Most of us spend a good chunk of winter dreaming of all the upcoming trips and adventures that we’d like to go on in the summer. However, before you head out there, I have a few suggestions that could help make your summer a bit more memorable. I present to you, the summer bucket list!
1) Jump into a Glacial Lake or River
Photo from @calsnape After spending a long day on the trail under the sun, this is the ultimate way to cool off. Once you get over the initial shock, your body will get used to it all and you’ll be free to look at your surroundings from a whole new perspective. Bonus points if you can add cliff jumping into the mix, the adrenaline rush will have you smiling like a kid again! So go for it, jump in!
2) Go Camping Alone
I know, for some this may be a scary one. However, it’ll make you feel so much more connected to nature and able to de-stress from your busy life at home. If you are still reluctant to head out there and give this a try, you can always take small steps to work your way up to camping in complete solitude. Try car camping in a campground that has people around you and just become at home in your tent. If you’re still nervous, build a nice campfire. So grab your tent, what are you waiting for?
3) Try and Spot an Animal You’ve Never Seen Before
This one is so much fun because the feeling you get when you see an interesting animal for the first time is incredible. So do your homework, ask locals where the best viewing spots are and go explore. Don’t forget to take some binoculars and your camera! (Tip: if you are in a national park, head to the information centre. They usually know where certain animals have been spotted in the last few days)
4) Make Friends with a Stranger
The people you can meet on the trails or while out camping usually have some amazing stories. Besides, striking up a conversation is easy when you are standing on the top of a mountain. Give them a minute to enjoy the moment and then head over and offer to take their photo for them, or give them a granola bar. This is a great way to make some new adventurous tentree friends. We all need more of those, right?
5) Take the Ultimate Selfie
Photo from @calsnape Try and take a photo of yourself this summer that gives you goosebumps every time you see it. On top of a waterfall that took a day of bushwhacking to get to, in front of some cool wildlife (at a safe distance), or just to showcase how small you are in comparison to mother nature. If you take a selfie like this, you may not look perfect, but I promise you will see a light in your eyes that is absolutely beautiful.
6) Do a Hike that Challenges You
Photo from @calsnape This could mean a lot of things to a lot of different people. Perhaps you’ll be summiting your highest peak yet and it’ll be a highly technical climb. Perhaps you will be visiting a park for the first time and you want to try navigating with nothing but a map and compass. Whatever it is, make it just tough enough so that it’s within your capabilities but endlessly rewarding when complete. You’ll feel like a rock star and know that nothing can stand in your way!
7) Find the Perfect Sunset Spot
Photo from @calsnape Look at the map and pick a scenic location that faces west. Be sure to get there early and bring an adult beverage to drink with a friend as the sun slowly sinks below the horizon. (Slip on a tentree hoodie to keep you warm!) Some of the very best heart to heart conversations happen in these moments. Besides, that’s what summer is all about, right? Enjoying the sunshine.
8) Try and Catch a Fish
Some of you may already be avid fishermen, so you know exactly what I’m talking about. For those of you who don’t fish, give it a shot! Wrangle someone who does fish into coming along if you can, but just get to the water. Yes, it does require some patience, but it gives you time to appreciate your surroundings (the steam rising from the water in the morning stillness is my favourite). Then, once you catch your first fish, you’ll be hooked.
9) Do Something that Makes You Feel Like a Kid Again
Photo from @calsnape When was the last time you climbed a tree? Flew a kite? Went barefoot while eating a Popsicle on the beach? Far too long ago is my guess. Make the time to feel how you did when you were younger, when the world was still full of magic. Have fun laughing and being care free for a little while- you deserve it.
10) Get Lost
Photo from @calsnape While you are busy planning all of your crazy adventures, may I suggest not really planning much at all? Take a trip where you have a general destination in mind but that’s it. Don’t over think it. If you see a neat road while on your travels, take it. You just never know where you’ll end up, or what you may see on the way.
Looking for another bucket list? Check out this tentree blog to see what to do in Banff, Ab! If you enjoyed my post feel free to check out more of my adventures on IG @mposein .
