Every Winter I feel like I’m just counting down till Summer. Summer is just the best, the season of sunshine, long nights, exploring, and the smell of sunscreen. But every summer without a doubt I come across the same problem, how do I fill up all my days. I want to make the best of my break doing as much as possible, and I spend the whole Winter and Spring anticipating the break but then when Summer rolls around it’s like my mind suddenly forgets all the ideas I have to make the Summer great. I know Spring just started but this year I’m getting ahead of the game so that I’m ready to go once Summer comes, here are — things to do this Summer if you run out of ideas.
- Catch the sunset or sunrise
There’s something special about watching the sun rise or set, it feels so blissful and relaxing to me. So if you’re stuck on a way to spend your morning or your afternoon, watch the sun come up or down and the sky change colours. Maybe go to the beach and bring some cards with friends at sunset too. If you’re an early riser, head to a scenic lookout, a quiet park, or even your rooftop with a coffee and book in hand, probably hands down one of the best ways to start your day. If you’re not a morning owl, the sunset is your time of the day to take in all the sky has to offer. I love taking in the sunset on a patio with friends or somewhere near the water.
- Go stargazing
Find a dark spot away from city lights, lay on a blanket and check out the stars and constellations. Whether you’re into astronomy or just want a peaceful night under the sky, stargazing is a great way to connect with nature and take a break from everyday life. Have a competition about how many constellations you can point out. Last year me and my friends downloaded this app where you point your camera at the sky and it points out all the constellations. To be honest, I’m not really into astronomy but I Thought it was super cool! And if you’re lucky, who knows maybe you will even catch a shooting star.
- Try paddle boarding
Deep Cove Kayaking in North Vancouver is a fantastic spot to rent paddle boards from and take them out for the day. The water is super calm too so no need to worry about the waves! Once you’re out on the water, you’ll get breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and even Quarry Rock. You’ll also probably be able to catch some jellyfish or seals hanging out in the water so keep that in mind if you’re going to go in for a swim. There’s also so many nice shops and cafes in Deep Cove so once you make your way out of the water there’s still tons to explore.
- Go on a food truck crawl
Instead of settling for just one meal, why not make a day (or night) of it and go on a full-on food truck crawl? Every city has that one park or street that becomes a foodie paradise during the summer. The Shipyards night market in Lower Lonsdale always has a 10/10 selection of the best trucks in the city. My problem is with food trucks my eyes are always bigger than my stomach and I never save room for dessert so don’t make the same mistakes that I do!
- Organize a beach bonfire
Roast marshmallows, play cards with friends, and watch the sparks. Instant summer memories. This can be kinda a hit or miss in Vancouver because of fire restrictions but even just hanging out by a gas fireplace can do the trick. One of my favourite Summer night activities is debriefing a long day or week with friends around the fire, sharing snacks and stories, and of course some chilled wine to cap off the night.
- Have a water balloon fight
You’re never too old to experience the pure joy of pelting someone with a water balloon. Even being in my 20s me and my friends still get a good kick out of this one. We get really competitive too, even sometimes putting a round of drinks or money on the game. But win or lose, we always end up laughing in tears (and a little bit of pain), and exhausted from running for our lives.
- Visit a farmer’s market
Support local farmers while picking up the freshest fruits and veggies. There’s also so many cool little arts and crafts that can make the perfect last minute gift and sometimes even live performances. Nothing beats a meal with fresh produce! Some local farmers markets also carry some cool vintage clothing pieces so that’s always one of my favourite things to check out. I recommended the farmers market in Kitsilano and the one at Ambleside beach in West Vancouver, both are the best!
- Host a backyard movie night
Way better than going to the theatres or watching Netflix in bed. My friends and I split the cost of a projector last year and it has been a game changer in our movie nights. We always get an ample amount of snacks and drinks, order a lot of pizza, and binge our favourite movies from classics to new rom-coms. We love it all.
- Attend an outdoor concert
If you ever get the chance to attend an outdoor concert in the Summer, GO! Even if you don’t like the band or genre, just go. It is seriously a core memory for me. There are also a bunch of free ones around the city. The North Vancouver Shipyards has a live band on Friday nights and the Harmony Arts festival in West Vancouver always has a great line up at that festival too!
- Go swimming
This is 100% a Summer classic. Whether you go to the beach, a river, or even your local community pool, nothing beats a Summer dip to cool down on a scorching hot day. Some of my go to spots for a swim are Lynn Canyon in North Vancouver, Capilano River in North Vancouver, and Whytecliff in West Vancouver. They are all little quiet escapes.
Sometimes I feel like I have so much free time on my hands in the Summer I don’t know what to do with it, so if your like me and feel the same way, give some these activities a try, from classic Summer days, to something you may have never tried before I can guarantee you will have a good time. The countdown till Summer is officially on!