Summer Activities We’re Obsessed With | Indigo Inspired Blog | chapters.indigo.ca
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Person scooping food out of a pot.

Wellness

Summer Hobbies Our Staff Is Obsessed With

Discover how we’re savouring the season—from kayaking to gardening—plus must-haves for every adventure.

By Emilie Dingfeld

Summers are short, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be long on adventure. That’s the M.O. for our team here at Indigo, who look forward to less hustle and more of the things they love—think sewing, yoga, kayaking. Want to dream up your own summer bucket list? Here’s some inspiration for savouring the things that bring you sunshine.

A woman playing beach volleyball in the summer.
Beach Volleyball

“I’m so glad to be back on the sand after this long pandemic. I love playing, being outdoors, being active, and being with friends—with a dash of competition. Beach volleyball is so much fun!”

—Janna Brockway, Coordinator, Facilities & Services

A woman kayaking on a lake.
Kayaking

“Since I was a kid, I’ve been lucky to have the beauty of my grandparents’ cottage to escape to each summer. Within recent years, I’ve fallen in love with kayaking and being able to enjoy the peace and quiet of the water.”

—Vanessa Ippolito, Customer Experience Representative, Coles Carlingwood

A woman sewing.
Sewing

“Every year, I love to sew because I can mix and match with different patterns and materials to create unique clothes. Here, I’m currently working on a satin green blouse that will be perfect for summer!”

—Jasmin Sahota, Customer Experience Representative, Chapters Brampton

A woman leaning over a fence while gardening.
Gardening

“I inherited my love of gardening from my dad. I love to see the transformation of seeds into full-blown plants. I am a big fan of planting vegetables—I do those in my big beds. And then I plant flowers in my balcony boxes for bursts of colour.”

—Caroline Shaheed, Editorial Manager, Social Media

A man canoeing.
Canoeing

“I am obsessed with the quintessential Canadian summer activity of canoeing … I have a nice collection of these paddled watercrafts starting with my pride and joy: a circa 1920 Cedar/Canvas Chestnut as well as a wooden fibreglass kayak, and a 2003 C1 Sprint Canoe.”

—Stephen Renton, Technology, Infrastructure & Services

A woman leaning over a pot.
Natural Dye Making

“In the summer months, I use foraged plants and food waste to dye natural textiles like cotton, silk, linen, and hemp.”

—Katelyn Powers, Graphic Designer

A woman smiles into the camera while on a hike in woods.
Hiking Out West

“Hiking in the summer is one of my absolute favourite things—there are so many places to explore, especially here in B.C. Being in the mountains brings me so much peace and joy. I can’t wait to explore this summer.”

—Ainslee Nolan, General Manager, Coles Totem Mall

A man smiling into the camera on a kayak with a cityscape behind him.
City Kayaking

“One of my friends introduced me to kayaking at Toronto harbourfront, and I have since made it a goal to do it with all of my friends at least once. It’s such a fun outdoor summer activity that anyone of any skill level can enjoy!”

—Cyrus Estakhri, Senior Analyst, Financial

A woman exercising outdoors on the grass.
Outdoor Workouts

“I am looking forward to getting outside to enjoy the fresh air while working out. Over the last two years, my balance, strength, and endurance have significantly advanced with all the training I have been doing and I hope to continue to improve.”

—Thea Nikolic, Customer Experience Manager, Kids & Teen, Kanata

A woman admiring a glacial lake while on a hike.
Hiking

“I love the peace and quiet of hiking, contrary to the city life I’ve always been used to. It’s a breath of fresh air, literally and figuratively.”

—Korina Catacutan, Customer Experience Representative, Indigo Square One

A person holding up a bowl of lemons.
Pickling & Preserving

“One of my favourite summer activities is pickling! I love the bright flavour of preserved lemons with anything from the grill or in a dressing over summer lettuces. I also pickle the bounty of the local growing season.”

—Claire Humphrey, Category Manager, Bargain & Proprietary

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