From lunch breaks to fresh air meetings, there are plenty of opportunities to leave your office, and just as many places to go…. But which spot should be your spot? This short guide will help you find the perfect place to lunch.
Note: You’ll have to bring the food…
Full Sun
The most obvious spot is Quad…. And that’s why it’s not in this guide. You’ve likely seen it already and are likely going to sit in it anyway, so let’s move on to a few of the lesser known locations for absorbing plenty of vitamin D.
Where:
Celebration Plaza (in front of the Admin Building)
Why:
It’s sunny and during convocation, you can playfully photobomb some happy new grads…. or just kindly offer to take a photo for them.
Where:
The seating are in front of the Agricultural Forestry Building
Why:
There are a number of picnic tables to chose from or benches if you’re not a table person. Plus, once growing season takes off, there are plenty of ornamental grasses and flowers to gaze at.
Where:
The CCIS Patio
Why:
While you can grab a bench or even a patio table, the steps of the CCIS patio offer a great space for those who want to stretch out in the sunshine…. without the risk of grass stains.
Where:
Saskatchewan Drive (North of Bio Sci and ESB)
Why:
This giant rock garden offers you the chance to a) learn about rocks, b) absorb the full heat of the sun while lounging on a rock, and c) imagine what it would be like to live out your Lion King dreams by posing on a rock that looks a little like Pride Rock (not pictured).
Where:
The Presidents’ Circle
Why:
The brick is warm and charming, and although it is in a high traffic location, the curved benches still feel intimate.
For the Love of Shade
For some of us, just being near the sunlight is better than being in it, and that’s why these shady locations might be just the place for your next outing. But, be sure to remember that there these locations are limited and the exact location of the shade will vary depending on the time of day.
Why:
Bio Sci casts an impressive shadow for those who would like to enjoy a river valley view.
Where:
The SUB Patio
Why:
Lounge chairs and patio living. Enough said.
Where:
SUB Patio
Why:
Okay, so the SUB Patio has made it here twice, but only because it offers a few shady (good shady) options. The sun umbrellas are a life saver for anyone running low on sunscreen.
Where:
Between SUB and Pembina Hall
Why:
These metal picnic tables are almost always in the shade which makes them a cool place to enjoy your lunch.
Where:
The Engineering Quad
Why:
The scattered trees provide varying degrees of sun protection for a picnic.
Bird (and or/other wild life) Watching
Who needs free access to Canada’s national parks when you can watch wild life right here on campus?* Birds, squirrels, rabbits, geese — we’ve got them all, and from the comfort (and safety?) of a picnic table, you can check them out.
Where:
Along the path in front of the Admin Building
Why:
Look at the birds playing in the water! Also, I once saw a baby muskrat hanging out there — so cute! (But, don’t touch!)
Where:
The Arts/Business Quad
Why:
I dare you to walk through there without having a squirrel run by you. Go on, try it, I’ll wait.
Where:
Along the path in front of the Admin Building
Why:
Again, birds, squirrels…
Out of the Way
These are a few hidden gems…
Where:
Between CCIS and Bio Sci
Why:
It’s like sitting in a stone fairy ring! Also, did you know this secluded little gem existed? I’d wager that your answer is “no.”
Where:
Between FAB and Law
Why:
If you have a flare for the dramatic, you can eat your lunch or hold your next meeting on the steps of this mini outdoor theatre space.
Where:
West of the General Services Building (GSB)
Why:
This beauty of a spot includes a babbling brook. Be aware, it’s a sunny spot, so bring your sun glasses. And maybe a hat…definitely sun screen.
Where:
In front of the Humanities Centre
Why:
This location boasts a couple of picnic tables, but it also has what looks like a mini dock overlooking a delightful pond. So go ahead, pretend that you’re at the lake.
Where:
The SUB Patio
Why:
Maybe you already know about the SUB Patio (it’s already been included on this list), but did you realize that you can sit on the giant grass steps? Because you can!
Where:
Between SUB and the Industrial Design Building
Why:
A part from the people crossing the pedway, this quaint courtyard receives little foot traffic, so it’s usually quite.
Obviously these aren’t the only spots to enjoy this summer, so hit the comments and share your favourites!