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You are here: Home / Travel / Beat the heat – Pacific Northwest-style!

Beat the heat – Pacific Northwest-style!

August 4, 2024 //  by Esther Morand

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Dealing with heat waves and fires in the Pacific Northwest can require special strategies to stay safe and healthy. Here are some summer tips to help you cope:

1. Stay hydrated:

  • Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
  • Avoid alcohol, caffeine and sugary drinks as they can dehydrate you.

Beach Days: Pack plenty of water along with your beach gear, and take regular water breaks while enjoying the sun and sand. And definitely remember your sunscreen – ocean breezes can mask the severity of the UV rays.

Summer sports: Whether playing tennis, soccer or going for a run, bring a water bottle and take frequent hydration breaks.

2. Stay cool indoors:

  • Use air conditioning if possible. If you don’t have air conditioning, go to public places that do (e.g. recreation centres, shopping malls or libraries).
  • Use fans, and keep windows and doors closed during the hottest parts of the day.
  • Take cool showers or baths, or hit the pool if you have one at your hotel.

Visiting museums: Spend time exploring local museums to stay cool while enjoying art, history and science exhibits.

Indoor skating rinks: Go ice skating or roller skating indoors to have fun, stay active and stay cool.

3. Limit outdoor activities:

  • Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
  • If you must be outside, take frequent breaks, find shade and wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing.
  • When making plans, check the outdoor air quality, especially if wildfire smoke is present.

Early morning yoga: Join outdoor yoga classes scheduled early in the morning to avoid the midday heat.

Sunset hikes: Plan hikes for the late afternoon or early evening to enjoy cooler temperatures and beautiful sunsets. Forest hikes can also offer a cooling respite from the heat, with the forest canopy often offering a few degrees’ reprieve from the warmer temps.

4. Protect yourself from the sun:

  • Wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen with a high SPF.
  • Use umbrellas or other shading devices when outside.

Outdoor festivals: When attending music festivals or fairs, wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Seek shade whenever possible.

Boating trips: While out on the water, wear protective clothing and reapply sunscreen regularly. Use a canopy or umbrella for shade.

5. Know the signs of heat-related illnesses:

  • Symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea and muscle cramps.
  • Severe symptoms include hot, dry skin, confusion and unconsciousness. Seek medical attention immediately if these occur. Learn more from Health Canada.

Plan your adventures throughout the West Coast at westcoasttraveller.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @thewestcoasttraveller. And for the top West Coast Travel stories of the week delivered right to your inbox, sign up for our weekly Armchair Traveller newsletter!

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Category: TravelTag: Canada, Things to do, Travel Tips & Advisories, USA, WCT Intro

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