Summer is always a lively, vibrant season at kin. We see it on our social feeds, filled with photographed memories of lake days, markets, and camping, and on our calendars with many holidays, weekend getaways, and bachelorettes being booked off.
Summertime at kin is busy, fun, and balanced.
With Pam having joined Marin out east in Q2 this year, our team is split between Vancouver and Toronto. We love being present in both cities at the same time.
This summer, kin is spending the sunny days exploring the best of what each city has to offer. We’re discovering local gems, finding our favourite food spots, and venturing into the outdoors.
When it comes to summer, these are some of our favourites here at kin!
What’s your favourite summer activity in or around Vancouver/Toronto?
Pam: Anything outdoors! I love camping, sitting by the pool, taking long walks with my dogs or hitting a patio!
Marin: Hiking! In my hiking girl era – so many great spots in Collingwood and nothing beats jumping in the bay after!
Riley: I love swimming and just getting outside! My favourite swim spots are Cultus Lake, Smugglers Cove on the Sunshine Coast and the Squamish River.
Maria: Paddleboarding (such a Vancouverite answer!). It seems like everyone in Vancouver has a paddleboard nowadays, but with the abundance of lakes and beaches around Metro Vancouver it’s simply the perfect summer activity.
What’s your favourite food or drink spot in the city this summer (and what do you love getting there?)
Pam: I’ve been loving the rooftop patio at Gusto 501 this summer – their Carbonara Pizza is my fave!
Marin: Just tried Dear Grain in Toronto and I’m obsessed – their iced matcha latte hits the spot, and the cinnamon raisin sourdough is a standout!
Riley: Two words, Patio. Margarita. My favourites have been Hugo’s, Lucky Taco, and Cactus
Maria: This summer I’m in my matcha era so I’ve been visiting a lot of cafes around the city. A lot of the spots on my matcha bucket list are inspired from social media, and I’ve been on a bit of a side quest this summer trying to visit some of Vancouver’s coolest matcha cafes. I even stood in the winding line outside Cowdog in Kitsilano, but the wait was worth it. Next on my list is Boba Run, which is boba x matcha x coffee — all my favourite drinks in one!
What’s your favourite community gem in Vancouver/Toronto?
Pam: I’ve been loving the outdoor movie nights at Corktown Commons
Marin: Just remembered how much I love Formula Fig facials! I went back after winning one through our mental health awareness bingo challenge, and now I’m definitely planning to make it a regular thing.
Riley: Monday’s Run Club!!
Maria: We Should Be Friends! I’m yet to go to an event but I very much love the initiative.
What’s your favourite part of being in Vancouver/Toronto in the summer?
Pam: What I love about both Vancouver and Toronto is that the cities come alive in the summer. The energy in both cities is infectious and I always make a point to spend as much time outside as possible.
Marin: Local farmers’ markets – nothing better than picking up fresh produce and wandering around with an iced coffee.
Riley: All the fresh fruit stands and local produce
Maria: Vancouver truly comes to life in the summer. Everybody is outside and making the most of the great weather, festivals and outdoors events are popping up left and right, and the city itself is so beautiful. I love how lively this season is!
Your on-repeat song this summer is…
Marin: Easy Does It by Goldford – on repeat all summer, thanks TikTok!
Riley: Anything Country !!
Maria: I’m loving Addison Rae this summer, especially “Headphones On” and “Fame is a Gun”
Your most recent trip this summer?
Pam: We recently took a road trip with our two pups across Canada where we stopped in BC, AB, MB and SK and finished with a week in Northern Ontario. Everything about the trip was perfect and it was really cool to explore parts of Canada I haven’t been before. Saskatoon, SK and camping at Pancake Bay Provincial Park in Northern Ontario were two of the many highlights.
Marin: I spent June and July up in Muskoka this summer. It’s always my favourite time of year!
Riley: I recently went to the Sunshine Coast up to Pender Harbour and had the best weekend. We stayed at Stonewater Motel, went to the beach, local restaurants and hiked Pender Hill.
Maria: I went to Whistler over the August long weekend and it was such a fun getaway! It’s been years since I’ve been up there so it was great to do some cycling, swimming, and strolling around the village.
What’s one summer activity you’ve never done but want to try?
Pam: Running outside! I’m in my treadmill running era right now but hoping to get outside more while it’s still nice.
Marin: I say this every summer, but I really do need to finally take some golf lessons – this might be the year!
Riley: Backpacking Camping! I’d love to try a small hike and stay overnight on a beautiful mountain
Maria: Wakeboarding! I’ve done skateboarding, snowboarding, and even surfing, but never wakeboarding. It looks so much fun!