unlike the usual Christmas Market, stores will not be setting up vendor booths at the Winter Village, although some have extended patios and outdoor carts, and pick-up/take-out is available.
There won’t be any live performances, but there will be a digital exhibit set up in Trinity Square. Precautions once on-site include signs to promote physical distancing, increased cleaning and sanitization, and hand sanitizing stations throughout the area. As well, all guests are asked to wear masks, both indoors and outdoors.
6. Get COVID
So here we are at the end of this list, so if you’re still bored and you don’t really care about your or the community’s safety, you should go on down to Adamson BBQ!
Since owner, Adam Skelly, announced on his Instagram page that his business would be ignoring provincial lockdown orders and remain open for both dine-in and patio service. Groups of people have been attending the restaurant to dine, and many more have gathered outside carrying signs to protest the closure and promote Skelly’s decision.
We’re not here to tell you what to do – if you want to go get some delicious BBQ, and potentially get COVID while you do it, all the power to you. But for those of you in Toronto not looking to get swept up in the next inevitable bout of the virus, maybe steer clear of the Eglinton & Laird area for a bit.
That’s all for now my lovelies!
Stay sane, sexy and safe xoxo
Love, Pax
Sex in the 6ix 