The late summer bucket list: 25 ways to enjoy yourself this August

Of course, fall is just around the corner and in Canada, multicoloured leaves, warm tea and sweater weather are all things to look forward to for good reason. But for the sake of staying in the moment and appreciating what’s now, we’ve put together an end-of-summer bucket list. Whether you’re travelling domestically to hotspots like Whistler, Quebec, or Vancouver island, or you’re an international tourist seeing Canada for the first time, the below list will help you milk these days for all they’re worth.

Don’t let these summer days dwindle! Here, your ultimate bucket list of simple summer activities:

Have a picnic

Skip the PB&J and go all in for your picnic with sourdough bread, fresh local produce (B.C. cherries, I’m looking at you!), and nice cheese. If you’re on the East Coast, level it up with lobster rolls. Don’t have much time to prep? Check out our Great Canadian Snack Menu!

Catch the sunrise

Sure, the sound of the alarm early in the day might not be thrilling. That said, once you’re out enjoying views of dusty pink skies at sunrise, you’ll be glad to have gotten out of bed. And hey, since you’re already up, you can count on a day full of adventures.

Chase waterfalls

Set out on an adventure to find nearby waterfalls. If you’re staying in a hostel in one of our wilderness locations, just ask staff where to find the best ones. The journey and the refreshing mist of the falls will provide a perfect summer escape. Your checklist for waterfall hopping is: bathing suit, cold beverages, waterproof casing for your phone, and water shoes.

Your results may vary

Clear your schedule for a summer storm

In some parts of the world, sunshine calls for the reprioritization of work. In Canada, a good summer storm is the same. Cancel the plans, put everything else on hold, and just brew a cup of tea and enjoy the drama of the thunder and lighting.

Have a cocktail with an old friend

Sip a refreshing cocktail with a friend on a patio, enjoying the beautiful weather during our country’s patio season. It's the perfect way to relax and enjoy the last days of summer together. Make it the ultimate Canadian experience by ordering something with either Canada Dry ginger ale, root beer, or in-season fruits.

Jump off a dock

From the long weekend in May until Labour Day, dock jumping is our way of life. If you haven’t jumped from a dock and made a splash in cool waters this summer, what are you waiting for?

Safety first!

Write a postcard to future you

Visiting a major Canadian hotspot like Whistler or Quebec City? When travelling to these types of locations, do you ever stop to consider buying yourself a postcard to remember these iconic spots? Postcards are some of the most budget-friendly souvenirs. Write a note to your future self or frame it and hang it in your office or another space in your home.

Catch up on summer reading

Few things beat a fun beach read or a breezy summer evening on the porch with a good page turner. Don’t have a new book or are stuck for options? We publish long reads each month like this one about friends reuniting in Lisbon or this one about what travelling as a member of the LGBTQ+ community is really like.

Ride your bike

If you haven’t already, take a leisurely bike ride through your favourite trails and streets. Feel the warm breeze and enjoy the freedom and joy that comes with a summer bike ride. Bonus points if you make cycling part of your lifestyle for these remaining weeks of the summer by cycling to the market, grocery stores, work, or meet-ups with friends.

Buy a piece of local art

What are creatives like painters or portrait artists in your destination city up to? Creative people often see the world through a different lens and have a talent of representing that viewpoint in their art. One great end-of-summer activity is to visit a gallery or market buying one piece to remember the moment.

Sightsee in your own neighbourhood

Take a stroll around your neighbourhood and explore it with fresh eyes. Discover hidden gems like the hole-in-the-wall diner with the best French toast or local landmarks like the new street mural, and enjoy the charm of your home city or town.

Drink lemonade outside

Fresh lemonade has been the beverage of the summer ever since you and your little brother ran your own lemonade stand back in the day. Don’t let the summer end without having a glass of ice cold lemonade in the sun. Sometimes the best summer moments are the simplest ones.

A sip of lemonade, and suddenly we're all friends.

Dine at a food truck

Ice cream trucks, fish ‘n chip stalls, or burger joints are the cheap and easy eats that are necessary during summertime. It doesn’t have to be fancy to be mouth-watering and delicious! Stop at one of these places before summer’s out if you haven’t already.

Hit the trails

Run, hike, or walk with friends. Whether you’re near mountain trails or simple ones in your own backyard, enjoy ‘em before they’re snow-covered.

Pick berries

When hiking trails in Canada, you may notice that cherries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries grow plentiful during these months. Of course, confirm that you know what you’re picking before you eat anything in nature. These wild berries really are the taste of summer!

Berry much worth the stains.

Take yourself on a solo date

Just like any solo traveller will say: don’t wait for others, you do you! Whether you’re on a trip alone or playing tourist in your own town, don’t hesitate to take yourself out on a solo date. Sometimes your own company is the best company.

Call a loved one

Is there someone who you meant to call or make plans with this summer but haven’t managed to? Take a moment to connect with that person and share your summer memories over the phone. A heartfelt conversation can strengthen bonds and brighten both of your days.

Have a bonfire

The bonfire is a quintessential Canadian summer experience. Don’t you let September 1st roll around without making sticky s’mores and swapping stories from this summer around a raging bonfire.

A good time to practice those tunes you'll sing in hostel common rooms.

Post your top ten moments from the summer

What have your top ten moments of the summer been this far? Post them not for the likes, but to save the memories for yourself. Review them on a chilly day later in the year when you’re feeling nostalgic.

Host a sunset party

Got a view? Host a little party to enjoy summer’s most beautiful art piece: sunset. Don’t have a view, rally the troops to hit up a rooftop patio, your hostel common space, or hike the the nearest lookout point.

Eat a fruit salad in the park

Prepare a colourful fruit salad of in-season produce and have a relaxing picnic in the park. These summer peaches and strawberries won’t last forever! Savour the fresh, juicy flavors while basking in the natural beauty around you. One fruit salad hack: add herbs like basil or fresh mint.

Treat yourself

Take this as your sign to buy the jacket you’ve been eyeing, upgrade a self-care routine, or book that end-of-summer weekend getaway. Life’s too short not to treat yourself.

Spend the day outdoors

One of the things that makes Canada so amazing is the long days of sunlight we have in late June through September. This August, set aside a day to take full advantage of that by planning outdoor activities from sunrise to sunset. Just pack sunscreen.

Lounge at the pool

Dive into the refreshing waters of the local pool and enjoy a leisurely swim. It's a perfect way to cool off and soak up the remaining summer sun. Indulge in an ice-cold glass of coke or beer to make for an unforgettable day with friends.

Stargaze with friends

Gather your newfound hostel friends for a night under the stars, bringing along blankets and snacks. Enjoy the tranquility of the night sky and the company of good friends as you search for constellations and shooting stars.