There’s something magical about summer in our beautiful Saanich Peninsula community. As soon as the days lengthen and the sun warms the air enough that a T-shirt and shorts is just the right combo, I want to spend as much time outside as possible.
Whether it’s taking a bike ride on the streets that wind around our home, sitting outside with a book and a cold drink, or playing yard games late into the evening with friends, July and August on the Peninsula are truly something special.
Perhaps it’s that our summers here are often unpredictable, and never as long as we want them to be. Or maybe it’s that the moment you open your windows to let in the fresh air and sunshine, you’re also letting in the quiet hum of the neighbourhood, and connecting to everyone before you’ve even stepped outside.
Getting out during the summer is more than just appreciating the hot sunny days – it’s a chance to reconnect with what matters. Our community may be small, but it has a big heart, and you feel it everywhere you go.
You can’t walk through a local farmers market without running into someone you know. Everyone smiles and says hi when you pass, and a “stop to chat” often has your dog impatiently pulling at its leash to get moving once again. There’s a comfort in that kind of closeness, a warmth that goes beyond the summer heat.
These moments remind me of how lucky I am to live in a place where people genuinely care about and support each other. Getting outside helps me feel grounded, and grateful for the people and the place I call home.
In these pages we share some of the great ways to get out in our community, and connect with nature and your neighbours. Have a wonderful summer!
Allison Smith, Editor-in-Chief
Clothing & footwear provided and styled by Style Coast.
Photo Janis Jean
