Canadian summers are changing. Tell us how you’re still making the most of them | Canada Voices

With every summer come the picnics, outdoor games, vacations, concerts and shows that leave lasting memories. But summers nowadays can often not look or feel like they used to.

Last month, the Greater Toronto Area and Southern Ontario ranked as the worst air quality in the world due to wildfire smoke and extreme weather conditions. This led to the cancellation of big events in the city as well as several outdoor activities.

There are hundreds of active wildfire blazes across the country, and Ontario, B.C. and Europe have experienced heat waves this summer. Canada’s climate is warming at a rate twice as fast as the global average, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada. The Weather Network forecasted that there will be a mixed pattern of heat and heavy-rain interruptions across provinces this summer.

But despite these weather hiccups, Canadians are still trying to make the most of their summer months, in any way they can.

In June, Cineplex recorded its best quarter for ticket sales since 2019, fuelled by blockbusters like The Odyssey. About 53 per cent of Canadian travellers are travelling within Canada this summer. The Canada Strong Pass – which provides free or reduced cost access to museums, camping grounds and galleries – recorded a 15 per cent increase in attendance in national museums and a 13 per cent increase in attendance at Parks Canada sites.

For a future story, we want to know how you made the most of this summer despite these new changes. What did you do this summer to make it fun and memorable? Is there a way summer has changed for you over the years?

Share your thoughts in the form below or send us an e-mail at [email protected].