Summer in Canada is short, here we are halfway through the season already. We need to take the time to get out and enjoy the health benefits of fresh air and sunshine while we can. Many families hit the road for their family vacation, but there are many day trips and local activities that will allow you to discover new and exciting parts of our great country right in your own backyard.
Here are five things you should try before the cold weather comes back:
-
- Hiking – Whether you are a skilled mountaineer, or a young family still using a stroller, there are trails for every skill level both inside and outside of the city. Check out www.alltrails.com and customize your search to include: specific locations (close to home, or in Banff National Park), difficulty, length (km), rating, and suitability (dog friendly, wheelchair friendly, kid friendly). As with most things today, there is a mobile app that you can easily download on your phone.
- Tourist Attractions – Become a tourist in your own city. How long has it been since you visited the Calgary Tower, the Zoo, the Science Centre, Fish Creek Park, or Callaway Park. Check out www.visitcalgary.com for an interactive list of things people do while visiting our city.
- Float the River – Enjoy a relaxing ride down the river and experience the city from a different perspective. For a complete map, some tips on safety, and a complete guide on how to access the river visit the City of Calgary`s Parks Page. If you don`t have your own raft, kayak, canoe, or drift boat you can rent one at a few different locations in the city including Lazy Day Raft Rentals, the Paddle Station, and Raft Calgary.
- Camping – There are many health benefits that come from getting outdoors for a few days. It reduces stress, improves mood, helps you get some exercise, and allows you to breath fresh air in a quiet natural setting. Take the weekend and unplug from your hectic schedule and reconnect with family and friends (maybe even turn your cell phone off). For families that camp regularly and have their own gear, book a site using the Provincial Parks website. If you`re not an experienced camper, you can rent an RV and try it out. There are many places in and around Calgary to rent an RV: Fraserway RV, CanaDream, and Cruise Canada just to name a few.
- Attend a Festival – There are too many festivals in and around Calgary for us to list here. Visit Avenue Calgary`s website for a full calendar of events, searchable by date and category, at www.avenuecalgary.com/Calendar. Whether you like food, music, animals, or arts and culture, there is a festival for you.
The important thing is to get outside and enjoy our Canadian summer before it’s too late.