My spring and summer bucket list in Toronto: café days, soft routines, and small joys

Spring is here, and summer is close enough that I can already feel it in the longer days and lighter mornings. Last year felt like it disappeared somewhere between moving and travel, and I don’t want a repeat of that.

This time, I want to actually live in the season while it’s happening. Something slower, more intentional, and a little more grounded in everyday joy.

1. Take a spring trip to Montreal (and maybe Quebec City)

I keep thinking about Montreal in the spring and summer, and how different it must feel compared to winter. It already has that walkable, café-filled charm, but I imagine it softens in warm weather in a way that makes you want to stay outside all day.

If we go, I’d love to pair it with Quebec City and turn it into a slow, wandering kind of trip. No strict plans, just good food, nice streets, and a lot of walking.

2. Start a “garden” that doesn’t stress me out

I like the idea of gardening, but realistically, insects and I are not compatible. So instead of committing to anything too serious, I’m aiming for a couple of hanging baskets out front.

I keep coming back to hydrangeas and tulips, even if hydrangeas might humble me a little. I also want to browse places like Valleyview Gardens, Greenwood Garden Centre, and Sheridan Nurseries and pretend I know what I’m doing.

3. Finally go to a lavender farm

I have said I want to go to a lavender farm for at least three summers now. This might finally be the year I actually follow through.

4. Don’t miss cherry blossom season

I don’t want to turn cherry blossoms into a content obligation this year. I just want to enjoy them, even if that means sitting on a blanket with a book and doing absolutely nothing else.

I’ll probably still visit High Park once, even if it’s busy. But I’m also prioritizing quieter neighbourhood spots where you can actually sit and stay awhile.

5. Café hop through the east end

Café hopping in the east end feels like a very specific kind of happiness. The goal is simple: find good lattes, stay a while, and actually notice the space.

On my list are Matcha Matcha Lab, Snapback Coffee, and Crave Bites. Ideally, I leave with a favourite and at least one strong opinion.

6. Make “go to the water” a weekly ritual

One of my only real non-negotiables is spending time by the water once a week. It doesn’t need to be complicated, just consistent.

Walking, sitting, bringing my dog, or doing absolutely nothing all count. The point is to show up and let it reset me.

7. Bring back outdoor roller skating

I used to roller skate more, and I miss how fun and easy it felt. This summer, I want to actually make time for it again.

The events at The Bentway feel like a good place to start. Even going once a month would feel like a win.

8. Try running again (gently)

I used to run 5Ks, which feels like a different lifetime at this point. But I’m curious if I still enjoy it, especially as something I can do with my partner.

There’s no pressure to be good at it. I just want to see what it feels like now.

9. Play tennis

I’ve always wanted to get into tennis, and this feels like the summer to actually try instead of just thinking about it. Even just playing once a week feels like the right balance of fun, movement, and something new to look forward to.

10. Say yes to simple seasonal things

Strawberry picking is on the list, and it feels very correct for this version of life. It’s low effort, slightly nostalgic, and easy to enjoy.

Farmer’s markets fall into the same category. Just walking around with no real agenda feels like enough.

11. Stay consistent with creative work

I want to show up more consistently for my blog and photography. Not perfectly, just honestly.

There’s something about documenting life in real time that feels important right now. Even if it’s a little uncomfortable at first.

12. Keep my quieter habits

Not everything needs to be shared or optimized. I want to keep space for journaling, colouring at cafés, and reading slowly.

Those are the things that actually make my days feel full. Everything else is just extra.

13. Go to Anime North and Fan Expo

Spring always makes me think of Anime North. I’d also love to attend Fan Expo Canada again, and maybe even host a panel.

14. Have more slow Toronto days

I want more days where the plan is just to walk around and see where we end up. Places like Kensington Market and The Well are perfect for that.

No strict itinerary, just wandering, snacking, and noticing things. Those are usually the best days anyway.

15. Do a proper J-Town and Pacific Mall day

J-Town and Pacific Mall deserve a full, unhurried visit. I want snacks, beauty finds, and at least one drink I immediately try to recreate at home. Mango matcha, egg sandos, onigiri, all of it. This is not the day to rush.

16. Eat well, but with intention

I need to finally try Slowhand Pizza and at least one of the sandwich spots everyone keeps talking about (I’m looking at you Alfie’s). Not everything, just a few that are actually worth it.

Also, Pilot Coffee’s sticky rice mango matcha needs to come back this summer. And I need to figure out how to make it properly at home.

17. Try trending asian dessert spots downtown

I’ve been seeing so many Asian dessert spots lately, and I want to actually try them instead of just saving them. Places like Honeymoon Dessert have been on my list for a while now.

I’m especially curious about mango-based desserts and anything close to mango sticky rice or pudding. If it’s cold, lightly sweet, and actually tastes like mango, I’m already interested.

18. Dress like i have somewhere to be

I want to wear my fashion purchases from Japan and actually enjoy getting dressed again. Not just sad, winter gear.

More small dates, more walks, more “let’s just go out.” That energy tends to lead somewhere good.

19. Reset the house before summer fully starts

Decluttering feels like the real pre-summer activity. I want the house to feel lighter, calmer, and easier to exist in.

Less buying, more using what we already have. More care, less accumulation.

20. Read more, but without pressure

I’d love to finish a book every month, but I’m not turning it into a rule. Even one every couple of months feels like a step back into something I miss.

I just want to enjoy reading again. Slowly, without forcing it.

21. Actually be present this time

More than anything, I don’t want this season to pass me by again. I don’t want to look up and realize it’s over.

I just want to be in it, properly. That’s the whole goal.