I always feel like our summers are so short here in Western Canada that as soon as the snow is gone we start our fun in the sun! As any Canadian and they’ll tell you that we make the most of our above-freezing weather. There is always so much to do in the summertime that sometimes it’s hard to think of what to do, so that’s why I wanted to share some of my favorite ways to get outside.
Go Hiking
Hiking can seem like a daunting activity to many, but it doesn’t have to be. You don’t have to climb a mountain or carry a backpack full of gear or even go to the back country. A simple walk in nature can be considered a hike!
Get Out On The Water
Getting out on the water in the summer is a great way to enjoy the weather and to cool off when it gets too hot! You can of course hang out on the rocky shores or sandy beaches of our lakes/oceans or dip in for a swim, but I love on the water activities, too. My personal favourites are:
Stand Up Paddle Boarding
I love paddle boarding because it’s easy. I have an inflatable board from South Bay Board Co. and it’s easy to set up, inflate and deflate. It’s easy to carry and transport and store (all dealbreakers for me). Even if you aren’t up to standing on the stand up board, you can always sit or kneel until you feel comfortable. However you do it, it’s awesome.
Kayaking
Kayaking is another great way to get out on the water this summer. I personally don’t have a kayak but my inflatable SUP from South Bay Board Co. came with a kayak seat attachment and fishing rod holders so it’s the best of all worlds! I love that I can use this inflatable board as a kayak on the lake and then pack it up really easily when I’m ready to head home. P.S. this board also comes with a cooler, so you can pack snacks for the lake, too!
Fishing
Fishing is a summer tradition in my family. It’s something we’ve been doing for as long as I can remember. The fun part about fishing is that it’s relatively inexpensive to get into. My fave places to check out new fishing gear are Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops because they have everything you need all in one place. They’ve also got some great staff that can help you figure out what you need (and what you don’t) for a great day of casting! What I love about fishing, too, is that you can do it from shore, from a boat or even from a kayak or paddle board.
Camping & Glamping
I’m someone who grew up camping (in tents) but I know that’s not for everyone! This is where Sundance Lodges in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada comes into play. You can rent teepees and trapper tents and so all you have to bring is your food and bedding. It’s also a super fun way to ease your way into camping or to try it for the first time. For those of us who have camped forever, it does feel a bit more like “glamping” because you don’t have to contend with setting up and taking down a tent!
Backyard Oasis
Sometimes staying home and enjoying your own outdoor space is the best way to enjoy the summer months. We decided to extend our backyard deck last summer to give us additional outdoor living space and it was absolutely worth it. Now we have space for cooking, dining, lounging and even pool time!
It might sound silly but setting up a little inflatable pool for the kids is just as fun for adults! It’s a great way to cool off and relax in the backyard (and it’s a ton of fun!). Great little pools like this can be found online and at big box home and hardware stores.
