We asked members of our Global News team to tell us about their favourite summertime activities. From swimming in every pond, lake and ocean, running along the winding trails, or simply sitting in the sunlight, here are their answers to inspire your summer plans!
Jamie Orchard swims, slides and splashes with the family
Both my husband and I work a lot, so getting away to the beach is a must-do in summer. We are a bunch of water babies in our family, so when summer hits you will find us at the nearest pool, water slide, or beach.
Clearwater is one of our favourite spots. When we tell people we’re heading to Florida for a few weeks in August, they often think we’re nuts. Many say it’s simply too hot, but we say “bring it on!”
We can spend pretty much all day, every day, running in and out of the ocean and playing in the sand. My little ones even love to nap under the big, shady umbrella. We’ve built some epic sandcastles on that beach, and even my five-year-old can body surf like a pro. It’s great family bonding time, and we always come home refreshed, sun kissed, and reconnected.
We all love Montreal, and when we get home we’re happy to head back to the local pool for our hit of water fun, but in my mind there’s nothing like the beach in summer for recharging the batteries, and putting a smile on everyone’s face.
Jamie Orchard is the Senior Anchor for Global Montreal’s Evening News
Shanelle Kaul chases the horizon
My first Saskatchewan summer, I fell in love with running. Fueled by a desire to take in the land of the living skies and also disconnect for a couple of hours a week, I took on marathon training with a colleague of mine. At first, we were pretty terrible – there was a lot of huffing and puffing and shin splints so painful I thought there was not enough ice in this world to cure them. Distance running seemed to look a lot easier when we were cheering from the sidelines. Finding our pace took time and dedication and mostly a lot of free bananas at the finish line.
Regina’s Wascana Lake has since become our summer spot. We watch the colours in the sky melt from yellow to pink as the sun sets with each lap. The Legislative building is our landmark and when we see the scaffolding appear from atop the trees, we know our route is nearly complete. The crisp evening air envelopes our sweaty bodies and we remind ourselves of the juice packs sitting in the back seat of our cars, awaiting our finish.
And so, to me Saskatchewan summers mean picture perfect sunsets, racer-back tans, and gulping gallons of post-race Gatorade with my best friend.
Shanelle Kaul is the Morning News Anchor for Global Regina
Wesla Wong enjoys the outdoors in Okanagan
Sunny Okanagan summers are one of the reasons why my husband and I left the “big city” two years ago and returned to living in the beautiful BC Interior. With daytime high averages of mid 20s from June to August, we love to enjoy the great outdoors in the Kelowna area. Our favourite summer activities include hiking, boating, and enjoying a cold beverage on the patio. Did we mention that we also live in wine country?
Hope you all have a great summer and see you in the Okanagan soon!
Wesla Wong is the Meteorologist for Global Okanagan
Ward Smith details the deep dive into Ontario lakes
It is that moment of nervous anticipation, staring at the reflection of the sun, into the shimmering cool lake water that brings summer’s greatest gift to me. The whistle of birds in the distance, the humming and buzzing of bees and insects, help countdown that instant of complete suspension before plunging into the deep unknown blue water. It is that split second your feet no longer touch the ground and your fingers are set to break the divide from dry heat to wet cool. Then the haunting call of the loon reminds all on the lake, how alive and well nature remains. The hustle and bustle of the city is just a faint whisper in the wind.
Your heart is on hold as your breathing stops. The muffled sound of the splash hits your ears while the bubbles burst from your lungs. The entire exercise is over within seconds, as the fresh rush of water chills your salty skin. It doesn’t really matter where or when but it is the opportunity of endless lake swimming, among the company of family and friends, that I cherish the most.
You can smell the memory of it, even in the frost of winter. For decades my family summer vacation consists of a variety of visits to cottages, and trips on the family boat. It is a patch quilt of fun and freedom, measured by lazy afternoons, paddling through clear, refreshing lake water. For me, swimming is the thread of summer’s pleasure, washing away the grit of city life.
Ward Smith is the Station Manager of Global Toronto, and Director of Eastern Stations: Toronto, Montreal, Halifax and New Brunswick.
Ross Lord boasts the East Coast
Most of my favourite summertime activities include spending time with my family and my community of Windsor, Nova Scotia.
We are blessed to live in a splendid town and province, where we enjoy volunteering at community events. For example, announcing at the local swim meet. There are plenty of places in Nova Scotia to visit or revisit, so our vacations are never dull.
Whether it’s watching our children’s sporting events, catching up on projects around the house, or just kicking back with a good movie or book, these are our sources of summertime joy.
After enduring the Canadian winter, especially the most recent, basking in sunshine at temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius comes with extra satisfaction!
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