How to Make the Most Out of Your Summer

By: Rubi Katz (Grade 10)

Don’t know what to do this summer? Here are some ideas! 

As Vancouver is beginning to reopen, the idea of having a somewhat normal summer is starting to become more of a possibility. While many summer traditions have been canceled or postponed, there are still many ways to still have fun and enjoy your summer. 

There are already a few summer spots that have confirmed their opening or have stayed open throughout this pandemic. Here are some places you can go to this summer to continue on with old traditions, or create new ones!

 

• Granville Island 

 

The Granville Island Public Market has been open as an essential service during COVID-19. The many vendors that sell an array of Vancouver’s favourites will be open this summer for us to enjoy. When you go to Granville Island, be sure to check out the very, very large chandelier hanging from the bottom of the Granville Street Bridge.  

 

• Sea to Sky Gondola and Hike

 

As of now, the Sea to Sky Summit Trail is closed as the lower half goes through the Stawamus Chief Provincial Park which is closed for hiking. However, the Sea to Sky Gondola is open so you can still go to the top and enjoy the gorgeous view. Purchase of an online ticket is required for entry, to limit interactions with the staff. The line to get on may also be longer as they are only loading every second gondola, to allow for sanitation.  

 

• Vancouver Farmers Markets 

 

The Farmers Markets around Vancouver stayed open throughout quarantine. They are considered an essential service, so we are able to go and support small local businesses while enjoying fruits, veggies, specialty foods and of course samples! The Farmers Market is a great way to spend some time outside while also tasting the variety of foods they have to offer.  For information about your closest farmers market, check out: eatlocal.org 

 

•  Dunbar Theatre 

 

Since the start of quarantine, the Dunbar Theatre has been open for private rentals so you can continue watching your favourite movies with a group up to 20 people (the 300 seats allow for easy physical distancing). They are also selling their popcorn and other treats from the concession if you want to have a movie night at home.  

 

Lots of places and activities are still unsure of their reopening, so here is some information from some summer favourites about their upcoming plans.  

 

• PNE/Playland

 

You can still hold onto your little bit of remaining hope for the opening of the PNE and Playland.  A statement from them says, “When the time is right, we will be ready to welcome the province back in ways that make sense for all our health and safety.” Another spokesperson for the PNE/Playland says that they are looking forward to a tentative July 1st opening  (April 2020).  So get ready because the possibility of you riding the Wooden Coaster this summer may just become true.  

 

• Whistler Blackcomb

 

Vail CEO Rob Katz says that they hope to have the lifts running for late June or early July.  While there is no way to go back in time and get the rest of the ski season back, we can still hope that we will be able to go up the mountain and enjoy the many hikes, viewpoints, and bike trails that Whistler Blackcomb has to offer.  

 

• Richmond Night Market

 

Celebrating its 20th summer, the Richmond Night Market has made the decision to postpone its opening. They wrote that at the end of June they will come back and reassess the current situation before deciding on their next steps. Let’s hope that by the end of June, everything will be closer to being back to normal so that the Richmond Night Market can open.  

 

• Cultus Lake Water and Theme Park

 

Cultus Lake Water and Theme Park is anticipating opening in July with modified capacities and hours to allow guests to stay safe and socially-distanced. However, if you are itching to get there sooner than July, their 18 hole Giggle Ridge Mini Golf is open on June 6th. 

CANCELLED 

Unfortunately the annual summer fireworks in English Bay have been canceled this year, so let’s cross our fingers and hope that it is just temporary and we will be able to witness the sky filled with colour next summer. In addition, the Port of Vancouver announced that Canada Day at Canada Place is cancelled and the same extends to many other Canada Day festivities. However, we can still dress up in our red and white and celebrate the country that we all love. Don’t let the many closures affect your summer; use this as an opportunity to try something new and create long-lasting traditions. 

Have a great summer!