With more than a month of summer to go, there’s still plenty of time to tackle this Beach Blanket Bucket List. Think you’ve seen and done it all? This list might surprise you! Read on for an assortment of things to see and do this summer. Now there’s no excuse for lazing around as the balmy days pass idly by—unless, of course, that’s your idea of perfect summer fun!
Drop by a fair or festival. Possible options: Abbotsford International Airshow (Aug 5-7) Bard on the Beach (until Sept 24) PNE (Aug 20-Sept 5) and Vancouver International Fringe Festival (Sept 8-18).
Check out the Gulf of Georgia Cannery in Steveston. gulfofgeorgiacannery.org
Soar with the eagles on Cypress Mountain’s Eagle Coaster, Canada’s longest mountain coaster, reaching speeds of up to 40km/hr. cypressmountain.com
Make—and sell!—lemonade. Set up a stand and help quench your community’s thirst.
Shop at a Farmer’s Market for picnic ingredients then pack your basket and dine al fresco in your favourite summer spot. bcfarmersmarket.org
Ride the rails aboard the Stanley Park Train along the 2km track that winds its way through the forest. vancouver.ca
Meet rescued seals and sea lions at Vancouver Aquarium’s new Marine Mammal Rescue Exhibit. vanaqua.org
Go garage sale-ing.
Read aloud under a tree (for reading recommendations, see page 28).
Feast at a food truck. streetfoodapp.com
Get artsy at the Vancouver Mural Festival from Aug 4-14 to see 30+ new murals in 8 neighbourhoods. View all events and download a mural map at vanmuralfest.ca/map.
Explore False Creek—and all the stops along the way—on the Aquabus, stopping every 15 minutes at locations including Granville Island and Yaletown. theaquabus.com
Take in the sights and sounds at this year’s PNE, running Aug 20-Sept 5. From midway games, death-defying rides and SuperDogs to mini donuts, and the prize home, there’s something for everyone. pne.ca
Chase an ice cream truck and cool off with an icy treat.
Go on a road trip.
Cool off at a splash park.
Beat the heat inside The World of Kidtropolis, 18,000 square feet of indoor playground fun. kidtropolis.ca
Hit the road. Pack up the car or hop on your bikes and explore a neighbouring community.
Host a neighbourhood water fight.
Go to a drive-in movie. twilightdrivein.net
Go fishing.
Set your sights on Science World. If you haven’t seen the T:Rex Exhibit yet, now’s your chance! Open daily until 8pm all summer long. Discounted admission after 5pm. scienceworld.ca
Get wet at Cultus Lake Water & Theme Parks, two great parks, one destination. The Water Park is BC’s largest waterpark; the Theme Park boast 18 rides and attractions. http://cultus.com
Visit your local library. If you haven’t joined the BC Summer Reading Club, it’s not too late. http://bcsrc.ca
Go camping. If campsites are full, don’t let that stop you: set up a tent on your porch or in your backyard.
Pick berries. Bake a pie.
Roast marshmallows.
Walk your neighbourhood at dusk.
Organize a backyard movie night.
Kick it old school: run through a sprinkler, play kick the can, organize a bike parade and decorate your bikes.
No matter how you decide to spend the last month of summer, enjoy the sunshine, each other and the last embrace of the season. Be as light as the days, have fun, let go and play.
