But… not all of us call muddy trails or buggy forests our happy place. Let’s face it: not everyone wants to summit a peak at sunrise or sleep in a tent full of mosquitos just to say they “got outside.” If the idea of lacing up hiking boots or fishing along seaweedy shores makes you want to fake a coma, we see you. You want to be outside… but in a comfortable way. With an end time. 

You want to enjoy nature—you know, the breeze, the greenery, warm patches of sunlight, sunsets—without the gruelling trek or damp-socks-in-a-sleeping-bag situation. Thankfully, you can.

Getting out in nature doesn’t have to mean loving all the elements. It doesn’t even have to mean breaking a sweat. Whether you’re the friend who hates early mornings (I feel you), or has never even considered owning a GPS watch, we’ve got some low-key, high-vibe ways to get outside without going full wilderness warrior. Yes, you can enjoy nature your way even while visiting adventure hubs like Whistler, Banff, Squamish, or Vancouver Island. We’ll say no more. Here’s what we’ve got:

Lounge in a hammock with all the necessities

If you want to be outside without getting all outdoorsy, the hammock is your only essential gear item of the summer. If you haven’t already, string up a hammock in the spot with the best view and afternoon sun exposure. (Or find a hammock in your hostel. There’s usually at least one.) Get ready to park it all day. Hikers might prep trail mix and dehydrated meals but you prefer a fresh loaf of bread, a good book, a cup of coffee, and some snacks you didn’t have to dehydrate in advance. That’s it. That’s the whole activity. Bonus points if your phone’s on airplane mode and your only decision of the day is whether to go pesto or fig jam next.

Birdwatching, but with beer

Early mornings are reserved only for catching budget flights, right? On a trip, there’s just no way you’re getting up before the sun does. But, you don’t want to miss out either and birdwatching, as nerdy as it is, does seem kind of cool. Here’s the fix: bring the binoculars, grab a picnic blanket, forget setting an alarm, and add in a couple beers for afternoon birdwatching. Now, swap the early morning wake-ups for a lazy afternoon on a patch of grass with some chilled cans and an eye on the treetops. You’d be surprised how meditative it is to watch birds just do their thing—and even more surprised at how much fun it is to pretend to know what you’re looking at. Sure, birds might be their most active in the mornings but you can still easily spot a hummingbird, eagle, and chickadee at this time of day.

Picnic, but elevated (or extremely lazy)

Charcuterie in the park or at the beach is the outdoorsy version of staying in bed with room service or bedrotting with a pizza. When you call yourself outdoorsy, you mean you like being outside while eating prosciutto and cheese, with a cool glass of bubbles. That makes so much sense and seriously, love that for you. So here’s the move for a perfect summer picnic: slice a bit of cheese, throw down some crackers, a handful of grapes (or candy), add some hummus or guacamole, and you’ve got yourself a spread. If you’re really feeling fancy, add a blanket, a thermos of wine, and a Bluetooth speaker with your favourite summer playlist. We’re talking picnic baskets, not camelbacks.

Plan a photoshoot with nature as your backdrop

Maybe you want to document the summer in style, have photos to mark a significant time in your life, or upgrade your website. Honestly, maybe you just have some good outfits and you want a photoshoot or those plus pretty B.C. forests. Whatever the reason, it’s time for an awesome photoshoot as a way to do something different and enjoy the outdoors. Head to a pretty spot—near a lake, beside a flower field, or under a beautiful waterfall—and do a DIY shoot with a friend. The photos and memories will be worth it… not to mention they’ll be fun to look back on later in the year when it’s snowing! 

Dockside hangs—no lake activities required

Some people swim. Some people fish. And some of us just sit on the dock and talk about how nice the breeze feels. Bring chips, something cold to sip, and a few good friends. Leave the pressure to jump in or cast off behind. You’re not here to conquer the elements. You’re absolutely not here to get algae in your hair either. You’re here for conversation, reflection, summer sunshine, and a little treat.

Float, don’t paddle

If someone suggests a canoe or SUP adventure and you get nervous, don’t. For these kinds of outdoors activities, you can do as much—or as little—paddling as you wish. Some go for the arm workout and exploration and that’s fine. Others go to float, chat, and watch the world go by. You’re not portaging. There’s no white water stuff involved. No rough waves. No island hopping. You’re floating. Bring a dry bag with snacks and a drink, drift near the shoreline, and talk about literally anything besides navigating. Gossip is encouraged as is deep-belly laughter with your favourite travel buddy. Bonus if you can anchor near a scenic bit and stay perfectly still for at least an hour.

Day trip, no camping involved

Camping can be great—for other people. For you? Hard pass. Maybe just a day trip to a provincial or national park hits the sweet spot. And luckily, so many of our hostels are situated near some of Canada’s best parks and natural spaces. Skip the tents, skip the mosquitoes, skip the part where you question your life choices at 3 a.m. while lying sleepless on a mat. Instead, drive up in the morning, enjoy a scenic trail or a sunny lookout, then hit a nearby farm-to-table spot or patio with a view. That’s nature and brunch. Win-win.

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Spending quality time outside and enjoying summer weather doesn’t require you to become a mountaineer or thru-hiker. It can mean sunshine on your face, snacks in your lap, the smell of trees nearby, and time spent with your best friends that doesn’t leave you exhausted and with blistered feet. You don’t have to become outdoorsy to make the most of summer. You certainly don’t have to feign interest in activities you hate! 

Just bring bread, your bestie, and your best laid-back attitude. Nature will take care of the rest.