With the end of summer quickly closing in on us I was thinking of ways to make the most of what’s left of the warm weather and sunny skies.

Check out these 7 summer bucket-list activities to check off in these dying days of summer.

1. Kayak the Coast

The Sunshine Coast has a history of sea kayaking dating back 5,000 years starting with arctic native people of Siberia who used traditional qajaq for hunting and fishing to aluminum and fibreglass kayak used for recreation and sport today.

The Sunshine Coast is home to gorgeous ocean scenery – fjord-like mountains dropping sharply into the sea dotted with sand beaches and rocky shorelines.

Launch from Gibsons Landing for an upclose look at local islands. Circle Keats, Gambier and Paisley Islands to catch a glimpse of local marine life.

Or, take a cultural tour of Sechelt Inlet with Talaysay Tours for a lesson in drumming and kayaking.

And, for the fearless kayaker the Skookumchuck Narrows offers some of the fastest tidal flows in the world creating spectacular rapids for only the most experienced riders.

Check in with Alpha Adventures for kayak sales, rentals and tours and great service in Wilson Creek between Gibsons and Sechelt.

2. Put Your Toes in the Sand and Hit the Beach

Although the Sunshine Coast is known for it’s rocky shores it plays host to a few choice sandy beaches with easy access for sunbathing, swimming and beach-combing.

Check out popular Davis Bay with it’s acres of sandy beach at low tide and a seawall perfect for a short stroll. There’s usually a food truck on site during the summer serving up local fare and a strip of shops across the street to indulge your shopping and eating whims.

Locals and weekenders flock to Roberts Creek beach and pier with tidal sand bars, spectacular sunsets, top-notch beachcombing and swimming. And just around the corner is Roberts Creek Provincial Park with picnic benches, sandy beach and tons of parking. Make memories with a late-night swim alongside glowing phosphorescent sea creatures (ask one of the locals about that one)!

Bonniebrook beach in Gibsons is part of a larger community of parks, walking trails and beaches, including Chaster Park at the mouth of Chaster Creek. Bonniebrook area is excellent for walking, socializing, swimming and sunbathing. Stay the night at oceanfront  Bonniebrook Lodge and feast on a sumptuous 3-course dinner at Chaster’s Restaurant with over 1,000 wines to choose from. Stay out late and catch some of the best sunsets on the coast.

3. Hike Mount Elphinstone

Trek the Mount Elphinstone Summit Trail up 1,250 metres to the peak of one of the largest mountains on the Sunshine Coast. Travel through towering cedars and firs, hemlock and spruce and take note on how the flora changes as you gradually gain altitude.

Be sure to book the day as this hike is about 6 hours up and down – not for the faint of heart, although, well worth the trip for the spectacular views of Vancouver and surrounding mountains, ocean and islands. Gain access from Langdale or B&K Road in Roberts Creek. As with any mountain hike be sure to leave your itinerary with one of the locals.

4. Swim the Lakes

Spend the day at any of the beautiful lakes of the Sunshine Coast this summer! The warm, clear waters and relaxed atmosphere offer up a day of family fun.

Camp and paddle board at SCRD’s Katherine Lake and Klein Lake. Water ski on Sakinaw Lake or Ruby Lake then take in a scrumptious Italian dinner at Ruby Lake Resort.

Swim Hotel Lake with it’s private campground and RV sites or access Mount Daniel from Garden Bay Lake then cool off with a well deserved swim. There are many pristine non-motorised swimming lakes accessed from numerous private homes, cottages and B&b’s in the area.

5. Take It Easy in the Garden

Let the lawn turn brown this summer. Hey, it’s less work and more time for play!

And anyway, it’s unavoidable this season on the Sunshine Coast because of our stage 4 water restrictions which means no outdoor watering of lawns or garden beds including veggie gardens.

Most likely, the lawns will bounce back with the winter rains. We live in a rainforest after all.

6. Mountain Bike

Jump on your bike and peddle your way across the Sunshine Coast. Check in with Spin Cycles in Gibsons and Off The Edge  in Sechelt  for  the inside scoop on the best bike trails.

Pick up a copy of Sunshine Coast Super Map at my office. It has detailed mountain bike trails and access points including popular Sprockids Park.

Newest on the scene is Coast Gravity Park which offers gravity-fed mountain biking from beginner to double black diamond trails with serious jumps and drops. It’s the jam!

7. Hit the Restaurant Patio

After an awesome summer day in the sun it’s time to hit the patio and soak up some local suds and grub.

My personal favorites in Gibsons are Smitty’s Oyster House, Sheer Bliss Bakery, Sushi Bar Nagomi and Farm to Feast Food Truck. There’s a ton of great local food to chew on from Gibsons to Pender Harbour.

Go on, get out there while the sun shines and the warm waters beckon. Me, I’m off to the beach…