Summer to-do’s

Try these fun summer activities to keep you busy while school is out

Kari Pedersen
Publishing Editor

The eight long months spent in classes from September to April drain us of all our sanity. So, while summer should be a time for relaxing, sunshine and cutting loose, there is nothing worse than looking back on the way you spent your summer and regretting not doing enough. Well fear not, The Reflector has come up with the perfect list to keep you going this summer.

Check out the patios

There is just nothing better than sitting under the Calgary sun and enjoying a cocktail on a patio, and to make this even easier we created a patio guide, so there is really no work involved in this. If money is an issue, turn your own patio into a summer oasis. Try making some mojitos, iced teas or other refreshing drinks and sitting outside. No better way to save money!

Try out the theme parks

Calgary is lucky to have two theme parks within driving distance! Okay well they may be a little “kiddish” they are a good time! Hit Calaway Park and see how much it has changed since the days you spent on the roller coaster as a kid. Or check out Heritage Park, after all they do have a boat ride on the reservoir.

Explore the city

As a local Calgarian for my entire life, I know there are things I still haven’t seen, so get out and explore. Don’t spend your summer inside, because once it is over you will wish the sun was still beating down on you as you are covered in snow. Try the many pathways, or small shopping areas Calgary has to offer — May I suggest Inglewood or Bridgeland.

Stampede Breakfasts

Remember when we talked about saving our pennies? Well there is just nothing better in Calgary than the Stampede breakfasts that take over during Stampede week. There is even a pancake finder app! Check it out, and get your fill of free hotcakes!

Floating

I have heard this is a great time and I am tempted to try it out this year. While we may not be near a beautiful ocean, we do have some pretty great rivers. If you are looking for something chill, try the Elbow. Something a bit more fast paced? Try the Bow. All you need is a raft, lifejacket (you can be fined without one) and two vehicles. Check out lazydayraftrentals.com for information and easy rentals.

Road Trips

For most people getting out on the open road is a chore, but make it fun again! There are so many towns close to Calgary that are fun to explore, even heading down to Montana with some friends for the weekend can make for a good time. My favourite quick and easy road trip is to Panorama, you can get some cheap vacation rentals and make the weekend out of it with your friends. All you really need is snacks and a good playlist.

Festivals

Calgary is definitely not known for their festivals, but that being said they have quite a few going on this year. Sled Island is coming up, folk music festival is in July, the blues festival, pride festival (rainbow crosswalks, for the win!) and of course Calgary’s mother of all festivals, The Calgary Stampede.

Calgary Zoo

We have an amazing Zoo in Calgary. Tons of amazing animals, including the penguins, which are bound to make everyone happy! So check out the Zoo! They also have some major improvements to the Dinosaur park I hear!

Zipline

If you aren’t as worried about saving pennies, I envy you, but try out Ziplining at Canada Olympic Park. Definitely not the most amazing Zipline in the world, but it will get your thrill seeking side excited, and maybe you can tie your next roadtrip in with a biplane trek! Head to winsport.ca for more information.

Mini Golf

If you aren’t a mini gold fan, you are odd. There are tons of mini golf courses around Calgary. They are a good time, and whats better than winner treats for beers? Or loser. Either way it is a good time with friends for a cheap price. Try the one at Canada Olympic Park while you’re there for ziplining!

Whatever you do this summer, get outside, get your brain off the books and enjoy yourself. Before we know it, classes will be back in session.