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RV Lifestyle That’s more time than is spent on any other nature activity − including gardening, to which people dedicate more than 70 days a year, on average. If you’ve been considering joining the ranks, there’s no better time than the present to take the plunge − or at least dip your toes in. You can find birds most everywhere: any green space or open water source will do. Spring migration is ideal for observing rare bird species; it is also stunning to see large groups of birds congregating during these seasons. There are many areas in Canada where anyone can go bird watching and most are free. Beach trips Beach trips in the spring offer a different experience than in summer. You probably won’t be riding waves or sunbathing (depending on the temperature), but beach towns offer more than just tanning and swimming. Most people enjoy walking on the beach. Dogs love it even more, making a beach trip perfect for those with pals of the canine persuasion. You can play beach sports (such as volleyball), fly kites, go running or pack a picnic lunch or dinner. Or, of course, you can go kayaking or canoeing. Beach towns tend to be quieter in the spring, with lower costs. So skip the crowds and costs of summer beach trips and take your next beach vacation this spring. Visiting a zoo Most Canadian cities are home to some exceptionally well-maintained zoos that allow you to admire and interact with the unique wildlife of the region. Zoos frequently have lower admission rates during the off-season and smaller crowds than in summer. Visiting the zoo during springtime will allow people to experience seeing more newborn species and more interactive animals because there will be a smaller audience. Top zoos in Canada include the Toronto Zoo and Calgary Zoo. Sprawled over 710 acres in the beautiful Rouge Valley, Toronto Zoo is the biggest in Canada, with more than 5,000 animals from 450+ species. Located on lovely St. George’s Island on the Bow River, Calgary Zoo is a gem among the numerous Canadian zoos and aquariums. The Conservatory Gardens & Butterflies section is a beautifully preserved living library of trees and plants. Final word Every spring, most of us can’t wait to get outside for fresh air. But, after an exceptionally cold and snowy winter, getting outdoors feels all the more urgent. You don’t have to spend a fortune to do it, either. Many spring outdoor activities are free or low-cost. Worth Pondering… Come with me into the woods. Where spring is advancing, as it does no matter what, not being singular or particular, but one of the forever gifts, and certainly visible. − Mary Oliver, Bazougey Jasper National Park Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park CSANews | SPRING 2022 | 27

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