The sun is shining, and temperatures soaring – that means summer is really upon us.
Experts are warning Montrealers to take care of themselves during the current heat wave, as well as stay hydrated and safe in the sun.
“It’s very important to do daily sun protection. Not even on sunny days, but every day,” said Dr. Beatrice Wang, director of the melanoma clinic at the Royal Victoria Hospital of the MUHC.
READ MORE: Sun safety: reducing your risk of health issues from heat stroke to melanoma
But once you slap on the sunscreen and grab that hat and bottle of water, it doesn’t have to be all serious business.
Here are six things you can do to cope during this heat wave:
Go to a park/splash pad
It seems like a simple tip, but parks are perhaps the easiest place to cool down as a family.
Just in case you can’t decide which park you want to go to, stay-at-home mother Christine Latreille has tested — and blogged about — almost every park on the island of Montreal.
“You want to keep the young families interested in coming to your city,” she told Global News.
“Pack a picnic and spend the whole day there.”
READ MORE: 5 amazing parks to take your kids to this summer
Have a picnic
The Lachine canal is a perfect picnic spot — but surprisingly, not a lot of people take advantage of it.
It’s right by the water, so it’s cooler than being in the heart of downtown.
Not only can you walk or bike to Atwater market for a snack, but there are enough trees to sit under and read a book and plenty of sun to play soccer or toss a football around.
Go to an outdoor cinema
This one is more for an evening outing — but when the heat sticks around past the sunset, grab a drink and head to an outdoor cinema.
There are screenings at many green spaces across city, so check your neighbourhood websites — best of all, they’re free.
Try an unusual sport
Have you ever gone swimming with a mermaid tail or played soccer while wrapped in a plastic bubble?
Montrealers are getting creative when it comes to finding new ways to play traditional sports.
READ MORE: 5 unusual sports to try this summer
Join a free walking tour
What better way to discover the city than to take part in a free walking tour of Montreal?
Not only will you get to meet tourists from all over the world, but you might learn a thing or two — tour guides can answer any and all questions about the city’s history, architecture and more.
Many of the tours start in the Old Port and will take you on a whirlwind tour of the city’s biggest monuments and most interesting corners.
Go for a swim
It’s summer, it’s hot — go for a swim.
If you’re not lucky enough to have a pool in your backyard, check your neighbourhood websites for swim times and schedules.
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