Environment Canada says that we're in the middle of a nice little heat wave as temperatures have been reaching over 30C for a few days now. I've got a hot tip for you on how to stay cool out there. You could hide in your basement but this is when we should all be outside, just as long as we stay mindful to stay hydrated while avoiding sunburnt skin and a million mosquito bites.
Where to go in sunny St. Albert? And what should you do there? Nicole Pearson, the marketing and communications supervisor with the city's Recreation and Parks department, has a little light reading material to help you figure it all out.
"On our website, we have a Summer Activities Guide. It lists off all the kinds of things that people can do throughout the summer."
With guide in hand, off we go.
Red Willow Trail system
Believe it or not, there are more than 85-km of these trails connecting all of the neighbourhoods throughout the city, not to mention the 112 parks, 77 playgrounds, and 1,370 acres of designated parkland. What's more, much of this pathway is well treed through ravines and parallel to the Sturgeon River.
"Our Red Willow Park trail system is a really good one to use, especially on those hot days because it's got a lot of the shade with all the trees along it. If they're going to go out and walk the trails, stay to the ones that have the shade so that it's a bit cooler when they're out walking," Pearson said.
The city's website says that there are more than 80,000 trees. That's a lot of shade to make the area naturally cooler than standing under the blazing sun.
Check it out at www.stalbert.ca/city/maps/parks if you really need to plan your time outdoors. Otherwise, this is a great first step outside, especially since it's like tapping right in to the network. Now you can go anywhere, do anything, and you're seeing the St. Albert that you just can't see from the roads.
Woodlands Water Play Park and the Grosvenor Park Outdoor Pool
These two are no-brainers on these days. When it's hot like this, you could find your way to either of these spots just by following the smiles. The Woodlands Water Play Park, located at the northeast corner of Boudreau Road and Sturgeon Road, is a fave destination for families, especially with young children. It's free and it has a regular playground too, in case your kids don't want to get wet, plus there's a skateboard park on site for those with their own wheels and protective gear.
As for the outdoor pool, it takes an admission price but it's well worth it.
"Grosvenor Pool is always available and a great one to go to and take a splash and cool off. We actually encourage people that when it does get above those plus 30 temperatures to look even to stay inside. It's great to be outside but we've got Servus Credit Union Place, which is air-conditioned and it's a great place to go to a pool for those people who can't handle the sun, as well as Fountain Park," Pearson said.
Big Lake and Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park
With its John E. Poole Interpretive Boardwalk, Big Lake (inside the Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park) is still one of the city's most underappreciated natural wonders.
"It's a beautiful place," Pearson said. "It's really got a unique wetland ecosystem that you can't really see anywhere else.
Even though the BLESS platform is closed off, people can still access the pathway and see the majestic lake with its bounding plenty of birds and wildlife. You could even get on the water with the right equipment.
"If anyone has a kayak, you can get out onto the river and go kayaking. We put that new boat launch that actually opened toward the end of last season at Rotary Park. It's a great place for people who are looking to go kayaking. The parking lot is right there. You only have to carry your kayak about 30 yards. It's kinda nice in that way. You can drag it along and get it in the water."
Rotary Park is located at the end of Rodeo Drive, accessed from Riel Drive between the Rugby Club and the Kinsmen grounds. There's another boat launch onto the Sturgeon River just across from St. Albert Place. Find it through the parking lot just on the west side of Chateau Mission Court on Mission Avenue.
St. Albert Place
Speaking of our city's cultural and government centre, the fountain on the right frontispiece facing the plaza is a great place to sit and catch some light spray. That's another great way to beat the heat. There are also drinking fountains inside in case you haven't had enough water.
Other hot spots
The Summer Activities Guide (found at www.stalbert.ca) offers lots of other ideas including hanging out at Lions Park. Pearson suggested the Cruisin' Clubhouse, a free drop-in craft and activity program for kids over five that visits different parks and playgrounds. It has a different theme every week and runs Mondays to Fridays. It just started this week and runs until Aug. 25.
She added that the city offers "Beat the Heat" drop-in skating on Saturdays from 12:30 to 2 at the Mark Messier Arena. Regular admission rates apply, she noted.
On the street
So, what do you do to beat the heat on days when the temp is 30C?
CIVC director Joe Becigneul: "Drink beer. I love outdoor patios and people-watching during scorchers. Celtic Knot or BP's north have great patios, but this week's will likely occur in my backyard."
Christine Ganong: "Nude beaches."
Tobi Lysyk: "Movies and Netflix with the air conditioner on."
Artist Jay Bigam: "Whyte Ave. Art Walk … and I'm loving the forecast! Last year was moist."
Roger Brewer: "I think I'll just turn up the AC."
Kristin Anderson: "Dot watching. Dean's got another bikepacking race this weekend." (Referring to husband and Church of Christ pastor Dean Anderson who often participates in extreme athetic events.
Lorraine Berard Gerling: "Wabamun beach!"
