13 Lesser-Known Attractions to Check Out This Summer

With summer in full swing, many of us are left with the question: What can I do this summer? If you've lived in the same city for as long as I have, you've become accustomed to visiting the same local parks and beaches every year. So this summer, try something new and explore some of these lesser-known attractions in your province.

BC

Sooke Potholes (Sooke, BC)
Along the Sooke River on Vancouver Island, a beautiful, refreshing experience awaits guests who stumble upon this little oasis. The Sooke Pot Holes will surely help you feel “at one with nature” as you take a cool dip in the swimming hole between the age-old boulders and the woods. If you're feeling especially brave, diving off the rocks above the river is also quite exciting if done safely and with caution. www.sookepotholes.com

Inland Sea (Sechelt Island, BC)
In the Sechelt Inlet on the Sunshine Coast, the Inland Sea lies hidden away from tourists. Here, you will see nature at its best with sights of seals, orcas, eagles and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Expect to spend hours on a boat exploring the eight different marine parks at this secret getaway, as well as the sea itself. At this remote marine paradise, the mountainous view and refreshing waters will surely take your breath away.
www.bigpacific.com/whattodo/inlandsea.html

The Canal (Penticton, BC)
For those wishing to get some sun and be near the water without getting too wet, the Penticton River Channel offers a soothing and relatively inexpensive getaway. Simply bring your own floating device or rent one at Okanagan Lake and let the current take you on a peaceful floating adventure to Skaha Lake. Don't forget to slap on some sunscreen! This seven-kilometre journey can take up to three hours and promises no shade whatsoever!
www.ourbc.com/travel_bc/bc_cities/thompson_okanagan/penticton.htm

Salt Spring Market (Salt Spring Island, BC)
In the heart of the Gulf Islands, an amazing outdoor market at Centennial Park occurs each Saturday during the spring until October. At Ganges, the Island’s main village, large crowds gather to shop for a variety of local goods. Visitors and residents alike are sure to be captivated by the organic and exotic foods, delicious desserts, one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry, unique clothing, magnificent photographs and impressive pottery.
www.saltspringmarket.com

Crazy Creek Resort (Malakwa, BC)
On the edge of the Thompson Okanagan, a convenient rest stop is embedded on the way through the Rockies. Here at the Crazy Creek Resort, travellers can refresh themselves in the three contoured hot pools, go for a quick thrill by crossing the 240-foot suspension bridge, gaze in awe at the gorgeous waterfalls or take a walk and simply immerse themselves in the beauty of the outdoors.
www.crazycreekwaterfalls.com

Wild Play Element Park (Nanaimo, BC)
Not for the faint of heart, this attraction challenges all visitors to experience an adrenaline rush like no other. Here, thrill-seekers are invited to jump off bridges in the Bungy Jump, drop into a freefall whirl in the King Swing, fly across a river in the Canyon Zip or journey though an elevated obstacle course in the forest in the Monkido Aerial Tree Courses. A visit to Wild Play Element Park will surely leave you with great stories to tell and bragging rights to bring back home.
www.wildplay.com

Castle Fun Park (Abbotsford, BC)
If you live in the Lower Mainland and wish to experience some fun at a place other than Playland, Castle Fun Park is your best bet. Castle Fun Park is home to attractions such as bumper cars, go-karts, batting cages, mini-golf courses and over a hundred arcade and skill games.
www.castlefunpark.com

AB

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump (Fort Macleod, AB)
Looking to do something a little more educational this summer? Located 18 kms west of Fort Macleod is Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a museum and World Heritage Site for Native American history and culture. In the $10 million Interpretive Centre, which is constructed within an ancient sandstone cliff, visitors can learn about various aspects of the Blackfoot people’s culture. And every Wednesday from July 7th to August 25th you can be treated to a drum and dance performance.
www.head-smashed-in.com

Writing on Stone Provincial Park (Milk River, AB)
This amazing park offers lots of great outdoor activities such wildlife viewing, fishing, canoeing/kayaking and also has many campgrounds nearby. In addition to relaxing and enjoying the beautiful surroundings, be sure to check out the park’s sandstone cliffs where original First Nations petroglyphs and pictographs can be seen.
milkriver.ca/tourism/camping-sightseeing/writing-on-stone-provincial-park

Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden (Lethbridge, AB)
This amazing garden is a great place to check out with friends or family. There are plenty of special events happening throughout the summer as well as group tours. So if you’re looking for a unique experience and place that will help you get away from the stress of your busy schedule, the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden is definitely worth a visit.
www.nikkayuko.com

A Wild Kakwa Safari (Rocky Mountain House, AB)
Looking to add a little adventure to your usual hikes? At A Wild Kakwa Safari, you can grab your friends, hop on some ATVs and follow a guide through the trails of the Rocky Mountains. You’ll cross streams and navigate difficult terrain while enjoying all the beauty that nature has to offer.
www.wildkakwasafari.com/ATV/atv.htm

Kart World Family Fun Centre (Calgary, AB)
Summer is a great time to relax with friends, but don’t forget about your family! Kart World Family Fun Centre is the perfect place to spend a full day of fun with your parents, siblings or cousins. Whether you want to show off your driving skills on the Go Kart track or challenge someone to some good old mini-golf, this adventure park has it all!
www.kartworldcalgary.com/

Edmonton Corn Maze (Edmonton, AB)
Be a part of the 10-year anniversary of this Edmonton tourist attraction and try navigating your way through this year’s corn maze. This year’s maze is specially designed to honour Edmonton’s Food Bank. With great group discounts, this is a very affordable activity that will surely challenge you and provide you and your friends with a ton of fun and fantastic summer memories! The maze opens on July 3oth!
www.edmontoncornmaze.ca