Outdoor Activities on Campus

(credit: York University Red Zone)

Instead of hiding away from the snow, wind and chilly air, why not try to make the most of the Canadian winter by enjoying some time outside?

There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor physical activity on the Keele Campus. The four major woodlots on campus boast trails, benches and an abundance of picturesque views – perfect for afternoon hikes with friends or morning jogs.

The Pond also accommodates a variety of winter activities, from long walks along the trails and through the arboretum to the ideal venue to watch local wildlife on the edges of the water from the adjacent seating.

Perhaps the Active Living Challenge will give you the extra encouragement you need to enjoy the outdoor recreational opportunities at YorkU. Hosted by the Health Education & Promotion team, the Active Living Challenge promotes the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle by offering students rewards and prizes based on performance. Beginning in January, students are encouraged to register with YU Connect and track their physical activity – be it a jog around campus, a walk in the park, or an hour at the gym.

(credit: York University)

The initiation of the program to the entire campus (previously limited to students living in residence) comes on the heels of the new Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines. It is now recommended that each Canadian get 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each week, in 10-minute bouts or more.

Why not reach this goal while getting some fresh air and sunshine too?

What are you favourite places on the Keele Campus to walk through? Which locations do you think are the most enjoyable during the winter?

Food on Campus

Food has become a popular conversation topic in our meetings with students, faculty and staff. Some say that the campus offers a great selection of restaurants and cafés – from York Lanes to the new Starbucks and various Tim Hortons outlets. Others have voiced their frustration over a lack of diversity in choice, sparse locations and healthy options.

Suggested improvements include an on-campus farmer’s market, a grocery store and student-run food co-ops and restaurants.

Below is a map of the current food services available across campus, published by York University. 

Healthy Eating Map_big

Universities across Canada all have very different approaches to food services. The University of Guelph boasts a central food court and alternative dining centre with many chain franchises owned and operated by the University. Additionally, the Bullring is a popular licensed coffeehouse run by the Central Students Association and the Grad Lounge is owned and operated by the Graduate Students’ Association. The Hospitality Program also runs PJs, an affordable restaurant that offers three-course lunches organized and prepared by students in the program.

The Bullring (credit: University of Guelph)

Employees at the Grad Lounge (credit: The Cannon)

Queen’s University hosts a Farmer’s Market on-campus regularly throughout the Fall Semester and every other week during the Winter where students can purchase fresh, local produce. Sodexo and Brown’s Fine Foods are the main hospitality services providers on-campus, but the Alma Mater Society also runs the Queen’s Pub, the Common Ground Coffeehouse and Alfie’s Nightclub independently from the University. The Queen’s Engineering Society owns and operates The Tearoom, a casual venue with a deep commitment to an environmental mandate. A new student-run urban farming program, Urban Fresh, provides students, local residents and restaurants with fresh produce.

The Common Ground (credit: Queen's University)

Band playing at Alfie's Nightclub (credit: Queen's University)

In addition to McMaster’s Hospitality Services options, students, staff and faculty can also dine at Twelve Eighty – a popular restaurant and bar run by the McMaster Student Union. The Pheonix Bar and Grill is another independent establishment run by the Graduate Student Association.

The Phoenix Bar & Grill (credit: McMaster University)

Do you have any suggestions to improve food services on campus? What are your favourite places on campus to eat or grab a coffee?