As September approaches, I find myself holding on a little tighter to these last golden days of summer. Maybe it’s the warm evenings, the extra time with my son, or the way the air seems to soften — there’s a richness to this season that makes me want to linger.
These final weeks before the school bell rings have their own kind of magic: lazy mornings without alarms, barefoot sprints through the sprinkler, and sandy toes after an afternoon at the beach. It’s that bittersweet tug parents know so well — part of you ready for the comfort of routine, part of you wishing you could press pause.
Before summer slips away, here are a few ways to savour it:
- Backyard Movie Night — Or check out a free outdoor screening in your community, like at Second Beach or Confederation Park.
Where to watch outdoor movies in Metro Vancouver » - Sunset Picnic — Pack a blanket, watermelon slices, and a charcuterie board, or grab your favourite takeout and head to one of our stunning parks or beaches. Try English Bay, Spanish Banks, or our personal favourite: Old Orchard Park Beach in Port Moody.
- Ice Cream — Set up a “build-your-own” sundae bar at home, or treat yourself to a local gem like Rocky Point Ice Cream in Port Moody, Sally’s Homemade Ice Cream in Richmond, or our go-to gluten-free ice cream sandwich spot in East Van: Innocent Ice Cream »
- Memory Jar — Write down your summer highlights and read them together on Labour Day weekend. We love cuddling up around our fire table at dusk, scrolling through the camera roll, reminiscing about our adventures and setting intentions for the school year ahead.
- Golden Hour Stroll — When the sun starts to set and the heat eases, take a walk along one of our many seawalls, boardwalks, or riverside trails. Or cue up your summer playlist and take a sunset drive — my favourite is heading up the Sea-to-Sky Highway to Porteau Cove, where the winding coastal road is just as magical as the view itself.
Jam packed schedules and rain-soaked soccer practices will all be here soon enough — but these languid last days? They’re worth slowing down for.
