The Dog Days of summer are upon us. Greater Victoria is heating up and we are all looking for a place to cool off. There are many local businesses in Victoria that can help you beat the heat this summer. Check out some of our favorite ways to stay cool around Greater Victoria.

Durrance Lake for a Dip

Durrance Lake is the perfect place to spend a summer day. The clear water is best enjoyed from the reclined position of an inflatable tube. This summer the surface of the lake has been littered with inflatable pineapples and unicorns bobbing along. Check out Capital Iron’s selection of floaties and head out to Durrance Lake to cool off this evening.

 A ice cold beverage on a patio

Sometimes in the heat of summer the best thing to do is find a local business with a great patio and cold drinks. Victoria has so many patios we can’t possibly name them all. A patio is the perfect place to enjoy on a hot afternoon happy hour with friends. We love the patios at Artisan Bistro, Irish Times and Spinnakers.

The patio at the Irish Times Pub is great for enjoying the downtown Victoria vibe and cooling off with a drink.

PC: ItkasanImages via VictoriaBuzz

 Ocean River for a paddle

If you are looking for something that involves a little more movement and exercise why not hit the water for a paddle. Paddleboarding in the gorge waterway or kayaking the shores of Oak Bay is a great way to enjoy the sun with the relief of a cool ocean breeze. Head out to Ocean River Sports to get out on the water with a rental kayak or paddleboard. This local business has a location downtown Victoria, Oak Bay Marina and Saturna Island so that you can explore a new place every time you head out to cool off.

Paddle board rentals from Ocean River Sports are available in downtown Victoria, Oak Bay (pictured) and on Saturna Island.

Ocean River Sports’ Oak Bay Kayak Shack

 Ice cream treats

Summer and ice cream go together like flowers and bees.There is nothing better than a cool ice cream treat on a hot summer day. Ice cream is one of the best ways to cool off during the summer. When you are in the mood for a cool treat to beat the heat head over to your locally owned grocer and scour the freezer aisle for the perfect frozen treat. We love Red Barn and Country Grocer for a chilly summer snack.

Greater Victoria is a great place to be in the summer. All of the local businesses we love open their doors to the ocean breeze and the sunshine puts a spotlight on many local events. Sometimes it can get a little too hot and these are just a few of our favorite ways to support local business and cool down in and around Victoria.