I remember when I lived in Brazil, in a particularly hot region, where there’s never anything but hot seasons - there are actually only two distinct seasons there: hot and humid from mid-september to mid-april, and hot and dry the rest of the year. It’s like that for most of the country, with slight differences. What passes for “winter” there is one to two weeks mid-june where temperatures drop to near 10ºC… 
There’s little sense in the phrasing “Summer plans” in Brazil. Most of what you do in the actual calendar Summer you can also do most of the year.
But I’m living in Canada, where we have well-defined seasons with much more distinct differences, and activities that are particular to each season - can’t go out skiing in the summer, right? And, as our summers here tend to be quite short and abrupt - it gets hot really quick, and cools down just as quick - we here tend to have well-laid summer plans.
Unless you have a newborn, that is. Still, my wife and I planned a few outings, to national parks nearby, as a way for both of us to change pace and to present our little one the wonders of the nature.
I’m a hiker, and I can already feel how much I’ll miss the mountains and trails this year. I can’t wait to be able to bring the baby along! My wife loves the water and being on the sun. Our friend’s group likes barbecuing in Montreal’s many parcs. Last year, we all went kayaking and canoeing through some astoundingly beautiful settings. This year, though, we well keep a lower profile, winging outings whenever we fell the baby is calm enough.
If you ever find yourself in Quebec for the summer, here are some activities you won’t regret:
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Hiking. Of course I would start with that. You can find nice trails here for both the experienced hiker and the newbie, ranging from under an hour to a whole day - or, if you are feeling particularly adventurous, you can camp on the trail for the longer ones, though you need a reservation. For the newbies, I recommend the Coaticook Parc, home to a beautiful suspended bridge:
It’s a short trail without too many ups and downs.
For the experienced, near Montréal, I recommend the Mauricie National Parc. It has a range of trails up until 20km of high mountains, where the view makes the effort worthwhile:
Plus, in the longer trails, you are most likely to find only other like-minded people. -
Biking. Join one of the many groups travelling the province by bike. You won’t regret it. Early June, you can participate on the Tour de l’île, a bike tour through Montréal.
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Kayaking and canoeing. Almost all national and provincial parcs here offer water activities. Stand-Up Paddle is also a option at some parcs. Bring your GoPro along - or put your phone in one of Anker’s waterproof phone pouches. I particularly like the Mont-Tremblant National Parc for this. If you are lucky, you might cross a deer or a moose on the shore. If you are unlucky, a bear
Just kidding, even the bears here are polite. Don’t go too near them, though.
Just kidding, even the bears here are polite. Don’t go too near them, though.How’s summer like where you live? What activities do you enjoy in the hot season? Share your tips here for what the other should do if they are in your area!
You will be swimming in sweat.
