Summer in Canada is a beautiful, if fleeting, season. To help you make the most of your time outside – whether that’s on the mountains, at the beach or in your backyard – we’ve put together a short list of practical and stylish gear, games and accessories for the whole family from Canadian brands big and small.
Simons Maison giant chessboard blanket
Part of the Live Outside collection from Quebec retailer Simons, this quilted canvas picnic blanket features a lightweight polyester fill and water-repellent underside and can be neatly rolled up for easy transport. $79
Taiga longboard skateboard
Quebec-based paddleboard brand Taiga also sells a few skateboards, including this lightweight, Canadian maple and rosewood veneer longboard that might just inspire a new midlife sport. It is designed in Canada and comes with a one-year warranty. $222
Hudson’s Bay Stripes cornhole set
The iconic Hudson’s Bay stripes live on at Canadian Tire, and they are featured prominently on this classic wooden cornhole set. Made for family-friendly backyard competitions, it includes two official-size boards and eight bean bags, and should last for years to come. $200
Must Do Canada Scratch-Off Adventures
Part travel guide, part vacation companion, this deck of 50 scratch-off cards can be used as a checklist or as inspiration for your adventures around British Columbia. There are also card sets for Alberta and Ontario (so far). $65
Vallier Wynwood travel towel
Made for travel but also great for beach days, this microfibre towel is absorbent but also compact and quick-drying. Designed in Montreal and manufactured overseas, it is reversible and available in a range of colours and patterns. $60
MEC double hammock
Consider this double hammock from Vancouver-headquartered MEC for camping trips, the cottage and even treed urban backyards. Made with a lightweight and tear-resistant recycled polyester fabric, it comes with tree straps, carabiners and a storage bag that doubles as a handy pocket when the hammock is in use. $120
Bite insect repellent
Bite, a Toronto-based outdoor beauty brand, offers an oil-of-lemon-eucalyptus-based natural insect repellent that offers protection against both ticks and mosquitoes. It is not cheap, but is designed to be gentle on skin and can be used on infants six months and up. $29
Omy SPF 50+ mineral solar serum
If you’re looking for a face sunscreen you’ll want to use every day, consider this made-in-Quebec, water-resistant option offering SPF 50+ protection. Featuring an ultrafluid texture, it won’t clog pores and is fragrance- and silicone-free. $45
Heirloom Rosemary straw hat
Available in three sizes and multiple colours and patterns – there’s even a cute polka-dot version in collaboration with fashion designer Eliza Faulkner – this summery hat by Montreal milliner Samantha-Tara Mainville lays flat for travel and comes with an adjustable chin strap. $335
Tentree Trail Sling
Stay hydrated on hikes with this sling bag, which fits a one-litre Nalgene bottle in its insulated compartment, by Vancouver-based B-Corp Tentree. There is also a zipper pocket for other essentials such as your phone and keys, and the shoulder strap is adjustable. $55
Arc’teryx Ossa overshirt
Stay sun-safe on all your summer adventures with this packable men’s overshirt made with a breathable, UPF 50+ nylon stretch ripstop fabric. It is designed for hiking but could also add a layer of protection on the beach or even at an outdoor music festival. $230
Norda 003 shoes
Trail running is having a moment, and you can splurge on a pair of shoes specially made for the sport by Canadian brand Norda. Available in men’s and women’s sizing, the laceless, all-purpose 003 style works for hiking, scrambling and running. $295
Deux Par Deux child rashguard
This rashguard, which can fit toddlers to tweens, is made with a recycled-polyester-and-elastane-blend fabric that is quick-drying and offers UPF 50+ sun protection. Your little one can wear it to the beach, the pool and even the splash pad at the local park this summer. $36
Native Jefferson Bio-Bling child shoes
A lightweight, closed-toe summer shoe, Native’s popular Jefferson style is ideal for wading pools, daycare, camp and more. Plus, this kid-sized version offers a bit of sparkle but is actually made with a biodegradable, plant-based glitter. $55
Coco Village volleyball for kids
This adorably little, blue-and-yellow neoprene volleyball for children aged three and older is quick-drying and water-resistant. You can pack it for the beach and the cottage, but your kids may just want to volley it around in the backyard. $15
