August always seems to fly by. Missed a check mark on your summer bucket list? Use our cheat sheet to make the most of the final days of summer in Vancouver.
5 Fun Things To Do in Vancouver Before the End of Summer
1) Take a kayak or stand-up paddle board adventure.
You’ve probably been meaning to do this all summer. You think of it when you see folks on the water. But you never make time. Summer is soon over so make that sunny water sports day come true. Ecomarine, with rental locations at Jericho Beach and Granville Island, offers kayak and paddle board rentals. You’ll want to call ahead to reserve.
2) Throw a beach barbecue end-of-summer party.
The end of summer deserves a send-off party. Bring your significant other, friends, kids, the dog, a heap of good food and your barbecue to nearby Spanish Banks. Barbecues are permitted and lifeguards are on duty through Labour Day. Spanish Banks Beach Dog Park allows four-legged friends to be off-leash from 6am-10pm.
3) Consume copious fro yo, gelato, ice cream and popsicles.
In Kitsilano, we head to Scoop! at 2050 W. 4th for a relatively healthy fix (best topped with their housemade mochi). I’m also hearing great things about the avocado lime and salted caramel apricot popsicles at Johnny’s Pops, a new food cart found at Olympic Village and Food Cart Fest. And for the most flavours on offer in all of Vancouver, head to La Casa Gelato with 518 flavours. It’s open until 11pm daily in case you get a late sweets craving.
4) Take a summer hike.
There’s Pacific Spirit Regional Park near Kits. Or head to Lynn Canyon on the North Shore for a hike with a pretty neat suspension bridge and access to glacier water swimming holes!
5) Make a day of it at the Fair at the PNE.
The Fair at the PNE is a Vancouver summer tradition that takes place from Aug. 17-Sept. 2. It’s cheesy, overstimulating and it has tons of really unhealthy yet tempting carnival food. Expect hundreds of performances and exhibits, and more than 50 thrilling rides & attractions, the legendary Summer Night Concerts, Superdogs, and Genghis Khan: The Exhibition.
Photo credit: Johnny’s Pops
Last modified: September 5, 2013
