BY: JESSICA BEUKER
Summer is by far one of the busiest times of the year. Since it only lasts for a few short months before the cold starts to seep in again, we have to make every single day of sunshine and warm weather count. That often means jack-packing your schedule full of the summer activities.
Coincidentally, what feels like the shortest season is also the season with the most to do. Forget your typical indoor activities, as the great outdoors finally becomes available again to use as we wish. Summer is also the season of festivals, of concerts, of vacations and of beach days.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed trying to pack everything in, let us help you by narrowing it down to the top country summer activities.
1. Go to the fair
If you live in a big city, chances are you will get a visit from the Canadian National Exhibition at some point. If you’re from a small town, chances are you will have a country fair. The fair is a fun time all around. Where else can you eat unlimited corn dogs and cotton candy, play ridiculous games for giant teddy bears, watch live performances and go on spinning rides until you’re ready to puke your guts out? The fair brings the entire community together and it is always absolutely spectacular for young kids and old.
2. Go Camping
Camping is the quintessential summer activity. No other time or place is it socially acceptable to sleep on the ground in the woods, cook your dinner over a fire on a dirty stick you found on the ground, not shower for days on end and smell like copious amounts of bug spray and campfire smoke. Yet Despite these things, camping is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable summer activities you can take part in. Maybe it’s the fresh air, or maybe it’s the fact that for once in your life you can’t be surrounded by screens. Either way, you will come out of a camping trip feeling refreshed and renewed.
3. Have a backyard bonfire
Invite your friends and family over for a backyard bonfire. String up some patio lights, BBQ some burgers and sit and chat around the fire over a couple of beers. It’s the perfect evening activity and the best type of social gathering. Don’t forget the marshmallows and chocolate. Bonfires are perfect for roasting s’mores.
4. Go Horseback Riding
If you grew up country, chances are you’ve had at least a few interactions with horses in your time. Horseback riding is an activity that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Whether you’re an expert or a first-timer, horseback riding is simple, yet fun and will make you feel like you’re going on a great adventure.
5. Go to a country music festival
Concerts are one of the most fun ways to pass the time, and what’s even better than a single concert, but a three-day, beer-filled, outdoor music festival with A LOT of concerts. A music festival is the perfect way to check off multiple artists on your must-see concert list. All of that talent and energy in one place is a recipe for an incredibly memorable time. See the Top Country Festival Guide for all Canadian country festivals this summer.
