Summer shouldn’t be spent buying out all of the ice from the grocery store and bedrotting in front of an oscillating fan — even when the temperature breaks 30 degrees. Stop debating whether this is the summer you shell out for an A/C unit, and start cooling off in a way that’s actually fun.
SANDY BEACH
If “beat the heat on the cheap” means “spend zero dollars,” then it’s time to look to nature and head to our city’s beloved rivers. There are a few spots around town where you can take a dip in the Bow and Elbow rivers, but if you’re looking for a chill way to stave off the summer heat, Sandy Beach is the place to go. If you wanna go rafting, this area is a launch point, and also a great place to swim. The current usually isn’t too strong, and the area is decked out with picnic benches, fire pits and barbecues.
SIKOME LAKE (A.K.A. SIKOME AQUATIC FACILITY)
Considering it’s only $8 (including GST) per adult for admission for the entire day, Sikome Lake is an absolute steal for a day at the “beach” in Fish Creek Park. There are concessions on site with fairly standard fare, but to really pinch some pennies, bring your own food to enjoy at one of the on-site picnic tables. And if you’re a particu- larly enterprising cheapskate, Sikome permits propane barbecues on grassy areas around the lake. So fill up a cooler with some burger patties, and grill up some mid-day refreshments once you’re thoroughly cooled off.
PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS
Sikome Lake is slightly out of the way, but staying cool doesn’t necessarily mean going far. While the regular cost of entry at the public pools in Calgary will run you a cheapskate-friendly $6, you can get in even cheaper. If you head to the outdoor swimming pool in Forest Lawn, you can get in for $2. Public swim times start at 12:30 p.m., so if you’re going to be in the area and looking for a cheapskate’s brunch before you hit the water, try Forest Lawn favourite Tim’s Cafe (no, not that Tim’s). Get waffles or French toast topped with ice cream to keep the heat at bay for just $5.
