Summers in Canada are truly unique. Emerging from snowy, stupidly cold winters and rainy, muted springs, we’re finally treated to three blissful months of sun and warmth. So, if there’s anyone who knows how to take advantage of fair weather … it’s a Canadian!
In the spirit of celebrating these fine summer months, we twisted the arms of some CREA Directors to share their secret Canadian summer hideaways:
Cliff Iverson, President
“I am just a simple guy! With my schedule, my ‘secret’ go-to spot is my backyard. I float around in the pool, sit on the deck, BBQ some baseball steaks and, after dark, have a bonfire catching up with the people who are closest to me over a couple of cocktails.”
Andrew Peck, President-Elect
“This property my sisters and I own on Pender Island (B.C.) has been in my family for more than 50 years. I don’t get out there to enjoy the views and serenity nearly enough for my liking but when I do … it’s bliss.”
Barb Sukkau, Vice-President
“My secret summer spot is the Port Dalhousie pier in St. Catharines, ON. There is a long pier were you can walk, a lovely marina, shops and outdoor patio restaurants. There is also a carousel that’s over 100 years old that you can still ride for five cents! This summer spot is particularly special to my husband and I as it’s where we had our first date and also where he proposed!”
Pauline Aunger, Immediate Past President
“Spy Rock at Foley Mountain has a panoramic view of the Upper Rideau and is close to the charming village of Westport, Ontario. My grandfather’s farm was just down the road so I have very fond memories of exploring the area.”
Bill Briggs, Regional Director (Alberta)
“My favourite spot isn’t really a secret. Ever since my sister and I were kids, Jasper National Park was where my family would vacation – at least once a year and sometimes even more. As my wife and I raised our family, the tradition continued and now that they’re adults, it’s no different. To this day, when anyone in the family faces a challenge, chances are you’ll hear them say, ‘I have to touch a mountain!’ I don’t expect that will ever change.”
Sylvain Girard, Regional Director (Quebec)
“I love the eastern townships. My mom’s country house is in Sutton, Quebec and I have great memories of the time we spent there as kids. On hot summer days, we drove 20 minutes to get to Brome Lake for a swim and picnic and every Sunday morning, I would ride my bike to the Abercorn bakery for a treat. Since then, I’ve bought my own country home in the eastern townships next to rivière aux saumons. It’s in a beautiful setting in the middle of the fields and was the perfect backdrop when my husband and I married in 2012.”
Roy Milley, Regional Director (Atlantic)
“My wife and I spend our summers at ‘The Bungalow’ on the famous 32-mile-long Mira River in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia – an area made famous by the Cabot Trail. With the water’s edge a mere 10 steps from our deck, we spend our days swimming, boating and enjoying bonfires with family and friends.”
Len Wassill, Regional Director (Saskatchewan)
“I have been fortunate enough to play a fair bit of golf (sometimes not that well) all over Canada and the U.S. White Bear Golf Course in Kenosee Lake, Saskatchewan is such a hidden gem and definitely my top pick. One year, my Dad and I got caught in heavy rain between the 13th and 14th tee. We found shelter in a weather protection shed and passed the time sipping vodka, sharing life stories and marveling the beauty of the Moose Mountains. Unfortunately, my Dad passed away the next year but that memory is still one of my favourites.”
Tim Ayres, Director-at-Large
“My favourite spot to enjoy the long summer days is Aylard Farm Beach in East Sooke Regional Park, Vancouver Island, B.C. It’s a wonderful stretch of white sand fronting the Strait of Juan de Fuca … the first sandy beach I visited when I moved to the Island. There are plenty of rocks and tide pools to climb and explore and the panoramic views are spectacular. I’ve been on the Island now for over 10 years and I’m still finding new places to enjoy!”
Jason Stephen, Director-at-Large
“The Fundy Trail in New Brunswick is the largest tourism infrastructure project in the province’s history and my family’s favourite place to explore hiking trails, sea caves and beaches! Our children fondly refer to is as ‘enjoying nature.’ From falling into streams, holding tiny crabs and searching for different rocks and sea glass, we’ve shared many family memories in this area.”
Let us know: what are some of your own favourite Canadian hangouts to enjoy this summer?
