That feeling of FOMO that comes with the fleeting summer in Canada can often result in going over budget trying to milk as much enjoyment out of the warm weather as possible—but enjoying a full spectrum summer doesn’t have to mean going broke or putting your budget into jeopardy. Yes, Canada can be expensive, but with a little creativity and willingness to think outside the box, there are plenty of ways to enjoy summer in Canada when you’re broke AF… or just trying to get your finances in order. Here are some of the best ways to soak up the summertime in Canada without going over budget:

Enjoy a picnic in the park

Dining al fresco is one of the best parts of summer—but you definitely don’t have to spend your entire budget on overpriced rooftop spritzes or tasting menus to enjoy a great meal with a view in Canada. Head to one of the dozens of farmers’ markets in the country and pick up the basics: fruit, cheese, maybe some chips or other salty snacks, and a bottle of wine or a couple of beers, and you’re guaranteed a great time dining outdoors with friends. Be sure to check the local bylaws before imbibing though. In Montreal, for example, you can only have open containers of alcohol if they’re accompanied by a “meal.” If you’re in Vancouver, the park day is *the* ultimate chill activity for summer lounging. If that’s the mood, head to one of these amazing parks.

Spot street art

Street art in Canada goes beyond just graffiti tags—with tons of cities boasting incredible murals and other public art. Montreal is a great example of this: the city has so many street artists that it hosts an annual Mural Festival, where art-lovers are invited to explore the city’s best murals and witness artists at work firsthand. The city also has its fair share of public sculpture gardens, with the Musée des Beaux-Arts being the best spot for scouting out famous artists like Dale Chihuly and David Altmejd. Vancouver is another Canadian city that street art lovers will adore! It too has a mural festival with guided tours, street parties, night events, and an app to simplify it all! If you’re not there for the fest, look for Vancouver’s first legal graffiti wall on Pender Street.

Hit up a food festival

We’re really spoiled for choice when it comes to cuisine in Canada and the summertime is the perfect season to explore everything our country has to offer food-wise. The country hosts dozens of international, seasonal, and themed food festivals throughout the summer, which usually include free samples, affordable street food options, and the unique opportunity to learn about different cultures and cuisines without having to book a trip abroad. Ones we definitely recommend: Taste of Edmonton, Ribfest, Victoria’s Great Canadian Beer Fest, the Festibière de Québec, and Taste of The Danforth.

Head to the beach (or the lake)

Yeah—we all know that British Columbia and Atlantic Canada have beautiful ocean beaches. But did you know that Canada has as many as two million lakes from coast to coast? The country is home to more than 14% of the total lakes worldwide. It doesn’t really matter if you’re visiting a land-locked province or you’re vacationing on the seaside, it’s very easy to find a beautiful waterfront to post up and enjoy a little sizzle in the sun followed by a dip in the cool water.

Watch for free museum days

From the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto to the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia in Halifax, Canada is brimming from coast to coast with great museums and galleries. The best part? Most museums have a designated free day or night at least once a month. The ROM, for example, is free on the third Tuesday evening of every month while the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia is free every Thursday night.

Get a library card

There’s nothing quite like being wrapped up in a good read in the sun—whether it’s poolside at a hostel or while lying on a blanket in a park. But let’s be honest… Nobody talks about how pricey being a voracious reader can be when you’re buying all your books. If you’re going through book after book, it’s high time to consider getting a library card. Most libraries in Canada (like the award-winning Calgary Public Library which we recommend visiting IRL) are partnered with Libby, an online lending database packed with all the latest e-books that you can read right from your tablet or e-reader. Unlike your local brick-and-mortar library, the platform isn’t location-specific which means you can download and read books anywhere in Canada or while backpacking abroad.

Work on creative projects somewhere scenic

Whether you’re busy trying to bring your small business to life or you’ve committed to actually making time for your passion projects and creative pursuits, consider taking your work outdoors and flexing your creative muscles somewhere scenic. Canada is overflowing with beautiful scenery, so even if you don’t find yourself somewhere like Banff or Prince Edward Island this summer, taking a moment to seek out the natural splendour wherever you are is 1) free and 2) guaranteed to boost your creative juices.