OutDdoor activities summer

Your Path to Canada

Summer holds a special place in the hearts of numerous Canadians, particularly following an extended, challenging winter and an almost non-existent spring. It represents a period for embracing the sun, gathering in backyards, and relishing outdoor activities. Naturally, it's also the preferred season for many tourists.

As daylight hours extend and temperatures rise, coastlines across the country, from the Pacific to the Atlantic and everywhere in between, transform into settings for beach gatherings, bonfires, and leisurely sunbathing. This is the eagerly anticipated time of the year that Canadians yearn for.

Go Hiking In The Canadian Rockies

The Canadian Rockies span across Alberta and British Columbia, Canada’s two westernmost provinces. This area is a prime destination for a summer trip in Canada, boasting some of the most stunning scenery in the country. It is home to remarkable national parks, such as Banff National Park (featuring both a town centre and a park), Jasper National Park (which also provides excellent accommodation options), and the renowned Yoho National Park. Here are some of the best hiking trails to explore in the Canadian Rockies: Big Beehive, Larch Valley Trail, Wilcox Pass, and Joffre Lakes Trail.

Experience a Stay at a Cottage in Muskoka lakes, Ontario

During the summer in Ontario, a beloved tradition is to escape to a cottage in the Muskoka region, conveniently just a few hours’ drive north of Toronto. Since cottages in Muskoka can be pricey, it’s advisable to secure a rental on platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com well in advance of your summer getaway. Once you’ve settled into your cottage, you can enjoy activities such as swimming in the lake, canoeing, boating, fishing, hiking, and savoring outdoor barbecues.

Try Stand Up Paddle Boarding on Lake Ontario

For travelers exploring Toronto during a summer visit to Canada, you can beat the heat by venturing onto Lake Ontario. While it may not be the most suitable lake for swimming, it provides an expansive body of water perfect for engaging in stand-up paddle boarding, often referred to as SUP. There are numerous beaches in the city where you can rent paddle boards and even take lessons. Top Beaches in Toronto: Woodbine Beach, Hanlan’s Point Beach, Sunnyside Beach

Embark on a Carriage Ride Through Old Montreal

Exploring Old Montreal via a horse-drawn carriage is one of the finest ways to uncover the charm of this historic area. Whether you want to see the city or enjoy a romantic summer evening with your significant other, reserving a carriage ride online in advance is recommended. You can select the duration of the tour that suits your group, with carriages accommodating up to four guests at a time. Pricing varies, starting from $259 plus tax for rides lasting from 60 to 180 minutes.

Enjoy the Beaches on the Toronto Islands

The Toronto Islands consist of a cluster of 15 small islands situated in Lake Ontario. You can reach these islands by taking a ferry from downtown Toronto’s harborfront at the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal. The primary islands worth exploring include Ward’s Island, Hanlan’s Point, and Centre Island. If you’re visiting with kids, Centre Island offers the most family-friendly fun with its amusement park and various activities. Ward’s Island offers a delightful view of the Toronto city skyline and excellent beaches, as does Hanlan’s Point.

Go Camping in Algonquin Park, Ontario

Travelers spending their summer in Ontario should not miss the opportunity to embark on a camping adventure in Algonquin Park, a destination packed with activities and natural beauty. Visiting this provincial park is one of the most rewarding summer activities in Canada. Covering a vast expanse of 7,635 square kilometres, Algonquin Park boasts dense forests, wetlands, pristine lakes, hiking trails, and numerous campsites. Top Campgrounds in Algonquin to Reserve: Canisbay, Two Rivers, Pog Lake, Kearney Lake, Racoon Lake, Tea Lake, and Mew Lake

Experience Canoeing at Lake Louise, Alberta

Another compelling reason to visit Banff National Park in the summer is the chance to paddle out onto the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Louise. While the shores of the lake are often bustling with tourists taking photos year-round, renting a canoe and gliding out into the middle of the lake offers a unique perspective, allowing you to Savor the beauty of this remarkable place in a more serene setting.

Attend an Open-Air Music Festival

Music festivals are an integral part of summer in many major Canadian cities, including Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. Consider planning a trip with friends to spend a few days in one of these cities, indulging in great food, live music, and a joyful atmosphere while lounging on the grass at outdoor park venues. Some of the Best Summer Music Festivals in Canada: Vancouver Folk Music Festival (Jericho Beach Park), Veld Music Festival (Downsview Park), and Osheaga Music and Arts Festival (Parc Jean-Drapeau).

Explore the Cabot Trail by Road

Travelers on the East Coast of Canada during the summer should include a scenic drive along the Cabot Trail in their list of must-do activities for a great Canadian summer. The Cabot Trail is a picturesque highway on Cape Breton Island that offers
breathtaking views and numerous exciting stops along the way. In essence, embarking on a road trip along this trail is one of the top summer experiences in Canada for those seeking adventure.

Take a Tour of a Canadian Winery

Whether you’re in Niagara, Ontario, or the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, exploring a winery and savouring their wines is an ideal summer pastime in Canada. Notably, numerous wineries in the Niagara region are welcoming to dogs, enabling travellers accompanied by their canine companions to relish a day of enjoyment that caters to all. To guarantee that you secure your preferred experience and time slot during the busiest times of the year, it’s advisable to arrange winery tours and tastings at well-known wineries well in advance.

Visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge

Exploring the Capilano Suspension Bridge is another iconic summer pastime in Vancouver. Situated just a 20-minute drive away from the heart of Vancouver, the Capilano Suspension Bridge encompasses the entire area, which includes the expansive bridge itself. Within this area, you can venture along various forest trails and gain insights from informational boards about the surroundings. Additionally, you can experience a treetop walk that involves crossing several suspended bridges, which can be both thrilling and nerve-wracking for those with a fear of heights. Notably, there’s also a rather impressive glass-floor lookout. You can thoroughly explore this attraction in just an hour or two, but it’s worth noting that the entrance fee is relatively high at $73 CAD for adults. To make it more enticing, they offer a complimentary shuttle service from downtown, making it convenient for those without access to a car. A trip to the Capilano Suspension Bridge isn’t just entertaining; it also holds a romantic allure, making it an ideal activity for couples or anyone enjoying a honeymoon in Vancouver.

Get lost in Lynn Canyon

Exploring the Capilano Suspension Bridge is another iconic summer pastime in Vancouver. Situated just a 20-minute drive away from the heart of Vancouver, the Capilano Suspension Bridge encompasses the entire area, which includes the expansive bridge itself. Within this area, you can venture along various forest trails and gain insights from informational boards about the surroundings. Additionally, you can experience a treetop walk that involves crossing several suspended bridges, which can be both thrilling and nerve-wracking for those with a fear of heights. Notably, there’s also a rather impressive glass-floor lookout. You can thoroughly explore this attraction in just an hour or two, but it’s worth noting. To make it more enticing, they offer a complimentary shuttle service from downtown, making it convenient for those without access to a car. A trip to the Capilano Suspension Bridge isn’t just entertaining; it also holds a romantic allure, making it an ideal activity for couples or anyone enjoying a honeymoon in Vancouver.

Hike to Quarry Rock and explore Deep Cove

Quarry Rock, a highly popular easy hike near Vancouver, is recommended for visits during weekdays and non-peak hours. This hike begins in Deep Cove, North Vancouver, and typically takes about 1.5 hours to complete. It features a moderate incline at the start, followed by some moderate ups and downs along the forested trail, aided by stairs, boardwalks, and bridges. The trail offers serene forest views, leading to Quarry Rock, a lookout point with breathtaking views of the Indian Arm inlet. After enjoying the scenery, hikers can retrace their steps back to Deep Cove, where the hike’s highlight awaits – delicious post-hike treats at Honey Doughnuts. To reach Deep Cove, it’s advisable to take Bus 211 directly from Burrard Station, as parking in the area is limited.

Explore Stanley Park

When in Vancouver, don’t miss Stanley Park, the city’s top park at 405 hectares, even larger than New York’s Central Park. Explore it by biking the scenic 12- kilometer seawall, renting a bike for around $20 CAD. Alternatively, join a cost-effective guided bike tour covering Stanley Park and other attractions like Gastown and Granville Island. If you prefer walking, discover the park’s highlights like the Vancouver Aquarium, beaches, totem poles, and Stanley Park Brewing. Keep in mind, it’s a sizable park, so plan accordingly!

Visit a summer market

Exploring summer markets is a fun way to connect with locals and immerse yourself in the culture. Vancouver’s biggest market, the Richmond Night Market near Bridgeport SkyTrain Station, offers an authentic Asian experience with food, shopping, and a lively atmosphere. Open from late April to early October, it runs from 7 pm to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 7 pm to 11 pm on Sundays and holidays. There’s a $7 CAD admission fee, with free entry for seniors and young children. Consider the $35 CAD Zoom Pass for multiple entries and quicker access. Vancouver boasts various farmer’s markets across the city, each with limited hours, so plan accordingly. For seafood lovers, Fisherman’s Wharf, while not a traditional market, offers a unique experience. Arrive in the early afternoon to meet fishermen and purchase their morning catch. On Robson Street, the Outdoor Summer Market on Robson, a pop-up market, features local vendors, food trucks, and live music on Saturdays in August. Lastly, Vancouver hosts a diverse array of cultural markets and festivals throughout the summer.

Rent a boat in Coal Harbor

One of the best summer activities to enjoy with friends in Vancouver is renting a boat in Coal Harbor. It costs about $200 CAD for a two-hour rental, accommodating up to 6 people. You can explore the stunning coastline and even take a refreshing swim. While no boat license is needed, some experience is advisable, and each rental includes a temporary license for the driver. It’s best to rent for at least 2 hours to escape the crowded harbour and explore the serene beauty of Indian Arm.

Ride the Sea to Sky Gondola

Visit the Sea to Sky Gondola just outside Vancouver near Squamish for incredible views at an affordable price of $69.95 CAD. It’s a scenic 45-minute drive from Vancouver or join a day tour from the city that includes transport and gondola tickets, plus stops at Whistler and Brandywine Falls for a fantastic mountain adventure.

Explore a Cave

Discover the concealed corners of Ontario’s caves, including the renowned Tyendinaga Cavern and Caves, the province’s oldest natural cavern, and the amazing Bonnechere Caves. -Bonnechere Caves, 1247 Fourth Chute Rd, Eganville
-Greig’s Caves, 407 Scenic Caves Rd, Lion’s Head
-Warsaw Caves. 289 Caves Rd, Warsaw
-Tyendinaga Cavern and Caves, 2623 Harmony Rd, Belleville

Unwind at the beach.

A summer to-do list isn’t done without a visit to a sunny beach. Relaxing in the sun, feeling the sand, and taking a swim are must-do joys.

Recommended Beaches:
– Canatara Park Beach, Sarnia
– Grand Bend, Lambton Shores
– Woodbine Beach, Toronto
– Sandbanks Provincial Park, Picton
– Moonlight Beach, Sudbury

Visit waterfalls

Waterfalls are among some of the most visually striking natural wonders created by Mother Nature. In Ontario, you have the opportunity to witness a variety of waterfall styles, including punchbowl waterfalls, plunging waterfalls, cascading multi-step waterfalls, and more. Many of these waterfalls possess additional features of historical importance and offer hiking trails in their vicinity.

Here is a list of some notable waterfalls in Ontario:

– Kakabeka Falls in Oliver Paipoonge
– Inglis Falls located at 107 Falls Rd in Owen Sound
– Rideau Falls situated at 1 Sussex Dr in Ottawa (part of the Ottawa Area Falls)
– Niagara Falls
– Oxtongue River-Ragged Falls Provincial Park
– Waterfalls in the Hamilton area

Go on a Train Tour

A train journey offers commuters the opportunity to embark on captivating historical
excursions that pass by some of Ontario’s most cherished landmarks. These rail
tours are awe-inspiring and leave a lasting impression, with durations ranging from
just a few hours to several days.

-York-Durham Heritage Railway, located at 19 Railway Street, Uxbridge.
– Agawa Canyon Tour Train, situated at 129 Bay St, Sault Ste. Marie (please note that it was closed for the year 2020).
– South Simcoe Railway, found at 28 Mill St W, Tottenham.
– Polar Bear Express train, operating between Cochrane and Moosonee.
– Waterloo Central Railway, serving from St. Jacobs Market station, 878 Weber St.N. Woolwich.

Go Treetop trekking/Ziplining

Experience the forest from a whole new perspective by embarking on a thrilling day of ziplining or adventure treetop exploration at one of Ontario’s remarkable and distinctive forest adventure parks. These outdoor aerial adventure parks are brimming with challenging obstacles, rope courses, and ziplines, ensuring an exhilarating adventure for you and your friends or family.

Here are some noteworthy forest adventure park destinations:

1. Long Point Eco-Adventures – Located at 1730 Front Rd, St. Williams.
2. Treetop Eco-Adventure Park – Situated at 53 Snow Ridge Court, Oshawa.
3. Skywood Eco Adventure – Found at 1278 thousand Islands Parkway, Mallorytown.
4. Logos Land Resort – Positioned at 15906 Highway 17, Cobden.

Various Treetop Trekking Locations available at multiple locations.

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