ARTS HOW TO MAKE SUMMER LAST FOREVER

Keep the sun in the sky with some iconic summer activities around the city

Matt Shipley (he/him) - Communities & Culture Editor

Chelle Lussi - Illustrator

Well, here we are again: staring up at the sky as we shuffle between classes, already feeling the rain-soaked cloud of autumn hanging over our heads like a lightless chandelier. The first day of classes always feels like the last real day of summer, as the constant rhythm of coursework lulls us into a premature hibernation until the sun comes back in… April? May? Good luck predicting that one.

But — news flash — summer isn’t over. The sun still shines through a nearly-cloudless sky, and most of us are still sweating on our sun-baked walks between classes. So, especially since our summer started so late, why wouldn’t we do everything in our power to drag it out for a few more days? Why wouldn’t we take every launchpad we can find to bask in the quickly-fading sunlight? Why wouldn’t we, I don’t know, find a comprehensive list of summer activities to check off before Raincouver lives up to its name?

That segue was terrible. It really was. But, alas, a list this is, and it’s about time we get on with it. Here you’ll find everything under the sun, from easy activities you can do with your friends, to massive hikes and boat tours and everything in between. Some will be free, and some will be for those who aren’t quite ready to slither quietly into the broke-student vortex. All, however, will certainly leave a smile on your face.

Forest Deep

Required: a plan, water, a phone, and good hiking shoes

There are more high-quality hikes in Vancouver than I could possibly list here, but I’ve compiled my favorites from those I’ve personally done in the past. They are ordered from easiest to hardest - from easy half-hour jaunts to mammoth undertakings that can take a full day or even longer. All are local and more or less transit accessible, so you won’t need to spend a single cent on these adventures.

1. The Parks. Stanley Park, Lynn Canyon, Capilano River and Lighthouse Park all have beautiful, accessible hikes that can take as little as ten minutes or as long as a few hours. You’ll never be far from civilization, and cell service is a given.

2. Up The Creek. The Seymour River and Lynn Creek both offer longer hikes up into the mountains. You can walk up the Seymour River pretty much as far as your legs will carry you, and Lynn Creek is shorter but much more technical, especially starting from Capilano University itself.

3. The Close Peaks. St. Mark’s Summit, Tunnel Bluffs and Diez Vistas are all medium-difficulty hikes, the standout being Diez Vistas for its 15-kilometre round trip. These are all worth a full day’s trip, and the views from the top are nothing short of spectacular. Doubtful on difficulty? Start with Tunnel Bluffs.

4. The Far Peaks. Panorama Ridge, Black Tusk, Mount Elsay. These hikes will go from dawn to dusk on capable legs, and most are not transit-accessible. If you’ve got a car, a trusted friend, and a hunger for unrivaled natural beauty, these will all be days (or weekends) to remember. Alpine lakes, sheer rocky summits, and breathtaking views await!

The Sunset Chase

Required: a car, a camera, and a friend

Sunsets in Vancouver are simply gorgeous. Coming from the Interior, a “sunset” defined any time where we could see a weak orange lining on any lonely cumulus cloud in the sky. Here, though, you’re unlucky if you don’t see half the sky light up in a brilliant explosion of colour. You can watch it from anywhere, but some of the best spots aren’t exactly common knowledge.

1. Second Beach. Bonus: freighter lights turn the ocean into just as much of a spectacle ast the sky!

2. Porteau Cove. Bonus: quiet on weeknights, stunning mountain silhouettes, best when the sky isn’t totally free of clouds!

3. Cypress Bowl. Bonus: if you’re quick, you can watch the sunset from the first switchback, then drive up the mountain a ways and watch it again!

4. Literally Any Forest Service Road. Bonus: totally empty, and nothing beats the feeling of going where few would follow for a truly epic sunset.

It hasn’t been a long summer, at least for us year-round Vancouverites. If you’re from abroad, coming in after a long summer, there’s still so much to discover!

Good luck, and I’ll see you out there.

On The Water

Required: between $60-however much you’re willing to spend

Strangely, many of the lesser-known attractions in Vancouver are on the ocean itself. From whale-watching to live-music dinner cruises, there’s something for everyone. From Horseshoe Bay, it’s even possible to rent your own motorboat for the day! Most boat tours (excluding whale-watching) are easy to find spur-of-themoment tickets for, and it’s always well worth the trip.