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Sun's out, fun's out: our guide to summer in B.C.

As the summer heats up, Dave and Jaclyn stay cool, soaking up summer vibes. As the summer heats up, Dave and Jaclyn stay cool, soaking up summer vibes.

A sizzling hot guide to a chill summer

As the sun comes out and temperatures heat up, summer is the perfect time to experience the great outdoors, connect with community and enjoy seasonal flavours all while staying cool. From local events and power smart cooling tips to sweet deals and outdoor adventures, we've rounded up our favourite ways to make the most of the season. And to top it all off, we're giving you the chance to win everything you need for a refreshingly cool summer — an air conditioner, air purifier, and electric grill. Consider it your shortcut to staying chill while turning up the heat on summer fun. Find us on Instagram and Facebook for more ways to win.

Staying cool while saving on costs

Keeping your home cool and comfortable is a top priority in the summer heat, and we’ve got lots of strategies to help you do that while staying power smart.

Be sure not to overlook your windows and window coverings when it comes to staying cool. It may not seem like it, but this can make a big difference to your home's temperature. We recommend closing your window coverings are certain times of day depending on which way your windows face:

  • East-facing: close your window coverings before bed to block the morning sun.
  • West-facing: close your window coverings in the late afternoon to block the evening sun.
  • South-facing: close your window coverings during the day.

Being mindful of the air flow through your home is also important. If the temperature outside is cooler than your home inside, open your windows to allow the cooler air to flow through. You can also follow our tips to use standing fans to help draw the cooler air inside and push the warmer air out. And don't overlook any ceiling fans you may have. They're hard to beat as an energy-efficient cooling option, using about one tenth of the energy of an air conditioner.

It's also worth a check to see if your cooled inside air could be escaping out through any cracks or gaps around your doors and windows. Sealing up any gaps will help your chosen cooling method to work more efficiently.

.A short family-friendly hike along Millennium Trail in Campbell River, gets you to Elk Falls. .A short family-friendly hike along Millennium Trail in Campbell River, gets you to Elk Falls.

Sun vibes only for outdoor fun

Summer is the perfect time to head outdoors and soak up all the sunshine and natural beauty that our province has to offer, whether that means hitting the trails, diving into the water or setting up camp.

Here's some hikes to explore:

If you're taking a hike, plan well, check the weather and follow these 10 hiking safety tips.

If swimming or boating are your summer activities of choice, remember to use personal floatation devices for kids and anyone who can't swim, obey all signs and stay out of restricted areas and be back on shore 30 minutes before the site closes.

We offer free camping at a few of our recreation areas:

Remember to only light campfires in designated locations and to obey any campfire bans in place.

Solutions for higher temperatures and bigger savings

A heat pump is a very efficient and cost-effective way to cool your home, making it a great way to save on summer cooling. And with our available rebates, you could get up to $4,000 off the installation of a heat pump in your home, or up to $2,250 for a condo or apartment unit.

Air conditioners are very effective at cooling but can be energy intensive and drive up your electricity bill. To save on energy and costs while using an AC, we recommend using an ENERGY STAR® model to ensure your unit is working as efficiently as possible. And avoid setting the AC too low; we recommend 25.5°C or higher. You can save up to 5% of cooling costs for every degree you raise the AC temperature.

Don't forget you can take advantage of the $50 off deal we're currently offering on select units, available until August 21, 2026.

Our Pride Network joined the Vancouver parade ready to celebrate, dressed in BC Hydro Pride gear and carrying colourful signs . Our Pride Network joined the Vancouver parade ready to celebrate, dressed in BC Hydro Pride gear and carrying colourful signs .

Pride around the province

June is Pride Month with lots of opportunities to celebrate and show support for members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Be sure to check out Pride celebrations in your area; here’s a few of the ones happening around the province:

Every drop counts

There's lots of ways you can do your part to help save water this summer that will also help you save on costs. For example, in many cases showers can make up 15% of a home's energy use. You can help cut this down while still enjoying a refreshing shower by installing an energy-efficient showerhead. Until August 21, 2026 you can also get $10 off select WaterSense® certified showerheads, so this summer is the perfect time to invest in showerheads that will help your household save.

Here's some additional tips to help you save water this season:

  • Install energy-efficient tap aerators on your faucets to reduce unnecessary water flow.
  • Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they're full to save on the number of loads.
  • Stick to any lawn watering restrictions that apply in your area.

Honouring National Indigenous Peoples Day

June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day and offers an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the cultures and traditions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

Check out opportunities to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day in your local community. These are some events happening around the province:

Recipes to stay cool as a cucumber

Treat yourself to the flavours of summer by incorporating local seasonal veggies into your meals. This season, veggies and fruits like tomatoes, peppers and zucchini have their time in the spotlight. Check out your local farmers' market to try seasonal produce in your area.

Cooking might be the last thing you want to do on a hot summer's day. No-cook recipes like these are the perfect choice to keep things cool in the hot weather:

Opting for small appliances instead of the oven is also a great option for cooking during the summer. You'll avoid generating additional heat inside your home while also saving up to 75% on the energy used to cook your meals. Here's some ideas to get you started:

Another great way to beat the heat is cooking outside. Here's a few grill recipes to enjoy:

All the action, all summer long

The warm weather brings lots of opportunities to connect with your community at events. B.C. is hosting some big events this summer, including the FIFA World Cup from June 13 to July 7. If the World Cup leaves you eager for more soccer you can also check out local soccer matches. We're proud to partner with both Vancouver Rise FC and Vancouver Whitecaps FC and hope to see you at the games.

If basketball is more your style, Vancouver will also be hosting two Toronto Tempo games, at Rogers Arena on August 19 and August 21.

Don't miss out on these other events in your community:

  • July 9 to July 12 – Westside Daze (West Kelowna)
  • July 10 – FreshAirCinema at Fraser River Heritage Park (Mission)
  • July 11 – Downtown Summerfest (Prince George)
  • July 24 – FreshAirCinema at Marina Park (Comox/Courtenay)
  • July 31 to August 2 – Filberg Festival (Comox)
  • August 21 – FreshAirCinema at Centennial Park  (Revelstoke)
  • August 22 to September 7 – Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) (Vancouver)

Which is your summer essential?

Cast your vote and enter for a chance to win the ultimate summer starter pack — including an air conditioner, air purifier and electric grill. [Contest Rules]

BC Hydro will use any personal information provided with the Contest entry and fulfilment, including the entrants’ name, address, postal code, phone number, and email address for the purpose of administering the Contest as contemplated by these Contest Rules. BC Hydro collects and uses personal information and runs this Contest in furtherance of its conservation mandate under the Clean Energy Act (British Columbia) as amended or replaced from time to time and in accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (British Columbia).

If you have any questions about how BC Hydro collects, uses or discloses your personal information, please contact connectwithus@bchydro.com. You may also consult the Privacy Statement for more information.