Weekend adventures: What are you doing this summer?

By Steinar Cramer

Summer has officially arrived, and Canadians across the country are gearing up for a great one! With warm weather and sunny skies on tap, weekends become a time for celebration and adventure. Have you made your plans yet? If not, here are 7 suggestions for filling your summer weekends with more fun than you can handle. [Image credit: iStock.com/jacoblund]

Whether it’s a food festival, a trip to that new restaurant you’ve been meaning to check out, or some experimenting on the backyard grill, there’s no time like a summer weekend to tempt your taste buds. It could be a brewery visit, a doughnut destination or a new recipe – somehow food just tastes better when the weather is nice. Bring on the patio!

[Image credit: iStock.com/Dangubic]

Escape the city and explore Canada’s great outdoors this summer – you won’t regret it! From local hiking trails to epic adventures, we’re spoiled for choice here in Canada. And with free entry to Canada’s national parks this year in honour of Canada’s 150th birthday, there really is no excuse for not getting out into the wild.

[Image credit: iStock.com/pac9012]

Sun, sand and surf! Is there anything that says summer more than the beach? Luckily Canada has some epic beaches to make sure you get your fix this summer. From riverside swimming holes to luxe lakefronts, every city has a beach of some sort calling your name this summer.

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Something about summertime just makes social gatherings that much better. Everyone’s cheerful the grill is sizzling and life is good. Pick a weekend this summer and plan something big. It could be a neighbourhood block party, an afternoon of beers, burgers and croquet in the back yard, or introducing your friends to the amazing views from your new deck or rooftop patio.

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When Friday afternoon rolls around, it’s time to start your engine, roll down the windows, and hit the road! Canada boasts some incredible destinations for road trips. Whether you’re driving through epic landscapes, taking the opportunity to explore small towns in the countryside or making a pilgrimage to some sought-after destination, getting there on four wheels (or two) is an experience you shouldn’t miss.

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Not that you really need an excuse to celebrate this great country of ours, but with Canada’s 150th birthday happening this year, there’s even more reason to turn the weekend festivities up a notch. Visit a truly Canadian attraction, learn more about our history, or make it a point to try something local that you’ve never done before.

[Image credit: iStock.com/Kradozawr]

Sitting by the pool with a cocktail in hand may be what weekend dreams are made of, but the flip side is taking the opportunity to get out and try something new, exciting … and maybe even difficult! Take on a challenging hike, an epic race, or maybe just a local adventure. It will make the cocktail taste that much better if you feel that you’ve earned it!

[Image credit: iStock.com/GibsonPictures]