Cold places for summer vacation
The coldest places on the planet are no strange to tourists and adventure seekers who come from far away to enjoy the cold in summer. These same places can be quite a shock for people that have never been to places with extreme temperatures. However, if you’re one of them and you want to experience this shocking feeling as well as stunning natural wonders and fascinating cultural programs, you should visit these remote places on the globe:
It’s the height of summer, and when celebrities’ Instagram accounts are filled with pictures from tropical vacation spots and resorts it may seem like there aren’t any interesting places left on this planet to visit. Well, you’re wrong, my friend! There are plenty of cool — even cold — places where you can enjoy your summer vacations outside the tropics. I have complied this list of 10 fascinating destinations that simply need to be seen (hint: they’re not what you think!).
One of the biggest challenges people face when traveling is finding a place that’s cool and comfortable during the summer, but still offers a fun experience. If you’re looking for a way to beat the heat while still enjoying some fun in the sun, check out these cold places for summer vacation!
- Alaska – Alaska is known for its cold temperatures, but there are plenty of ways to stay warm while exploring this amazing state. You can go hiking or biking on one of the many trails throughout Alaska, or even take a cruise on one of the many lakes located throughout this state!
- Iceland – Iceland is one of the most popular destinations for people who want to escape from hot weather during the summer months—and with good reason! The beautiful landscape and fjords make Iceland an ideal location for anyone looking for a bit more adventure than just sitting on their beach towel all day long!
Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada
There are many reasons to love Nova Scotia, including the breathtaking scenery, the delicious seafood, friendly residents, and the summer temperatures – with highs typically a bit over 70 degrees and lows in the mid-50s. Cape Breton offers an especially idyllic summer escape with its spectacular natural beauty, gorgeous beaches, live traditional Celtic music every night, and the chance to watch whales, dolphins, seals, puffins, bald eagles, and more. Seafood in this province is particularly renowned and whatever is on your plate for dinner was likely taken out of the North Atlantic’s cold waters that very morning. If you have time, be sure to take the scenic drive on the Cabot Trail, a stretch of road that winds along the ocean-side cliffs.
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Upper Peninsula, Michigan
If you enjoy taking quiet strolls along moss-covered paths, the thundering sound of falling water across a vivid blue lake, and scenic landscapes, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula may be calling. You’ll feel as if you’re worlds away from the chaos of urban and suburban life, and you won’t suffer from summer’s extreme heat either. Daytime highs tend to be around 75 while the evenings see lows in the high 50s, which is perfect for gathering around a fire. This is a stunning, often overlooked vacation destination in Michigan that draws families with its forests, lakes, falls, and heatwave-beating chill.
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Twillingate, Newfoundland, Canada
Located on Iceberg Alley, Twillingate is the ultimate adventure destination in Newfoundland with a rugged coastline, icebergs, whales, and unique island culture, but it also boasts high summer temps average of just 71 degrees and lows averaging 58. If you want a place to escape the heat every year, you can actually buy a home here for less than what it would cost to rent a similar place in the Hamptons for only a week. This end-of-the-word fishing village is surrounded by miles of hiking trails and picturesque lighthouses and offers the chance to watch icebergs float by from May through July. Get out on the water during the summer, by taking a boat or kayak tour, and watch for a variety of marine life, including humpback whales. Wine enthusiasts will be happy to find that it’s even home to Auk Island Winery, with tours and tastings available.
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Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
Vancouver Island doesn’t offer a tropical escape, it’s actually set in one of only seven temperate rainforest ecosystems in the world, with summer temperatures in the high 60s and low 70s. Of course, that makes for comfortable outdoor excursions, and the opportunities are numerous. Not only is the island home to some of the most magnificent landscapes on earth, from the open sea and calm inland waters to lush, towering mountains and rain forest, but you’ll also have the chance to participate in all sorts of activities, from kayaking, surfing and sailing to hiking, biking, bird watching and even golfing at world-class championship courses.
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San Francisco, California
Locals and visitors alike appreciate the beauty of California’s breathtaking City by the Bay – and here the average summer temperature is a cozy 67 degrees. If the weather gets too chilly, you can enjoy lots of indoor activities, like visiting the Cable Car Museum, driving across the Golden Gate Bridge and on Lombard Street, the most crooked street in the world, as well as exploring the California Academy of Sciences, one of the largest, most innovative and eco-friendly natural history museums on the planet. When the weather is pleasant, you might hop on the ferry to Alcatraz for a tour of this legendary prison, and enjoy people watching while walking the Haight-Ashbury District and visiting the zoo. No matter what the weather, don’t miss the sourdough bread soup bowls, served at Fisherman’s Wharf and other locations throughout the city.
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Ireland
No matter where you are in Ireland, odds are, you won’t have to deal with searing heat. The average summer temperature throughout most of the country is 60 degrees in the summertime. Just pack an umbrella or a rain jacket for those misty mornings and you can enjoy walks among some of the most magnificent scenery on earth in places like Wicklow National Park. The Lough Tay to Lough Dan walk is especially stunning, with gorgeous views of the towering Luggala Mountains, peaceful rivers and brilliant emerald green hues just about everywhere you look. Both lakes have been the setting of scenes in a number of films and TV shows. This is also the season when heather is in bloom, and you can see a sea of purple and maroon across the hills and fields of bog cotton that cover the landscape. Of course, you can also enjoy postcard-perfect coastal scenery in places like Dingle and Portmagee in County Kerry too.
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Scotland
The average summer temperature in Scotland is just 59 degrees. Visit Edinburgh, home to lots of great outdoor festivals, like the Mela Festival, which celebrates the diverse culture through arts, crafts, food, and performances. Don’t miss Edinburgh Castle, a historic fortress that dominates the skyline of the city, open for public tours. You might want to head out to more remote areas where you can enjoy some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery, like the Isle of Harris, the largest island in the Outer Hebrides. It’s home to Luskentyre Beach, one of the most picturesque beaches on the planet, with miles and miles of pristine, white sand and stunning blue-green water. The Isle of Skye, the second-largest of the country’s islands, is a patchwork of unique geologic formations, jagged mountains, glistening lochs, and soaring sea cliffs. You’ll also find numerous trails for exploring it, lots of castles, a whisky distillery, cozy pubs, and crofting museums.
