The second half of June marks the end of the school year, summer vacation, sunny days and plenty of time to clear your head!

We suggest putting all of your activity ideas on a large board or sheet of paper so that you’re ready to hit the ground running as soon as it’s time for vacation.

To help inspire you, we’ve come up with some of the best activities to try this summer!

A Summer of Road Trips

From coast to coast, Canada has a seemingly endless number of breathtaking attractions! Although you can’t simply walk from one province to another, there’s an impressive number of activities you can do no matter where you live.

We've made a list of a few parks to check out this summer, as well as a handful of quick pit stops that are worth a visit along the way!

Ontario

If you enjoy bird watching, visiting Misery Bay Provincial Park in Ontario is a must. On top of being a nature reserve, this majestic green space has a wide variety of hiking trails for visitors of all abilities.

On your way to or from Misery Bay, consider making a pit stop at Providence Bay Beach in the Municipality of Central Manitoulin. It's only about an hour's drive from your main stop and you can take the opportunity to bury your toes in the warm sand along Lake Huron or dip your toes in its refreshing waters.

Quebec

After sitting empty last summer, Six Flags Montreal is once again open for business! With public health measures still in place, you can spend as long as you like riding their dizzying selection of roller coasters located on St. Helen's Island.

A short four-minute car ride (on the same island) will take you to Parc Jean-Drapeau where you can cool down on the water by renting a canoe, kayak or pedal boat after spending all day in the sun.

New Brunswick

Visitors to Moncton's Irishtown Nature Park will be awestruck by its unmatched beauty. You can take in the sights by canoeing along the Irishtown Road Reservoir or hiking the many trails in this 890-hectare park!

Have you ever heard of Resurgo Place? If not, now’s the time! Not only is it a sleek, modern building, it’s also home to the Moncton Museum. Until August 22, 2021, you can visit the “Weaving Cultural Identities” exhibit. There’s a lot going on at Resurgo just waiting to be discovered!

Nova Scotia

If you’re looking to relax in a traditional campground with a beach, it doesn't get much better than Caribou Munroes Island in Nova Scotia. There are about 30 basic sites and nearly 40 serviced sites (with electricity) to choose from. Not to mention a stunning beach that overlooks Northumberland!

Within a 10-minute drive of this camping paradise, you'll find the perfect activity to end your vacation: the deCoste Performing Arts Centre. With shows returning this summer, you'll have a blast watching their lineup of musicians and singers.

Prince Edward Island

Kings Castle Provincial Park in Gladstone is the perfect getaway for families. It’s a small park that’s jam-packed with fun activities. The kids can play in the playground or take a dip in the Murray River. Remember to bring your own cutlery and bagged lunch to enjoy a meal at one of the picnic tables!

If you forgot to pack a picnic lunch, or if you're just feeling peckish, wander over to Wood Islands Whistle Stop. This charming restaurant has a varied menu that will satisfy just about any craving!

Newfoundland and Labrador

Mundy Pond Park is a large green space in the heart of Saint John's. It’s made up of a skatepark, dog park, the famous Mundy Pond (of course!) and an impressive network of trails. It’s accessible from several streets and has a welcoming atmosphere!

If you need to stretch your legs or entice your kids to burn off some extra energy, hop in your car and drive five minutes away from Mundy Pond Park to Get Air Trampoline Park. There are tons of activities to choose from—from slacklining to dodgeball, and of course, trampolining!

Enjoy the Sun in Your Backyard

Summer vacation is just around the corner, and you need to find creative ways to keep your kids busy! Building a backyard treehouse is a great activity that allows you to spend quality time with your family, all while creating unforgettable memories.

You can take inspiration from different designs on Pinterest to create the backyard treehouse of your dreams. You'll also find unique ways to use different materials you may have lying around the house!

If you aren’t handy with power tools, you can always buy a prefabricated treehouse that you can assemble with your kids. Hours of fun guaranteed!

Taste a Host of Flavors With Your Smoker

If you love to grill and never get tired of spending long hours concocting new recipes, consider getting a smoker!

Buying your own smoker is a win-win situation! Here are some of the benefits:

Save Money

You’ll be able to smoke large quantities of meat to enjoy throughout the summer and beyond.

Intoxicating Smells

Your yard will smell amazing every time you smoke meat. Get ready to enjoy intoxicating smells all summer long!

More Time in Your Backyard

Smoking your own food takes time and patience. It's a great way to comply with provincial health regulations, all while filling your days with a fun activity!

Try New Marinade Recipes

Is the thought of buying a smoker making you hungry to try new recipes? If so, we understand! Here are a few marinade recipes for different types of meat, as well as tofu.

Chicken Marinade

What could be better than pairing a juicy, flavourful fruit like mango with cucumber and mint in a chicken marinade? We know—it’s drool-worthy! The recipe is simple to follow and sure to delight the entire family.

Beef Marinade

If you don’t have the time to spend hours marinating red meat, we suggest trying out this quick Indonesian marinade made with ginger and spicy peppers. It’s simple yet packs a delicious punch!

Pork marinade

Condiments are an integral part of any marinade! Not only do they add a creamy texture, but they also impart a lot of flavour. This pork marinade combines Dijon mustard and herbes de Provence.

Salmon Marinade

Do you dream of cooking enjoy a salmon filet coated in a thick, flavourful marinade? Well, you can now check that wish off your list with this easy recipe featuring maple syrup.

Tofu Marinade