Security can be a pretty serious industry to be in, so we thought we’d take a break from our regular topics of video surveillance, ULC, and access control to write about something lighter. Summer is right around the corner (it officially starts on June 21), although it’s felt like summer here in Vancouver for the past month.
So we thought we’d share our favourite things to do during the summer, both here in Greater Vancouver and out of town. Hopefully you’ll discover something interesting from our list, and maybe even find a new favourite summer activity of your own!
Okanagan (John’s pick)
I love going to the Okanagan during the summer – there’s so much to do. It starts with the scenic drive on the freeway to Penticton. Then all along Lake Okanagan from Penticton to Kelowna to Vernon, there’s great swimming, jet skiing, or boating. I love going to the great vineyards at Naramata Bench, each with its own story. And last year, our family went to our first rodeo in Armstrong during the Labour Day weekend, the Interior Pacific Exhibition (which has been running for 116 years).
Hiking Sendero Diez Vistas (Andrea’s Pick)
This is my favourite summer hike to do. It’s a challenging hike around Buntzen Lake with some steep climbs and terrain changes, but the views are totally worth it. It’s named Diez Vistas for its ten views: you can see the Indian Arm, Mount Seymour, Tsawwassen Ferry, Deep Cove, Buntzen Lake, and more. This is a great escape and I consider it a mini vacation.
Centennial Beach (Brian’s Pick)
Centennial Beach (in Tsawwassen) is one of our family’s favourite places to go in the summer – it’s great for the kids (which is great for us). The water is so shallow that you can wander out for what seems like a mile. The kids float around in the shallow and warm tidal pools, play in the sand, and dig for clams.
Oregon Coast (Danica’s Pick)
Our family loves taking a vacation to the beautiful Oregon Coast. We love driving down the scenic coast, wandering the shops at Lincoln City and the Newport area, body surfing, flying kites, hanging out at the beach, and eating fresh fish and chips and salt water taffy. This summer, I’m hoping to try surfing there!
Disc Golf on Grouse Mountain (Eric’s Pick)
The summer is the perfect time for disc golf, and one of my favourite courses is the one at Grouse Mountain. With spectacular views on a summer day, the 18-hole course is open daily from 9am – dusk. Don’t know much about the fantastic sport of disc golf? Take a read through this Wikipedia article. Also, the Grouse Mountain course is one of the venues for this year’s Canadian Disc Golf Championship (June 19-21), which I am helping to organize and competing in.
Cliff Jumping at Lions Bay (Luke’s pick)
My recommendation for cliff jumping is a spot right on Howe Sound at Lions Bay. It’s off the beaten track and a bit hard to find, but really pretty.
There’s a variety of heights to choose from at this location, which is nice. Jumping into the ocean with snow capped mountain views is pretty surreal.
Pender Island (Josh’s pick)
My family has been going to Pender Island for years and while small, there are plenty of great activities to keep you busy. You could tour Sea Star Winery and enjoy some of their award winning wines or play 27 holes of Disc Golf at the world-class Pender Island Disc Golf course. If you would prefer to relax in a resort setting, Poet’s Cove Resort and Spa is great. Or if you prefer something more out of the ordinary, Woods on Pender has just opened and has classic Airstream Trailers and Cabins for rent along with an amazing restaurant and lounge.
Rivendell Retreat at Bowen Island (Tim’s Pick)
Summer is a great time to get away and reflect. My favourite place to do this is Rivendell Retreat on Bowen Island, which is a short 20-min ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay. Anyone can book one of their 18 rooms, and enjoy the views, hikes, and plenty of spaces for quiet reading and reflection. It’s a great place to get away from the city for a few days.
Live Local Music (Nick’s pick)
One of my favourite activities in the summer is finding new music and bands at local venues. Some of my favourite local places are the Commodore Ballroom, The Rickshaw, and The Vogue Theatre, and my favourite out-of-town venues are The White River Amphitheatre and The Showbox in Seattle. The concert I’m most excited about is Slipknot and Bullet for My Valentine on August 26th. To find local shows, I use an app called “Bandsintown” which looks through the bands you like on Facebook and gives you suggestions on shows you might like.
Green Lake by 70 Mile House (Todd’s Pick)
My grandparents have a cabin at Green Lake and I have great memories going there in the summer as a kid. There’s great swimming in the lake, trails to hike, boating, dirt biking, fishing, and waterskiing. There’s also plenty of campsites around Green Lake, which got it’s name from the emerald green hue of the water.