Backpacker Buzz

Sorry to break it to you, but summer’s running out of time. As the final days of August roll by like a dog lazing in the sun, don’t forget about all those summertime activities you swore you would do.

Like hike the Grouse Grind. Or rough it out on the West Coast Trail.

Uh, well, maybe not.

Some of us prefer our summer to be a little less strenuous. So sip beer on a patio or hang out on a blanket at the park instead. But whatever you do, make sure to take advantage of the warm days and nights.

Here’s a list of a few August activities to squeeze in before the summer turns to frost:

B.C.

• If you’re in Vancouver, check out the Granville Island Market and Brewery tours that leave from HI-Vancouver Central or HI-Vancouver Downtown. After a few pints of locally brewed ale wander the eclectic marketplace to experience an fusion of fresh local food, shopping, arts, culture, and entertainment. Spending a few summer days on the Gran Isle is definitely a must.
• For those semi-outdoorsy types, tour the Capilano Canyon and cross the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge. It’s a right of passage for all honourary Vancouverites.
• If you’ve got the travel bug, but don’t want to blow your budget, then Vancouver is the perfect place to be. Take a day trip to Bowen Island and experience the creativity and beauty of island life.
• Travel the Sea to Sky Highway and spend a night in Whistler, home to the 2010 Olympics. Pack your day with a Ziptrek tour through the mountains and a special August event, like the Deraylor music festival. Finish your night at one of the local restaurants and bars in the village, and  then sleep it off before heading home.
• Stuck between Vancouver and Whistler? No problem. The LIVE at Squamish Music Festival on Labour Day weekend says goodbye to summer the way only a outdoor music festival can.

Alberta

• If you live on the other side of the Rockies, experience summer Alberta-style. Get cultured at Calgary’s Shakespeare in the Park festival, or go primal and pet a bear at the Calgary Zoo (where HI members get 50% off admission, by the way).
• Raft the Athabasca River in Jasper, a historical causeway for generations of fur traders, abundant with scenery and native wildlife (note: don’t pet these bears). A perfect summer’s day for outdoor enthusiasts and history geeks alike. Book your rafting tour at HI-Jasper before summer runs out.
• For a more casual summer’s day, rent a couple of bikes from HI-Edmonton and take in an Edmonton Capitals baseball game (get discounted tickets at the hostel's front desk). Avoid the hotdogs and remember to cheer for the home team.
• Last, but certainly not least, the best summer days always take place at the waterpark. It’s true and you know it. So why not go to the best waterslides in Canada? The famous West Edmonton Mall Waterpark is one place that adults can play too. Sign up for a package deal at HI-Edmonton that gets you admission, bus tickets, bike rental and acommondation. BYO waterwings. 

Remember, the count-down is on. There are precious few days left to bask in the sun, get wet, and float down a river on a raft. So get outside and do August proud.