With summer coming to an end, the days start to get shorter, and we all begin to reach for our favourite hoodies in the evenings. It can be a bitter-sweet time for some as the new season approaches. If you find yourself slipping into a "funk" because of it, don't worry! There are plenty of things to keep the fun and adventure going. Round up family, friends or even empower yourself and go on your own! Here is a list compiled to make the best of the end of the summer.


1. GO FOR A NATURE WALK OR HIKE
Enjoy one of Edmonton's many beautiful nature hiking destinations, not only for hiking but riding your bike, walking your dog, breathing fresh air and taking in mother nature. 

• Whitemud Ravine Nature Reserve
• Patricia Ravine Trail
• Rainbow Valley Ravine (Whitemud Creek)
• North Saskatchewan River Loop Trail
• Fort Edmonton Park Loop Trail
• Terwillegar Park Perimeter Loop
• Whitemud Park
• Whitemud Trail South
• Rainbow Valley Ravine (Whitemud Creek)
• Mill Creek Ravine Trail to North Saskatchewan River
• Mactaggart Sanctuary Path
• William Hawrelak Park Riverside Walk

For more information, visit: www.alltrails.com/canada/alberta/edmonton.

2. GO TO A LOCAL INDOOR SWIMMING POOL OR WATERSLIDE PARK.
As fall approaches, many people look for ways to stay cool indoors. One popular option is to visit a local recreation centre's indoor swimming pool and water park. It can be a great way to beat the heat and humidity that still lingers while also getting some exercise. Whether you're looking to take a dip in the pool or zoom down a waterslide, there's always something to do at an indoor water park. Since they are typically located inside a rec centre, there are plenty of other activities to do nearby if you need a break from the water.

• Millennium Place
• Leduc Rec Centre
• Spruce Grove Tri Leisure Center
• West Edmonton Mall Waterpark
• Any YMCA location close to you
• Collicutt Centre - Red Deer

For more information, visit: www.raisingedmonton.com.

3. GO ZIPLINING
Ziplining is a great way to get outside and enjoy the fresh air while getting your adrenaline pumping. There are many ziplining courses in Alberta and BC. that range in difficulty, so there is sure to be one perfect for you.

• Skytrek Adventure Park – "Aerial Adventure Park for the Whole Family!"
Revelstoke, BC.
For more information, visit: www.skytrekadventurepark.com.

• Ziptrek Ecotours – "The birthplace and global home of Ziptrek Ecotours."
Whistler, BC.
For more information, visit: whistler.ziptrek.com.

• Valley Zipline Adventures - "Over 1.5 hours of good old-fashioned fun for the whole family."
Radium Hot Springs, BC.
For more information, visit: www.valleyzip.com/ziplining.

• Winsport - Monster Zipline "Get big air as you soar from the top of Canada Olympic Park's iconic ski jump tower on North America's fastest zipline!"
Calgary's Olympic Tower, Calgary, AB.
For more information, visit: www.winsport.ca.

• Sky Flyer Zipline: "Soar across the waves on SkyFlyer Zipline, the world's largest indoor zipline!"
West Edmonton Mall Water Park, Edmonton, AB.
For more information, visit: www.wem.ca

• Kokanee Mountain Zipline - "No wings required."
Nelson, BC.
For more information, visit: www.zipkokanee.com.

• Mineral Mountain Ziplines - "We want our guests to enjoy the stunning views of the larch and Douglas fir forests, the hoodoos and Columbia Lake in
their purest form."
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, BC.
For more information, visit: www.zipmineral.com.

• Zipzone Peachland - "Fly, 4 or 6 Lines, whatever suits your budget and time!"
Peachland, BC.
For more information, visit: www.zipzone.ca.

4. GO STAR GAZING
Edmonton has several excellent stargazing spots, thanks to its relatively low light pollution. The best places to stargaze are on the city's outskirts, away from artificial light. Below is a list of some of the best places to stargaze in and around the city and Alberta.

• Rasc Observatory at Telus World of Science
• Elk Island National Park - Beaver
• University of Alberta Observatory
• Cypress Hills Provincial Park Dark Sky Preserve
• Jasper National Park
• Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve

5. GO FOR A ROAD TRIP!
There's nothing quite like a road trip, the freedom of the open road, the wind in your hair, the feeling of adventure. Being in a car for hours allows you to bond with your travel companions. The best part of a road trip is the feeling of finally arriving at your destination. After all, the planning and anticipation, it's such a relief to stretch your legs and explore!

The best road trip experience is definitely in Alberta and BC. The provinces are so big, and there is so much to see and do! From the Badlands to the Rocky Mountains, there is something for everyone. We have some of the best scenic drives in all of Canada. So if you're looking for a great road trip, round your family and friends, or jump in your car and see where the open road takes you.

There are still plenty of long weekends and adventures to plan and enjoy around Edmonton and the surrounding area. If you're looking for accommodations, please visit some of our favourite places. Our hotels offer budget options for everyone, whether you are looking for a luxurious experience or a more affordable option. We have a variety of room types and pricing options to suit your needs. So? What are you waiting for? Hop in your car and see where the open road takes you. If you pass nearby, stop by and say hello! We're expecting you.

• Jasper Inn
• Canmore Inn & Suites
• Canmore Rocky Mountain Inn
• Copper Point Resort
• Invermere Inn & Suites
• Terracana Ranch & Resort
• Grande Cache Inn Suites
• Sunrise Inn & Suites
• Stony Plain Inn & Suites

For more information, please visit: www.innhotels.com/ourhotels.