Seven Ways to Enjoy Summer Solstice (June 21st).

[Riverside Park – Hike Bike Travel]

The summer solstice is also known as midsummer. The significance given to the summer solstice is varied within different cultures, and in some regions, the summer solstice is seen as the beginning of summer and the end of spring. Here in Canmore, the summer solstice signifies the ‘end’ of monsoon June (if the mountains cooperate…which they never do), and the beginning of camping without swaddling ourselves in Patagonia, Arcteryx and Soloman. Sticking around town on the longest day of the year? Here are two ways to celebrate the summer solstice in town, no matter the weather, because who knows what it will be doing that day:

Enjoy the Solstice Sunshine!

1. Head out for a sunrise hike. But first: a quick stop downtown Canmore for a caffeinated beverage to add a little pep-in-your-step. To name a few (you have options): Bike Cafe, Beamers, Mountain Mercato, Good Earth, Communitea, Harvest Cafe or JK Bakery.
2. Post-hike brunch on Where The Buffalo Roam Saloon quaint patio, Harvest, Communitea, or grab breakfast to go from Rocky Mountain Bagel Co. and head to Riverside Park for a morning picnic.
3. Stretch out those tight limbs with a yoga session (9:30am) at the Yoga Lounge for Restore and Repair, or if you prefer, Canmore Hot Yoga for Vinyasa Flow.
4. Peruse stores such as Trend Fashions, Hello Vintage, and Switching Gears for some hot deals.
5. Break for lunch on one of the many downtown patios and take in some wonderful vitamin D. We recommend: The Wood, Tavern 1883, Santa Lucia, or Graze. If you’re vegetarian, head to Communitea or The Green Hut.
6. Once it cools off, head out on an evening bike ride on one of the many trail networks around town. Download the Trailforks app for detailed maps and information about the trails and skills parks around Canmore.
7. Finish your ride back downtown at one of the local restaurants- don’t worry! It’s standard Canmore etiquette to dine out in your biking gear–  and indulge in a local beer from Canmore Brewing Company or the Grizzly Paw; you’ve earned it!

[The Green Hut Whole Foods Eatery]

But What if it Rains for solstice?

Don’t fret! There are a lot of great things to do indoors:

1. Start your morning off (9:30am) with a nice long stretch at the Yoga Lounge for Restore and Repair, or if you prefer, Canmore Hot Yoga for Vinyasa Flow.
2. Next up: Mountain Mercato for a scrumptious breakfast and the perfect hot bevvy sure to help you warm up for the day. Post-dine visit the Artsplace website to purchase your tickets to tonight’s show: Maestro Impro at the Improv Festival from 8-10pm.
3. After a leisurely bite and sip, head across the way to Cafe Books, one of the few independently owned bookstores left in Canada. Browse popular local selections (like Full Curl by Dave Butler), as well as those more popular to the masses and pick up a trinket or two.
4. Shop local and head to O’Canada Soapworks, Twelve 21, Evoolution or Project A, each just a few steps from the other. While browsing, take a moment to make yourself an afternoon reservation at Float Canmore or see if there is an opening at Mindful Massage.
5. Get crafty for the afternoon with a stop off at Sugarpine for supplies and great ideas. Crochet some mountains, knit a scarf, or paint your favorite Canmore scene.
6. Your tummy should be rumbling up a storm, so head to Murietta’s and slide into a comfy chair in the lounge. The large wall-to-wall windows will have you wishing it was sunny, but  your attention will soon be drawn to the food, which is sure to please.
7. For the rest of your afternoon wander in and out of local art shops, and perhaps if the weather breaks, take a quick walk along the riverside to Tapas  or The Trough Dining Co. and make a dinner reservation.

[Float Canmore]

No matter the weather, you’re sure to have had enough excitement to leave you ready for bed, as the sun sets well past 10:00pm on the longest day of the year.