12 fun things to do across Canada to stretch out summer

by Robert Paul

The month of September is synonymous with back-to-school and the end of summer fun. Or is it? Just because the holidays are over for the season doesn’t mean the good times are done. With more than a few warm, sunny days ahead you can still get out and enjoy the many great activities, events and happenings taking place across our amazing country.

To help you extend that care-free feeling of summer a little while longer, here are 12 ideas for fun things you can do across Canada.

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Your promised yourself you’d do it: tackle Grouse Mountain’s 30-degree slope and 2,830 steps to reach the 1,127-metre high (3,700-foot) summit. The good news? It’s not too late. With everything from hummingbirds to grizzly bears, helicopter tours to zipline adventures, and stunning vistas to fun kids’ programs, there’s time to tick this off your summer to-do list.

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With the Rockies as a backdrop, the stately Banff Springs Hotel towers like a rugged mountain fortress. If you’ve only ever seen it on postcards, you’re missing out on an unforgettable experience that elegantly frames Banff’s spectacular natural scenery and wildlife. Whether you go for an hour or stay overnight there’s only one rule: don’t forget your camera!
 
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Is the glow of summer vacation already gone? Why not escape the responsibilities of home for the weekend and let yourself be pampered at a bed & breakfast. Among your choices is The Fir River Ranch offering homey, comfy cabins and such family-friendly activities as wagon rides, horseback rides or walks. You’ll return refreshed, relaxed and ready to take on a new week.

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Ice cream is the ultimate summer treat. And with a few warm fall days still forecast you won’t be able to resist a refreshing scoop of your favourite flavour. Just arrive early, especially if you’re planning to visit Sub Zero Ice Cream, because line-ups are likely to be long since they offer so much choice – including over 50 signature parfaits!

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Kayaking? Big city? When was the last time those words went together? Believe it or not, Toronto Adventures lets you kayak, canoe or stand-up paddle the Humber River right in the heart of the city. For experts or novices, there’s a fun and affordable adventure (and some lessons if you need them) awaiting you on the water. Who’d have thought it?

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Being an island, it should come as no surprise to hear that Montreal has some amazing beaches where you can swim, walk, play volleyball and even enjoy a family picnic. From Jean-Doré beach in Old Montreal to Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park, 20 minutes west of Downtown, a few hours on the beach will feel as though you’ve snuck away on a mini vacation.

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Oversized roadside attractions are weird, fun and oh-so-Canadian! If you’re in the mood for an enjoyable family outing so you, too, can experience first-hand some of the unusual and wonderful sights that make our country unique, why not take the gang to see the world’s largest lobster in Shediac. Just be warned…you can’t eat it!

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Keen to explore our past beyond the pages of a textbook? Then P.E.I. is the place to go, especially Province House in Charlottetown, where key debates leading to Canadian confederation were held. Tours of Confederation Chamber and multimedia presentations bring our nation’s history to life as never before!

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What could make a late-summer round of golf even better? How about sensational vistas from high atop bluffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean? Surrounded by rolling hills, woodlands, wetlands and meadowlands, Cabot Cliffs is the top-ranked course in Canada. There’s no better way to make tee-off time truly spectacular.

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Keen for one last road trip this year with the windows rolled down? Consider driving along the Viking Trail as it hugs the coast: rugged mountains, wooded valleys, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites and more await you on one of Canada’s best-kept secrets. Dotted with picturesque towns along its 400-km length, you’ll be charmed by the warmth of the people.

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Don’t pack away your camping gear just yet! Until the end of September, Kluane National Park and Reserve welcomes visitors to camp, hike, paddle and fish. Home to 17 of Canada’s 20 highest peaks, enormous glaciers and the winding Alsek River, a weekend of camping in Kluane can take it to the next level – even for seasoned campers.
 
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There’s something surreal about the Northern Lights shimmering against a velvety dark sky. If you’ve yet to see this amazing natural light show, it’s a perfect excuse to plan a trip to Northern Canada. Tours such as Aurora Borealis Yukon or Northern Tales can help you see the Lights in style for memories you’ll always remember.

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